SAILING CRUISES AND TOURS IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS

Relaxed Small Group Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands.
Private and Shared Cruises from Paihia with Island Stops, Swimming, and Expert Local Crew.

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Discover The Best of the Bay of Islands with a Sailing Charter

Experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands on a relaxed sailing charter designed for comfort, exploration, and unforgettable moments. With 144 unique islands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, this region is one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal destinations.

Our sailing cruises take you to secluded anchorages, sheltered bays, and island hideaways that can only be reached by boat — giving you access to places many visitors never see.

At Bayscapes, we offer both private and shared sailing experiences, allowing you to explore the Bay your way — whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a social adventure, or a memorable celebration on the water.

Catamaran sailing in the Bay of Islands with wide decks and ocean views

PRIVATE CRUISES AND SHARED TOURS

Woman walking on Waewaetorea island in Bay of Islands with catamaran on private sailing charter

Private Boat Cruises – Exclusive & Fully Customised

Enjoy a private sailing experience tailored entirely to your group. Relax aboard our spacious catamaran while our experienced crew handles everything — from planning your itinerary to delivering warm onboard hospitality.

Explore hidden coves, visit island destinations like Moturua Island, and enjoy the flexibility to shape your day around your interests. Perfect for families, couples, and special celebrations, our private charters offer privacy, flexibility, and unforgettable moments.

Plan Your Private Charter

Group of friends enjoying shared sailing charter in the bay of islands on a sunny day

Shared Sailing Tours – Relaxed, Social and Scenic

Join a friendly shared sailing cruise and enjoy a relaxed journey through the Bay of Islands. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, and small groups, these small-group tours combine stunning scenery with a welcoming social atmosphere.

Swim, explore beautiful island bays, and enjoy time on the water while our experienced crew ensures a smooth, enjoyable day from start to finish.

View Shared Charters

Exclusive and Personal

Private charters or small group sailing

Local Expert Crew

Explore local hotspots with our expert crew

Top Rated

5 stars rated on Google and TripAdvisor

MEET THE BOAT: SAILING CATAMARAN

Sail the Bay of Islands in Comfort Aboard Our Spacious Catamaran

Step aboard our spacious 40-foot catamaran, designed for comfort, stability, and wide ocean views. As you settle in, you’ll find open decks, comfortable seating, and a smooth sailing experience that makes it easy to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Islands.

You can unwind in the saloon or head outside to lounge on deck beanbags. For something more fun, step onto the forward nets and watch the water glide beneath you. Throughout the day, our fully crewed vessel takes care of everything, so you can simply relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy your time on the water.

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Wide Decks
Comfortable Seating (Indoor and Outdoor)
Shaded Areas
Forward Nets
Stable Sailing Platform

Discover The Boat

MEET THE BOAT: SAILING CATAMARAN

Sail the Bay of Islands in Comfort Aboard Our Spacious Catamaran

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Wide Decks
Comfortable Seating (Indoor and Outdoor)
Shaded Areas
Forward Nets
Stable Sailing Platform

Discover The Boat

what we offer

experiences available on our catamaran

SAILING

Feel the wind fill the sails as we glide across the ocean. Cruise past rugged headlands, secluded coves, and untouched island bays that can only be reached by boat — all while relaxing aboard our spacious catamaran.

ISLAND EXPLORATION

Step ashore on one of the Bay of Islands’ beautiful island sanctuaries. Explore native bush and coastal trails, discover panoramic viewpoints, spot native birdlife, and experience the natural beauty that makes this region so special.

PADDLE BOARDING

Glide across calm waters on a stand-up paddle board and explore peaceful island bays at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Bay of Islands while soaking up the scenery from the water.

Guest wearing a snorkel and mask, snorkelling in clear blue water during a sailing charter

SNORKELING & SWIMMING

Dive into clear waters or enjoy a refreshing swim in sheltered bays selected for their calm conditions. Discover vibrant marine life and enjoy safe, enjoyable time in the water.

Bayscapes Sailing Charters catamaran Hibiscus Star anchored in a secluded Bay of Islands cove

QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Why Choose Bayscapes Sailing Charters Bay Of Islands

With our Bay of Islands sailing cruises, you’ll enjoy;

Small Group Experience: Max 19 Guests
Expert Local Crew
Spacious and Comfortable Catamaran
Access to Hidden Bays & Beaches
Private & Shared Options

At Bayscapes Sailing Charters, every trip is designed to create a relaxed, memorable day on the water. Our sailing catamaran provides exceptional comfort, stability, and panoramic views. Our charters offer a more personal and enjoyable experience than larger tour operators. We carefully select sheltered anchorages based on weather conditions, ensuring calm waters and the best possible locations for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring.

