THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board the 52-foot catamaran Imagine from 6 Teramby Rd in Nelson Bay for NSW's only authorised wild dolphin swim. Ethical bow-harness rotations, a champagne brunch, and professional photos make this an intimate, conservation-focused way to encounter common dolphins in the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park.
Board the 52-foot catamaran Imagine from 6 Teramby Rd in Nelson Bay for NSW's only authorised wild dolphin swim. Ethical bow-harness rotations, a champagne brunch, and professional photos make this an intimate, conservation-focused way to encounter common dolphins in the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park.
Book with Dolphin Swim Australia
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
427 ratings
Operated by Dolphin Swim Australia · Nelson Bay, New South Wales
Port Stephens is a sweep of blue harbors and headlands on New South Wales' mid-north coast; Nelson Bay sits at its heart. From 6 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia, guests board the 52-foot catamaran Imagine for a morning that aims to keep human distance while inviting dolphin curiosity. This is the only authorised wild dolphin swim in New South Wales, and the itinerary is built around ethics as much as thrill.
After check-in at Dock C and a wetsuit and harness fitting, the boat slips past the marina into the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park. Guides brief swimmers before deploying a customised rope between the bows; groups of up to seven participants are harnessed so dolphins—usually the resident common dolphins—can choose to bow-ride, inspect, or swim alongside. Observers who prefer to stay dry can watch from deck; the small group size keeps interactions intimate and reduces disturbance.
The experience reads like a practical wildlife encounter: rotations of short swims, a light champagne brunch on board, and professional photos and video included so you can relive precise moments without hauling a heavy camera in the water. The crew operates to strict standards—no feeding, no chasing, no coaxing—so sightings and swims depend on animal behaviour, sea conditions, and respect for the pod's choices.
Why it stands out: this tour balances access with protection. Operating Thursday through Sunday between early October and late April, it's timed to seasonal dolphin activity and calmer seas. The bow-harness system is a rare rigging designed to let humans be present without forcing interaction, and running from Nelson Bay places you inside a protected marine park where offshore reefs, sandbanks, and kelp patches concentrate life and visibility.
Practical expectations: plan for a 4.5–5 hour outing, arrive early for a 06:15 check-in, and be prepared for motion on open water. Swimmers must be at least seven years old and under seventy, and able to handle open-ocean conditions; staff may exclude participants for safety. The operator's cancellation policy is strict—check windows for refunds and rebookings—so pack appropriately and be punctual.
For photographers and nature lovers this trip offers portraits of kinetic marine life, close-range behavior without physical contact, and a memorable transit back through Port Stephens' scattering of islands and headlands. It's a clean, ethical way to feel part of a pod while supporting a local operation that prioritises dolphin welfare and marine park stewardship.
Bring a towel, swimwear under your wetsuit and prescribed seasickness medication; the operator supplies snorkel gear and harnesses. Observers are limited to twelve per tour and seating fills fast during NSW school holidays. Book early, arrive prepared, and treat the dolphins' choices with patience—satisfaction comes when the animals decide to engage.
No — this is a wild animal experience. The operator follows strict non-luring ethics, so sightings and swims depend on dolphin behaviour and sea conditions.
Participants must be between 7 and 70 years old; exceptions require DSA approval as per operator rules.
Check-in is at Dock C, d’Albora Marina, 6 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia at 06:15 for wetsuit fitting and briefing.
Yes — the operator provides wetsuits, harnesses and snorkel equipment as part of the tour package.
Yes — up to 12 observers can remain dry on deck to watch close-up from the vessel during rotations.
Operator cancellations allow rebooking within 12 months or a full refund (less card fees); participant cancellations follow a staged refund schedule—check the booking terms.
Dolphin Swim Australia operates from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens, New South Wales, offering guided wild dolphin swims and viewing cruises. The company runs the Wild Dolphin Swim & Watch experience (October to April), which is the only authorised wild dolphin swim tour in New South Wales. Participants are harnessed at the bow for close, controlled interactions with pods of wild dolphins, with opportunities to view dolphins from the deck when not swimming. The experience includes a champagne brunch and professional photos provided aboard the vessel. Dolphin Swim Australia follows local regulations and approved guidelines for wildlife interaction, holding the necessary authorisation to operate wild dolphin swims in NSW waters. Crew members are trained in safety and wildlife protocols to maintain respectful distances and to protect both guests and dolphins. Boats operate out of Nelson Bay, giving access to Port Stephens habitats known for resident dolphin populations. The seasonal swim period from October to April aligns with safe environmental conditions and regulatory approval for close encounters. Guests receive briefings before entering the water, and safety equipment is provided as required. The company's focus is on responsible wildlife tourism, combining close-up marine wildlife encounters with onboard comforts and photography options. With a clearly defined season, authorised status, and structured swim procedures, Dolphin Swim Australia offers visitors to Port Stephens a regulated and memorable wild dolphin swim and watch experience.
Book with Dolphin Swim Australia
