akaroa harbour cruise

• Dolphin Nature Cruise
• Private Charters
• Meet the Team
• Dolphin Dogs
• Sustainability

Rated TripAdvisor's #1 dolphin tour in Akaroa

exploring the Akaroa Harbour

Luxury catamaran

with all the comforts of home

High chance

of meeting Hector’s dolphins

Sit back and enjoy an unforgettable dolphin sightseeing tour

Get ready for an epic adventure as you watch Hector’s dolphins gracefully dance through New Zealand’s coastal waters. Our knowledgeable, passionate crew will be your guides, sharing insights about the dolphins, our landscape and the history of the area.

• The dolphins
• The harbour
• Our catamaran
• Complimentary treats
• The dolphin dogs

Meet Hector’s dolphins and native wildlife

Thanks to our great location in Akaroa Harbour, we are in a prime location for seeing Hector's dolphins, white-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. On rare occasions, we may even spot migrating orcas, humpback whales, or dusky and bottlenose dolphins.

As the animals are wild, we can never guarantee a sighting, but we have an incredibly high success rate with Hector’s dolphins, who are as curious about us as we are of them.

Akaroa Harbour's historical & cultural highlights

Soak up the scenery as we share tales about the history of the area and the people who called this land home. From dramatic cliff faces and panoramic vistas to local historical sites like Ōnuku, the Māori village where the Treaty of Waitangi (the founding document of New Zealand) was first signed by local chiefs.

The most luxurious boat in the harbour

There’s no “roughing it” on this dolphin cruise! Our aerodynamic catamaran glides smoothly through the sea, giving you a smooth, stable ride that reduces the risk of queasiness. We offer both indoor and outdoor seating and restrict our guest numbers to ensure you have plenty of room to make yourself at home.

Indulge all of your senses

Enjoy home baking and one complimentary drink from our well-stocked bar, full of award-winning local beverages. A cruise with Akaroa Dolphins is more than just a boat ride or sightseeing trip. For many of our guests, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we make it extra special with little touches you won’t find anywhere else.

Our four-legged dolphin spotters

Dogs have an uncanny connection to dolphins, and on an Akaroa Dolphins cruise, you’ll get to witness it for yourself. Our dolphin-spotting dogs are experts at detecting dolphins in the area, often alerting us to their presence well before we spot them. Equipped with doggy life vests, these fluffy crew members are also partial to a pat.

Cruise Pricing

Everything you need to know before you step aboard.

• Departure times
• What to bring
• Safety on board

Our boats run like clockwork

We run a tight ship, so please make sure you’re on time for your booked dolphin cruise. Please pick your tickets up from our shop no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure from the main Akaroa wharf.

12.45 pm ~ Operates all year round.

10.15 am & 3.15 pm ~ Please check our booking calendar for availability or by prior arrangement for groups of 10+ people.

A little preparation goes a long way

New Zealand’s weather can change in an instant, with “four seasons in one day” being a regular occurrence. For your comfort, we recommend packing light but covering all eventualities. A warm jacket, sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses will ensure you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you. We also keep spare jackets and sunscreen on board in case you forget. On days with sea swells, we recommend Sea-Legs to manage nausea.

We’re committed to your safety

In line with New Zealand’s laws, our staff are trained for emergencies, and our boat and onboard equipment are maintained and tested regularly.

Due to the size of our boat, you’re not required to wear a life vest, but should the need arise, we have more than enough for our passengers. If you’d feel more comfortable wearing one for the journey, just ask a member of our crew.

How it works

Book your desired departure date and sailing time using our online system.

Collect your boarding pass from our office at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Step aboard the Akaroa Dolphins boat 15 minutes before your departure time.

Frequently asked questions

The long-term well-being of our native wildlife is incredibly important. For that reason, we do not allow guests to swim with the dolphins.

Here in Akaroa Harbour we are in a prime location for the Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. As the animals are wild we can never guarantee to see them, but have a high success rate with sightings.

Yes, we run our cruises every day of the year, weather permitting.

As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are one of only two year-round operators legally authorised to take guests to see the dolphins in Akaroa Harbour.

New Zealand’s weather can change in an instant. For your comfort, we recommend packing light but covering all eventualities. A warm jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses will ensure you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you. We also keep spare jackets and sunscreen on board in case you forget. On days with sea swells, we recommend visiting the pharmacy for Sea-Legs to manage nausea.

