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Tours/Kaikoura/Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

5.0(282)Kaikoura2h 30min
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR5.0(279)
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
+2 photos
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura
Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

At a glance

Duration
2h 30min
Price from
$103 / person
Location
Kaikoura
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 282 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 10
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Seal Swim Kaikoura
Meeting point
Tours depart from our beach front location on the Esplanade, Kaikoura next to Gooches Beach Playground. This is a 5-minute Drive from the Kaikōura Information Centre, Encounter Kaikoura and the Sumida Hotel.

Description

Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the pristine waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. This is an experience that you do not want to miss! All equipment is provided including wetsuits. 0nce listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters'. Don't miss out!

Tour Options

9:30am Departure

Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. Departing at 9:30am.

12:30pm Departure

Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. Departing at 12:30pm.

Itinerary

Kaikoura
20 min

Meet for your tour at our beach front location in the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura

What's included

Included
Local guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local taxes
Half-day tour

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

5.0
282 reviews
5
271
4
10
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Check in times can vary slightly so it is essential that you call the day before your tour to verify your check in time and other details. It is also important that you have given us your best contact number and email address so we can contact you if needed. Failure to call the day before to confirm your reservation or failure to report by your scheduled check in time can result in your booking being cancelled
  • Please bring a swimsuit, towel and warm clothing. A small gear bag will also be useful
  • Please Note: Weather conditions are changeable during this season meaning that tours may be cancelled
  • Check in time is 15 minutes prior to departure

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura take?

Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.

How much does Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura cost?

Prices start at $103 per person for this Kaikoura experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Tours depart from our beach front location on the Esplanade, Kaikoura next to Gooches Beach Playground. This is a 5-minute Drive from the Kaikōura Information Centre, Encounter Kaikoura and the Sumida Hotel. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura worth it?

Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 282 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Seal Swim Kaikoura.

Reviews(282)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

S
stuartlO3886UD
April 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing

Amazing experience. Really well run and Ryan was a great guide - looked after us the whole way.

F
F5913SBsophiew
February 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Live your sealy dream

This is a one in a lifetime amazing activity ! We saw so many seals ( maybe 30+) and they got really curious and swim back with us. We were a small group of 6 with 2 guides, so the whole activity felt very safe. With thick wetsuit provided, you can hardly feel the water temperature. And waterboards for the average swimmers ! Thank you so much, having the opportunity to swim with seals was a dream and it was perfect thanks to you 😊

J
Jeremy_L
January 29, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing experience! Great...

Amazing experience! Great guides, Ryan and Rio were amazing and super knowledgeable! Although we didn't get the see many seals on our first way around (we still got to see some) but the wind was a little to much so they offered to bring us out again for another try tomorrow. Would highly recommend!

Y
Yolliezanzi
January 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderfull seals

Went on this tour and would highly recommend. Guides are so friendly and animals were gorgeous! Water colder than what we use to haha. But wetsuits works wonders!!! Amazing guys!

J
jenmA8928DI
January 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Swimming with the seals and a few extra guests

We had a wonderful experience. Ria and Ryan were excellent guides and captain. The entire team took care to make sure we were properly outfitted with all of the necessary gear before we got onto the boat. We had a nice ride out to the cove and we're given great instructions before getting into the water. Once in the water we to swam to the area where the seals were swimming. We had a surprise during our tour, two orcas surfaced in the cove. The orcas were busy eating rays and ignored our group. Ria made sure that everyone in our group stayed close to her while the orcas were in the area. They left the cove as fast as they had entered. Once the orcas had left the area we proceeded to continue to watch the seals. The seals were just as curious about us as we were about them swimming around us and getting a good look at us with their big curious eyes. They were very active swimming all around us and playing in the water. All we had to do was float and look down into the water and they were right there. It was an incredible experience.

M
Maryannhorne
January 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic operator

Great operator. In time and full of enthusiasm for what they do. Saw lots of deals and got up and very close - including with babies. Fantastic experience and warmly recommend. Kayaks can go only so far and most seals are in rocks that boats can access. Wetsuits were great quality, as were the instructors. Thank you.

1 people found this helpful
R
Road44661271103
January 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Feed back

feed back ? Well very great time and condition i really enjoyed my time over there! i didn't notice any bad point on this day to be honest just good day at snorkeling whit seals whit good crew ! Keep going✌️ seals are very funny and curious creatures they come very close sometimes ! what a good time 😁 Brendan

7
739jesso
December 31, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Our Seal Swimming Kaikoura experience

It was an amazing experience. We saw plenty of seals playing in the water and sitting up on the rocks. From the get go the staff made it a super easy time, with separate, big change rooms, to quick and easy fittings of wetsuit and other gear. It was a short van ride, then boat ride. I recorded the swim on my Garmin Dive watch and we were in the water for about 40 mins and swam about 750m. Keep in mind this is with thick wetsuits and fins on, plus I might of been getting a bit excited and trying to play and keep up with the seals. The group was small and we were able to spread out a bit. Its also not very deep but too deep to stand. I have dived with the seals in South Africa and Sea Lions in Western Australia. What stood out to me about the Kaikoura seals is that although there aren't as many in the water they are much nicer then the South African ones, and more playful the sea lions making this an awesome and funny experience for anyone. For the price this experience is definitely a must do if you have ever thought about it, also if you never have. Kaikoura was my partners favourite destination on our South Island road trip, and he only does experiences like this cause I want too and this tour was a highlight for him. If you've read this whole thing, go ahead and book! P.S be prepared for the cold water.

Z
Z1571XLjulieh
December 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Awe-inspiring

It was such an awesome experience! Led by professional, patient, informative guides Ryan and Lucy, we had a spectacular day with heaps of seals. They swam near us and around us and on the rocks. The company fitted us in the day before we were booked due the weather forecast. They were so accommodating, we would recommend this to everyone who feels they can do it! Thank you Kaikōura Seal Swim!!

A
Anika_F
December 28, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing experience

This was one of the best experiences of our trip to New Zealand! Very well organized and in a pleasantly small group. The welfare of the animals is paramount and it was so much fun to swim with them.

$103/ person
5.0(282)
Duration2h 30min
LanguagesEN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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