Bay Explorer offers you the best dolphin and marine wildlife experience in the Bay of Plenty! New Zealand

#1 on Trip Advisor

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 marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca...even turtles! 

Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.

The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. A shared lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream. 

You will return to Tauranga by 1:00 - 2:00pm so you will have the rest of the day to explore our beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!

It’s a great introduction to our big blue backyard! Don’t miss this premier Dolphin & Wildlife adventure.

The Cruise Includes:

• A half day cruise on our purpose built spacious 18 metre  (60 foot) vessel with 360° outdoor views.

• Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck upstairs for wildlife watching.

• Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.

• Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.

• Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).

• Food options or bring your own lunch and snacks

• Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.

• Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew that are the only marine Biologist skipper/crew in Tauranga

• Photos of a lifetime!

Check-in: 8:30 am for briefing at 8:45am (opposite 120 The Strand, Tauranga City Waterfront, look for us on google maps) Grab a coffee from the Sweetest thing café, located in our white kiosk on the waterfront while you wait. 

Departure: 9:00am (check in 8:30am)

Return: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Are you looking for a gift for someone who loves the ocean? Let us help you!

Our gift vouchers are a great idea for that special friend, family member or work colleague for Christmas, Birthday, Mother’s or Father’s Day or even as a retirement present. 

Bay Explorer offers you the premium Dolphin & Wildlife experience in the Bay of Plenty.

Departing at 9am and returning by 1pm – 2pm.

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, orca… even turtles!

Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.

The captain and experienced crew are passionate about sharing their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary throughout the trip. They’ll also be sure to point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing! It really is a shared lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

The tour includes:

• A half day wildlife cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.


• Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.


• Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.


• Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.


• Onboard commentary on the Bay and local marine wildlife.


• Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).


• Food options, or bring your own lunch and snacks.


• Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew


• Photos of a lifetime!

Feel what it’s like to be on nature’s terms, there is always an element of discovery and surprise. The half day Dolphin & Wildlife cruise does not include the island stopover and water activities. If you’re looking for dolphin trips in Tauranga, this could be the perfect tour for you.

“Afternoon Harbour cruise. Tauranga City via inner islands and Omokoroa Peninsula”

This cruise departs from central CBD Tauranga in the afternoon AFTER our Half Day Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise that departs from the same place in the morning. 

Tauranga Harbour is extensive and includes a mixture of high intensity Port facilities and contrasting quiet coastal villages, forests, open sandy beaches and bays of many coves. The cruise travels through Port of Tauranga considered New Zealands largest export port and largest port by volume. We cruise to the shores of Te Puna, through Stella passage to Omokoroa Peninsula. This cruise has been popular in Tauranga for over 20 years. Considered the most beautiful Harbour in the North Island of New Zealand.

The Cruise Includes:

• A 3hr cruise on our spacious 18 metre  (60 foot) vessel with 360° outdoor views.

• Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for viewing sightseeing.

• Some of the best variations in harbour views in New Zealand, from Busy Port to sunbleached isolated beaches and forests.

• Close-up encounters with marine wildlife – maybe we will see penguins, school fish, seabirds, sharks

• Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).

• Food options or bring your own snacks

• Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local points of interest.

• Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew that are the only marine Biologist skipper/crew in Tauranga

• Photos of a lifetime! See the statue of Tangaroa, the yachts, pleasure craft, marinas, City and village landscapes as well as 3 islands and their isolated beaches and forests or horticulture like Kiwifruit and Avocado orchards

Check-in: 3:15pm for briefing at 3:30pm (The Strand, Tauranga City Waterfront)

Departure: 3:30pm

Return: 6:30pm