Marine Mammal Tour

Departures:

Duration:

4 hours maximum

Highlights:

Travel with the pioneers of swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands aboard the purpose built catamaran Discovery III and hope to find a pod of Bottlenose or common dolphin which will welcome you in for a swim. Even if the dolphins are with young or feeding and you cannot swim, they are a delight to watch. Baleen or Brydes whales are semi-permanent residents and orcas (killer whales) regular seasonal visitors. Humpback, false killer, pilot, minke and sei whales are also seen from time to time.

Inclusions:

Travel on 14.6 metre catamaran capable of 25 knots and fitted with hull-mounted video cameras and on-board television monitor. Wetsuits, snorkels, masks and swim fins supplied. Easy access to and from the water suitable for disabled persons. Hot showers, tea and coffee.

Description:

Board the purpose built high speed catamaran Discovery III and set off in search of dolphin. As the Bay of Islands is their natural habitat and covers a vast area, the vessel travels at 25 knots. Once a pod of Bottlenose or common dolphin is sighted, the vessel will slow or stop while the crew study the pod's behavior. They cannot be disturbed while they are resting or feeding, but may then become playful and be happy to have you join them in the water. Equipped with wetsuit, mask and snorkel you can view their antics underwater and close up.

Special conditions:

Dolphin Discoveries will provide another trip free, subject to space being available, if either a dolphin or a whale is not sighted. The company observes strict conditions for swimming with dolphins so as not to interfere with their natural behavior, and there is no guarantee anyone will be allowed to swim. Children should be over five and must be accompanied by an adult in the water. The boat's skipper may decide swimming conditions are not suitable for children. Swimmers should not apply sunscreen before swimming.

All rates are in New Zealand Dollars and include GST of 12.5%

Valid 01 Oct 2023 - 30 Sept 2023
· Adult $85.00
· Child (5 to 15 years) $45.00

Valid 01 Oct 2023 - 30 Sept 2023
· Adult $95.00
· Child (5 to 15 years) $55.00

Discover the Bay Tour

Departures:

Daily from excursion departure wharves at Paihia and Russell. Summer season (September to April) from Paihia 9.00am and 1.00pm, from Russell 9.10am and 1.10pm. Winter season (May to August) morning departure from Paihia at 9.00am and Russell 9.10am operates only if there is sufficient demand. Afternoon departure from Paihia 1.00pm and Russell 1.10pm.

Duration:

3.5 hours

Highlights:

Travel with the pioneers of swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands aboard the purpose built catamaran Discovery IV. Cruise through some of the 144 islands in the beautiful Bay of Islands out to the famous Hole in the Rock formation which you will sail through if sea conditions are right. Look out for pods of Bottlenose or common dolphins which call the bay home. There is a chance you will see Brydes whales, which are semi-permanent residents, or orcas (killer whales) which are regular seasonal visitors.

Inclusions:

Travel on a 17.7 metre water jet powered catamaran capable of 32 knots and fitted with hull-mounted underwater video cameras and on-board television monitor. Use of snorkels, masks, swim fins and kayaks during stops. Easy access to and from the water suitable for disabled persons. Hot showers. Snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Description:

Board the purpose built high speed catamaran Discovery IV, which carries 74 passengers and is fully air conditioned. The vessel's skipper chooses the route for each trip which gives passengers the best chance of seeing dolphin or whale if they have been spotted in the bay. You will cruise past some of the 144 islands which dot the bay, out to Hole in the Rock, a rock island with a hole at its base which will allow your vessel to sail through if conditions are right. Enter Cathedral Cave and see the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the basalt lava flows which form the Black Rocks.

Please contact us for rates information.

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Contact Information
Phone:	+61 7 3876 4644
Fax:	+61 7 3876 4645
Email:	[email protected]