# Dolphin Cruises in the Bay of Islands

> Plain answers to what visitors ask before booking: dolphin cruise costs, where boats leave from, trip lengths, whether island stops are included, cancellation rules, and picking a tour that suits your group.

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## Tours

- [Cruise with 2 Island Stops](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/paihia-russell-hole-in-the-rock-cruise-with-2-island-stops-t414836/): 4 hours 30 minutes, from $101 per person, rated 4.8 across 1,217 reviews.
- [Dolphins and Island Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/paihia-russell-hole-in-the-rock-dolphins-and-island-cruise-t21028/): 4 hours 30 minutes, from $90 per person, rated 4.6 across 902 reviews.
- [22-Hour Overnight Cruise On Board](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/the-rock-adventure-overnight-cruise-34780p1/): 22 hours, from $228.19 per person, rated 4.9 across 462 reviews.
- [Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-tall-ship-sailing-on-r-tucker-thompson-including-bbq-lunch-3203_1b/): 5 hours 30 minutes, from $117.53 per person, rated 4.9 across 387 reviews.
- [6-Hour Sail to Wildlife Sanctuary](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/island-hopper-sail-to-wildlife-sanctuary-6-hr-bay-of-islands-60061p1/): 6 hours, from $140.47 per person, rated 5.0 across 322 reviews.
- [Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/discover-the-bay-of-islands-incl-dolphins-and-island-lunch-t175137/): 4 hours 30 minutes, from $121 per person, rated 4.7 across 302 reviews.
- [Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-4-5-hour-day-cruise-and-island-getaway-tour-t171426/): 4 hours 30 minutes, from $101 per person, rated 4.8 across 300 reviews.
- [Vigilant Yacht Full-Day Sail](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/full-day-bay-of-islands-tour-by-vigilant-yacht-charters-53073p1/): 5 hours 30 minutes, from $117.53 per person, rated 4.9 across 232 reviews.
- [3-Hour Hole in the Rock Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/3-hours-hole-in-the-rock-cruise-and-bay-of-islands-tour-66991p5/): 3 hours, from $88.87 per person, rated 4.9 across 197 reviews.
- [Phantom Sail, 5 Hours 30 Minutes](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/phantom-sailing-bay-of-islands-219048p1/): 5 hours 30 minutes, from $111.80 per person, rated 4.9 across 183 reviews.
- [Day Sail, Lunch and Island Stop](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-day-sailing-cruise-with-lunch-and-island-stop-t428485/): 6 hours, from $121 per person, rated 5.0 across 140 reviews.
- [8.5-Hour Day in the Bay Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/from-paihia-day-in-the-bay-cruise-t136787/): 8 hours 30 minutes, from $127 per person, rated 4.8 across 123 reviews.
- [Gungha II Day Sail, Island Stop](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-awesome-day-sailing-tour-with-island-stop-t320168/): 6 hours, from $110 per person, rated 5.0 across 121 reviews.
- [Sundowner Tall Ship Sail, 1h50](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-tall-ship-sundowner-sailing-3203p4/): 1 hour 50 minutes, from $63.07 per person, rated 4.9 across 111 reviews.
- [Auckland Day Trip, 12-Hour Return](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/group-tour-to-bay-of-islands-return-from-auckland-35014p36/): 12 hours, from $263.16 per person, rated 4.9 across 70 reviews.
- [Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/carino-wildlife-cruises-island-and-wildlife-day-cruise-87323p2/): 6 hours, from $131.87 per person, rated 4.9 across 52 reviews.
- [Fast Boat, Hole in the Rock](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/ocean-adventure-fast-boat-to-the-hole-in-the-rock-3567p34/): 1 hour 30 minutes, from $97.47 per person, rated 4.7 across 40 reviews.
- [Small Group Auckland Trip, 13 Hours](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-explorer-experience-small-group-tour-from-auckland-168163p64/): 13 hours, from $255.42 per person, rated 4.9 across 26 reviews.
- [Afternoon Island Kayak, Half Day](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-island-discovery-kayak-tour-afternoon-t1208483/): Half day, 2.5 to 3 hours of paddling, from $132 per person.
- [Full-Day Sea Cave Kayak, Lunch](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-full-day-sea-cave-and-coastal-kayak-adventure-t1208445/): 10 hours, from $166 per person.
- [Eco Cruise, Marine Wildlife Focus](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/bay-of-islands-dolphin-eco-cruise-marine-wildlife-adventure-3567p40/): 5 hours 30 minutes, from $97.47 per person.
- [Ocean Blast, Optional Island Stop](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/tours/ocean-blast-bay-of-islands-with-optional-island-stop-3567p43/): 1 hour, from $68.23 per person.

