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2.5 hour Seal Swim - Kaikoura

4.9
216
Deals from $127.00 Save $32.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Experience the thrill of swimming with wild New Zealand Fur Seals on this 2.5-hour adventure along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula!

Experience the thrill of swimming with wild New Zealand Fur Seals on this 2.5-hour adventure along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula!

Highlights

  • Swim with New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat
  • Soak up the stunning views of the Kaikōura Peninsula and ranges
  • Spend up to an hour in the water in the colonies
  • Full-length wetsuit provided for the swim
  • Rely on local guides that are happy to share their love of the area

Seal Swim Kaikōura’s friendly family team, guiding visitors since 1987, will take you on a short boat ride across pristine bays framed by dramatic cliffs and the rugged Kaikōura Ranges.

Once anchored in the sheltered waters, the adventure begins as you slip into the water with your full-length wetsuit and spend up to an hour snorkelling in the seals' untouched natural habitat. Their flips, dives, and inquisitive nature make this one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters, leaving guests with a real connection to these fun-loving creatures and their beautiful environment.

With expert guidance to help build confidence, the tour is perfect for both first-timers and seasoned snorkellers. Recognised with numerous awards and even featured on the Getaway Travel Show, this is a truly unique New Zealand experience and an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the South Island!

Adult $159.00
Child $129.00 ( (12 to 15yrs - must be accompanied by adult swimmer))

Duration

  • Please allow approx. 2.5 hours for the tour

Location

  • Seal Swim Kaikoura: Located next to Gooches Beach Playground on the Espalande
  • Kaikoura

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Bad Weather Refunds: If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

    Special Requirements: Please advise as you proceed to check out; your country of origin, gender and any medical conditions, age of any children booked for.

    The above information is used solely for the purpose of our Maritime New Zealand 'Health and Safety' procedures and will not be used for any other purpose.


    Please Note:

    -Swimmers need a have good health, a moderate level of physical fitness and be water confident to participate on this tour.

    -Tours are a water based and a risk disclosure form will need to be completed on arrival.

Available Bookings from 12 Jan to 25 Jan 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Mon 12 Jan
Tue 13 Jan
Wed 14 Jan
Thu 15 Jan
Fri 16 Jan
Sat 17 Jan
Sun 18 Jan
Mon 19 Jan
Tue 20 Jan
Wed 21 Jan
Thu 22 Jan
Fri 23 Jan
Sat 24 Jan
Sun 25 Jan

Bookings close in 1 hour...

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$139.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult$139.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$139.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$139.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$159.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00
Book Now
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Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Best seal swim ever
Best seal swim ever
Stéphanie from Switzerland
Awesome!
Awesome!
Karin Nannt from Switzerland
Genial!
Genial!
Claire Bareyre from France
Genial!
Genial!
Claire Bareyre from France
Highly recommended!!
Highly recommended!!
Erica from Taiwan
Highly recommended!!
Highly recommended!!
Erica from Taiwan
Awesome
Awesome
Amaury from New Caledonia
Awesome
Awesome
Amaury from New Caledonia
Awesome
Awesome
Amaury from New Caledonia
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Maddie Schofield from Australia
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Maddie Schofield from Australia
Awesome seal swim experience!
Awesome seal swim experience!
Judith Dortmans from Netherlands
Great experience
Great experience
Christina from Denmark
Great Experience!
Great Experience!
JULIANE WITTEK from Germany

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

5 Stars
194
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
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4.9

216 reviews

Read all 216 authenticated reviews for 2.5 hour Seal Swim - Kaikoura

Showing all 216 authenticated Bookme reviews

Jonas Gaebler from Germany wrote on 06 February 2018

Einfach nur einzigartig und fantastisch

Ein wirklich klasse Erlebnis welches ich nie mehr vergessen werde. Vielen Dank für die klasse Erfahrung und ich kann es nur jedem weiter empfehlen!

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Regina from Germany wrote on 23 January 2018

Einmaliges und unvergleichliches Erlebnis

Das war eine einmalige Erfahrung und ich bin immer noch ganz selig, wenn ich daran zurueckdenke! Die Tiere werden weder gelockt, noch sind sie dressiert. Dass die Tiere zu den Menschen stossen, beruht auf Freiwilligkeit und dem Umstand, dass die Tiere sich abkuehlen muessen. Ich hatte einige Zeit intensiven Kontakt mit einer maennlichen Seerobbe, der mir gestattet hat, ihm zu folgen. Fantastisch! Das Team von Seal Swim macht eine grossartige Arbeit und legt grossen Wert darauf, dass es den Tieren in jeder Sekunde des Besuches gut geht und sie sich wohlfuehlen. Schliesslich sind die Menschen nur die Besucher im Lebensraum der Robben.

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Marit Konrad from Germany wrote on 25 March 2017

Fantastisches Erlebnis

Wir haben die Tour erst am Tag vorher gebucht und waren aufgrund des Wetters etwas skeptisch. Die Neoprenanzüge waren aber so warm, daß es wirklich nicht kalt war. Dann gings raus mit dem Boot zu einer nahen Robbenkolonie. Die Robben waren sehr neugierig und kamen sofort ganz nah an uns heran. Es war fantastisch und die Zeit verging viel zu schnell. Man kann nur etwas falsch machen bei der Tour, nämlich sie nicht zu buchen.

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Gerrit Schubert from Germany wrote on 14 March 2016

Eine schöne Erfahrung

Schwimmen mit Seehunden ist was Besonderes. Wenn plötzlich ein Seehunden ganz dicht an dir vorbeischießt - grandios.

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yjjcoolcool from Singapore wrote on 27 December 2025

Amazing Care by the Team

We really enjoyed the experience and I am particularly impressed by how well the team cared for us and went out of their way to provide the best experience for us. Before the trip, we were told that the morning session had to be called off due to bad weather, and if we were not so lucky that day and couldn't see the seals up close, we would be given a partial refund. It shows that you guys put our experience as the top priority and I highly respect that! Throughout the trip, the team ensured our well-being and safety, assisting us with any discomfort. They frequently checked in on everyone to see if we saw any seals up close and helped guide us to areas with a higher chance of seals swimming. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kaikōura. I've also heard from the team that hot showers are being installed soon!

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