Animal Encounter Tauranga

Join Bay Explorer for Tauranga’s #1 Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – the most popular half-day eco-tour in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, this unforgettable experience showcases dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, sharks, orca, schooling fish… even turtles!

Departing daily from the Tauranga CBD waterfront, our cruise explores the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, offering you close-up encounters with marine wildlife in their natural environment.

What Makes This Cruise Special?

Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is more than sightseeing – it’s a genuine Kiwi adventure at sea. From the large open sun deck, you’ll help search for that once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. With limited passenger numbers and a spacious 18-metre vessel, comfort and personal experience are always a priority.

Your captain and crew include qualified marine biologists, eager to share fascinating commentary about the Bay of Plenty’s rich marine world. From history to habitat, you’ll leave with new insights and unforgettable memories. Don’t forget your camera – this is a photographer’s dream.

And the best part? You’ll return to Tauranga by early afternoon (1:00–2:00 PM), leaving plenty of time to explore the Bay of Plenty or continue your New Zealand travels.

Cruise Highlights

• Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, sharks, schooling fish, seabirds, turtles, and orca – depending on the season.
• Half-Day Adventure: 4–5 hour cruise aboard our comfortable 18m (60ft) vessel with 360° outdoor viewing.
• Family Friendly: Enclosed indoor seating and an open upper sundeck for the best wildlife spotting.
• Food & Drinks: Licensed bar with regional wines, cold beer, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks (Eftpos available). Bring your own snacks or pre-order food options.
• Expert Commentary: Learn from Tauranga’s only skipper-and-crew team of qualified marine biologists.
• Unforgettable Views: Capture incredible photos of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty marine life and coastal landscapes.

Cruise Details

Check-in: 8:30 AM at Tauranga City Waterfront (opposite 120 The Strand – easy to find on Google Maps)

Briefing: 8:45 AM

Departure: 9:00 AM

Return: 1:00–2:00 PM

Why Book With Bay Explorer?

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Tauranga

Over 10 years of operating wildlife cruises in the Bay of Plenty

Eco-conscious and family-friendly tourism experience

Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for unforgettable Tauranga activities

Book Your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

Spaces are limited and demand is high, especially in summer. Don’t miss this premier Tauranga activity – book your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise today and discover why locals and visitors alike call Tauranga Harbour our big blue backyard.

Join Bay Explorer for Tauranga’s #1 Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – the most popular half-day eco-tour in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. Rated #1 on TripAdvisor, this unforgettable experience showcases dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, sharks, orca, schooling fish… even turtles!


Departing daily from the Tauranga CBD waterfront, our cruise explores the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, offering you close-up encounters with marine wildlife in their natural environment.


What Makes This Cruise Special?
Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is more than sightseeing – it’s a genuine Kiwi adventure at sea. From the large open sun deck, you’ll help search for that once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. With limited passenger numbers and a spacious 18-metre vessel, comfort and personal experience are always a priority.
Your captain and crew include qualified marine biologists, eager to share fascinating commentary about the Bay of Plenty’s rich marine world. From history to habitat, you’ll leave with new insights and unforgettable memories. Don’t forget your camera – this is a photographer’s dream.
And the best part? You’ll return to Tauranga by early afternoon (1:00–2:00 PM), leaving plenty of time to explore the Bay of Plenty or continue your New Zealand travels.


Cruise Highlights Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, sharks, schooling fish, seabirds, turtles, and orca – depending on the season. Half-Day Adventure: 4–5 hour cruise aboard our comfortable 18m (60ft) vessel with 360° outdoor viewing. Family Friendly: Enclosed indoor seating and an open upper sundeck for the best wildlife spotting. Food & Drinks: Licensed bar with regional wines, cold beer, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks (Eftpos available). Bring your own snacks or pre-order food options. Expert Commentary: Learn from Tauranga’s only skipper-and-crew team of qualified marine biologists. Unforgettable Views: Capture incredible photos of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty marine life and coastal landscapes.


Cruise Details


Check-in: 8:30 AM at Tauranga City Waterfront (opposite 120 The Strand – easy to find on Google Maps)
Briefing: 8:45 AM
Departure: 9:00 AM
Return: 1:00–2:00 PM


Why Book With Bay Explorer?
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Tauranga
Over 10 years of operating wildlife cruises in the Bay of Plenty
Eco-conscious and family-friendly tourism experience
Perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for unforgettable Tauranga activities


Book Your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Spaces are limited and demand is high, especially in summer. Don’t miss this premier Tauranga activity – book your Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise today and discover why locals and visitors alike call Tauranga Harbour our big blue backyard.