## Guides

- [Bay Of Islands From Auckland: Day Tour Or Self-Drive To A Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/auckland-to-bay-of-islands-day-tour-or-self-drive/): Should you book a guided day tour from Auckland to the Bay of Islands or drive yourself to Paihia for a cruise? Durations, prices and honest trade-offs.
- [Auckland To Bay Of Islands Day Trip With A Bay Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/auckland-to-bay-of-islands-day-trip/): How an Auckland to Bay of Islands day trip works, what the two coach-and-cruise tours cost and include, and whether one day is enough for Paihia and the Hole in the Rock.
- [Bay Of Islands Boat Tours Compared: Fast Boats, Catamarans And Sail](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-boat-tours/): A clear comparison of Bay of Islands boat tours: fast boats, cruise boats, sailing yachts, tall ships and kayaks, with prices, durations and departure towns.
- [Bay Of Islands Cream Trip: The Mail Run Cruise Explained](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-cream-trip/): What the Bay of Islands cream trip cruise covers, what it costs, how it compares with the overnight alternative, and what the dolphin viewing guarantee does and does not mean.
- [Bay Of Islands Cruises Compared: Dolphins, Islands And Sailing](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-cruises-compared/): A category-by-category comparison of every Bay of Islands cruise type, with prices, durations, departure towns and what each style of trip actually includes.
- [Bay Of Islands Dolphin Cruise Prices Compared](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruise-prices/): A plain-language price guide to Bay of Islands dolphin cruises: what each cruise costs, why prices differ, what is included, and where the extras add up.
- [Bay Of Islands Dolphin Cruise And Seasickness: What The Boats Are Like](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruise-seasickness/): A practical look at Bay of Islands dolphin cruise seasickness, which boats and tour lengths suit motion-sensitive passengers, and what to ask before booking.
- [Bay Of Islands Dolphin Cruise Seasons: When To Go](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruise-seasons-when-to-go/): A season-by-season guide to picking the date for a Bay of Islands dolphin cruise, comparing tour durations, prices and departure towns so the calendar works with the boat, not against it.
- [Bay Of Islands Dolphin Cruise With Kids: Age Limits And Family Options](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruise-with-kids/): A parent's planning guide to Bay of Islands dolphin cruises with kids: age rules per tour, durations, prices, swim rules at island stops and which family should book which cruise.
- [Dolphin Cruises In The Bay Of Islands Compared: Which One To Book](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruises-compared/): A category by category comparison of the Bay of Islands dolphin cruises, with prices, durations, departure towns and review counts, to help you choose which one to book.
- [Bay Of Islands Kayak Tours: Guided Paddles Among The Islands](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-kayak-tours/): A planning guide to the guided sea kayak tours in the Bay of Islands: prices, durations, what is included, and how paddling compares with a bay cruise.
- [Bay Of Islands Sailing Tours: Tall Ships And Yachts Among The Islands](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-sailing-tours/): A comparison of the seven Bay of Islands sailing tours: tall ship, catamaran and yacht cruises with prices, durations, lunch and inclusions.
- [Bay Of Islands Sunset Cruise: What The Evening Outing Looks Like](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-sunset-cruise/): A researched guide to evening and sundowner cruises in the Bay of Islands: the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship sail, prices from $63.07, durations, food, and what the sanctuary rules mean for dolphin viewing.
- [Bay Of Islands Tours Compared: Cruises, Sailing, Kayaks And Day Trips](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bay-of-islands-tours-compared/): A full comparison of Bay of Islands tours: dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, sailing trips, fast boats, kayaks, overnight cruises and Auckland day trips, with prices and durations side by side.
- [Boat Trips From Paihia: Which Bay Cruise To Pick](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/boat-trips-from-paihia/): A plain comparison of Paihia boat trips: fast boats, dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, island day trips, sailing and kayaks, with prices, durations and what each ticket covers.
- [Bottlenose And Common Dolphins On A Bay Of Islands Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/bottlenose-and-common-dolphins-on-a-bay-of-islands-cruise/): Bottlenose and common dolphins in the Bay of Islands: confirmed population figures, which cruises mention dolphins, the no-swim rule, and what a dolphin cruise actually involves.
- [Can You Swim With Dolphins On A Bay Of Islands Cruise? What The Sanctuary Rules Say](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/can-you-swim-with-dolphins-on-a-bay-of-islands-cruise/): No, swimming with dolphins is not permitted in the Bay of Islands. Here is what the marine mammal sanctuary rules say, and what dolphin cruises from Paihia and Russell actually offer instead.
- [Dolphin Cruises From Paihia: What Each Boat Offers](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/dolphin-cruises-from-paihia/): A plain comparison of the dolphin cruises that leave from Paihia, with prices, durations, departure details and what each boat actually offers.
- [Dolphin Watching In The Bay Of Islands By Boat](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/dolphin-watching-bay-of-islands/): A practical guide to dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands: which cruises name dolphins, what a watching trip actually involves, what it costs, and how the sanctuary rules shape every departure.
