Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands

Shared and Private Sailing Charters exploring hidden bays, beautiful islands and marine wildlife in the Bay of Islands.

Hibiscus Star sailing catamaran with guests relaxing on deck, Bayscapes Sailing Charters, Bay of Islands

Discover the Bay of Islands on a Sailing Charter

Join Bayscapes for a sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands. Choose a shared or private charter and spend your day swimming, exploring beautiful islands, relaxing in sheltered bays and enjoying the freedom of sailing.

Shared & Private Charters
Small Groups – Maximum 19 people
Swim, Snorkel & Paddle Board
5 Star Rated

Find Your Perfect Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

Catamaran sailing charter in the Bay of Islands with guests relaxing on deck

A full day sailing adventure with an island stop for swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling or exploring the island.

6 Hours
Island Stop
Lunch Included
Guest walking on shore with sailing boat anchored in a remote Bay of Islands bay

Have the whole boat to yourself and create a sailing experience around your group.

Flexible Itinerary
Up to 19 Guests
Catering Available
Guests Relaxing on beanbags and the deck of a sailing catamaran in the Bay of Islands

A relaxed two hour sail through the Bay of Islands — perfect for a scenic escape when you’re short on time.

2 Hours
Scenic Sail
Small Group
Guests walk part of the track of Moturua Island while on a sail and hike charter with Bayscapes Charters

Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands at a more relaxed pace. With small groups, a spacious catamaran and a local crew who know the area, you can spend less time following the crowds and more time enjoying the places that make the Bay of Islands special.

No crowds. No rush. Just an unforgettable day on the water.

Small Groups

Maximum 19 guests means more space to relax and enjoy the journey.

Sheltered Bays

Sheltered anchorages selected according to the day’s conditions.

Sail With the Wind

Experience the freedom of sailing powered by the wind.

Swim & Explore

Swim, snorkel, paddle board and explore beautiful bays.

Local Crew

Our experienced crew know the Bay of Islands and choose the best locations each day.

See what guests have to say about sailing the Bay of Islands with Bayscapes.

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A&A Barton
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My wife and I had a fantastic day charter with Brad and Monique. It was supposed to be a shared charter but the other party cancelled at the last minute so we were the only guests on the boat. Brad and Monique were professional, knowledgeable and very friendly. They keep their boat in immaculate condition and obviously take pride in their charter business. As an experienced sailor myself, I highly recommend this charter for exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands.
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Gerrie Colazo
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Bayscapes was an absolutely amazing experience! We used them for a Hens Do and everyone had the best day ever! The hosts, Monique and Brad, were awesome and so accommodating. Even though the weather was a bit windy, they found the best spot for us to spend the day. They have everything you need - bean bags, music, paddle boards, snorkeling gear. Thanks so much for the awesome day guys! Can't recommend you enough! 10/10
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Elizabeth Clayton
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Our family had such a good time on our sailing trip. Brad and Monique were great skippers, the sailing and island activities were fun, and lunch was very tasty! 5/5 all around, I definitely recommend!!
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Sam Wiseman
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This was truly a special day on the water. Brad and Monique were fabulous, helpful and knowledgeable. This is a perfect foil to all the "touristy" high speed high pressure trips. Snorkeling, paddle boarding and swimming all while moored in a beautiful bay during our lunch stop over was awesome. My wife and I highly recommend this charter.
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Lauren Raffaele
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We loved our experience on the bayscapes tour. I went with my parents (early 70's) and we all loved it. The catamaran is super stable and relaxing to sail on. There were plenty of seats including a cushioned lounge in the interior, seating on the aft, and bean bags and nets on the bow area. Lunch was great, they catered to my GF diet, and it was available whenever you wanted it during the 2 hour island stop. Monique and Brad were such attentive hosts who do whatever they can to help you and make you comfortable. I would happily recommend this trip to anyone and loved the small group vibe much more than a big crowded boat. Highly recommend popping into the Tipsy Oyster afterwards for oysters and a drink 🍺
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Crazy Mama
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Had the best day exploring the Bay of Islands with Bayscape Charters. The catamaran was spotless and very comfortable. The lunch was filling and delicious, better than we had expected. The options for a walk, snorkeling, paddle boards and swimming made for an adventurous day. Brad and Monique are very friendly, professional, knowledgable yet laid back and made the whole experience exceptional. The blankets, when it got windy, were a nice touch. I highly recommend them.
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Carrie Costa
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Fantastic trip with Brad and Monique out in the Bay of islands. We had a lot of wind and they were very apologetic about some of the conditions we had to navigate, but as a first-time visitor we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We had a great stop in a sheltered area with a walk and swim to explore Motorua, along with a great lunch. This is the second Catamaran tour I've done and it's something that I will look for in other places when I travel because it's such an awesome way to explore. Highly recommend Bayscapes for your visit to the Bay of Islands. I'm really glad we choose the over the large commercial tourist option.
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Mike Bouvier
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If you enjoy sailing and getting a great perspective of the Bay of Islands from out on the water you will love this little charter cruise. Brand and Monique do a great job of sharing a bit of history of New Zealand while exploring several of the bays and islands. A stop for a swim/snorkel and a short hike followed by a hearty lunch box before, wind permitting, a brisk sail back to the Paihia marina. The catamaran is very clean, well kept and spacious enough for all the guests. It's great to see a young local couple own and operate their own charter.
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Marek
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Wonderful day with an amazing crew. I’ll be back next time I’m in Russell.

