Everything You Need to Know About Bay of islands Sailing Charters
Clear answers to your questions about Bay of Islands Sailing Private and Shared Charters. Contact us for more help.
FAQ’s – Bay of Islands Sailing Charters
GENERAL QUESTIONS
– 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.
When onboard shoes are taken off to reduce damage on the boat. We will ask you to put your shoes in a locker while on the boat. You will be able to take them ashore to wear for the island walk if you choose.
We will choose from one of the Bay Of Islands main 6 islands. These include; Okahu, Waewaetorea, Urupukapuka, Moturua, Motukiekie and Roberton (Motuarohia) Island. Each island is unique and have some amazing beaches and stunning walks. We will decide on the day what island will be the most sheltered to sail to for that days conditions.
In most cases, no. Our catamaran has two hulls which means that it stays relatively flat when we are sailing. Most people can move about the boat without much trouble, however if you’d rather we have a lovely indoor saloon you can relax in as well.
If you are nervous about the sea state please let us know onboard so we can make your experience as enjoyable and comfortable as possible or message us prior and we can let you know the latest swell forecast.
We pick up straight off Paihia Wharf so if you do not wish to get wet our boat will keep you nice and dry. However we do recommend bringing togs and a towel on our day tours so that you can enjoy the full experience of the Bay of Islands by swimming or snorkeling in its beautiful waters.
There is no requirement for you to be able to swim. However if you are not confident in the water we ask that you inform one of our crew when you are on board.
Absolutely! We can provide life jackets for children and infants if required, just let us know on board. We also offer discounted rates for infants and children.
Our boat can take up to 19 guests. This includes children and infants. We like our passengers to be able to move around the boat throughout the journey so we keep our groups small for a more enjoyable experience.
Yes, we have lots of storage onboard for all your gear.
Yes we can cater for vegan, vegetarian, gluten and dairy free lunch options. We offer these at no extra charge but you must make a note when booking or email us for any dietary requirements as all off our food is prepared off site.
No we do not. We operate with a BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol policy which means you are welcome to bring your own. There is chilly bin and fridge available to keep things cold once you are on board. We do however have soft drinks available for purchase.
No, we don’t allow any fishing onboard so please leave your rods at home.
Absolutely. Our experienced crew prioritize safety and comfort on every trip. The catamaran is stable and easy to move around, and the crew provide guidance throughout your sailing adventure.
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.
Yes, we have a comfortable indoor saloon with seating which is complete out of the weather. Or our cockpit area has shaded outdoor seating.
BOOKING QUERIES
Booking is simple through our website or by contacting our team directly. You can select your preferred date, duration, type of charter, and any additional options like catering or specific stops.
All our shared charters require a minimum of 4 guests before we can set sail. If this number is not reached yet your order will show as pending. A confirmation email will be sent to you as soon as this number is reached.
If you would like to sail with less than 4 guests please look at our private charter options.
Your charter may also show as pending if we have not received payment from you.
If the weather is too bad too sail and we deem it necessary to cancel your booking you will be notified and receive a full refund or have the option to re-book a later date.
Our top priority is your comfort and safety and we will always make the best decision possible for the forecasts we have available to us.
We consider many factors when it comes to weather. Some weather conditions that may cause us to cancel your booking include; heavy rain, high swell state or strong winds. We monitor a range of forecasts to give us the best prediction possible. While we do our best to let you know of any changes ahead of time, the forecasts can often change and be unpredictable meaning we may not cancel until the morning of the charter. If you are considered about the weather conditions please monitor your email or get in to contact with us.
There are a two main reasons why we might cancel your charter. These are;
Bad Weather- If the weather forecast is unsuitable for sailing we may cancel your charter to ensure your safety.
Minimum Passenger Not Met- On our shared charters we have a minimum passenger requirement of 4 people. If this number is not met we may cancel your charter or ask if you are available to book on another confirmed day.
For both these
If we do need to cancel for any reason we will let you know prior to the day.
Please email us at for any cancellations or amendments.
SHARED SAILING CHARTER
All our shared charters leave from Paihia Wharf, look for the Bayscapes Catamaran with a blue sail pack and Bayscapes in white letters. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your departure time.
Parking in Paihia is limited so please ensure you come early enough to find a park and meet us.
Lunch is included on our day charter.
Included in our packed lunch is a sandwich item (croissant, panini, bun or wrap), a piece of fruit, homemade cookie and scone/muffin.
Our lunches are freshly prepared each day from the lovely team at Cake In The Box Kerikeri.
