Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

The best part of this Bay of Islands outing is the choice it gives you once the catamaran reaches a quiet island bay. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk up to a viewpoint, or simply stretch out on a beanbag and watch the water. I especially like the small-group feel and the chance to enjoy genuine sailing, not just a motorboat ride.

I also like the roomy, well-kept boat and the care taken by owners and hosts Brad and Monique. The catered lunch includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The main consideration is the weather: sailing time depends on the wind, and the breeze can feel cool, so bring a warm jacket even on a sunny day.

Key things to know before you book

• A full six hours on the water: Leave Paihia Wharf at 9:30 a.m. and spend the day moving through the Bay of Islands.
• Two hours at an island bay: Use the supplied snorkel gear and paddleboards, take a self-guided bush walk, or relax ashore.
• A comfortable catamaran: Beanbags, an indoor saloon, open deck space, and spotless toilets make this more than a basic boat ride.
• A hands-on sailing experience: The crew raises the sails when conditions allow, and the return trip can be a particularly fine sailing stretch.
• Lunch is part of the fare: Catered food is provided, with several dietary options. Soft drinks and snacks cost extra.
• Bring your own alcohol if wanted: Drinks are not sold onboard, but a cooler is provided.

Six hours in the Bay of Islands, not six hours in a seat

This is a relaxed day charter from Paihia for people who want more than a quick scenic cruise. The route takes you along the North Island coastline and into the Bay of Islands, where small coves, rocky shores, and forested islands provide the setting.

The catamaran leaves Paihia Wharf at 9:30 a.m. Look for the Bayscapes boat. Shoes come off when you board, a small point worth knowing before you arrive with heavy footwear or wet sandals.

Once aboard, you can move around rather than remain fixed in one place. The boat has open areas for views, beanbags for lounging, and an indoor saloon if the breeze picks up. The vessel has been described as clean, modern, stable, and well cared for, with room for a small group of about 12 people.

That size matters. You get enough company for a friendly day, but the outing does not have the feel of a large sightseeing vessel. You can chat with Brad and Monique about the bay and sailing, or find a quiet corner when you want to enjoy the view without making conversation.

Meeting Brad and Monique on the Bayscapes catamaran

Brad and Monique own and operate the boat, which gives the day a personal feel. They explain the plan, talk about the islands, and describe what is happening with the sails as the boat moves along.

That sailing commentary is useful even if you know little about boats. You get a better sense of why the sails go up at one point and come down at another, and why a motor may be needed when the wind is light. Several people particularly enjoyed the return journey under sail, but the amount of sailing depends on the weather.

The catamaran itself is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It has a broad, steady feel, comfortable beanbags, and an indoor saloon. The toilets are kept notably clean, which matters on a six-hour outing. This is not a bare-bones charter where you simply tolerate the boat to reach the destination.

The breeze can strengthen once the boat is sailing. Bring a warm layer, even if Paihia feels mild when you leave. You should also pack swimwear, a towel, and clothing suited to changing weather.

The island stop: two hours with no fixed agenda

The island stop is the heart of the day. The boat anchors in a sheltered bay for about two hours, giving you time to choose your own pace.

You might begin with a swim from the boat or make use of the snorkeling equipment provided. Paddleboards are also available, and you can use them from the water near the anchorage. If you prefer dry land, a small tender can take you ashore for beach time and a self-guided walk.

The walk is not presented as a formal guided hike. You receive directions and set off on your own. Previous outings have included a short, steep track to a summit or lookout, so sensible footwear is useful if you plan to walk. Since shoes must be removed when boarding the catamaran, keep them easy to carry and put back on.

The island time works well because it is not overloaded with activities. You are not rushed from a swim to a walk to a scheduled lesson. You can pick one activity and take it easy, or combine several if the conditions and your energy allow.

If the water is too cool for a long swim, the walk and beach stop give you other ways to enjoy the bay. If you would rather not get wet at all, the boat and shore offer plenty of room to relax. That flexibility makes the outing suitable for mixed groups, including people who want activity and people who mainly want scenery.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The equipment is included, which improves the value of the trip. You do not need to arrange separate gear for snorkeling or paddleboarding, and you can decide on the day which activity appeals.

Snorkeling conditions naturally depend on the water and weather. The supplied details do not promise a particular amount of marine life, so treat it as a chance to explore rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The same applies to swimming. The sheltered bay provides the setting, but water temperature and wind will shape how long you stay in.

Paddleboarding is a good middle ground. You can get out on the water without committing to a long swim, and the boards also add a bit of fun for families and first-time users. The activity is self-directed rather than a formal lesson, so you should be comfortable following the crew’s instructions and using the equipment carefully.

The boat also provides a good platform for photographs. The bay, island tracks, and open water give you changing views throughout the day. Keep a dry place in mind for your phone, since swimming and paddleboarding are part of the plan.