Cancellations by the guest must be made no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Any cancellations after this time will incur the full cost of the cruise. No charge applies to any booking changes made up to 24 hours before departure.

For groups over 6 and Private Charters please note, cancellations must be made no later than 7 days prior to departure in order to receive your deposit refund. Cancellations made within 7 days prior to your booking will incur the full cost of the cruise.

Hear from our happy cruisers

Private charters

Our private charters allow you to tailor a dolphin cruise to suit your party's needs. Embark on a personalised dolphin cruise that guarantees privacy, flexibility, and a truly extraordinary experience. Get in touch with us to plan an unforgettable voyage.

authentic New Zealand experience and Māori connection

Private Deluxe Tour

Our private tours are custom designed to ensure you get the most of your short trip to New Zealand. We are here to plan your New Zealand tourism experience on the Banks Peninsula.

Standard Tour

Our standard tour is designed especially for the guests who have limited time to explore New Zealand but want to experience the insight of Māori culture and the Akaroa Harbour.

Pipi Journeys Features

43°48'31.7"S 172°57'28.8"E

Harbour cruise.

-43.9055003, 172.9608679

43°50'07.5"S 172°56'46.5"E

Come and learn about Māori culture and experience our lifestyle first-hand

Pipi Journeys Akaroa offers a learning opportunity about Māori hospitality and kindness (Manaakitanga). Learn and experience Māori generosity, respect, and hospitality which is one of our core values as New Zealanders. Experience how welcoming we are as the first nation of New Zealand.

Pipi Journeys

harbour cruise – fishing – self-catering – gastronomy – Māori  cultural experience

Akaroa, Banks Penisula, New Zealand

Authentic New Zealand Māori Experience

Request more information.

Pipi Journeys Akaroa Pickup

Main Wharf, Beach Road, Akaroa,7520

[email protected]

+ 64 020 4162 5573

Akaroa & The Bays

Akaroa dolphins | harbour nature cruises.

Step into a world of wonder and adventure with Akaroa Dolphins the 100% locally-owned and operated family business. Embark on a luxurious 2-hour cruise around Akaroa Harbour and be swept away by the beauty of New Zealand's natural scenery. Meet the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins, the Hector's dolphins, and watch in awe as they swim alongside the boat. Located in a prime habitat, our tours offer a high success rate for sightings of Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. With our commitment to conservation, we do not swim with the dolphins. From our friendly check-in team to our expert skippers and knowledgeable onboard guides ,you will feel welcomed and comfortable every step of the way.  And let's not forget our amazing dolphin-spotting dogs, equipped with life vests and a keen ear, who will make your encounter even more memorable.

Visit https://www.akaroadolphins.co.nz/book-now/ , call +64 3 304 7866 or email us at [email protected] to secure your spot.

Our ticketing office is open daily to help you plan your adventure. During the summer, we're here to assist you from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and during the winter, our hours are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. If you need help outside of these hours, our friendly team will still be answering phone calls to assist you.

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PHONE 0800 436 574

Welcome to Banks Peninsula, home of The Hector’s dolphins and eco-tourism pioneers Black Cat Cruises

Experience our beautiful…, harbour nature cruise, experience our beautiful, akaroa harbour nature cruises, the historic french village of akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from christchurch..

Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and Akaroa dolphins on daily harbour cruises.

Bookings / Tickets

Check Availability and Book Online Now

View frequently asked questions

For all enquiries please call us on 0800 937 946 or email us on [email protected]

how to find us

How to get to akaroa.

Akaroa is located around 80 to 90 minutes drive from Christchurch city and Christchurch International airport. It is an easy drive in a car through New Zealand farmland and then over the stunning Banks Peninsula hills to Akaroa. See  http://maps.google.com/  for detailed directions of how to get from Christchurch to Akaroa. Once in Akaroa continue along Rue Lavaud, which turns into Beach Rd. look for the long wharf in the centre of the town. You’ll see our large blue building on the wharf with a dolphin mural painted on the roof. Print this map out to help you navigate.  You can also find us at 61 Beach Road.

Cruise Ships

Cruise ship passengers will disembark directly onto the main wharf in Akaroa. This is where our main booking office and gift shop is located. Please allow enough time for you tender boat to reach the wharf in time for your activity check in

Tour Highlights

Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award winning cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. And you’ll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting.

