Bay of Islands Catamaran Sailing & Island Stop from Paihia

Six Hours Sailing the Bay of Islands: Dolphins, Secluded Bays & Lunch Afloat

You board at Paihia Wharf and sail the Bay of Islands for six hours on a catamaran with a maximum of 19 guests. You get a two-hour island stop where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim or walk ashore, or simply sit and rest. Lunch is served onboard with dietary options available, and the crew handles the commentary on local wildlife and history while you watch for dolphins and penguins. The whole thing is designed so you don't have to arrange transport, equipment or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands sailing and island stop

• Board catamaran at Paihia Wharf
• Cruise Bay of Islands, learn history
• Stop 2 hours at secluded bay
• Swim, snorkel, paddle board, or walk
• Enjoy catered lunch onboard
• Relax on deck sailing back

The experience

The catamaran pushes off Paihia Wharf and the noise of the waterfront drops away almost instantly. You're on the water now, moving through the Bay of Islands with just eighteen other people aboard: small enough that you can actually hear the skipper when he points out the local history, the birds, the shape of the coastline. The boat is a proper catamaran, not cramped, so there's room to spread out on the bean bags or move around without bumping elbows. Six hours sounds long until you realize how much of it is just being on the water, watching the islands pass, keeping an eye out for dolphins or penguins if they show up.

Around two hours in, the boat anchors in a bay chosen for that day's conditions, often somewhere the bigger tour groups don't reach. This is where you get to decide what happens next. You can jump in and snorkel with the gear provided, or grab a stand-up paddleboard and paddle out to explore on your own terms. There's an island walk if you want to get ashore, or you can just swim. If none of that appeals, you stay on deck, order a coffee, and let the quiet do the work. The crew doesn't rush you. Two hours is enough time to actually do something, not just tick a box.

Lunch comes before the sail back: catered onboard, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options if you've flagged them when booking. It's the kind of meal that tastes better on the water than it would on land, partly because you're hungry and partly because you're not sitting in a restaurant. The return to Paihia is slower, more of a drift, and by then you've stopped thinking about the time and just settled into the rhythm of the boat.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Paihia Wharf, a six-hour sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands with experienced skipper and local commentary on wildlife and history, use of snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards, a two-hour island stop where you choose between snorkelling, paddleboarding, swimming or a self-guided walk, a catered lunch onboard with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available, and complimentary tea, coffee and water throughout. A restroom is available onboard.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (2 to 16 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 19

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Bayscapes Charters

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Bay of Islands without driving yourself or coordinating separate activities: the boat, the gear, the lunch and the timing are all arranged, and the small group size means you're not herded through the day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 16 years); Infant (under 2).

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.

How long is the full sailing trip?

Six hours total, including the two-hour island stop and lunch.

What's included in the price?

Catamaran cruise, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, the island stop, catered lunch, tea, coffee and water. Dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free) are available if you request them when booking.

How many people go on the boat?

Maximum 19 guests, plus the skipper and crew.

Can I snorkel or paddleboard if I'm not confident in the water?

Both activities are optional. You can swim, walk the island, or stay on deck and relax instead.

What if I get seasick?

The catamaran is a larger, more stable vessel than a speedboat, and the Bay of Islands is generally calmer than open ocean. There's a restroom onboard if you need it.

Do I need to bring my own snorkelling gear?

No, snorkelling equipment and paddleboards are provided.