I walked up the wharf with one thing on my mind. It was chilly out and the clouds were threatening rain but I was more excited than ever to get my pass, board the Black Cat cruises boat and set out into the harbor.
I’ve been to Akaroa a few times before exploring the coastline and starring out into the sea always on the lookout for something jumping out of the water or flicking its tail. I know I was dreaming but finally on my latest visit I was setting out to see some extraordinary animals of the sea.
I was so incredibly lucky that day to get on board with Black Cat Cruises for their Akaroa Harbour nature cruise. Being a ‘dull’ day outside there weren’t too many of us on board but none the less the crew were happy and enthusiastic about taking us out. I could tell they really love their job and it got me even more excited for what we were about to see.
Once moving in the water we cruised along the shore learning about settlements, checking out blow holes and gawking over the landscape. It was amazing to see what it all looked like from the other side. What was once a volcano is now a flooded crater surrounded by steep cliffs and waves crashing against the rocks. We cruised along for about 45 minutes before getting off the coast in search of one of the world’s smallest dolphins and exclusive to New Zealand waters.
We got our first surprise as we cut across the harbor. Little blue penguins! They’re the world’s smallest penguin and I can’t even begin to explain how cute they are! They’re a timid animal and stayed clear of the boat but still well in sight. The crew was on the lookout and it wasn’t long before we were greeted by the curious Hector’s Dolphins. Zigzagging, popping in and out of the water. The dolphins were moving along the boat as if they were playing a game of tag. The crew was so incredibly helpful with directing us which way to look and I could tell they were just as excited as I was! Which, well, it was a lot!
This was my first time seeing these dolphins and first time really photographing them. It wasn’t easy though! They’re like little lightning bolts. You just never know when or where they’re coming up out of the water! Never mind the fact that looking down through the camera for too long gets a little nauseating! Although I was really hoping to get a great shot, the whole experience was worth so much more.
As we made our way back, our driver was fabulous stopping along the way getting us as close as he could to shore, safely, to see seal pups playing in a rock pool and the mommas snoozing up high. It was just so amazing to see so much marine life in one day!
The crew, of course, was awesome. Super friendly, chatty and invited me up to the controls. Which I thought was pretty cool. Hot beverages were complimentary throughout the whole trip and crew member Dan was a rock star helping me with a few photos!
I got a chance to chat with Dan a little more which I’m really glad I did. Sometimes tours involving wildlife and tourists get a bit of a bad rap. Generally, it questions how ethical the tours are or how much staff actually cares. I could tell though Dan and the whole Black Cat Cruises family absolutely love their jobs. They have a lot of knowledge and experience and respecting the animals is their highest priority. Black Cat Cruises also offers a swimming with the dolphins tour and are very strict about letting the dolphins come to you and not making contact with them. I know I would love nothing more than to play around and cuddle up to the curious cuties but there are reasons and important ones to just be present in the moment and soak up the experience (pardon the pun!).
I can’t thank Black Cat Cruises enough for the wonderful day and experience. I loved learning about the landscape in Akaroa and the wildlife. I can’t wait to get in the water next time!
To book your next cruise or swim with Dolphin contact Black Cat Cruises here.
Always respect the environment of animals, wild or not. Leave only footprints. Its really up to us to protect this beautiful earth and the animals on it!
Thank you so much to Black Cat Cruises for hosting me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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