Shared Day Sailing Charter | Bay of Islands

A full day of sailing, swimming, snorkelling and island exploring — with lunch included.

6-HOUR SHARED DAY SAILING CHARTER FROM PAIHIA

Sail, Swim & Explore the Bay of Islands

Spend a full day exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands on a sailing cruise from Paihia aboard our spacious 40ft sailing catamaran. Enjoy scenic sailing between the islands, then stop in a sheltered bay for around two hours of swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding or exploring ashore.

6 Hours

Island Stop

Lunch Included

Small Groups

From $215 per person

What is Included in your Shared Day Charter

6 Hour Sailing Experience

Paihia Wharf Departure – Easy boarding directly from Paihia Wharf at 9:30am.

Island Stop – 2 hour stop in a beautiful, sheltered island bay.

Swimming, Snorkelling & Paddle Boarding

Island Walk – Explore the island with an optional self-guided walk.

Lunch – Enjoy a catered packed lunch onboard. (Dietary options available)

Small Group – Maximum 19 guests.

Sailing Catamaran – Comfortable indoor and outdoor areas, toilet, hot outdoor shower, beanbags and plenty of room to relax.

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours

Your Day on the water

A look at a typical day on the water exploring the Bay of Islands aboard our shared day sailing charter.

9:20am — Boarding Meet your crew at Paihia Wharf and board the boat.

9:30am — Set Sail Leave Paihia and begin exploring the Bay of Islands under sail.

Morning — Sail & explore Enjoy the scenery, learn about the Bay from your crew and keep an eye out for marine life.

Around Midday — Island Stop Anchor in a sheltered bay and enjoy approximately two hours to swim, snorkel, paddle board, explore ashore or simply relax onboard.*

Lunch — Relax & refuel Enjoy your included lunch while taking in the views.

Afternoon — Sail back to Paihia Enjoy more sailing and scenery on the way home.

3:15–3:30pm — Return to Paihia Wharf Disembark after a relaxing day on the water

The exact itinerary and location of the island stop may change according to weather, sea conditions and other factors.

*Activities are optional

What to bring:

Jacket or Jumper — conditions can feel cooler while sailing.
Swimwear and a towel
Sunglasses and Sunhat
Water Bottle
Walking shoes — for the optional island walk. Shoes are removed when boarding.
Drinks & snacks — you’re welcome to bring your own; a fridge is available onboard.

Storage is available onboard for your bags.

Two hours to explore

Discover More With An Island Stop

The island stop is what makes our Bay of Islands sailing cruise more than just a sightseeing trip. We’ll anchor in a sheltered bay, giving you around two hours to enjoy the water, explore the island or simply relax on board. The choice is yours.

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

Island Exploration

Take an optional self guided walk through native bush and discover the island.

Swim, Snorkel & SUP

Enjoy swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding in a sheltered island bay.

Relax Onboard

Stay aboard, stretch out on a beanbag and enjoy the scenery.

Guests Relaxing on beanbags and the deck of a sailing catamaran in the Bay of Islands

THE BAYSCAPES DIFFERENCE

A Different Way To Experience The Bay Of Islands

With a maximum of 19 guests aboard our spacious 40ft sailing catamaran, there’s room to spread out, take in the scenery and truly relax. Enjoy a more personal way to explore the Bay of Islands, with time to sail, discover beautiful island spots and enjoy the day at a relaxed pace.

Sail under wind power

Feel the sails fill and experience the Bay from the water.

Local Knowledge

Locally owned and operated by Monique and Brad, we love sharing the islands, wildlife and special places that make this region home.

Space to Explore. Time to Relax.

With a small group and a spacious catamaran, there’s room to find your own spot. Enjoy the water, explore ashore, savour your included lunch or stretch out on a beanbag and take in the views. It’s your day to experience the Bay of Islands at a more relaxed pace.

Sailing Experiences Our Guests Love

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

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 97 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    A&A Barton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Gerrie Colazo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Elizabeth Clayton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Alan Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Sam Wiseman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lauren Raffaele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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 🍺
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Crazy Mama 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Carrie Costa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Mike Bouvier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Marek 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful day with an amazing crew. I’ll be back next time I’m in Russell.

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

Wildlife & Island Conservation

The Bay of Islands is home to abundant marine life and predator-free wildlife sanctuary islands. Keep watch for dolphins, seabirds, little blue penguins and other marine life as you sail between the islands.

During the island stop, explore native bush and discover the conservation work helping restore New Zealand’s native birdlife.

Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed. We follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices and respect marine protection guidelines.

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FAQs – Shared Day Sailing Charter

Our shared day sailing charter typically departs from Paihia Wharf at 9:30am. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure for boarding. We return between 3:15 – 3:30pm

Yes, a catered lunch is included. Dietary requirements can be arranged with advance notice.

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, but they cannot be guaranteed. Dolphins, seabirds, stingrays and other marine life may be spotted during the charter.

We recommend a jacket, swimwear, towel, sunhat, sunglasses and walking shoes. You’re also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks.

Still got questions? Read More FAQ’s here

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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