Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands: Small group yacht tour with lunch
Sail through 144 islands and anchor for a swim, hike and homemade lunch
Phantom is a small-group sailing tour of the Bay of Islands aboard a live-aboard yacht with a maximum of 10 guests, led by Rick and Robin, who have spent two decades sailing these waters and raising their family on the boat. The tour includes a guided sail through the bay, a one-hour island stop for hiking or swimming, snorkeling equipment, and a homemade lunch prepared on board. No sailing experience is required, and the hosts offer optional instruction on how the yacht handles.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sail and explore Bay of Islands
- Board yacht with up to 10 guests
- Sail through Bay of Islands
- Go ashore for one-hour hike
- Swim, snorkel, or relax on board
- Enjoy home-made lunch on yacht
- Learn local history from hosts
- Sail back to Russell
- Observe native sea birds and dolphins
What’s included
- Use of snorkeling equipment.
- homemade lunch prepared on board.
- guided sail with local history and wildlife commentary.
- one-hour island stop for hiking, swimming or snorkeling.
- optional sailing instruction from the hosts.
Times
- Every day 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Phantom Sailing
Prices and times updated 15 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The Bay of Islands has 144 islands scattered across its waters, and a five-and-a-half-hour sail lets you move through them instead of viewing them from a fixed point. You board at Russell and sail out with Rick and Robin, who narrate the bay's history as locals and point out native seabirds (penguins, gannets, shearwaters), and occasionally dolphins or orca. The maximum of 10 guests means you're not one of dozens. The hosts know your name and adjust the day to what interests you.
At the island stop, you have choices. Hike inland for views across the whole bay, or stay on the water: snorkel with the equipment provided, swim from the yacht, or sit on deck while Rick and Robin prepare lunch in the galley. The meal is homemade and served on board. If you want to learn how the yacht works, they're happy to show you, or you can simply watch the sail back to Russell unfold. The hosts speak English and Spanish, and they'll answer questions about the boat, the region, or the two decades they've spent sailing from the Caribbean through the South Pacific.
No sailing experience is necessary. The yacht is built for this work and handles the bay's conditions. You're there to be part of it, not to operate it. Children and infants can come aboard, and public transport reaches the Russell departure point.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a sailing experience led by people who have lived on boats for two decades and still love meeting travelers: the small group size and the hosts' knowledge of the bay make it personal rather than a standard tour. Private departures are available on request if you want the yacht to yourself.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 1): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What do I actually do during the five-and-a-half-hour sail?
You sail through the bay with the hosts narrating the history and pointing out wildlife, stop at an island for a one-hour break where you can hike, swim or snorkel, and return to Russell by boat while eating lunch on board. The pace is set by the sail itself, not by a schedule of stops.
Is snorkeling equipment included, and what's the water like?
Snorkeling gear is provided. The Bay of Islands is temperate water, and you can snorkel at the island stop or from the yacht itself if conditions suit. The hosts will advise based on the day's conditions.
How many people sail on the Phantom?
A maximum of 10 guests sail at once, which means the hosts can adjust the day to what the group wants and you're not competing for space or attention on deck.
Do I need sailing experience to enjoy this tour?
No sailing experience is required. The hosts will explain how the yacht works if you're interested, but you're welcome to simply sail and relax while they handle the boat.
Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands: Small group yacht tour with lunch
5h 30m · EN · ES
from NZ$ 195 per person
≈ US$ 112 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.