Seal Swim, 2.5 Hours
2 hours 30 minutes · Seal Swim Kaikoura
Guided tour with gear.
from $101.57 per person Check availability →
Wildlife Sea Kayak Tour
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
from $93.62 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Meeting point
- Kaikoura Kayaks, Killarney Street
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Run by
- Kaikoura Kayaks
Overview
This three-hour paddle with Kaikoura Kayaks puts you on the Pacific in stable tandem kayaks, close to the waterline where fur seals haul out and, on many trips, dusky dolphins pass through. Guides lead the group out from the bay, read the conditions on the day, and talk through the wildlife and local history as you go. Travellers regularly report dolphins jumping near the kayaks, seals on the rocks, albatross and other seabirds overhead, and occasionally a blue penguin.
The practical shape of the tour is straightforward. You check in at the Kaikoura Kayaks base on Killarney Street, get kitted out with gear, and travel by private shuttle to the launch point. After a safety briefing and basic paddle tuition, the group heads out on the water. Reviewers describe the shuttle ride to the shore as only a few minutes.
It suits first-timers as well as people with paddling experience. The kayaks are described as large and stable, guides split the group by ability if needed, and complete novices say they felt well looked after.
What's Included
Included
- Private transportation
- Dry bags for cameras, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves and hats over the winter months
Itinerary
- Check in at the baseArrive at Kaikoura Kayaks, 17 Killarney Street, and check in 15 minutes before departure.
- Gear up and briefingGet kitted out with paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts and dry pants, and receive safety instructions and basic paddle tuition.
- Shuttle to the bayPrivate transportation takes the group from the base to the launch point. Reviewers say the ride takes only a few minutes.
- Paddle the coastlineKayak along the shore toward the seal colony, with guides pointing out seals, dolphins, seabirds and local history.
- Return to the baseThe activity ends back at the meeting point on Killarney Street.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points, along with repeated reviewer comments, will help you arrive prepared.
- Seal Kayak, 3 Hours$82.27
- Wildlife Sea Kayak Tour (this tour)$93.62
- Seal Swim, 2.5 Hours$101.57
- Albatross Encounter Day Trip$226.97
- What to wear. The operator recommends a long sleeved thermal top, a fleece if it is chilly, and shorts or quick dry pants. Jeans are specifically ruled out. Bring sunglasses, a cap, running shoes or sandals.
- Gear provided. Dry bags for cameras, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts and dry pants are included, with gloves and hats in winter. Multiple reviewers said they stayed completely dry even in rain.
- Fitness and pace. No experience is needed and the tandem kayaks are stable, but reviewers note the paddle can be demanding if wildlife is far away. One said being in shape and having kayaked before made a long paddle to a dolphin pod easier. Waves and rocks can make some days more technical.
- Wildlife is wild. Seals near the colony are a near certainty in reviewers' accounts, and many trips also meet dolphins. Sightings are never guaranteed, and conditions decide a lot. One reviewer reported a slow, short paddle with only a few seals on the rocks.
- Bring water and meds. Bring drinking water, a phone or camera, and any medication you need. The operator advises taking motion sickness medication beforehand if you are prone to it.
- Solo or with friends. Travellers have done this tour alone and reported it works well either way. Most guests come with a friend, but solo paddling is easy to manage. The tandem kayaks are stable enough for newcomers.
Common issues. Wildlife sightings vary and the sea decides the day. Waves and rocks can make the paddle more technical on some trips, and one reviewer felt the price was poor value compared with cheaper dolphin tours in Akaroa, noting fur seals can be seen in Kaikoura without paying. The activity requires good weather; if it is cancelled for poor conditions, a different date or a full refund is offered. As with any adventure activity, there are inherent risks, including injury and drowning.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
Private transportation, dry bags for cameras, all kayaking equipment, paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, and gloves and hats over the winter months. Food and drink are not itemised, so bring your own water.
Where Does The Tour Meet?
At Kaikoura Kayaks, 17 Killarney Street, Kaikoura. From the main street heading south toward the seal colony, take the first right off the Esplanade onto Killarney Street and look for the yellow street sign and flying banner. Check in 15 minutes before departure.
Is It Suitable For Beginners?
Yes. Reviews from first-time paddlers describe the tandem kayaks as stable and the instruction as thorough. Some fitness helps when the paddle to wildlife is long.
Is It Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, pushchair accessible, allows service animals, is near public transportation, and most travellers can participate.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times use the local experience time. Weather cancellations come with a choice of a different date or a full refund.
Can Children Or Solo Travellers Join?
Most travellers can participate, and that includes solo travellers. Reviewers have done the tour solo and reported it works well alone or with a companion.
Browse And Book A Tour
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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