Snorkeling in Bay of Islands: Private yacht charter

You design the day: sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding or beach time, all on your schedule.

A private yacht charter in the Bay of Islands lets you pick what happens each hour: sail to bird sanctuaries, snorkel in clear water, paddleboard from a protected bay, or anchor at a beach and do nothing. The boat departs Russell Wharf at 10am and returns by 3:30pm, with snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch and hot drinks included. A live guide speaks English or French and adapts the route to what you want.

The experience

The charter starts at Russell Wharf at 10am and sails out to a set of islands, most of them predator-free bird sanctuaries with walking trails. Once you drop anchor in a protected bay, the day splits into what appeals to you: wade ashore for a stroll through the sanctuary, grab the snorkeling gear and head into the clear water, or paddle out on the boards. There's no fixed itinerary. If you want to stay at the first sandy beach you see, that's what happens.

Lunch comes onboard, along with coffee and tea throughout the day. The snorkeling gear and paddleboards are yours to use as much or as little as you want. They're already loaded and ready. You're back at Russell Wharf by 3:30pm, which gives you the rest of the afternoon free in the Bay of Islands.

A live guide in English or French is onboard and steers the boat, but the route and the stops are yours to call. This works for groups of any size up to the boat's capacity, and the crew adjusts the day based on what you actually want to do when you get there.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment.
• paddleboards.
• lunch onboard.
• coffee and tea throughout the day.
• a live guide in English or French who adjusts the route to your interests.

Before you book

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

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Love Machine Yacht Charter

Is this one for you?The pace is entirely yours, whether that means sailing between islands, spending hours in the water, or anchoring at one beach for the afternoon. If you want a set itinerary and a guide leading the stops, a group tour would suit you better. This one works because you're calling what happens.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling gear is provided and the protected bay where you'll use it is calm and shallow. The guide is there to help you get comfortable in the water, and you can spend as much or as little time snorkeling as you want: paddleboarding and beach time are equally available.

What are the bird sanctuaries like?

Most of the islands you sail past are predator-free bird sanctuaries with walking trails already marked out. You can go ashore and explore them on foot, or stay on the boat and watch from the water. The choice is yours.

Is the boat suitable for young children or older adults?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The boat has paddleboards and snorkeling gear available, but you're not required to use either. You can spend the day on deck, ashore at a beach, or exploring the islands at whatever pace feels right.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The charter operates in the Bay of Islands, which is generally sheltered. If conditions change, the guide will adjust the route to keep you safe and comfortable: that flexibility is built into how the day works.

Do I need to bring anything?

Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch and drinks are all included. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a light layer if you're sensitive to wind on the water.