Phantom Sail, 5 Hours 30 Minutes

Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★ 4.9 183 reviews

from $111.80 per person

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Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Russell Wharf
Run by: Phantom Sailing

Overview

The Phantom is a red sailboat moored at the end of Russell Wharf, and a day aboard her runs about five hours and thirty minutes on the water. The crew, two experienced sailors, take a maximum of ten guests out into the Bay of Islands, where the trip is built around sailing itself rather than rushing between stops. Reviewers repeatedly describe the pace as relaxed, with plenty of time spent on deck under sail.

The island stop typically includes a swim to shore and a walk up to a lookout point, which several travellers singled out for its views across the bay and the lagoon below. Snorkelling equipment is provided. The tour starts and finishes at Russell Booking and Information on The Strand, departing at 10:00.

This suits people who enjoy being on a boat for most of the day. One reviewer put it plainly: expect to be on deck nearly the whole time, with roughly an hour ashore. Guests are looked after personally, with the crew sharing stories and local history along the way. Anyone hoping for a packed sightseeing circuit should look elsewhere.

View from Paihia wharf across still water toward Russell on the far shore, low hills and one distant boat

What's Included

Included

Use of snorkelling equipment

Itinerary

Meet at Russell wharfCheck in at Russell Booking and Information on The Strand in Russell, then walk to the wharf and look for the red boat at the end on the left, from the village side. Departure is at 10:00.
Sail the Bay of IslandsThe bulk of the day is spent under sail, with the crew sharing sailing stories and local history along the way.
Island stopReviewers describe an island stop with a swim to shore and a walk up to a lookout point over the bay and lagoon. How long the stop lasts is not stated, so check the live booking page.
Return sail to RussellThe tour ends back at the original meeting point at Russell Wharf, about five hours and thirty minutes after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this is the right day out, and prepare for it if it is.

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 (this tour)$111.80
Tall Ship Sailing, BBQ Lunch Included$117.53
Vigilant Yacht Full-Day Sail$117.53
Day Sail, Lunch and Island Stop$121
6-Hour Sail to Wildlife Sanctuary$140.47

Small group feel. The boat carries a maximum of ten travellers, and reviewers often contrasted this with crowded boats elsewhere in the bay. One reviewer said it felt like a day out with family or friends. If you want space and personal attention, this format delivers it.
Mostly on deck. One reviewer noted you should expect to be on deck for most of the day, with about an hour on the island. Dress for sun and sea air.
Island walk. The island stop includes a swim to shore and a climb to a viewpoint, which multiple reviewers called a highlight for its views over the bay and lagoon. Bring footwear you do not mind getting wet.
Weather matters. This experience requires good weather, and it can be cancelled if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of travellers is not met. In either case the operator offers a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Keep some flexibility in your schedule around the booking.
Sailing lovers first. Reviewers with sailing backgrounds especially enjoyed the trip, and one reviewer mentioned having plenty of time on the helm. If you love boats and wind, this is aimed at you. Those after a fast multi-stop tour may find the pace slow.

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Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are allowed and the meeting point is near public transport. It depends on good weather and a minimum number of travellers, so cancellations with an offer of an alternative date or a full refund are possible. The day is spent mostly on deck and under sail, which one reviewer flagged as a consideration for anyone expecting frequent stops or sheltered seating. Pickup is not stated, so travellers should confirm arrangements on the live booking page.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start?

It starts at Russell Booking and Information on The Strand in Russell, New Zealand, with a 10:00 departure. From there you head to the wharf and look for the red boat at the end on the left hand side from the village. The tour ends back at the same point.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup is not stated. Check the live booking page for pickup arrangements before assuming anything either way.

How Long Is The Tour?

The full experience runs five hours and thirty minutes, starting at 10:00 and returning to the Russell wharf meeting point.

What Is Included?

Use of snorkelling equipment is included. Other inclusions or exclusions are not stated, so check the live booking page for specifics.

Is It Suitable For Older Travellers Or Families?

Most travellers can participate, and one reviewer said even a parent over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Pushchairs are allowed, though the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Note the swim to shore and the walk to the viewpoint, which reviewers describe as part of the day.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers. If it is cancelled for poor weather you get a different date or a full refund, and if the minimum is not met you get a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.