Swim with Wild Dolphins - 4 Hours
Available dates
Highlights
- Learn about the marine park and dolphins with onboard team of experts
- Interact and play with dolphins in their natural habitat
- Dolphins within reaching distance
Join an expert team and be guided through an amazing in-water swim interaction with Short Beaked Common Dolphins in the pristine waters of Port Stephens. You will be immersed in the breathtaking world of bow-surfing wild dolphins and gently pulled through the water amid their pod.
What's Included?
- 4 hour dolphin cruise and swim experience
- Use of all snorkelling equipment and 3mm steamer wetsuit
- Full training in the swim technique by experienced staff members
- Educational commentary
- Light breakfast and unlimited tea and coffee
- 30 day return dolphin guarantee
- Complimentary above-water photos
This is the only permitted wild dolphin encounter in NSW - and the only wild dolphin swim experience of its kind in the world!
The vessel is permitted by the Marine Park Authority to operate in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and swim with the Short Beaked Common Dolphin.
Guests are attached to a special line which is strung between the two bows of the 52' catamaran, thereby being attached to the vessel at all times. Once you enter the water, the vessel begins to move forward and the inquisitive dolphins come to bow ride and swim back and forth in front of the guests.
The dolphins are so close, it feels like you're a part of the pod.
Session Length
- More swim days available on public holidays and over the Christmas holiday period, running every day from 22nd December to 6th January, except 25th and 26th of December and the 1st of January
- Swim duration is approximately 10mins each swim, with multiple swims possible
- Please note this is a seasonal experience and runs from September to April each year
Restrictions
There is a general weight limit of 105kgs. If, however, you are over this weight but fit, please contact us to discuss.
Guidelines
- Pregnant women should always contact the provider prior to booking, usually up to 2nd trimester is okay
- Minimum age is 7 years
- Children over 7 years (but under 18 years) must be approved by parent/carer
- Limited swimming ability is required, however snorkelling experience is a definite advantage
Cancellation
Once this experience has been confirmed, changes are at the discretion of the experience provider and arranged directly with them according to this policy:
Cancellations
- Over one week prior to the experience date: No charge
- 48 hours to up to 7 days prior to the experience date: A fee of 50% of swim cost applies
- Within 48 hours of experience date, No Shows and Late Arrivals: Forfeiture of 100% of swim cost applies
Recheduling
- Over 1 week prior to the experience date: A $30 fee applies
- 48 hours to 1 week prior to the experience date: A fee of 50% of the swim cost applies
- Within 48 hours of the experience date, No Shows, and Late Arrivals: Forfeiture of 100% of swim cost applies
Numbers on the Day
This tour has a maximum of 36 guests (24 swimmers and 12 observers).
Spectators
Spectators are welcome, with a limit of 12 observers on each tour. Observers receive a fantastic view of the dolphins and swim activity, a light breakfast, unlimited tea and coffee, educational commentary, 4 hour cruise in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and complimentary above-water photos of the tour, which are later available to copy and share from the provider's Facebook page.
Weather
In the event of rain or inclement weather your experience will still go ahead unless contacted by the experience provider.
Dress Code
If participating in the wild dolphin swim, please be wearing your swim costume under your clothes when you arrive. It is also recommended that you bring a very warm jacket that can be worn over a wet wetsuit. Even on the hottest days in summer, it can still get quite cool out on the water.
Other Info
The experience includes onboard training on the way out to the marine park. The time at which you encounter the dolphins changes daily and is dependent upon their location on the day.
This experience takes place in Port Stephens, NSW.