2 Hour Afternoon Sailing Cruise from Paihia | Bay of Islands

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sail through the Bay of Islands, with stunning coastal scenery, fresh sea air and an authentic sailing experience.

Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands from the water on a relaxing 2 hour afternoon sailing cruise. Depart from Paihia Wharf and enjoy authentic sailing, beautiful island views and a peaceful atmosphere aboard our spacious catamaran.

2 Hours
Maximum 19 Guests
Paihia Departure

From $99 per person

Guests Relaxing on beanbags and the deck of a sailing catamaran while on a afternoon sailing cruise in the Bay of Islands
2 Hour Sail

Feel the sails fill with wind as you cruise through the Bay of Islands.

Small Group

Maximum 19 guests, with more space to relax than on larger tour boats.

Comfortable Catamaran

Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of space to take in the views.

Scenic Views

Enjoy beautiful afternoon scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.

Local Crew

Our experienced crew share their knowledge of the Bay.

Paihia Departure

Easy boarding from Paihia Wharf.

As you sail through the Bay of Islands, enjoy views of:

Secluded bays & beaches
Beautiful islands
Historic coastal landmarks
Native seabirds & marine life*
Paihia and the surrounding coastline

*Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed

  • Jacket or jumper — the breeze can feel cooler while sailing.
  • Sunglasses and Sunhat
  • Drinks & snacks — you’re welcome to bring your own; a fridge is available onboard.

Storage is available onboard for your bags.

Couples looking for a relaxing afternoon
Families wanting a scenic boat trip
Visitors with limited time
Photographers chasing afternoon light
Anyone wanting to experience sailing without committing to a full day
Catamaran sailing through the Bay of Islands on a clear day

Looking for an easy way to experience the Bay of Islands without spending a full day on the water? Our 2-hour afternoon sailing cruise combines spectacular scenery with a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

With a maximum of 19 guests, there’s plenty of room to settle in aboard our spacious catamaran. Feel the wind fill the sails, take in the islands and coastline, and enjoy a more peaceful way to experience the Bay.

Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands

Our stable sailing catamaran is designed for comfort, with plenty of room to move around, indoor seating, outdoor deck space, and panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. Whether you prefer relaxing in the sun or sitting inside with a drink, there’s space for everyone to enjoy the journey.

Wondering what a day onboard Bayscapes is really like? Hear from guests who have explored the Bay of Islands with us.

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A&A Barton profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
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 profile picture
Marek
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Wonderful day with an amazing crew. I’ll be back next time I’m in Russell.

The afternoon sailing charter lasts 2 hours.

All afternoon charters depart from Paihia Wharf at 4pm. Arrive 10 minutes prior to departure for boarding.

No sailing experience is required. Our crew handles all sailing but we love to answer any questions you have about sailing along the way.

Wildlife sightings are common in the Bay of Islands, and dolphins are often seen during our charters. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, many guests enjoy encounters with marine life such as; dolphins, penguins, stingrays and seabirds on our sailing charters.

Yes, we will store it while you are onboard.

Shared sailing charter in the Bay of Islands with island stop and water activities

Looking for a longer adventure? A full day Charter includes an island stop, paddle boarding, snorkelling and lunch.

View Day Charter
guests on a private catamaran sailing charter

Want the boat to yourselves? Explore our Private Charters for a fully customised sailing experience.

View Private Charters
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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