About this tour
When Lily from our team booked a private charter on the Platinum Funship, we found ourselves on a comfortable double-decker boat cruising Dunedin's waterways with just our group aboard. This half-day affair swings between dolphin spotting, island hopping, and shelling on quiet beaches—the sort of personalised outing that works equally well for a family weekend, a mate's birthday, or a quieter escape. The 27-footer's setup (complete with a slide, if you're into that) means you're not crammed in with strangers, and the Captain steers you to the spots rather than following a fixed route.
Highlights
- Private boat means no competing with tour groups for sightings
- Double-decker layout with slide; proper comfort for 4 hours
- Dolphins appeared regularly; close enough to count them
- Secluded sandbars for swimming and collecting shells
- Captain knowledge of local currents and wildlife patterns solid
- Cooler, water, and safety kit included—no nickel-and-diming
- Works for groups up to 10; flexible enough for various occasions
What to expect
You'll meet at a designated spot—no lengthy road-trip prelude—and board a well-maintained double-decker that doesn't feel claustrophobic. The Captain takes you out into open water fairly quickly, steering toward areas where dolphins typically feed. Depending on conditions and time of year, you'll spot them; they're wild, so numbers vary, but Lily's outing saw several passes. Between dolphin hunts, you'll anchor at a couple of sandbars shallow enough to wade and swim. Water's warm, shelling is genuinely productive if you're into shells, and there's time to just float and soak in the Gulf quiet.
The 4-hour window moves at an easy pace—no rushing, no jarring schedule. The boat's slide and upper deck give kids or keen swimmers something extra, though it's equally fine if you're just content to sit, drink cold water, and watch the pelicans. Wind and tide dictate some flexibility, so don't expect a rigid itinerary; that's actually the charm.
Good to know
Private charters remove the cattle-boat feel. If you've got a group—family, mates, couple, small work do—you control the vibe. The Funship is roomy and clean, and the all-inclusive angle (ice, water, lifejackets, fuel) means you're not hunting for extras. Dolphins are reliably there, and the shelling beaches genuinely deliver. Suits all fitness levels; you can swim hard or laze on deck.
Gratuity isn't included, so budget for that. Weather matters—rough Gulf days can be uncomfortable, and summer heat is relentless. If you're prone to seasickness, bring medication; even calm water can bother some folk. The boat sits 10 max, so larger groups split into two charters. Public parking and transport exist nearby but aren't luxe.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Swimwear under regular clothes saves time. Shoes with grip help on the deck. The cooler has ice and water; BYO drinks if you want something else. Best booked a few days ahead. Peak season (summer holidays, spring break) books out quickly.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.