Bay of Islands: Evening sailing cruise with swim stop

Summary

Evening Bay of Islands sailing cruise with swim stop & guide

You’ll board straight from Paihia beach for an evening sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands, guided by locals who know every inlet. Swim off the catamaran in sheltered waters, sip a complimentary drink as dusk settles in, and catch those shifting colors you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to step right onto the boat from the sand — shoes in hand, laughing a little as the water lapped at my ankles. The Bay of Islands was quieter than I thought it’d be at 5pm, just a few locals waving from the shore. Our skipper, Tom (who’s apparently sailed these waters since he was a kid), greeted us like we were old friends. There was this salty breeze that made everything feel lighter somehow.

We drifted out past Paihia and suddenly you could hear almost nothing but the sails creaking and some distant gulls. Tom pointed out Motuarohia Island and told us about Captain Cook’s first landing here — I tried to imagine what it looked like back then, but honestly I was distracted by how gold the light got on the water. Someone asked if we’d get to swim and Tom just grinned, “That’s half the fun.” So yeah, we anchored in this sheltered spot where the water looked almost green-blue. I jumped in before I could overthink it; it was colder than I expected but in a good way.

Back on deck, wrapped in a towel and sipping that complimentary drink (I went for something local — can’t remember what it was called), I watched everyone settle into their own quiet conversations or just stare out at the horizon. There’s something about being on a catamaran at sunset that makes you want to talk less and listen more. The sun dipped behind Urupukapuka Island and for a second everything felt kind of suspended — not sure how else to put it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sundowner Evening Cruise

• Relaxing scenic evening sail

Top questions

What time does the evening sailing cruise depart from Paihia?

The Sundowner Evening Cruise departs Paihia beachfront at 5pm.

Is there a swim stop included during the Bay of Islands cruise?

Yes, there is a sheltered anchorage where guests can swim during the cruise.

Are children allowed on this evening sailing tour?

Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult; not suitable for children under 4 years old.

Is public transportation available near Paihia beach?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Paihia beachfront.

Do I need any special fitness level to join this sailing cruise?

A reasonable level of physical ability is required to board from the beach; suitable for all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

Your experience includes boarding directly from Paihia beach, guidance from a local skipper throughout your evening sail around the Bay of Islands, a swim stop at a sheltered anchorage, and one complimentary drink while you take in the scenery before returning to shore.