Bay Explorer - Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises

It was fantastic to go out today on Bay Explorer - Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise. Not only is it just an unbelievably awesome day out on the waters of the Bay of Plenty, but we start the day with a view not usually seen from land, of Trinity Wharf Tauranga, the Tauranga waterfront, the Port of Tauranga, and cruise ships berthed at Mount Maunganui.The crew, with skipper/owner Brandon Stone, are top professionals around health and safety, and with keeping on time with collecting passengers at the Tauranga waterfront. Brandon has a well-liked 'laid back' demeanour, but behind this casual relaxed approach that puts everyone at ease, is a commitment to New Zealand's high maritime standards that leave you in no doubt that he's got everything planned and covered. After an introductory talk and health/safety briefing, plus some jokes along the way, it's time to leave the Tauranga waterfront and head to the Tauranga harbour entrance, past Mount Maunganui, and out into the Pacific Ocean.Along the way, Brandon provides knowledgable and informative commentary across loud speakers that can be heard on both lower and upper decks. He tells his passengers how to keep an eye out for any sightings of marine life, while he and his crew are also watching through binoculars.For us today it was mere minutes from leaving the harbour, before we were surrounded by dolphins. We also saw little blue penguins, shearwater birds skimming along just above the surface of the water, and hammerhead sharks. Previously on other trips on Bay Explorer I've seen albatross, huge sunfish and whales.All the necessary amenities are aboard, and you can either bring your own lunch or order one prior to the trip. There is also a bar on board.When marine life is spotted, Bay Explorer slows down, providing opportunity for passengers to go up to the bow and see things up close in the water below.Today's trip was to go and view wildlife, but other trips I've been on with Bay Explorer there have been opportunities to swim and visit closer to Mayor and Motiti Islands. There are also evening cruises available after dinner at Trinity Wharf. Groups can book private functions, in fact there are so many ways to experience and enjoy either a harbour cruise or a dolphin and wildlife cruise out onto the Pacific Ocean, and it's perfect for any age group.The Bay Explorer experience is at the top of things to do in Tauranga, in my view, and the crew work exceptionally hard to ensure every person has a unique and memorable experience. I would go every day if I could, it's just superb.

Hubby, 2 kids and I headed out on this cruise today around 8.30ish. It was a blessed day! The day started beautifully with no swells at all. This helped us get out to where we needed to be. In almost no time (10am) at all we were amongst the dolphins and it was spectacular!We also got to see a pod of orcas on the way back and a seal and a couple of penguins. Thank you to our Skipper, Brandon and also to Josh. They are so passionate and are always keeping an eye out to spot these majestic creatures. The boat is a great size with almost a 360 view and the facilities were always kept clean. If you booking a day out I would highly recommend Bay Explorer!!

What a fantastic cruise!Brandon and Lizzy were both fantastic to talk to, and kept everything running smoothly. If we thought we spotted anything they were quick to investigate, too!We were lucky to see some beautiful dolphins - but even if there had been no wildlife, it would have been a fabulous cruise just by itself!Definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a nice boat ride with a good chance to see some beautiful wildlife!

What an amazing day this was!! Brandon, the skipper promised dolphins and YES we saw a whole pod with a radius of 3 or 4 km around the boat. They really do their utmost best to find the wildlife for you. On the way we also saw the little blue penguins, including a baby penguin and a shark. The boat is spacious and solid, with upper deck, lower deck and a bar. The weather was beautiful, the water calm and Brandon and Taylor (staff) very relaxed. Highly recommend!

Very poor experience. Tour and lunch were not as stated. Tour went 30km.out to sea and not along the coast line or islands as advertised. Lunch again not as advertised no caesar salad and no bread roll. False advertisement you cant charge for services or items that are advertised incorrectly. Seating on top deck is poor facing inwards not looking out. Bow had a large steel barrier again impossible to see. Designated smoking area is the near the stairwell other passengers including kids had to work.through smoke to go to toilet or get drinks. Got back to port late. Over priced and not worth the waste of time

Crew was lovely! Shout out to Emily who drove the boat yesterday and Brenda and Brendon? for always looking for wildlife! Well done! My sister and I did it yesterday and even though we weren't lucky to see dolphins etc (which is mentioned in the T&C's that this can happen so I don't know why so many people react surprised or give one star reviews when it's made clear that it is a cruise and wildlife is unpredictable), hot sunburned and still the time of our lives! I got seasick and Brenda was very helpful in offering pills. It has also been made clear in the briefing that those are available so rather than complaining (like I have read in a few reviews before) just take the pills and save yourself and the crew the stress...easy.. my sister and I would do it again and recommend it. Even if you are unlucky" to spot "much" wildlife you'll have a great time enjoying the ocean and the great playlist. also saw a penguin and a seal ❤️ the team was trying very hard to find animals and went beyond and above so I also want to praise this! Thanks team! You've been great!"

Awesome trip! What a great staff and we saw lots of beautiful dolphins. There was not too many people out on the day we went which was nice also. I only wish the top deck of the boat was covered, I got a little too much sun. Highly recommend them though! I got some cracking photos from the trip for sure.

What a fantastic day out. Brandon and Josh will go the extra mile (we probably went more) to make sure you find wildlife and ensure you get the Oh wow" experience. Today there were lots of oh wow moments and I can't recommend this team enough. 5 stars is not enough but thank you Brandon & Josh for such an amazing experience and making my daughter feel special by getting her to an encounter she may never experience in her lifetime."