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1) What times are your tours?

2) Where do you depart from?

3) Are dolphins guaranteed?

4) What happens if the weather is bad?

5) What happens if I cancel my booking?

6) Do you offer charters or special group rates?

7) Is the trip suitable for children?

1) What times are your tours?

• Dolphin Swimming & Viewing departs daily 9:00am October to April
• Our daily operation will close for the winter season, May-September. However, all trips can be run for groups or charters by appointment for any time of the year.

 2) Where do you depart from?

• All trips depart from the Town Wharf in Picton. This is conveniently located just a 3 minute walk to the east of the ferry terminal at the main town wharf. Our office is located on the water's edge at the corner of London Quay and Wellington Street.

 3) Are dolphins guaranteed?

• Wildlife is not always predictable – that’s what makes it wild! However, our success rate for dolphin sightings per trip is 98% and Dolphin Watch Ecotours offers you the best chance of encountering dolphins in the Queen Charlotte Sound. 
• If those booked on our Dolphin Swimming/Viewing tour do not see any type of dolphin or whale, you will only be charged a tour cost of $75. If for any reason determined by your skipper, you don't get the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, but do get the chance to view dolphins on our trip, we will convert your fare to a reduced rate Dolphin Viewing fare.

4) What happens if the weather is bad?

• The sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound rarely warrant the cancellation of any trip. When you check in with us we will inform you if the forecast is unfavourable and warrants a trip cancellation. The skipper can cancel a trip at anytime if he/she feels conditions are not safe. If conditions are marginal but safe (ie: choppy, heavy rain etc.), you will be informed before the departure and have the option of cancelling your reservation with a partial refund - conditions apply.
• Our Dolphin Swimming/Viewing Tour can be an open ocean experience depending on where the dolphins are located. During the season, we mainly work with dolphins in the very protected waters of Queen Charlotte Sound where sea swell is not an issue. If trips are cancelled due to weather while you're out on the water, a partial refund will be given if you are unable to swim with the dolphins but did get to view them.

 5) What happens if I cancel my booking?

• 48 hours notice is required for a full refund on bookings - no exceptions. Please remember that we have to turn people away if we are holding a seat for you! Always try to plan ahead and keep in contact – if we know there is a chance you will miss the trip we can hold other passengers on standby. 

 6) Do you offer charters or special group rates?

• Yes – we can arrange a trip to suit your needs, as there are many options for an enjoyable day in the sounds. Rates are considered on a case-by-case basis depedant on what the client wants. Email or call us with your trips details and dates to arrange a quote.

 7) Is the trip suitable for children?

• Children of many ages will truly enjoy our tours. Please also remember that guides and skippers are not babysitters. You will need to watch your children not only for safety reasons, but also to be sure they are not negatively impacting the trip for other paying passengers.
• For our Dolphin Swimming/Viewing Tour, children under the age of 10 are not permitted to swim with the dolphins. They may go along as spectators at the Dolphin Viewing price, but adult swimmers will need to watch them at all times meaning parents may have to 'switch out' during the swim.