Vigilant Yacht Full-Day Sail

Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★ 4.9 232 reviews

from $117.53 per person

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Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Russell, The Strand
Meal: Meal included
Run by: vigilant yacht charters

Overview

This trip spends roughly five and a half hours sailing the Bay of Islands from the Russell dock, with a long stop at an island along the way. Departure is at 10am sharp, and the crew asks everyone to be on the dock ahead of that time. The boat carries a maximum of 10 travellers.

The shape of the day is simple. You sail out across the bay, anchor near an island, and spend time ashore or on the water. Lunch is made on board, usually a wrap or salad with fresh vegetables and fruit, plus tea, coffee, and water. One reviewer noted the crew prepared a gluten-free lunch on request, and vegetarian options exist if you ask when booking.

The trip suits travellers who want a sailing day rather than a fast sightseeing run. When the wind allows, the boat sails under canvas on the return leg, and several reviewers mention being offered a turn at the helm. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, so it is less suited to anyone who needs step-free access.

Open deck view from a moving cruise boat across green forested islands and blue water with a curving wake behind

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Coffee & Tea
Kayaks
Snorkeling gear
Local guide
Port pickup and drop-off

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at Russell dockMeet the crew on the dock at The Strand, Russell. Arrive before the 10am sharp departure.
Sail the Bay of IslandsCross the bay under sail or motor depending on the wind, with commentary on the area from the crew.
Island stopAnchor at an island in the bay. Kayaks and snorkelling gear are carried on board for use during the stop.
Lunch on boardA freshly prepared lunch is served on the boat, with tea and coffee. Dietary requirements can be noted at booking.
Return sail to RussellSail back to the Russell dock where the day began, weather permitting.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to carry to how the island stop 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 (this tour)$117.53
Day Sail, Lunch and Island Stop$121
6-Hour Sail to Wildlife Sanctuary$140.47

Getting there. The trip starts from the Russell dock on The Strand. The crew says to ask the Information Centre at the end of the dock if you cannot find them. The meeting point is near public transport, so allow travel time from wherever you are staying.
Bring your own. Alcoholic drinks are not included. The boat has a bathroom and indoor storage out of the elements, so a small bag is easy to stow.
Fitness and pace. The island stop is time you can spend hiking, swimming, kayaking, or sitting on the beach.
Group feel. The maximum is 10 travellers, and reviewers repeatedly describe the day as relaxing and laid back. With a small group, the crew has time to answer questions and, when conditions allow, hand over the helm for a spell.
Weather matters. The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers. If it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered a different date or a full refund. One group reported the crew held out against a poor forecast and were rewarded with a fine day.
Food on board. Lunch is freshly made on the boat, with reviewers mentioning veggie wraps, salads with fresh vegetables, and fruit. Tea, coffee, and water are provided. Tell the booking page about any dietary needs, including vegetarian, when you book.

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Common issues. This is a weather-dependent trip, and cancellations for poor conditions or low numbers will move you to another date or refund you in full rather than run a compromised day. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are, and infants must sit on laps. The minimum drinking age is 18 years and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Lunch, coffee and tea, kayaks, snorkelling gear, a local guide, and port pickup and drop-off are all included. Alcoholic drinks and gratuities are not.

Where Does The Tour Start?

The meeting point is the Russell dock on The Strand, Russell. The crew waits on the dock and asks everyone to arrive in good time for the 10am departure. If you cannot spot them, the Information Centre at the end of the dock can point you to the boat.

How Long Is The Tour?

The tour runs 5.5 hours from Russell. Part of that is spent at an island stop with options to hike, swim, kayak, or snorkel. The rest of the day is spent crossing the bay.

Is It Suitable For Children And Babies?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. Pushchairs are accessible on the trip. The minimum drinking age on board is 18 years.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers. If it is cancelled for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Confirmation of your booking arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Can I Get A Vegetarian Or Gluten-Free Lunch?

Yes. The operator asks you to advise specific dietary requirements at the time of booking, and a vegetarian option is available on request. A reviewer with a gluten-free requirement said the crew still provided a delicious lunch.