Explore, Swim & Discover

Discover More Than Just Sailing

Sailing is just the beginning. Swim in sheltered bays, explore beautiful islands, watch for marine wildlife and enjoy the Bay of Islands from the water.

Catamaran sailing charter in the Bay of Islands with guests relaxing on deck

Enjoy peaceful sailing through the Bay of Islands

Guests walk part of the track of Moturua Island while on a sail and hike charter with Bayscapes Charters

Discover secluded beaches, native bush and island trails.

Guest paddleboarding from a catamaran in calm ocean water

Swim, snorkel or paddle board in clear, sheltered bays.

Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands

Look out for dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.

Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands

Our spacious sailing catamaran is designed for relaxed days on the water. With comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, forward nets, deck beanbags and a stable twin-hull design, there’s plenty of room to sit back and enjoy the Bay of Islands.

40ft (12m) Sailing Catamaran
Comfortable Indoor Saloon
Forward Nets & Deck Beanbags
Jumping Platform
Smooth, Stable Sailing
Guests hiking on Waewaetorea Island with a scenic view of Honeymoon Bay in the Bay of Islands during a sailing charter

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands, surrounded by sheltered bays, native bush and clear coastal waters. Depending on your charter and the day’s conditions, you may have the opportunity to explore island sanctuaries such as Moturua Island.

Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip, but you may spot dolphins, little blue penguins, diving gannets and other marine life as you sail.

With every trip, our crew selects the best locations based on the day’s conditions, aiming for sheltered anchorages, beautiful scenery and an immersive sailing experience surrounded by nature.

Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands
Two guests relaxing on the front deck of a catamaran during a Bay of Islands sailing charter

Bayscapes Charters FAQs

Everything you need to know before your Bay of Islands sailing charter.

We offer shared small-group shared charters and private charters for families, couples and groups. Choose from relaxed afternoon sails, full-day sailing experiences and private charters tailored to your group.

Shared charters depart directly from Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands, making it easy to step straight from Paihia Town onto the boat and begin your journey. Private charters offer flexible pickup options from either Paihia, Russell, or Waitangi Wharf for your convenience.

We keep our sailing experience small and personal, with a maximum of 19 guests onboard to ensure comfort, space, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Yes – on select trips like our Shared Day Charter or our Private Sail and Stop which include an island stop there will be time to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and paddle boarding at a sheltered island bay.

Safety always comes first. If conditions are not suitable for sailing, we will communicate with you to either reschedule your trip or offer alternative arrangements depending on availability.

Dolphins are regularly seen in the Bay of Islands, but as they are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

For all trips:

  • A warm layer or jacket
  • Sunglasses and a sunhat
  • Any drinks or snacks you’d like to bring — a fridge is available onboard

For day trips with an island stop:

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Walking shoes if you plan to explore the island

Shoes are removed when boarding, and there is storage onboard for your belongings.

At Bayscapes Charters, our sailing season runs from September to May.

YOUR SAILING ESCAPE AWAITS
Ready to Discover the Bay of Islands?

Join one of our relaxed small-group sailing charters or book the whole boat for your own private adventure.

• Small Groups • Private & Shared Charters • Paihia Departures •

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