- [Free Things To Do In The Bay Of Islands Around Your Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/free-things-to-do-in-the-bay-of-islands-around-your-cruise/): Free walks, viewpoints and waterfronts around Paihia and Russell to fill the hours before or after a Bay of Islands dolphin cruise, with what genuinely costs nothing.
- [Getting To Paihia From Auckland For A Bay Of Islands Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/getting-to-paihia-for-a-bay-of-islands-cruise/): How to get from Auckland to Paihia for a Bay of Islands cruise: driving times, the coach, flying to Kerikeri, and the no-drive Auckland day trip options.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise In The Bay Of Islands: How It Works](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-bay-of-islands/): How the Hole in the Rock cruise works: which boats visit Motukokako, what they cost, how long they take, what you see, and how to choose between them.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise From Auckland: Day Trip Options](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-from-auckland/): Two guided day trips connect Auckland with a Bay of Islands cruise. Compare prices, durations and what each bay cruise includes before booking.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise From Paihia: Departures And Duration](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-from-paihia/): A Paihia departure guide to Hole in the Rock cruises: which tours leave from Paihia, what they cost, how long they run and what happens at each island stop.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise Vs Island Cruise: Which Bay Cruise To Pick](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-or-island-cruise/): Compare Hole in the Rock cruises and island cruises in the Bay of Islands by duration, stops, food and price, with figures for every tour covered.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise Prices Compared](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-prices/): What a Hole in the Rock cruise costs in the Bay of Islands, from $63.07 sundowner sails to $131.87 island day cruises, with prices by category, duration and departure town.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise Reviews: What Guests Report](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-reviews/): A plain look at Hole in the Rock cruise reviews: ratings, review counts, prices and durations for the Bay of Islands tours, with no hype and no quoted reviews.
- [Hole In The Rock Cruise Weather And Cancellations](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-cruise-weather-and-cancellations/): What can cancel a Bay of Islands cruise and how the cancellation and refund rules work on the Hole in the Rock trips covered here.
- [Hole In The Rock Dolphin Cruise: Combining Both On One Boat](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/hole-in-the-rock-dolphin-cruise/): A combined Hole in the Rock and dolphin cruise covers the arch, the islands and dolphin watching in one trip. This guide compares the combined cruises from Paihia and Russell on price, duration and inclusions.
- [Paihia Cruises: Every Cruise That Leaves The Wharf](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/paihia-cruises/): A plain-English guide to every cruise leaving Paihia in the Bay of Islands: prices, durations, departure points, dolphins, the Hole in the Rock and how to pick between them.
- [Sailing Vs Motor Cruise In The Bay Of Islands: Which To Book](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/sailing-vs-motor-cruise-bay-of-islands/): Sail or motor: a plain comparison of Bay of Islands sailing trips and motor cruises on price, duration, group size, food and departure towns.
- [Swimming With Dolphins In New Zealand: Why Bay Of Islands Cruises Are For Watching](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/swimming-with-dolphins-in-new-zealand-and-bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruises/): Swimming with dolphins is not permitted in the Bay of Islands. Here is what the sanctuary rules say, and which dolphin watching cruises from Paihia and Russell you can book instead.
- [Urupukapuka Island Cruises: Otehei Bay Stop And Island Time](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/urupukapuka-island-cruises/): How to reach Urupukapuka Island by cruise or kayak from Paihia and Russell, which tours stop at Otehei Bay, island time, walks and prices.
- [Whales And Orca On A Bay Of Islands Cruise: What Sightings Are Reported](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/whales-and-orca-on-a-bay-of-islands-cruise/): What whales, orca and other marine wildlife are reported on Bay of Islands cruises, which tours to book from Paihia and Russell, and the 300 m sanctuary rules that apply.
- [What To Wear And Bring On A Bay Of Islands Dolphin Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/what-to-wear-on-a-bay-of-islands-dolphin-cruise/): A practical packing and clothing guide for a Bay of Islands dolphin cruise, covering what to wear from Paihia or Russell, island stops, footwear, food and extras.
- [Where To Stay In Paihia Or Russell For A Bay Of Islands Cruise](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/where-to-stay-in-paihia-or-russell-for-a-bay-of-islands-cruise/): A practical comparison of Paihia and Russell as cruise bases: departure counts, ferry crossing, walking distances and the tours that leave from each town.
- [Which Hole In The Rock Cruise To Book: Boats And Options Compared](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/guides/which-hole-in-the-rock-cruise-to-book/): A decision guide to Hole in the Rock cruises from Paihia and Russell: prices, durations, island stops, lunch and fast boats compared.

