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Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise

Kaikoura

4.0(47)

Highlights

  • Glide along Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran engineered for optimal visibility and comfort.
  • The vessel’s noise-minimizing engines ensure that your experience remains undisturbed while protecting the delicate marine environment.
  • Our exclusive 80% refund guarantee stands as a testament to the commitment to customer satisfaction—an assurance that rarely needs to be used, thanks to Kaikoura’s reliable whale presence.
  • Choose between the standard Ocean Cabin experience, which provides family-friendly comfort, or the VIP Captain’s Cabin which offers enhanced priority boarding, business-class seating, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the captain.

Inclusions

  • 3-hour whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
  • Full-tour English narration
  • Access to outside decks
  • Marine wildlife presentation
  • Free Wi-Fi aboard the cruise
  • Access to captain's cabin alongside captain and watchkeeper (if option selected)
  • Small group of up to 12 people (if option selected)
  • Priority boarding and transport (if option selected)
  • Business-class seating (if option selected)
  • Access to all other passenger areas (if option selected)
  • Locally-made food boxes and cold drinks (if option selected)
  • Exclusive viewing area on the top deck (if option selected)

Cancellation Policy

Tickets for this activity are non-refundable. If you are not satisfied with your experience, please contact us to cancel your booking.

Reviews

4/5

47 reviews

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Your Experience

Your experience

Take a journey unlike any other to witness the ocean's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the security of an 80% refund guarantee if no whales appear during your cruise.

Getting started 

Arrive at the Whaleway Station 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in. Present your ticket at the counter and receive a brief safety orientation. You'll then board the modern catamaran, designed specifically for whale watching with noise-minimizing engines that don't disturb the wildlife.

What to expect 

Kaikoura is one of the few places on earth where sperm whales can be seen year-round, thanks to the unique underwater canyon just offshore.

  • Expert guides use specialized equipment to locate whales, giving you a 95% chance of spotting these magnificent creatures.

  • The spacious viewing decks offer 360-degree views, ensuring you don't miss a moment when whales surface. 

  • The "World of the Whales" presentation provides fascinating insights into whale behavior, biology, and conservation. The onboard live commentary explains what you're seeing and educates you about marine conservation efforts. 

  • Keep your camera ready for other marine wildlife often spotted during cruises, including dolphins, seals, and various seabirds. 

You'll spend approximately 2 hours on the water, with the entire experience lasting 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Wrapping Up

Upon returning to shore, you'll have the opportunity to review your photos and perhaps visit the gift shop for souvenirs that support marine conservation efforts.

Upgrades 

Upgrade to the VIP Captain's Cabin for an exclusive experience featuring priority boarding, business-class seating, personal interaction with the captain, complimentary refreshments, and access to a private viewing deck.

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₹ 9,054