Frank Future and Andrew Parker, of Dolphin Swim Australia, have secured a three-year State Government licence to run the Aquatic Marine Viewing Experience out of Nelson Bay.

The offshore tours, starting February 27, will allow swimmers, attached to tow ropes off a 15-metre catamaran, to ride bow waves alongside the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis.

Dolphin Swim Australia will also research the species.

Mr Future said about 250,000 people a year went dolphin watching in Port Stephens, and many were looking for a more in-depth experience.

"I think Port Stephens has become iconic for dolphins and dolphin watching, certainly within NSW if not Australia," he said.

"It's seen as a bit of a capital of dolphins, dolphin watching. But there hasn't really been any new products, new activity.

"There's such a growing demand from people around the world to get closer to wild animals and do it safely."

Mr Parker said the new venture would put Port Stephens on the map.

"We'll be doing a lot to promote the region and promote the environment and this wonderful blue water wonderland we have on our doorsteps," he said.

"We will be keeping good quality data . . . on the behaviour of the dolphin species around us and of course making sure we don't have any negative impact on the dolphin species."