Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

Set out on a captivating late afternoon adventure in the stunning Bay of Islands. This 2-hour sailing cruise aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a majestic tall ship, promises an engaging and unforgettable experience. Guests can actively participate by hoisting sails and climbing the rigging, or simply sit back and relish the serene ambiance while savoring a shared antipasto platter. With round-trip ferry tickets included and a flexible cancellation policy, this cruise is an enticing opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and maritime history. What awaits beyond the horizon, however, may just surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Sailing Experiences In Paihia.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 2-hour sailing cruise on a traditionally rigged tall ship in the picturesque Bay of Islands, starting at $59.54 per person.
• Participate in hoisting sails and climbing the rigging, or relax while savoring a shared antipasto platter and beverages from the cash bar.
• Round-trip ferry tickets from Paihia to Russell are included, with a recommended arrival time of 3:45 PM for the 4 PM departure.
• Cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and reserving is possible with a pay-later option.
• The cruise experience is highly rated, with reviewers praising the welcoming crew, fun atmosphere, and opportunities for hands-on sailing activities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Overview & Pricing

The Bay of Islands sailing cruise offers a late afternoon experience from Paihia, lasting for around 2 hours and costing from $59.54 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, and they’ll enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

The cruise takes passengers aboard the traditionally rigged tall ship, R. Tucker Thompson, where they can participate in sailing activities like hoisting sails and climbing the rigging.

Guests will also be treated to a shared antipasto platter and have access to a cash bar, allowing them to soak in the beauty of the inner harbor as they sail.

Activities & Experience

On the Bay of Islands sailing cruise, passengers can actively participate in various sailing activities, such as hoisting sails and climbing the rigging of the traditionally rigged tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson.

Plus, guests will enjoy a shared antipasto platter and have access to a cash bar as they take in the picturesque views of the inner harbor during the 2-hour excursion.

The cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands while actively engaging in the sailing experience.

Whether you’re looking to get hands-on with the vessel or simply relax and soak in the stunning scenery, this sailing cruise promises an unforgettable adventure.

Ferry & Meeting Information

Round-trip ferry tickets are included from Paihia to Russell, allowing participants to conveniently access the departure point at Russell Wharf.

Travelers should arrive by 3:45pm, as the cruise departs at 4pm sharp from the wharf.

Pickup ferry tickets at the I-Site Information Centre on Paihia wharf no later than 3:15pm, as the last ferry departs at 3:30pm. This ensures you won’t miss the sailing adventure.

The ferry ride itself is a pleasant way to get to the departure point, offering scenic views of the stunning Bay of Islands as you cross over.

With the transportation logistics taken care of, you can focus on enjoying the sailing cruise to the fullest.

Important Recommendations

Proper attire and essential items are recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience in the Bay of Islands. Participants should bring a jacket or warm top, sunglasses, a hat, sunblock, a water bottle, and a camera, as well as any necessary medication. The changeable weather and varying conditions in the Bay of Islands require preparation for both sunny and cool conditions.

Item	Recommendation
Jacket/Warm Top	Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay warm
Sunglasses	Protect your eyes from the glare of the sun
Hat	Wear a hat to provide shade and protect your face
Sunblock	Apply sunblock to avoid sunburn
Water Bottle	Stay hydrated during the cruise
Camera	Capture the stunning scenery of the Bay of Islands

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Customer Reviews & Ratings

Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback underscores the Bay of Islands sailing cruise’s appeal, with an impressive 4.6/5 rating across 36 reviews.

Reviewers praise the welcoming crew, who create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere, and the opportunity to actively participate in sailing activities like hoisting sails and climbing the rigging.

The shared antipasto platter and cash bar also receive high marks, enhancing the overall experience.

What really stands out, though, is the cruise’s support for youth sail training programs, which reviewers say adds to the positive impact of their experience.

This unique combination of adventure, hospitality, and community engagement makes the Bay of Islands sailing cruise a must-try for visitors.

Sailing Experience Highlights

The sailing cruise offers visitors a chance to actively participate in the nautical experience, allowing them to hoist sails, climb the rigging, and relax with a beverage as they explore the inner harbor aboard the traditionally rigged tall ship, R. Tucker Thompson.

Passengers can try their hand at sailing tasks under the guidance of the welcoming crew, or simply sit back and soak in the stunning scenery of the Bay of Islands.

The shared antipasto platter and cash bar provide the perfect accompaniment to the leisurely cruise, creating a convivial atmosphere for guests to enjoy.

Whether seeking an adventure or a serene voyage, this sailing experience promises to be a highlight of any visit to the region.

Cruise Duration & Cost

The Bay of Islands sailing cruise offers a convenient 2-hour duration, starting from $59.54 per person, with a reserve now and pay later option available.

This affordable late afternoon excursion allows visitors to:

• Soak in the beautiful scenery of the inner harbor aboard the traditionally rigged tall ship, the R. Tucker Thompson.

• Participate in sailing activities like hoisting sails and climbing the rigging, or simply relax with a drink and shared antipasto platter.

• Enjoy round-trip ferry tickets from Paihia to Russell, with a recommended arrival time of 3:45pm.

• Take advantage of the cruise’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

This sailing cruise offers a convenient reserve now and pay later option, in addition to a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking this experience is easy and flexible, allowing travelers to secure their spot without an immediate payment. Should plans change, customers can cancel with no penalty, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Booking Option	Deposit	Cancellation Policy
Reserve Now, Pay Later	No deposit required	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Standard Booking	Full payment at time of booking	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Group Bookings	25% deposit required	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Private Charters	50% deposit required	Free cancellation up to 7 days in advance
Last-Minute Bookings	Full payment required	No cancellations permitted

Recap

The Bay of Islands sailing cruise aboard the R. Tucker Thompson is an enchanting late afternoon adventure.

Participants can actively hoist sails, climb the rigging, and savor a shared antipasto platter while taking in the breathtaking views.

With round-trip ferry tickets and a flexible cancellation policy, this 2-hour cruise promises an unforgettable experience for just $59.54 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: