Day Sail, Lunch And Island Stop

Bay of Islands | Day Sailing Cruise with Lunch & Island Stop

★ 5.0 140 reviews

from $121 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 6 hours
Meeting point: Paihia Wharf
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Bayscapes Charters

Overview

Six hours aboard a 40ft sailing catamaran, with no more than 19 guests on board, sets this Paihia cruise apart from the bigger boat trips in the bay. The day runs in three parts: a sail out through the islands, a roughly two-hour stop at a sheltered bay, and a sail back to Paihia Wharf. Lunch is catered on board, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options if you flag them when booking.

The island stop is chosen on the day, based on weather and sea conditions, so the destination varies. Once anchored, the time is yours. Swim, take a paddle board out, snorkel along the shoreline, or walk ashore on the island. Doing nothing at all is equally acceptable. Reviewers regularly mention the beanbags on the foredeck and the snorkelling, and one reviewer reported plenty of fish along the coastline.

It suits travellers who want a slow day rather than a packed one. Families with children are welcome, provided a parent comes along, and reviewers travelling with young children and with an 80-year-old mother both reported the crew adapted well. There is no hotel pickup. You meet at Paihia Wharf, and the operator asks you to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Inside a cruise boat cabin, rows of empty bench seats and large windows showing green bay islands on a clear day

What's Included

Included

6-hour Bay of Islands sailing cruise
Experienced local skipper and commentary
2-hour island stopover
Catered lunch
Use of stand-up paddleboards
Use of snorkeling equipment
Small-group experience (maximum 19 guests)
Beanbags and spacious onboard seating areas
Onboard restroom facilities

Not Included

Soft drinks and snacks (available for purchase onboard)
Alcoholic drinks (bring your own)

Itinerary

Meet at Paihia WharfCheck in at Paihia Wharf, Paihia. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. Shoes come off on boarding and can be taken ashore for the island walk.
Sail out into the bayAround 2 hours of sailing between islands and bays, with commentary from the local crew on the places you pass.
Island stopAround 2 hours at a sheltered bay chosen for the conditions. Swim, snorkel, paddle board, walk ashore, or stay on board. Catered lunch is served as part of the stop.
Sail back to PaihiaAround 2 hours back to Paihia Wharf, where the cruise ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the day right, from what to wear to how the food works.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Tall Ship, Yacht And Catamaran Sailing listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Sundowner Tall Ship Sail, 1h50$63.07
Gungha II Day Sail, Island Stop$110
Phantom Sail, 5 Hours 30 Minutes$111.80
Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included$117.53
Vigilant Yacht Full-Day Sail$117.53
Day Sail, Lunch and Island Stop (this tour)$121
6-Hour Sail to Wildlife Sanctuary$140.47

What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel and clothing suited to the weather. The operator suggests a light jacket, since conditions on the water can be cooler than on land.
Bare feet on board. Shoes come off when you board, so wear a pair that slips off easily. You can carry them ashore for the optional island walk.
Food and drink. Lunch is catered and included, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available if you advise at booking. Soft drinks and snacks cost extra, and alcohol is not sold on board, but you can bring your own, and a cooler is provided.
Pace and fitness. Nothing is compulsory. You can snorkel, paddle board and walk the island, or spend the whole stop on a beanbag. One reviewer described the island walk as manageable for an elderly parent, and families report their children loved the snorkelling and paddle boarding.
Group feel. The boat carries at most 19 guests, so there is room to spread out on deck or in the saloon. Reviewers repeatedly describe the setting as relaxed and personalised rather than crowded.
Weather and wildlife. The island destination changes with the weather and sea conditions, so where you anchor is not fixed in advance. Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed, so treat anything you spot as a bonus rather than a promise.

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Common issues. A few limitations are worth knowing before booking. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to Paihia Wharf, and soft drinks, snacks and alcohol are not included. Reviewers who sailed late in the season found the water too cold for comfortable swimming, and one suggested booking earlier in the season for that reason. The island stop depends on weather and sea conditions, so the destination is not fixed in advance, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The 6-hour sailing cruise, a local skipper and commentary, the 2-hour island stop, catered lunch, paddle boards, snorkel gear, beanbags and seating, and onboard restroom facilities are all included. The group is capped at 19 guests. Soft drinks and snacks are sold on board, and alcohol is not included.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks are not available for purchase on board, but you are welcome to bring your own, and the boat has a cooler you can use.

Is There Hotel Pickup?

No, pickup is not included. The tour departs from Paihia Wharf in Paihia, and the operator asks travellers to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Reviewers travelling with young children and with a family of five reported the crew were accommodating and the kids enjoyed the snorkelling and paddle boards.

Can I Get A Refund If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the live booking page for the current terms before you book.

Are There Dietary Options For Lunch?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free lunches are available. The operator asks you to advise your dietary requirements at the time of booking so the catering can be arranged.