The Bay of Islands is a picturesque paradise tucked away in the northernmost region of New Zealand. Embarking on a sailing catamaran charter promises an unforgettable adventure, where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, engage in a variety of activities, and savor a delectable packed lunch. With exceptional service, diverse offerings, and ample time to explore, this 6-hour excursion is an opportunity to truly connect with the natural wonders that make this destination so alluring. As the boat sets sail, the journey promises to unveil the hidden gems that make the Bay of Islands a must-visit for any traveler seeking a unique and enriching experience.
This experience made our list of the 12 Best Sailing Experiences In Paihia.
Key Points
• A 6-hour sailing tour departing from Paihia Wharf, offering snorkeling, paddleboarding, and self-guided island walks, with a packed lunch included.
• The tour is priced at $129.30 per person, with a minimum of 4 passengers required for booking.
• Activities include a 2-hour scenic boat cruise, 2 hours of island excursion, and the opportunity to explore the marine life and natural surroundings.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
• Reviewers have praised the tour for its exceptional crew, diverse lunch options, and ample activity time, resulting in a 4.9/5 rating.
Tour Overview
The Bay of Islands Sailing Catamaran Charter with Lunch is a 6-hour activity that departs from the Paihia Wharf, providing participants with a scenic boat cruise, island excursion, and catered lunch.
Priced from $129.30 per person, this tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to confirm the booking.
Led by an English-speaking live guide, the experience includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a self-guided island walk.
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 49 reviews, this sailing charter is praised for its exceptional crew, delicious lunch options, and ample time for activities during the island stop.
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Itinerary Highlights
Departing from Paihia Wharf at 9:30 AM, the sailing charter embarks on a 2-hour scenic boat cruise to the island destination. Upon arrival, guests can look forward to a 2-hour island excursion filled with a variety of activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a self-guided island walk. Afterward, they’ll savor a catered lunch on the island before returning to Paihia Wharf.
Itinerary Highlights | ||
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Depart Paihia Wharf | 9:30 AM | |
Boat Cruise | 2 hours | |
Island Excursion | 2 hours | |
Activities | Snorkeling | Paddleboarding |
Self-guided walk | Swimming | |
Catered Lunch | On the island | |
Return to Paihia |
Inclusions and Amenities
The sailing charter includes a packed lunch, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards, with soft drinks and snacks available for purchase onboard.
The tour operator provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and customers can take advantage of the ‘reserve now & pay later’ option.
Guests are encouraged to bring swimwear, towels, and weather-appropriate clothing, as shoes must be removed when boarding the boat.
The crew advises bringing a warm jacket, as the breeze tends to increase while sailing.
Alcoholic drinks aren’t available onboard, but passengers can bring their own personal beverages.
What to Bring
Travelers embarking on the Bay of Islands Sailing Charter should pack their swimwear, towel, and weather-appropriate clothing for the day’s activities.
Shoes must be removed when boarding the boat, so comfortable footwear that can easily slip on and off is recommended. Since the breeze increases while sailing, it’s essential to bring a warm jacket to stay cozy.
Personal beverages are permitted, but alcoholic drinks aren’t available onboard. The crew provides snorkeling gear and paddleboards, but guests are welcome to bring their own if preferred.
With these essential items packed, travelers can focus on enjoying the scenic boat cruise, island exploration, and activities during this unforgettable sailing excursion.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyBoarding and Sailing
Upon arrival at the Paihia Wharf, guests will be greeted by the friendly crew and guided onto the waiting catamaran.
Once aboard, they’ll need to remove their shoes before setting sail on the scenic journey to the island destination.
As the catamaran glides across the calm waters of the Bay of Islands, travelers will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and coastline.
The crew will provide a safety briefing and point out key highlights along the way.
With the wind in their sails, guests can sit back, relax, and soak in the serene experience of sailing through this picturesque region.
Ready to catch more wind? More sailing adventures we recommend in Paihia
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Island Excursion Activities
After disembarking at the island destination, guests can partake in a variety of exciting outdoor activities.
Snorkeling allows them to explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, while paddleboarding offers a tranquil way to glide across the calm waters surrounding the island.
For those seeking a more invigorating experience, the self-guided island walk presents the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, taking in stunning vistas and discovering hidden coves.
Regardless of their preferred activity, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience during the island excursion, making the most of the breathtaking scenery and the chance to connect with the natural world.
Lunch and Refreshments
During the island stopover, a catered lunch is provided to participants, offering a delightful array of menu options that cater to diverse dietary preferences, including gluten-free selections.
The lunch, prepared with care, allows visitors to refuel and recharge while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings of the Bay of Islands.
Onboard, guests can also purchase soft drinks and snacks to complement their sailing experience.
Whether it’s a refreshing beverage or a nourishing midday meal, the thoughtful food and drink offerings enhance the overall experience, ensuring that guests are well taken care of throughout the day’s activities.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers from all walks of life have left behind a wealth of positive reviews for the Bay of Islands Sailing Charter, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 49 customer evaluations.
The crew’s exceptional service, the delicious lunch options including gluten-free meals, and the ample time for activities during the island stop have all been highlighted as standout features.
Reviewers have shared their experiences as couples, families, and solo travelers, with comments describing the day as the ‘best ever’ and the operation as ‘professional and seamless.’
The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the charter’s ability to provide a relaxing and enjoyable day on the water.
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Exceptional crew service
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Diverse, high-quality lunch menu
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Ample time for activities at island destination
Recap
The Bay of Islands sailing catamaran charter offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty.
With a highly rated service, diverse activities, and ample time for island exploration, this tour provides an immersive experience in the breathtaking coastal landscape.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this sailing excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Lunch Experiences in Paihia
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