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Price Guide:     (Average price per person: $30 - $99)

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Dolphin Watch Ecotours wildlife-focused tours combine a scenic cruise through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand with so much more! Our knowledgeable skippers and guides strive to provide our guests with accurate information and the best possible views of the various species of dolphins, fur seals and seabirds that call the Queen Charlotte Sound their home. At different times of the year, we have Hector's dolphins, dusky dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and even orca (the largest of the dolphins and also called the killer whale) that visit the Marlborough Sounds. Dolphin Watch Ecotours allows plenty of time during each wildlife encounter so that you can capture those memorable experiences with a photo.

We offer a variety of half-day ecotours, all of which include a guided walk lasting a full hour on the amazing predator-free Motuara Island bird sanctuary located in the outer Queen Charlotte Sound. We are fully permitted to step ashore at Motuara Island bird sanctuary and show you some of the locals like the endangered South Island saddleback, the melodic bellbirds, native pigeons and the always curious South Island robin that reside here year-round. The world’s smallest penguins (blue penguins) can be seen out of the water during the nesting and moulting seasons. The birds on Motuara Island have no predators, so they have very little fear of people. You’ll simply be amazed at how close the birds will come up to you and the picture opportunities are fantastic!

Don’t miss our Queen Charlotte Track ‘Wildlife Watch & Walk’ option. We have a variety of packages that allow walkers to combine our Marine Wildlife and Motuara Island tour with varied lengths of walking the magnificent Queen Charlotte Track. Choose a Queen Charlotte Track day walk, multiple overnight stops or walk the entire Queen Charlotte Track – whatever is suitable to your needs and time requirements. We’ll even arrange for your packs to be carried from resort to resort while you tramp the Queen Charlotte Track! A perfect option for trampers wanting to see the wildlife on the water and Motuara Island bird sanctuary before walking the Queen Charlotte Track. See our ‘Wildlife Watch & Walk’ page for pick-up, drop-off and pack transfer options.

Those looking for a real thrill can swim with the dolphins. Viewing dolphins in their underwater world is truly an amazing experience that you'll never forget. A portion of your dolphin swimming fare goes towards studying the dolphins and whales that call the Marlborough Sounds their home.

Tour times
9:00am & 1:30pm daily
or by charter/group request demand and subject to minimum numbers.
Our daily operation will close for the winter season, May-August. However, all trips can be run for groups or charters by appointment.
Dolphin Swimming & Viewing departs daily 9:00am September through May.

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