Have the chance to swim with dolphins when visiting the Bay of Islands
There’s the initial excitement when you see the splash towards the distant, cobalt horizon, and then the added excitement when a flipper confirms that the splash wasn’t simply a whitecap. The captain turns and motors the boat in the direction of the flipping and splashing, and the next thing you know there are dozens of dolphins swimming in front of the bow. Best of all, if conditions permit and you’re a strong, competent swimmer, there’s the chance that you could strap on a mask and dive right in and join them.
Swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands is an unforgettable experience, where you become a part of an aquatic ballet that is equal parts beauty and grace. Dolphins are not only quick in the water, but also exceptionally graceful—and it’s almost surreal to watch as they swim with scarcely a hint of effort. That being said, dolphins are still protected in New Zealand by the Department of Conservation, and in order to jump in and swim with the dolphins there are some conditions that have to be met.
Namely, before you can jump in and swim with the dolphins, the crew has to be sure that the presence of humans won’t adversely affect the pod. If the dolphins are either sleeping or eating you won’t be allowed to swim, or if there is a juvenile dolphin that’s dependent on its mother then you similarly must stay away. Also, the sea conditions must be calm enough to safely allow for swimming, although if all the various factors align, there’s the chance you could literally come face to face with playful dolphin in the wild.
Unfortunately, because the dolphins are wild animals and winds can be tough to predict, there’s no guarantee of actually being able to jump in and swim with the dolphins. That said, dolphins are permanent residents here along the Bay of Islands coastline, which means that even if you don’t get to swim with the dolphins, there’s a high likelihood you can still experience their playful splashes from the boat. Aside from the actual dolphins themselves, while cruising out to the hidden coves where dolphins are sometimes found, visitors will experience the coastal beauty that has made the Bay of Islands famous. As a bonus, the water when cruising the Bay of Islands is some of the warmest in New Zealand, so when compared to a place like the South Island’s Akaroa (where you can also swim with dolphins), there’s a welcome degree of added comfort to wildlife tours in the Northland.
Swimming with Dolphins in The Bay of Islands from Auckland & North Island Things to Do