Bay Explorer
Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises
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Save 10% with code RANKERS
A wildlife cruise out of Tauranga is a solid half-day if the Bay of Plenty is on your route. The reviews for Bay Explorer are consistently warm, with people stoked on the variety of what they see out there. Dolphins are the main draw, but whales, seals, and penguins show up too depending on the season. It's observation-focused, so no swimming with anything, but the vessel is spacious and travellers of all ages seem to do well on it.
The experience is heavily weather and season dependent, as you'd expect with any marine wildlife tour, so go in with a bit of flexibility. Promo code RANKERS gets you 10% off, which is a handy little saving on what is already a pretty reasonable half-day out.
I'd book ahead if you're visiting in summer. It's a popular part of the world and spots do fill. Morning departures are generally the call for calmer sea conditions, which makes the whole thing more comfortable and tends to mean better wildlife sightings too.
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Bay Explorer
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard!
Departing at 9am and returning by 1pm – 2pm
Your half-day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, where we will showcase the amazing diversity of Tauranga’s marine wildlife. With dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, it’s the best way to see dolphins in Tauranga. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orcas… even turtles!
Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise offers an authentic Kiwi experience amidst nature—a tale of human fascination with marine life. Join us in exploring the wonders of dolphins and more while searching from the spacious top deck. We limit passengers for comfort, ensuring a personal touch, is ideal for families.
Our knowledgeable captain and crew share their marine insights through engaging commentary, ensuring you won’t miss a thing! It’s a shared, once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfect for photographers.
Come aboard the Bay Explorer, Tauranga’s premier wildlife cruise, and discover why it’s a must for those seeking things to do in Tauranga. You’ll be back by 2:00 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty or continue your travels.
Includes:
A half day dolphin & wildlife watching cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel, with 360° outdoor views.
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
Photos of a lifetime!
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Organisation |
Bay ExplorerCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga |
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Operating Season And Hours |
The Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise departs daily at 9am, returning by 1-2pm, from October to May. The Afternoon Harbour Cruise operates on Sundays, departing at 3:30pm and lasting three hours. Private cruises and charters are available year-round. |
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Promo Code 10% Off |
Use discount code RANKERS with Bay Explorer and 10% off. |
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Marine Animals
Dolphin Watching
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