## Blog

- [Are There Any Boat Tours Available From Paihia To The Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/are-there-any-boat-tours-available-from-paihia-to-the-bay-of-islands/): Yes: 17 of the 22 boat tours covered here depart Paihia, spanning dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, fast boats, sailing tours and kayak trips. This guide compares them by price and duration.
- [Can I Take A Cruise To Hole In The Rock In The Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/can-i-take-a-cruise-to-hole-in-the-rock-in-the-bay-of-islands/): Yes, several cruises run to the Hole in the Rock from Paihia and Russell. This guide compares the boats, prices, durations and what a Motukokako visit actually involves.
- [Can You Swim With Dolphins In New Zealand?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/can-you-swim-with-dolphins-in-new-zealand/): Not in the Bay of Islands: swimming with dolphins is not permitted there under the sanctuary 300 m rule. Here is why the sanctuary bans it, what the rules are, and which dolphin watching cruises from Paihia and Russell you can book instead.
- [How Long Does A Dolphin Cruise Last In The Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/how-long-does-a-dolphin-cruise-last/): Dolphin cruise durations in the Bay of Islands run from one hour to 22 hours overnight, with most boat tours from Paihia and Russell lasting about 4.5 hours. Here is the full timing breakdown by tour.
- [How Long Is The Hole In The Rock Cruise?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/how-long-is-the-hole-in-the-rock-cruise/): How long the Hole in the Rock cruises take in the Bay of Islands, from a 1 hour 30 minute fast boat to a 5.5 hour eco cruise, with prices and island stop times.
- [Is It Safe To Swim With Wild Dolphins In The Ocean?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-swim-with-wild-dolphins-in-the-ocean/): Swimming with dolphins is not permitted in the Bay of Islands. Here is what the sanctuary rules say, the penalties, and which dolphin watching cruises from Paihia and Russell are the legal alternative.
- [What Are The Best Tours For The Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/what-are-the-best-tours-for-the-bay-of-islands/): A research-led comparison of the best Bay of Islands tours: dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises, tall ship sails, kayak trips and Auckland day trips, with prices, durations and review counts.
- [What Cruises Are Available In The Bay Of Islands, New Zealand?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/what-cruises-are-available-in-the-bay-of-islands-new-zealand/): A full breakdown of the cruise types on offer in the Bay of Islands, from dolphin and Hole in the Rock cruises to tall ship sails, kayak tours and Auckland day trips, with prices and durations.
- [What Do You Wear On A Dolphin Cruise In The Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/what-do-you-wear-on-a-dolphin-cruise/): Practical packing and clothing advice for a dolphin cruise from Paihia or Russell: layers, windproof jacket, island swim kit, sun protection and what changes from boat to boat.
- [What Is The Best Time For Dolphin Tours?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/what-is-the-best-time-for-dolphin-tours/): No single month can be named the best time for a Bay of Islands dolphin tour. Here is what the research and the tour schedules actually say, and how to pick a departure.
- [Where Is The Hole In The Rock And Which Cruises Take You There?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/where-is-hole-in-the-rock-new-zealand/): Motukokako, or Piercy Island, sits at Cape Brett on the outer edge of the Bay of Islands. Here is where it is, how cruises from Paihia and Russell reach it, and what to expect.
- [Where To See Dolphins In Bay Of Islands?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/where-to-see-dolphins-in-bay-of-islands/): Where to see dolphins in the Bay of Islands: which cruises from Paihia and Russell mention dolphins, how the sanctuary rules shape watching, and what a trip realistically costs.
- [Why Can't You Swim With Dolphins Anymore?](https://bayofislandsdolphincruises.com/blog/why-cant-you-swim-with-dolphins-anymore/): Swimming with dolphins is not permitted in the Bay of Islands. Here is why the swims ended, what the sanctuary rules say, and how dolphin watching cruises from Paihia and Russell work today.