Swimmers will need to meet at Seal Swim Kaikoura's base of operation conveniently located right in the main street of Kaikoura. From there they will be -

• Introduced to their guides and the other swimmers on the tour. 
• Provided with warm, buoyant wet suits, hoods, fins and mask and snorkels
• Transported by bus to vessels (5 to 15minute bus trip)
• Taken on a short 5 to 15 minute boat trip
• Briefed on New Zealand Fur Seals and 'seal swimming etiquette'.

Upon entering the water, time is allowed for swimmers to familiarise themselves with equipment and instruction is given on aspects of snorkeling. One to two experienced guides, equipped with large floats accompany each group, of max 10 swimmers. This is of great benefit to swimmers who are not so comfortable in the water, as guides are trained to help and make them feel more comfortable. They've even been known to hold swimmers hands!

Every tour is different but generally 1 to 1 1/4 hours is spent in the water, during this time the seals are free to come and go as they please so interaction time varies from tour to tour. If swimmers do not get to see any seals in the water, a 50% refund applies. Clients can reasonably expect to come within around 3 meters of the seals in the water at times. Many people have told us that their seal swimming experience was one of the highlights of their travels here in New Zealand.

Hot showers and changing facilities are provided back at base. Allow 2 ½ hours.

Tours depart day (except Christmas Day - 25 December) - 9.30am and 12.30pm all year.

Additional tours are available from 1 December to 31 March at 11.00am and 2.00pm.

Please enter you prefer departure time in the 'Notes about this booking' field of your reservation request.

Total tour duration is 2 ½ hours included check-in, safety briefing, bus transfers and time spent on water.