Snorkeling in Bay of Islands, Paihia: 65-foot yacht with lunch

A 65-foot yacht built to sail oceans, not just bays

Snorkel the Bay of Islands on GUNGHA II, a 65-foot ocean-going yacht departing Paihia daily at 10am and returning around 4pm. The crew provides masks and snorkels, morning snacks, a fresh sandwich lunch, and hot outside showers. You can help sail the boat or simply relax while marine life (penguins, seabirds and others) often appear in playful groups. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands sailing adventure

• Depart from Paihia at 10:00 am
• Enjoy tasty morning snacks
• Sail on 65 foot yacht GUNGHA II
• Stop at unique island for snorkeling
• Use masks and snorkels to explore
• Take hot outside showers
• Eat fresh sandwich lunch on board
• Spot marine life like penguins and seabirds
• Relax or help sail the boat
• Return to Paihia around 4:00 pm

The experience

GUNGHA II is the largest and most widely travelled ocean sailing yacht in the Bay of Islands, crewed by sailors who have lived aboard throughout the Pacific and beyond. The boat leaves Paihia at 10am daily (Russell transfers included) and spends the morning under sail, with a unique island stopover where you get in the water with masks and snorkels. The crew will help you sail if you're keen to learn, or you can stay on deck and watch the water for penguins and seabirds. They're often plentiful and sighted in groups.

The day runs about six hours. Morning snacks, a fresh sandwich lunch, cold drinks and water come aboard. You'll also find hot outside showers and clean toilets. Bring your own towel. The boat returns around 4pm. Our friendly crew keeps the sailing informal and funny, and they're happy to talk through sailing skills if you want to pick some up.

What’s included

• Masks and snorkels.
• tasty morning snacks.
• fresh sandwich lunch.
• cold non-alcoholic drinks and water.
• hot outside showers.
• clean toilets.
• crew instruction in sailing if you want it.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bay of Islands Sailing/Gungha II

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and keeps the sailing informal and funny, so families and mixed groups follow easily. A moderate level of fitness helps, since you're on a working yacht and in the water. The crew will tell you upfront if you have concerns about your health or mobility.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 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.

Can I help sail the boat, or do I just watch?

The crew will help you sail GUNGHA II if you're keen to learn sailing skills, or you can relax on deck and enjoy the water and wildlife. Either way works on the same departure.

What marine life might I see while snorkeling in the Bay of Islands?

Penguins, seabirds and other marine life are often plentiful in the bay and frequently sighted in playful groups, though sightings vary by day and season.

What's included in the $175 price?

The cost covers all activities, snorkeling masks and snorkels, morning snacks, a fresh sandwich lunch, cold drinks, water, hot outside showers and toilet access. You provide your own towel and fins if you prefer them.

Is there a minimum age for this snorkeling trip?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. The boat operates daily, so you can choose a departure that fits your family's schedule.

What time does the boat leave and return?

GUNGHA II departs Paihia at 10am daily, with Russell transfers included. The boat returns around 4pm, making it a full day on the water.