Dolphin Eco Cruise

Wildlife Focused with a Guarantee

The Dolphin Eco Cruise is different from Explore Group’s other offerings. Rather than rushing out to the Hole in the Rock, this trip focuses on marine wildlife and conservation, with a longer island stop that includes learning about native bird reintroduction. It runs seasonally (late October through April) rather than year-round, and it comes with a marine mammal viewing guarantee: if you don’t see any dolphins, whales, or seals during the cruise, you get a free return trip.

What You Get

The cruise departs Paihia at 11:30am and runs for 5.5 hours. Explore Group reports spotting marine mammals on 90% of trips, so the odds are good, but wildlife is unpredictable. The boat cruises the sheltered waters of the bay looking for dolphins (most common), whales (less common but possible), seals, and various seabirds. The skippers know where marine mammals tend to be, and as one of only two operators licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals in the Bay of Islands, they’re permitted to approach closer than unlicensed operators.

The vessel is the same purpose-built boat used on other Explore Group cruises, with viewing decks and an air-conditioned cabin. Commentary from the skipper covers what you’re seeing and the marine environment.

After about 4 hours of cruising, the boat stops at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for 1.5 hours. This isn’t just a beach break. The island is a DOC-managed pest-free sanctuary, and Project Island Song has been reintroducing native birds here. You’re likely to spot tīeke (North Island saddleback), toutouwai (North Island robin), pāteke (brown teal), kakariki (parakeets), and if you’re lucky, wētāpunga (giant wētā). The walking tracks on the island give you a chance to explore and look for these birds. You can also swim at Otehei Bay during this stop.

Food is not included, but you can buy snacks and drinks on the boat, and the Otehei Bay Café is open during your island stop if you want a proper meal.

Who Is It Good For?

This cruise suits people genuinely interested in wildlife and conservation rather than just ticking off the Hole in the Rock. If you care about seeing dolphins and learning about native bird restoration, this is more focused on that than the Discover the Bay cruise. The pace is slower and more observation-focused.

Bird watchers will appreciate the island stop, as the native species reintroduced here are otherwise difficult to see in the wild. International visitors unfamiliar with New Zealand birds find the island stop educational and worthwhile.

Families with children who are interested in animals do well on this trip. The combination of looking for dolphins and then spotting native birds on the island keeps kids engaged. The 5.5-hour duration is long, though, so consider whether younger children will manage that much time on a boat and island walk.

The marine mammal viewing guarantee is a genuine safety net. If you don’t see any marine mammals (dolphins, whales, or seals), you get a complimentary voucher valid for 12 months to return. Vouchers are subject to availability and on a standby basis, which is reasonable. Note that the guarantee covers marine mammals specifically, not birds.

The Seasonal Schedule

This cruise only runs from late October to late April (summer season). During this period it operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The schedule is more limited than the daily year-round cruises, so plan accordingly if this is the trip you want. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

If you’re visiting outside the summer season or on days when the Dolphin Eco Cruise doesn’t run, the Discover the Bay cruise also includes marine mammal viewing (Explore Group has the same DOC license), though the focus is more on the Hole in the Rock than on wildlife.

Important Notes

You cannot swim with dolphins on this cruise. The swimming at Otehei Bay is separate from dolphin viewing. Marine mammal interaction regulations are strict in New Zealand, and licensed operators are not permitted to allow swimming with dolphins during viewing trips.

The trip is suitable for all ages, with children under 5 traveling free. There is mention of “boom-netting” in the terms (not suitable for under 5s), but it’s unclear if this feature is currently offered, so check with Explore Group if that’s something you’re specifically interested in.

About this Activity

• Free cancellation – Bookings can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Reserve now & pay later – Keep your travel plans flexible.
• Duration – 5.5 hours (4 hours cruising, 1.5 hours island stop).
• Departure – Seasonal: Late October to late April, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:30am from Paihia.
• Suitable for – All ages and fitness levels. Family-friendly with children under 5 traveling free.
• Marine mammal viewing guarantee – Free return trip if no marine mammals spotted (voucher valid 12 months, subject to availability).

What’s Included

• 4-hour scenic cruise focused on marine mammal viewing
• Licensed marine mammal viewing with DOC-permitted operator
• Purpose-built vessel with viewing decks and air-conditioned cabin
• Skipper commentary about wildlife, marine environment, and conservation
• Marine mammal viewing guarantee (free return if no dolphins, whales, or seals spotted)
• 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
• Educational component about Project Island Song and native bird reintroduction
• Access to island walking tracks to spot native birds (tīeke, toutouwai, pāteke, kakariki, wētāpunga)
• Swimming opportunity at Otehei Bay
• Onboard drinks and snacks available for purchase
• Café facilities at Otehei Bay during island stop
• Family passes available, children under 5 travel free

Practical Information

Season: Late October through late April only. Operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Does not run in winter months (May to September).

Getting there: Departures from Paihia Wharf at 11:30am. Check in 15 minutes before departure. Easy walk from Paihia town center. Parking available nearby.

What to bring: Jacket (weather can change on the water), hat, sunscreen, flat-soled shoes, swimwear, towel, camera, binoculars if you have them (useful for bird watching). Dress in layers.

Food: Lunch is not included. Light snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard. Otehei Bay Café serves full meals during your island stop. Alternatively, bring your own food and eat on the boat or during the island stop.

Wildlife viewing: Marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals) are spotted on 90% of trips according to Explore Group. No guarantees with wild animals, but the odds are good. If you don’t see any marine mammals, you get a complimentary return voucher valid for 12 months (subject to availability, bookings on standby basis).

Swimming: Swimming at Otehei Bay is separate from dolphin viewing. You cannot swim with dolphins on this cruise due to DOC regulations on marine mammal interactions. The swimming opportunity is at the island beach.

Island birds: The native birds reintroduced on Urupukapuka are genuinely interesting to see. Tīeke (saddlebacks) and toutouwai (robins) are relatively easy to spot on the walking tracks. Pāteke (brown teal) are rarer. Wētāpunga (giant wētā) require more patience to find. Take your time on the island if you’re interested in the birds.

Duration consideration: 5.5 hours is a long trip. Make sure you’re comfortable spending that much time on a boat and doing a bit of island walking. Younger children may get restless, though the combination of wildlife spotting on the boat and bird watching on the island does break it up.

Nearby: Paihia has cafés and shops within walking distance of the wharf. The 11:30am departure gives you time for a morning activity before the cruise. You’ll be back around 5pm.