Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise

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.

Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise

Discover Kaikoura's marine life on this guided sightseeing tour that includes a state-of-the-art catamaran cruise, expert commentary in multiple languages, and an exclusive 80% refund guarantee if whales are not spotted. The tour departs from the Kaikoura Port, where you board a specially designed vessel equipped with noise-minimizing engines to ensure minimal disturbance to marine life while providing optimal visibility for whale watching. With a duration of approximately three hours, this cruise covers around 20 nautical miles along Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon, known for its rich biodiversity and year-round whale presence. The tour offers both standard Ocean Cabin and VIP Captain's Cabin experiences, catering to families and those seeking an enhanced experience with priority boarding, business-class seating, and exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the captain.

Experience Deep-Sea Canyon Whale Watching

Your tour stops at Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon where you will glide along the waters 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. Guests can spend up to three hours observing humpback, sperm, and pilot whales in their natural habitat. This unique feature sets Kaikoura apart from other whale watching locations due to its reliable year-round whale presence, making it a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts. The tour's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through the exclusive 80% refund guarantee that rarely needs to be used, further emphasizing the reliability of whale sightings in this area.

Explore Kaikoura’s Marine Biodiversity

At Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon, guests can explore one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. The tour covers approximately 20 nautical miles along the canyon where various species of whales are frequently sighted year-round. This area is renowned for its rich ecosystem and is a crucial habitat for numerous marine mammals. Visitors spend around three hours on this guided cruise, experiencing close encounters with humpback, sperm, and pilot whales. The tour's state-of-the-art catamaran ensures comfort and optimal visibility while minimizing noise to protect the delicate marine environment. This unique feature sets Kaikoura apart from other whale watching locations due to its reliable year-round whale presence, making it a must-visit destination for marine enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

• Glide along Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran
• Encounter humpback, sperm, and pilot whales in their natural habitat
• Expert commentary provided in multiple languages including English, Japanese, and German
• VIP Captain's Cabin experience offers enhanced priority boarding and business-class seating
• Exclusive 80% refund guarantee if whales are not spotted
• Standard Ocean Cabin provides family-friendly comfort with ample space for all passengers
• Behind-the-scenes insights from the captain during the tour
• Reliability of whale sightings year-round ensures a unique marine experience

Perfect for nature lovers, families, and marine enthusiasts, this guided sightseeing tour offers unparalleled access to Kaikoura’s rich marine biodiversity. The three-hour format allows you to glide along the deep-sea canyon, encounter various species of whales in their natural habitat, and enjoy expert commentary in multiple languages, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area's unique ecosystem.