Faq’s
What is unique about your tour?
Will We Find Dolphins?
How long will I be swimming with dolphins, will they interact with me?
Do I need special training to swim with dolphins?
Are there any legal restrictions involved in swimming with dolphins?
Are there any other reasons why we won’t be able to swim with dolphins?
Can I touch or feed the dolphins?
Is the money refunded – if we could not find dolphins?
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
What is Snorkeling?
Will we see any other sea animals?
What’s so special about the Bay of Islands?
Which Island will we stop on?
What is for lunch?
Do I need to have any sailing experience and Can I help with the sailing?
Are there age Limits?
Will I get Seasick?
Is it suitable for families?
Is it hard to get in and out of the water?
What do I need to bring and What is the weather like?
How do I make a reservation?
Where are you located and how do we get there?
How long is the tour?
What are your cancellation policies?
What is unique about your tour? back to questions
We are the only yacht licensed by Department of Conservation to interact and swim with dolphins in the Bay of islands. We provide a unique dolphin tour that will take you up close with wild dolphins and you will also get to experience the joy of sailing, an island stopover where you can snorkel and a bbq lunch. This is the total bay of islands experience, all on one yacht.
Will We Find Dolphins? back to questions
We find dolphins approximately 80% of the time. We cannot guarantee to find the dolphins, as they are wild animals in their own environment, not in an enclosure.
How long will I be swimming with dolphins, will they interact with me? back to questions
It should be noted that open water dolphin swimming operations are not like that of an aquarium type atmosphere.
Dolphins are generally very interested in swimmers, however, these are wild animals that are in total control of the situation and we are simply guests in their world. If the dolphins are not in the mood to interact with people, they may simply move on and swimmers should be aware there is the chance that they will not interact with them in the water. If that is the case, we will bring the swimmers back onboard for some awesome viewing from the boat. Please understand that it is the dolphins choice whether to interact with the swimmers and refunds can not be given if the dolphins are “not interested” for whatever reason.
Do I need special training to swim with dolphins? back to questions
Our Guides will give you instructions on how to behave when in the water with the dolphins. See our swim with dolphin guidelines. This swimming with dolphin’s tour is strictly on the dolphins terms. We will cruise with a potential dolphin group and determine if swimming will be allowed based on the group composition and behaviour. Our goal is to provide you with the experience of a lifetime – up close and personal with wild dolphins. It should be noted that open water dolphin swimming is not like that of an aquarium type atmosphere. Although several dolphins generally seem quite interested people, these are wild animals that are in total control of the situation and may decide to simply pass you by. It’s an incredible experience just to be in the water with them and you shouldn’t be discouraged if the dolphins are not interested in you. Please keep in mind that our job is to put you in the water with the dolphins, whether they interact with you in the water is their choice.
Are there any legal restrictions involved in swimming with dolphins? back to questions
All dolphin swimming commercial operators in New Zealand are subject to a permit system administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). DOC regulations state that we are not allowed to swim with dolphins if they are feeding resting or have baby dolphins. This would then be a view only, all tour depart with the intent to swim with dolphins.
Are there any other reasons why we won’t be able to swim with dolphins?
If sea conditions are deemed too severe, all dolphin swimming tours will be cancelled for matters of passenger safety. Your safety is paramount to us and we will not put swimmers in the water if the conditions are unsafe for you to disembark or climb back aboard the vessel. All tours depart with the intent to swim with dolphins.
Can I touch or feed the dolphins? back to questions
Swimmers are not allowed to touch the dolphins in any way. Physical contact (touching or grabbing) with wild dolphins is not permitted under any New Zealand DOC permit.
Is the money refunded – if we could not find dolphins? back to questions
No. There is no guarantee for finding wild dolphins.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer? back to questions
Some degree of swimming experience is required as the depth of the water is at least 40 metres. Although snorkelling experience is not essential, you’ll be able to swim with more confidence if you have snorkelled before. Our wetsuits are extremely safe and buoyant and will keep you from sinking
What is Snorkelling? back to questions
It is breathing through a tube while on the surface. When you dive under the water you still need to hold your breath. Learn to Snorkel
Will we see any other sea animals? back to questions
Yes! The idea of our tours is to hopefully encounter all forms of marine life, either in the water or in the sky. ( Blue penguins, Australasian Gannets, Orcas, maybe a whale, schooling fish – not all are seen every day)
What’s so special about the Bay of Islands? back to questions
The Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with the 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The Bay of Islands is a unique location for bottlenose dolphins, as it provides the dolphins with abundant food and security for resting and breeding. The maritime and historic park is the original cradle of European civilization and has fine examples of Maori culture.
Which Island will we stop on? back to questions
Due to the spontaneous nature of sailing, there are several favourite islands that CARINO NZ can top at. Your skipper will find a suitable calm cove to enjoy. These include Ururpukapuka Island, Roberton Islands and Motorua Island.
What is for lunch? back to questions
The BBQ lunch is held aboard CARINO NZ. It is a kiwi style BBQ, Beef sausages, onions, bread rolls and salad. Vegetarians are also catered for on request. CARINO NZ has a fully licensed bar, with a range of New Zealand beers, wines and cool drinks.
Do I need to have any sailing experience and Can I help with the sailing? back to questions
Sailing experience is not necessary. Sailing under the guidance of professional crew is a relaxed way to explore the bay. You can lend a hand to hoist the mainsail and jib or Sit back and relax as the sails catch the breeze.
Are there age Limits? back to questions
There is no age limit for the day sailing and island explore. Swimming with dolphins however we do have restrictions. Children under 8 years of age are only permitted to swim with the dolphins at the skipper’s discretion and with a supervising adult accompanying them in the water at all times. Children under 8 years of age are allowed to ride along and view dolphins with a supervising adult accompanying them on the boat at all times.
Will I get Seasick? back to questions
Our tours normally operate in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands and seasickness is rarely an issue. However, because this can be an open ocean experience at times venturing into the Pacific Ocean, it is subject to a variety of sea conditions and sea sickness may be a problem for some of our guests. If you are prone to motion sickness, we advise that you take preventative measures before departing Paihia or Russell. Be advised that seasickness during the tour is not grounds for a refund and we are not able to cancel the tour for the others if you become sick.
Is it suitable for families? back to questions
The day sailing adventure is suitable for families. See our swim with dolphin guidelines. We do not have room for prams/Strollers or baby buggy. A car seat is fine.
Is it hard to get in and out of the water? back to questions
We have a solid boarding ladder at the back of the yacht for easy access in and out on the water.
What do I need to bring and what is the weather like? back to questions
You will need a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, warm jacket just in case, camera, money for drinks, heaps of enthusiasm and a smile. We provide masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits (seasonal). Its fine to bring your own equipment. Bay of Islands weather is sub-tropical (temp 18C – 30C)
How do I make a reservation? back to questions
You can book on the website now or email carinonz@gmail.com or phone +64 9 4028040
Where are you located and how do we get there? back to questions
Carino NZ departs from Paihia wharf at 9.30am. You need to be on the wharf at 9.15am for check in. The wharf is situated on the waterfront in Paihia Township. How to find us
How long is the tour? back to questions
The day sailing adventure is 6hrs. (9.30am – 3.45pm). Daily
What are your cancellation policies? back to questions
Cancellations must be received by us 24hrs before day of departure, for 100% refund. Passengers who have not cancelled before this are considered “no shows” and no refunds are available. If we cancel, we will either reschedule or you will be refunded in full. Our first concern is for passenger and vessel safety. Please see our booking conditions.
If you have any further questions that we may be able to help with? – Click here to go to our contact page