This is sailing the way it should be—simple, scenic, and stress-free.

144 ISLANDS TO DISCOVER

Explore Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Bays

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 unique islands, each offering its own mix of sheltered bays, native bush, and crystal-clear waters. On our sailing charters, you’ll have the opportunity to step ashore on beautiful island sanctuaries such as Moturua Island, where self-guided walks lead through native forest and coastal viewpoints.

With every trip, our crew selects the best locations based on conditions, ensuring calm anchorages, stunning scenery, and an immersive experience surrounded by nature.

Nature walk on a Bay of Islands wildlife sanctuary island, Moturua Island

Guest Reviews – Bay of Islands Sailing Experiences

“Sailing in the Bay of Islands aboard this beautiful catamaran was the highlight of our visit to NZ. We really enjoyed the hospitality, knowledge and sailing skills. Great food & snacks, opportunities to explore a couple of islands, a lovely sail through the bay and had stand up paddle boards and snorkel gear available for use. Our private sailing charter with them was outstanding.”

Erik WakleyPrivate Charter

“This was a totally special and fantastic boat day, from start to finish it was just perfection. The boat is lovely, they only take a small group so plenty of space to lay out on bean bags on the front of the boat. Beautiful views and the stopover at one of the islands was so beautiful a few hours to walk around, snorkel, swim, paddle board everything you could wish for. Delicious lunches given to each person sitting on the boat soaking up the views. Brad & Monique were the most wonderful hosts / guides couldn’t recommend this more!”

Lottie HShared Day Charter

“Fantastic day sailing with Brad & Monique around the bay of islands. Friendly skippers with lots of knowledge about the area and who were more than happy to answer questions. We had a great time on our walk, using the SUP’s and snorkelling with a delightful lunch to finish it off. The catamaran was beautiful and clearly well looked after! Thanks very much, a great way to see the Bay of Islands, I would definitely recommend them!”

Hamish BaxterShared Charter

“Incredible hospitality and organisation of the charter. Everyone was blown away and continued to talk about it and relive those memories. The attention to detail, provision of food, and being taken to Honeymoon Bay, which was perfectly named, was truly exquisite. Your warmth and sincerity were greatly appreciated. We would highly recommend Bayscapes to our friends and family.”

Katherine and LucyPrivate Charter – Wedding Ceremony

“The best boat charter we’ve taken anywhere in the world. Wonderful clean and comfortable boat, tasty lunch catered from a local restaurant, and a friendly and knowledgeable crew (Brad and Monique). Zero complaints and would absolutely do this again next time we visit NZ. Highly recommended!”

Andrew EllisShared Charter

“We loved our experience on the Bayscapes tour. I went with my parents 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, bean bags and nets on the bow area. Lunch was great, they catered to my GF diet. 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.”

Lauren RaffaeleShared Day Charter

a lady takes a picture of two little blue penguins while on a sailing catamaran charter

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

Quick FAQs – Bay of Islands Sailing Cruises

How long is a sailing charter?

Private charters range from 2 hour sailing cruises to 6 hour full day cruises. Shared charters have two options; 6 hour day charter or a 2 hour afternoon cruise.

Where do your charters depart from?

Shared charters depart exclusively from Paihia Wharf. Private charters offer flexible pickup options from either Paihia, Russell, or Waitangi Wharf for your convenience.

Does this cruise require sailing experience?

No sailing experience is required. Our experienced crew take care of the sails so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the experience

What do I need to bring?

– Jacket/Jumper; the breeze gets stronger when you are sailing so bring a jumper even if the weather looks good. In any case we do have a indoor saloon for your comfort.
– Sunglasses and Sunhat
– Any drinks or snacks you wish. Fridge available onboard

For day trips;
– Swimwear and a towel if you want to go swimming. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear or you can use our masks and fins provided.
– Walking shoes; Shoes are to be taken off upon boarding but do bring sneakers/shoes if you are planning on doing our island walk.

We have storage room onboard for your bags. When onboard you will be directed to an area to stow your gear.

What is the best time to visit the Bay of Islands?

The Bay of Islands offers ideal sailing conditions from September through May, with warm weather, calm seas, and clear skies creating perfect days on the water. Peak season runs from December to February, when demand is highest and prices may be slightly elevated. Our favorite time to visit is February, when the waters are at their warmest and the crowds are smaller compared to January, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable sailing experience.

Still got questions? Read our full FAQs here

YOUR ISLAND ESCAPE AWAITS

Book Your Bay Of Islands Sailing Adventure

Discover one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the coastline—hidden bays, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed, personalised sailing experience.

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