Travel In Style

Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat (previously the Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. Our vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating, for shade and shelter. Inside there’s a bar and toilets. And the Black Cat is both stable and safe. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour with our award winning Black Cat Cruise team. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You’ll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay.

Volcanic Origins

On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away.

Frequently asked questions

Our cruise is different each and every day based on the weather, sea and wildlife.  You will spend 2hours out on the harbour.

We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera – there are incredible views.

Our catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board.

We also suggest warm clothes, a hat and sun screen lotion. Under 5’s travel for free. Ask about our special family passes available on morning cruises only. Snacks including chips and soft drinks are available on board.

The following provides a guideline to those of our customers who have a physical disability. We can cater for customers who are blind or have a loss of a limb.

For those with a mental illness we have never had any issues in the past provided there is good support from friends and family.

Below are more details focused on those in wheelchairs.

Information for Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises customers with a disability

We welcome customers in wheelchairs, with able body companions. We’ve invested in proper ramps to enable customers to get on and off the Black Cat with ease. Once on the Black Cat you will have access to a wide area of the bottom deck at the stern (rear) of the boat. The top deck is only accessible via a relatively steep set of steps. The bow area is not accessible because its quite a narrow walk up each side (too narrow for a wheelchair). You also have access to the main cabin of the vessel though this means you have to get over a 30cm lip from the back deck. In the back of the boat you will be able to see the harbour and the dolphins provided they circle the boat, which they normally do. It is however not the quietest part of the boat when she is travelling at speed because the engines are in the back. Sorry the toilets on board Black Cat are not wheelchair friendly.

The award-winning Black Cat Cruises is not only an acclaimed success in New Zealand’s tourism industry but also internationally recognized as an eco-tourism pioneer. We hold the honour of being the first to introduce cruises in Akaroa, and we're proud to be acknowledged as New Zealand’s very first eco-tourism operator.

WHERE WE ARE

Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from Akaroa which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The Diamond Harbour, Quail Island and Ripapa ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch.

• 0800 326 794
• +64 3 304 7629

Harbour Cruise Akaroa

100% local owned and operated.

We are a small 6th  generation family business. We love taking guests out to share amazing experiences on the Akaroa Harbour on this 2 hour tour.

Personal & Inspiring Experience

We offer a more personal experience with a max. 12 guests per tour on a fun boat. We are passionate about nature and look forward to sharing our big blue back yard with you.

Amazing Scenery & Wildlife

The Akaroa Harbour has an incredible scenery due to it volcanic history, as well as a wide range of wildlife with White flippered Penguins, Fur Seals, Hector Dolphins and lots more .

Akaroa is beautiful,

… there’s many reasons why akaroa harbour is breathtaking. it’s incredible scenery was created from it’s volcanic history..

There is also a wide range of wildlife, White Flippered Penguins, New Zealand Fur Seals, Hector’s Dolphins, Albatross and many other sea birds.

We believe it is so amazing that if you come to Akaroa and do not go out on a boat tour you have missed the best our area has to offer!

We look forward to sharing our big blue back yard with you on our 2hr Akaroa Harbour Cruise.

Come and share our passion for nature

Child price $50

We realise you have many choices

… here is why we think you should choose us.

• We offer a more intimate and personal experience with a maximum of 12 guests per tour.
• We are all about being in the moment with the wildlife and scenery. On our boat you feel as if you are part of the environment not just a spectator.
• We are highly recommended and rated on Tripadvisor by independent reviews from previous guests just like yourself.
• Unlike bigger boats our boat can get you closer to cliffs, caves, sea arches, scenery and wildlife.
• Our boat is closest to the water than any other boat in Akaroa so if dolphins choose to surf under the front you are only 3 feet away from them, it’s a magical experience.
• All our tours are as low impact as possible to the environment and wildlife following the regulations set out by our Department of Conservation.
• With our local knowledge you will have very informative commentary on the area, geology, history and wildlife.
• Our boat is an ex Americas Cup chase boat and has been a Coastguard rescue vessel saving peoples lives.
• It is an exciting, fantastic, sea going boat that is safe and stable.
• It is licensed by Maritime NZ with all the necessary safety equipment.

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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