Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch

Carino Wildlife Cruises - Island and Wildlife Day Cruise

★ 4.9 52 reviews

from $131.87 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, Marsden Rd
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Carino Wildlife Cruises

Overview

This day cruise aboard Carino leaves from Paihia Wharf, with boarding in the morning ahead of a morning departure, and runs about 6 hours across the Bay of Islands. The operator asks travellers to call the day before to confirm the booking and the weather. It is a wildlife-focused trip, and reviewers describe the crew as knowledgeable about local fauna and history, and very informative.

The day combines several elements: sailing, snorkelling with provided equipment, and a walk on an island, which one reviewer described as magnificent with great views over the bay. A simple BBQ lunch is included, along with tea and coffee. Reviewers have praised both the lunch itself and the brownies that come with it. Alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.

Each departure carries a maximum of 20 people, and one reviewer recommended the trip for anyone wanting a smaller group experience. It is not recommended for children under 4, it is not wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is expected. The cruise ends back at the same wharf where it started.

An unbranded tour boat arriving at the Russell wharf pontoon in late afternoon gold light on the bay

What's Included

Included

Use of snorkelling equipment
Coffee and/or Tea
Lunch (Simple BBQ Lunch)

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages
Soda/Pop

Itinerary

Meet at Paihia WharfMeet at 69 Marsden Road, Paihia, with boarding in the morning before the start time given on the booking page. Call the operator the day before to confirm the weather and your booking.
Wildlife day cruiseThe experience lasts about 6 hours and includes sailing, use of snorkelling equipment, an island walk and a simple BBQ lunch. A timed order for these activities is not stated, so check the live booking page.
Return to Paihia WharfThe cruise ends back at the meeting point on Marsden Road.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you prepare for this cruise, drawn from the booking details and from what travellers have said afterwards.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Dolphin And Hole In The Rock Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

3-Hour Hole in the Rock Cruise$88.87
Dolphins and Island Cruise$90
Eco Cruise, Marine Wildlife Focus$97.47
Cruise with 2 Island Stops$101
Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise$101
Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included$121
Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch (this tour)$131.87

Getting there. You make your own way to Paihia Wharf on Marsden Road, boarding before the start time given on the booking page. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the live booking page if you need a transfer. The wharf sits near public transport.
Small group. The sailing carries a maximum of 20 travellers, and one reviewer specifically recommended it for anyone wanting a smaller group experience.
Fitness and pace. The operator asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and the itinerary includes an island walk plus snorkelling. Travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are advised not to book.
Food and drink. Lunch is a simple BBQ, with tea and coffee included. One reviewer called the barbie great and praised the brownies, and another said a variety of drinks is available. Alcoholic drinks and soda are not included.
Call the day before. The operator asks you to phone the day before to confirm the weather and your booking. Weather matters here, since the experience requires good conditions to run.
Snorkel gear. Snorkelling equipment is provided, so you do not need your own. One reviewer described the snorkelling as awesome and the water as warm.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if either condition is not met it may be cancelled, in which case you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. It is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for children under 4. Free cancellation only applies if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, so late changes cost the full fare. Alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers use of snorkelling equipment, tea and coffee, and a simple BBQ lunch. The cruise lasts about 6 hours and ends back at Paihia Wharf. Alcoholic beverages and soda are not included.

Where Does The Cruise Depart From?

It departs from Paihia Wharf at 69 Marsden Road, Paihia, with boarding before the start time given at booking. The operator asks you to call the day before to confirm the weather and your booking, and hotel pickup is not stated, so check the live booking page if that matters to you.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children?

It is not recommended for children under 4 years old. The trip also assumes a moderate level of physical fitness for all aboard.

Can I Join If I Have Limited Mobility?

No, the experience is not wheelchair accessible. It also requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions are advised against booking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Later cancellations are not refunded, and changes made inside that 24 hour window are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather you are offered a different date or a full refund, and if the minimum number of travellers is not met you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

How Many People Are On The Boat?

Each departure is capped at 20 travellers. One reviewer recommended the trip specifically for those wanting a smaller group experience.