Kaikōura Seal Swim - 2.5 Hours
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
April 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Nestled on the stunning east coast of the South Island, this two hour and 30-minute seal swim tour is heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. On this tour guests will have the opportunity to dive in sparking water and get up close and personal with New Zealand fur seals. These seals are playful and charismatic creatures, known for their intelligence and curiosity. Guided by experienced and passionate marine life professionals, guests can learn all about the world beneath the surface of the waves, taking the time to learn about marine conservation.
With all wetsuits, hoods, fins, goggles, and snorkels provided, guests can jump right in and find themselves just metres away from playful seals. Guests can swim freely and interact with marine life as they wish. After your swim guests will have the opportunity to change using provided changing facilities. This unique experience not only allows guests to bond with these incredible animals but also lets them appreciate the stunning marine scenery that Kaikoura has to offer.
Location
What you need to know
- Two hours and 30-minute seal swim tour
- Guidance from seal experts
- Dive suits, hoods, fins, goggles and snorkel
- Changing facilities
- Swimsuits to wear under dive suits
- This experience is available from October to April.
- Available seven days a week during the summer at 9.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure
- This experience is two hours and 30 minutes in duration.
- This experience departs from Gooches Beach Playground on Kaikoura's Esplanade, 208 Esplanade, Kaikōura 7300.
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Warm clothing to put on after the tour
- Any necessary medication (inhalers, EpiPens, etc)
- Minimum age is 12 years old
- Participants must be able to swim
- Guests must be in good health and fitness to cope with the cold water and possible exertion
- Guest must be able to fit into standard wetsuits
- All participants must be able to speak and understand English
- The experience provider reserves the right to raise the age limit or swimming ability level of swimmers booked on a tour at any time
- If minimum group numbers are not reached, guests may join another tour or receive a refund
- The cruise vessel is subject to change without notice
- Seals are wild animals and can be unpredictable, if guests do not see seals during their tour a 50% refund of the full retail rate will apply or guests may reschedule to a later tour time
- Guests should acknowledge the risk of cold temperature, exertion, sea sickness that can aggravate medical conditions
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
In general
In general, it was a wonderful experience getting to swim with the seals. Alistair was a great guide but I think it was too rushed at the start and an inadequate amount of time was given for the proper fitting of the wetsuits which were extremely uncomfortable & constrictive making the experience less enjoyable. The hot showers were delightful but the experience could’ve been topped off with a hot drink (coffee, chocolate or tea) which wouldn’t cost much extra for the company.
Had an absolutely amazing time on this tour
Had an absolutely amazing time on this tour. Was very lucky to be able to swim with a few seals but more importantly, the guides did all they could to make the tour successful whilst working with wild animals. They were very friendly and ensured that all your gear was on right.