We will choose from one of the Bay Of Islands main 6 islands. These include; Okahu, Waewaetorea, Urupukapuka, Moturua, Motukiekie and Roberton (Motuarohia) Island. Each island is unique and have some amazing beaches and stunning walks. We will decide on the day what island will be the most sheltered to sail to for that days conditions.
No, the Hole in the Rock is further out than we go. About double the distance in fact! It is not possible to do this on a sailing boat day tour. Instead we focus on relaxing sailing and enjoying a generous amount of time at one of our wildlife sanctury islands for all of our activities.
Yes! Shared sailing cruises are perfect for smaller groups, solo travelers, or those looking for a social experience. You’ll enjoy a relaxed day on the water, meet new people, and explore scenic islands with our experienced crew.
Yes, we take online bookings up until 1 hour prior to departure. For any bookings after this time please call us on +64 22 0964 008 as we may still have space for you. Please note for last minute bookings we may not have a lunch prepared for you so we may call you and ask you to bring your own lunch.
PRIVATE SAILING CHARTER
We can pick up from either Paihia or Russell Wharf offering easy access to multiple island routes and calm anchorages for swimming, sightseeing, and island walks.
By default our online bookings will state Paihia Wharf, if you would like a Russell Wharf pick up please let us know and we can arrange it.
Yes! We have a multi zone indoor and outdoor bluetooth speakers for you to crank your tunes!
We offer a range of catering options at an additional cost for private charters, from casual lunches to gourmet spreads. You are welcome to bring your own pre-prepared food or choose from one of our catering packages. Click here for our menu.
For a hassle-free day we recommend using our catering options. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks if desired.
Our cooking facilities are limited. If you are bringing your own food we recommend bringing food that is pre-prepared. We have an area to prepare food and basic oven to heat up food. We also have a chopping board, cutlery, plates and glasses you can use.
Tours range from 2-hour quick sails to full-day adventures and run between 8 am and 7 pm. Private charters allow flexible durations to match your schedule
Yes, we can cater our schedule to you. Email us at with the time and date you would like to sail and we will do our best to accomodate you.
A private sailing charter with Bayscapes Charters includes a spacious catamaran, a professional crew, scenic routes, and personalized stops. Guests enjoy comfort, stability, and panoramic views while exploring the islands at their own pace. Optional catering and refreshments can also be arranged.
Yes! Private charters are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events. We can arrange catering, special seating, and scenic routes to make your occasion unforgettable.
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS
As Bay of Islands is a tender port. You will need to check with your cruise ship where you are tendering in to. Most cruise ships will tender into Waitangi Wharf, from here there is a 10 minute shuttle bus provided to take you into Paihia. This shuttle bus arrives right next to the Paihia Wharf where we depart from.
As a general rule we like to allow 1.5 hours between your cruise ship arrival and departure times and our shared charter timings. We are not affiliated with the cruise ship companies, therefore our tours depart at scheduled time. If our charter is all cruise ship passengers we may modify our timings to suit the cruise ship.
If you are on a cruise ship and are worried about your timings please send us an email so we can do our best to accomodate you.
Bayscapes Charters is not affiliated with any cruise ship companies and therefore does not take any liability for any changes in cruise ship schedule. It is your responsibility to find out where your cruise ship tenders into and that you will have enough time to meet our charter times. Our shared charters depart at set times, if you are late or do not show at your scheduled boarding time we cannot wait for you and you will not recieve a refund.
Bayscapes Charters cancellation policy is that you will not recieve a refund if you cancel within 24 hours prior to Bayscapes’ charter departure time.
Please let us know as soon as you are aware of any changes to your cruise ship schedule so that we can do our best to assist you.
Yes, we recomend informing us when you are booking so that we can do our best to let you know of cruise ship timings, maps to reach us, scheduling and more. We may also get notified of cruise ship scheduling changes before passengers. While we do our best to assist any passengers booking with us it is ultimately your responsibility to find out where your cruise ship tenders into and that you will have enough time to meet our charter times.
Discover A Bay Of Islands Sailing Charter
Private – Sail and Hike
Looking for more adventure? Explore a wildlife sanctuary island with a 2 hour loop walk to fully get in touch with nature.
Private – Sail and Stop
A Sail and Stop allows time for island exploration as well as water activities like swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
Shared Charters
Our shared day charter is a fun and social way to explore the Bay of Islands. Sail between islands, swim in sheltered bays, and enjoy a guided island walk
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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