VIP Captain's Cabin

VIP Captain's Cabin

Looking for greater comfort and exclusivity?

The VIP Captain’s Cabin is situated in the wheelhouse alongside the captain and watch keeper. This cabin provides our guests with exclusive access to the captain as they go about their duties as well as a dedicated tour host for the duration of the tour.  

  • Capacity is limited to 12 passengers.
  • Priority boarding and transport.
  • Business class seating.
  • Seats are angled outwards to maximize views through the large windows.
  • The cabin is air conditioned.
  • Water fountain provided.
  • A large screen displays our award-winning marine wildlife animations.
  • A full tour narration is provided.
  • Access to all other passenger areas on the vessel.
  • Locally made food box and cold drinks.
  • An exclusive viewing area on the top deck. 

View more on our latest vessel, Te Ao Marama & Wheketere, here.

Captain's Cabin Pricing:
Per Seat (Adult or Child) NZD$255.00
  • Rates valid to the 30th of September 2025.
  • Children under 3yrs are not permitted on the tour.
  • Tour costs can change without notice.
  • Discounts are not valid for Captain's Cabin seats.
  • Exclusive charter rate for the Captain's Cabin is available upon request.

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VIP Captain's Cabin Food

  • Individual food packs are provided to each pre-booked passenger in this cabin class.
  • You will need to advise us of any food allergies so these can be catered for accordingly. 
  • Because the food packs are made offsite daily by an independent provider, any requests to upgrade bookings after the tour check-in begins will be unable to be provided with a food pack. This will be explained further at the time of check-in should you wish to request an upgrade.
  • We strongly advise you to book your ticket in the VIP Captain's Cabin prior to your preferred day of travel to ensure your individual food pack.

Captains Cabin images 1

 
ABOUT YOUR TOUR

Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year, our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale.

For the avoidance of doubt, a whale, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, means all species commonly known as whales; and includes baleen whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales and pilot whales.

The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm whale. We average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus.

Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past our coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.

Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the Sperm whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal.

Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world’s pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.

Throughout your tour there is an onboard visual presentation, “World of the Whales” – an experience that takes passengers “virtually” to the bottom of the Kaikōura undersea canyon. The presentation also provides information for a variety of marine life found in Kaikōura waters.

Designed specially for whale watching, our modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below our vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.

Time spent on the water is just over 2 hours. Including check-in time, safety briefing and bus transfers you should allow 3 hours 15 minutes in total.

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Nau Mai Haere Mai Ki Whale Watch Kaikoura   

Meri Kirihimete me ngā whakaaro nui mō te tau hou / Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year

To minimize disappointment, we recommend booking your tour well in advance of your preferred day of travel. 

  • To book now, or to check our tour availability, please click on the following link BOOK NOW 
  • To find answers to many of your questions please click on the following link FIND OUT MORE