Lunch onboard, with useful dietary choices

Lunch is served onboard after the island activities. The food is catered, and options are available for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. That is helpful if your group has different food needs, but it is still wise to provide those details when booking.

Most descriptions of the meal call it tasty, and lunch has been served as a sandwich or lunchbox-style meal. One person found it ordinary, so I would set expectations at a good included meal rather than a destination dining experience. You are paying for a day on the water, not a restaurant lunch.

Soft drinks and snacks are available to buy onboard. Alcohol is not sold, but you may bring your own, and a cooler is provided. This is a practical touch for a long charter, especially if you want a particular drink or snack between activities.

The lunch break also gives you a chance to warm up and settle down after the island stop. If the day has been windy, the indoor saloon may be more comfortable than eating outside.

Sailing back toward Paihia

The return trip is not just dead time after lunch. When the wind cooperates, the crew raises the sails and the catamaran heads back under sail. This is often the most satisfying part for people who want a real sailing experience.

Do not book this expecting six continuous hours under canvas. The boat may motor when conditions require it, and the amount of sailing depends on the wind. That is normal for a practical charter, and Brad and Monique explain the process as the day unfolds.

A catamaran gives you a stable ride and plenty of room to watch the sails, coastline, and islands. You can settle into a beanbag, find a position on deck, or use the saloon if the weather turns cool. The pace is gentle, with time to enjoy the setting rather than race between sights.

The charter returns to Paihia after roughly six hours. The day begins in the morning and finishes in the afternoon, leaving you free for dinner or another activity in the Bay of Islands.

What the $126 price really covers

At $126 per person, the cost includes a six-hour charter, the two-hour island stop, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and the optional self-guided walk. You are also paying for a small-group boat with indoor and outdoor space, rather than simply buying a seat on a large ferry.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the included activities. A swim, snorkeling session, paddleboard outing, and island walk can easily fill the stop, and you do not need to hire equipment separately. The boat’s comfort also matters on a full-day trip. A clean toilet, beanbags, and an indoor saloon are not flashy extras, but they make six hours much easier.

The value is less clear if you only want a short sightseeing cruise or do not plan to swim, walk, or use the boards. This is a full charter, so you should be happy spending most of the day on the water.

A minimum of four passengers is required before the booking is confirmed. That condition is important if you are booking close to your travel date. The tour has a 4.9 rating from 97 reviews, with especially strong praise for the boat, the hosts, comfort, and overall organization. One weak point in the feedback concerns lunch, though most comments describe it as tasty.

Who should book this Bay of Islands charter?

I would choose this outing if you want a calm but active day with several ways to enjoy the bay. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like having a plan without being forced into every activity.

Families can benefit from the mix of swimming, boards, a walk, and quiet time. The hosts have also looked after young children on board, including children aged two and four. Still, parents should consider that this is a boat day with water activities, not a structured children’s program.

It also suits people arriving on a cruise ship in the Bay of Islands, as long as the timing works with your port visit. The meeting point is Paihia Wharf, and the charter returns there after six hours, so allow enough time for your own ship transfer arrangements.

You may want a different activity if you dislike removing shoes, getting on and off a boat, or being exposed to changing wind. The island walk can be steep in places, and sailing time is weather-dependent. This is a relaxed outing, but it is not completely passive.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a warm jacket. The jacket is the item most easy to overlook because the morning may feel comfortable at the wharf, while the breeze becomes much stronger once the catamaran is moving.

Pack sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing, though only the first three items are specifically required. Keep valuables secure around the water, and bring a dry bag if you have one for phones or cameras.

If you want alcohol, bring it yourself. The onboard cooler is provided, but alcohol is not available for purchase. Snacks and soft drinks can be bought onboard.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour is conducted in English, and the booking needs at least four passengers before it is confirmed.

Should you book it?

Book this Bayscapes charter if you want the Bay of Islands at an easy pace, with real sailing, a comfortable boat, and a useful choice of water and land activities. The combination of Brad and Monique’s personal hosting, the two-hour island stop, included equipment, and a catered lunch makes the $126 fare reasonable for a full day.

I would skip it only if you want guaranteed sailing all day, a formal guided hike, or a more polished restaurant-style meal. For most people who want to see the bay, get on the water, and still have time to swim or explore, this is a strong choice from Paihia.

FAQ

Where does the Bay of Islands sailing charter depart?

The catamaran departs from Paihia Wharf. Look for the Bayscapes catamaran.

What time does the charter leave?

The charter usually departs in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and lasts six hours.

What activities are included at the island stop?

You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboards, relax, or take an optional self-guided island walk. Snorkeling masks, snorkels, and paddleboards are provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A catered lunch is included, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Yes. Alcohol is not sold onboard, but you may bring your own. A cooler is provided.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing. A warm jacket is recommended because the breeze can become stronger while sailing.