Swim with Wild Dolphins from Picton | E-Ko Tours | Shaara Deals

Picton has exactly one operator running dolphin swim tours, and E-Ko Tours is it. Cruising through the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, this small-group eco tour searches for Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca and the rare Hector's dolphins that frequent the Marlborough Sounds — and Shaara Deals has it listed from $224.

Why Marlborough Sounds is different

Unlike many dolphin swim experiences elsewhere in New Zealand, E-Ko operates in the protected, sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds with little to no ocean swell. As Picton's only dolphin swimming operator, there are no competing swim boats sharing the same dolphin encounters, and E-Ko is the only operator in New Zealand offering a No Seasickness Guarantee.

What the trip includes

• A cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound guided by experienced, WCA-qualified marine guides

• The chance to swim with wild dolphins when conditions and dolphin behaviour allow

• Possible sightings of New Zealand fur seals, penguins, gannets, shearwaters and other seabirds along the way

• All swimming equipment provided, including wetsuits, masks and snorkelling gear

• Warm freshwater showers, hot drinks and cookies onboard after your swim

Tour Details

• Price: from $224 per person

• Duration: approximately 4 hours

• Location: departing central Picton, Marlborough Sounds

• Operator: E-Ko Tours

• Product code: DolphinSwim

• Swim briefing 8:15am, viewing briefing 8:30am, departure 9:00am

Good to know before you book

E-Ko is a permitted Department of Conservation operator, and all dolphin interactions are conducted respectfully under strict wildlife guidelines to protect both guests and marine mammals. While the tour operates in sheltered waters, dolphin swimming is still an open ocean activity — participants should be confident swimming in open water and medically fit to take part. Guests joining the swim must complete a medical declaration and liability waiver before departure. E-Ko's waterfront base is in central Picton, a short walk from the main street and ferry terminals — look for the Dusky Dolphin outside the shop.

FAQ

• Am I guaranteed to swim with dolphins? Swimming happens when conditions and dolphin behaviour are suitable, guided by E-Ko's WCA-qualified marine guides under DOC permit conditions to protect the animals.

• Do I need to be an experienced swimmer? Yes — participants should be confident swimming in open water and medically fit, and a medical declaration and liability waiver are required for the swim option.

• What's provided for the swim? All equipment — wetsuits, masks and snorkelling gear — plus warm freshwater showers, hot drinks and cookies onboard afterwards.

• Why choose E-Ko over other dolphin tours? E-Ko is Picton's only dolphin swim operator, runs in the sheltered Marlborough Sounds with minimal swell, and is the only New Zealand operator offering a No Seasickness Guarantee.

Swim with wild dolphins in the sheltered Marlborough Sounds. Book with E-Ko Tours through Shaara Deals now: https://shaaradeals.co.nz/deal/6a964044432cb999dc6ce1c5