SAILING CRUISES AND TOURS IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS

Escape the Crowds and Discover the Bay of Islands Under Sail
– Private and Shared Small Group Sailing Cruises –

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

Experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands on a relaxed, small-group 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. Explore hidden bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable coastal experiences.

✔ Maximum 19 guests onboard

✔ Private and shared charter options

✔ Island stopovers and beach time

✔ Paddleboards and snorkelling included

✔ Locally owned and operated

✔ 5-Star Rated on Google & Tripadvisor

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.

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

Find Your Perfect Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sail, a full day of island exploration, or an exclusive private charter, we have an experience to suit every group.

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

Bay of Islands Day Sailing Cruise

🌴 Most Popular 🌴

Explore the Bay of Islands on a 6-hour sailing adventure with an island stopover, swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and lunch included.

Shared Day Charter Highlights

✓ 6 hours
✓ Lunch included
✓ Island stopover
✓ Paddleboards & snorkelling
✓ Maximum 19 guests

✓ Departs from Paihia Wharf

Our most popular cruise for the full Bay of Islands experience.

View Shared Day Charter

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

Bay of Islands Afternoon Sailing Cruise

☀️ Great for Short Stays ☀️

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sail through the stunning Bay of Islands. Take in the scenery, spot wildlife and experience the magic of sailing without committing to a full-day tour.

Afternoon Cruise Highlights

✓ 2 hours

✓ Genuine sailing experience
✓ Small group sailing
✓ Maximum 19 guests
✓ Scenic island views

✓ Departs from Paihia Wharf

The perfect way to experience the Bay of Islands when you’re short on time.

View Afternoon Cruise

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

Private Bay of Islands Charter

🥂 Exclusive Use of the Boat 🥂

Have the entire catamaran reserved exclusively for your group and enjoy the freedom to create your perfect day on the water.

Private Charter Highlights

✓ Up to 19 guests
✓ Flexible itinerary
✓ Paddleboards & snorkelling

✓ Exclusive use of the vessel
✓ Catering available

✓ Alternative Pickup Locations

Your own private sailing adventure, tailored to your group.

Plan Your Private Charter

what we offer

experiences available on our Sailing Charters

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.

Aerial view of the Bayscapes Sailing Charters catamaran Hibiscus Star anchored in a secluded Bay of Islands bay

QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Why Choose Bayscapes Sailing Charters Bay Of Islands

Not all boat tours are the same. At Bayscapes, we keep things simple — small groups, relaxed pace, and plenty of time to enjoy where you are.

No crowds. No rush. Just a great day out on the water.

What Makes Us Different

👥 Small Groups

Beat the crowd and enjoy a more relaxed experience with a maximum of 19 guests onboard.

🧭 Local Knowledge

Explore hidden bays and scenic islands with experienced local hosts.

🌊 Flexible Itineraries

We select sheltered anchorages based on daily weather conditions, ensuring calm waters and access to the best locations for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring secluded bays.

🏝️ Swim & Explore

Discover secluded beaches and clear waters.

⛵ Comfortable Sailing

Our sailing catamaran offers exceptional comfort, stability, and panoramic views of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

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

Small Groups. Bigger Experiences.

We believe the best days on the water happen when there’s room to relax.

That’s why we limit our cruises to just 19 guests. With fewer people onboard, you’ll enjoy more space, more personal service, and a more relaxed atmosphere than larger tour vessels.

It’s one of the reasons so many of our guests describe their cruise as the highlight of their Bay of Islands visit.

Explore the Bay of Islands from Paihia

Departing directly from Paihia Wharf, your journey begins in the heart of the Bay of Islands — one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal destinations. From here, we set sail into a sheltered paradise of turquoise waters, hidden coves, and over 140 subtropical islands waiting to be explored.

a couple take in views of a scenic bay while on a sailing charter in the Bay of Islands

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

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.

While sailing, you may see:

✔ Native seabirds
✔ Little Blue Penguins
✔ Dolphins (from a respectful distance)
✔ Restored island habitats

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

What Our Guests Say About Their 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

Quick FAQs – Bay of Islands Sailing Cruises

How long is a sailing charter?

Most of our sailing charters run for approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the islands, stop for swims, and enjoy a relaxed day on the water. Shorter or private charter options are also be available.

Where do your charters depart from?

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

What’s included in the sailing charter?

Your experience includes a scenic sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands. Day trips can include a stop at a sheltered bay, swimming opportunities, and time to relax on deck. Snorkelling gear and safety equipment are provided onboard.

How many people are on board?

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

Do you see dolphins in the Bay of Islands?

Dolphins are frequently spotted in the Bay of Islands, along with seabirds and other marine life. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, they are a regular highlight of the experience.

What should I bring on a sailing trip?

– 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.

Is the sailing suitable for children?

Yes — our charters are family-friendly and suitable for most ages. There is no minimum age, but children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Do I need sailing experience?

No experience is needed. Our local crew handles everything — you can simply relax, enjoy the scenery, or get involved as much or as little as you like.

What is the difference between a shared and private charter?

A shared charter means you’ll be sailing with other guests in a small group. A private charter gives you exclusive use of the boat, ideal for families, celebrations, or customised itineraries.

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.

How do I book?

You can book directly online through our website. We recommend booking early during peak summer months as availability is limited.

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.

👉 Limited spots available
👉 Secure your preferred date

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