Black Cat Cruises in Lonely Planet’s Best Marine Encounters

Black Cat Cruises recognised in Lonely Planet’s world’s ‘Best Marine Encounters’

13 November 2013

Click for big version.

www.blackcat.co.nz

Leading Canterbury Tourism operator Black Cat Cruises is celebrating being recognised by Lonely Planet in a top 10 list of the world’s ‘Best Marine Encounters’.

The company’s dolphin swimming operation was one of two New Zealand eco-tourism activities recognised by the influential international travel guide, the other one being Seal Swim Kaikoura.

“It was not only great news for us but it’s also fantastic for New Zealand tourism that two out of the top 10 world’s ‘Best Marine Encounters’ are from here,” Black Cat Cruises Sales and Marketing Manager Natasha Lombart said.

“It’s a real testament not only to the staff and our operation, but it also highlights the amazing surroundings we get to operate in and the fact we swim with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins.”

Akaroa is the only place in the world where guests get to swim with the Hector’s Dolphins that are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary.

“It really is a once in a lifetime, very unique and very special experience,” Lombart said.”And to have it recognised by the Lonely Planet Guide just backs up the amazing feedback we get from our guests.”  

“The great thing about viewing or swimming with Hector’s dolphins is that you are doing it in their natural habitat completely on their terms. Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano with huge awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs that also provides a very sheltered environment to swim in.”

Black Cat Cruises has been operating scenic and wildlife tours on Banks Peninsula for over 25 years and has won numerous accolades and awards including New Zealand’s Supreme Tourism Award.

Other leading marine encounters recognised by Lonely Planet included swimming with manta rays in Fiji, checking out Sea Lions in South Australia and snorkelling with manatees in Florida.

ENDS

© Scoop Media