Bay of Islands sailing cruise in Paihia: Help set the sails

A 15-metre sailing catamaran where you can help raise the sails

Island and wildlife day cruise departing from Paihia aboard Carino NZ, a small family-owned 15-metre sailing catamaran. You help set the sails when conditions allow, watch for wild dolphins and little blue penguins as the crew shares local knowledge, then stop at a sheltered island to swim, snorkel or walk ashore. A Kiwi-style BBQ lunch is served on board, and a portion of every fare supports marine mammal conservation.

The experience

Carino NZ is a spacious 15-metre sailing catamaran that departs Paihia each day for a full day on the water. The crew actively looks for wild dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds and other marine life as you sail, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed since the animals are completely wild. When the wind allows, you can join in and help raise the sails. If you'd rather sit back, there's plenty of comfortable deck space to relax while the skipper and crew share stories, history and observations about the Bay of Islands.

The skipper chooses which sheltered island to visit based on the day's conditions, giving you time ashore to swim, snorkel, explore the shoreline or simply rest. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and a Kiwi-style BBQ lunch is cooked and served on board during the island stop. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. The cruise runs for six hours total, and your booking supports Carino's marine mammal conservation work and children's education program.

What’s included

• Kiwi-style BBQ lunch served on board.
• snorkelling equipment.
• coffee and tea.
• six hours aboard the 15-metre sailing catamaran.
• time ashore on a sheltered island to swim, snorkel or walk.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Carino Wildlife Cruises

Is this one for you?Small groups mean you're not crowded on deck, so there's room to move around, help with the sails if you want, or find a quiet spot to watch the water and wildlife. The mix of active sailing, wildlife watching and a full island stop suits anyone who wants a real day on the water without a rigid itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the Bay of Islands cruise?

Wild dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds and other marine life are actively sought as Carino sails, though sightings depend entirely on where the animals are that day and are never guaranteed. The crew shares observations and local knowledge about the species you encounter.

Can I actually help sail the boat, or is that just an option?

You can join in and help set the sails when the wind allows, or you can sit back and relax on deck. It's entirely your choice. The crew will show you what to do if you want to participate.

Where do you stop, and what can I do on the island?

The skipper picks a sheltered island based on the day's conditions and sea state. Once ashore, you can swim, snorkel using the provided equipment, walk and explore the shoreline, or simply relax. Time ashore is built into the six-hour cruise.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

A Kiwi-style BBQ lunch is cooked and served on board during the island stop. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included.

How many people go on each cruise?

Carino keeps groups small so there's plenty of room to enjoy the day aboard the spacious 15-metre catamaran. The boat is family-owned and operated locally.