Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included

Discover the Bay of Islands incl Dolphins and island lunch

★ 4.7 302 reviews

from $121 per person

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Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Paihia Wharf or Russell
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Explore Group New Zealand

Overview

This 4.5-hour cruise from Paihia Wharf packs most of what people come to the Bay of Islands for into one trip: a run out among the islands, a pass by the famous Hole in the Rock, wildlife spotting, and a long stop with lunch on Urupukapuka Island. You board a custom-built power cat, get a safety briefing from the crew, and cruise while the skipper gives live commentary in English on the history and landscape of the bay.

Wildlife is a big part of the draw, though never a sure thing. Dolphins, seals, birds and the occasional whale or orca show up, with the operator reporting sightings on more than 70 percent of trips. The boat holds a marine mammal permit, and part of the fare goes to marine mammal research and conservation.

The middle of the day is spent at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, about 1.5 hours of free time with an included island lunch, served as a buffet in summer and a main menu item in winter. Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired in summer if you want more than beach time.

Wooden jetty at Otehei Bay with a cruise boat tied up at the far end on calm water

What's Included

Included

4.5-hour scenic cruise
Island lunch (buffet in summer, main menu item in winter Jun to Aug)
Live commentary in English
1.5-hour island stop-over at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island

Not Included

Drinks and snacks
Option to hire lawn games, kayaks, SUP, snorkels on the island (in summer only)

Itinerary

Check in at Paihia WharfMeet the crew at Paihia Wharf and board the custom-built power cat. A pickup from Russell Wharf can sometimes be arranged with the operator after booking, subject to availability.
Safety briefing and departureThe crew gives a full safety briefing and an overview of the trip before the boat heads out into the bay.
Scenic cruise among the islandsCruise among the islands of the bay while the skipper provides live commentary on the area's scenery, culture and history.
Hole in the RockVisit the iconic Hole in the Rock. When conditions permit, the skipper can take the boat through it, though passage is never guaranteed.
Island stop at Otehei BaySpend a 1.5-hour stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island with an included island lunch. Kayaks, paddleboards and lawn games can be hired at your own expense in summer only.
Return cruise to PaihiaCruise back to Paihia Wharf. In summer it is possible to extend your island stay and return on a later ferry, subject to availability.

Cruise boat with bottlenose dolphins near the Hole in the Rock arch at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what the weather decides to what is and is not included at lunch.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Dolphin And Hole In The Rock Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

3-Hour Hole in the Rock Cruise$88.87
Dolphins and Island Cruise$90
Eco Cruise, Marine Wildlife Focus$97.47
Cruise with 2 Island Stops$101
Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise$101
Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included (this tour)$121
Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch$131.87

Wildlife is likely, not certain. Sightings vary by trip, and some reviewers saw no dolphins at all. Go for the scenery and treat sightings as a bonus.
Bring extras for lunch. Lunch is included but drinks and snacks are not. Snacks and drinks can be bought on board, and the café at Otehei Bay sells food if you want more.

Free time on the island. You get about 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay. Reviewers generally found lunch good, though some said the summer buffet could get crowded, so plan for a relaxed rather than rushed stop.
Getting there is on you. Pickup is not part of this tour. You make your own way to the wharf, though a Russell Wharf pickup can sometimes be arranged directly with the operator after booking.

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Common issues. Wildlife sightings are not certain, and some reviewers saw no dolphins or whales despite the high overall sighting rate. A few travellers found the summer buffet crowded and wished it were better stocked. The tour needs minimum numbers to run; if they are not met you are offered an alternative date or a full refund. Winter lunch is a main menu item rather than a buffet, and island gear hire is summer only.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 4.5-hour scenic cruise, live English commentary, an island lunch, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Part of the fare also supports marine mammal research and conservation. Drinks, snacks and island equipment hire cost extra.

Is Lunch Included, And What About Drinks?

Lunch is included, served as a buffet in summer and as a main menu item from June to August. Drinks and snacks are not included but can be purchased on board, and the café at Otehei Bay also sells food.

Where Does The Tour Start, And Is Pickup Included?

Pickup is not included. The tour departs from Paihia Wharf, and the meeting point may vary depending on the option selected, so check the booking page for details. A pickup from Russell Wharf can sometimes be arranged by contacting the operator after booking.

Can I Stay Longer On Urupukapuka Island?

Yes, in summer only. From December to April you can extend your island stay and return on a later ferry, subject to availability. This is arranged on the day.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator's minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.