Private Catamaran Full Day Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

The best part of this Bay of Islands charter is the freedom to make the day your own. You have the whole catamaran, a crew, and up to six hours to sail from Paihia or Russell, stop at a sheltered island, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply sit back while the scenery rolls past. Brad and Monique handle the sailing and hospitality.

I like the small private group, which means you can chat with your own companions or enjoy quiet time without being pushed into a social program. I also like the two-hour island stop, long enough for more than a quick photo and a hurried swim. The main consideration is the price: at $2,606.41 per group, this makes the most sense for a full group of 10, not a couple looking for a cheap boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Private catamaran for up to 10: You share the boat only with your own group.
• Six-hour sailing day: The usual plan allows about two hours out, two hours ashore, and two hours back.
• Remote island stop: Enjoy a sheltered bay, clear water, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an island walk.
• Lunch is included: The standard option is an individual packed lunch, with upgraded meal choices available.
• Brad and Monique run the charter: Their friendly, flexible approach is a major part of the experience.
• Weather matters: The trip needs good conditions, and a weather cancellation brings a new date or full refund.

Sailing out from Paihia or Russell

The day normally begins at 9:30 a.m. from Bayscapes Sailing Charters at 69 Marsden Road in Paihia. The operator can also arrange departure from Russell Wharf, and the start time can be chosen rather than fixed to 9:30, according to the charter details.

That flexibility is useful if your group is building a full Bay of Islands day around the boat. You can plan a relaxed morning rather than race through breakfast, though you should confirm the exact meeting place and departure time when booking.

Once aboard, the trip follows the Bay of Islands coastline toward the open bays. This is not a point-to-point ferry ride. The sailing itself is part of the day, giving you time to watch the shoreline, settle into the catamaran, and enjoy being on the water without a packed schedule.

The catamaran has a restroom, which matters on a six-hour outing. You also have room to move around more easily than you would on a small rigid boat. The exact sailing conditions will shape the ride, so some days may feel calm and gentle while others bring more movement.

Why a private charter changes the day

A private booking is the biggest difference between this trip and a standard group cruise. You can bring up to 10 people, and no unrelated group joins you. That makes the charter especially practical for families, birthday groups, couples traveling together, or friends who want a shared day without strangers on board.

You also have more control over the mood. The available feedback describes a trip where people could talk when they wanted or enjoy quiet time without pressure to mix. That sounds simple, but it is one of the real benefits of booking a private boat. You are not tied to a guide’s constant commentary or a group activity every few minutes.

Brad and Monique are named as the crew, and their role goes beyond steering the boat. They help plan the outing, manage the timing, and make the onboard experience feel personal. The charter has also been used for special occasions, with options such as cakes and charcuterie boards available by arrangement.

The tradeoff is cost. At $2,606.41 per group, the arithmetic looks much better with 10 people: about $260.64 each. With five people, the same boat costs roughly $521.28 per person. That makes group size the key value question. If you fill most of the places, you are paying for a private day at a reasonable per-person rate. If you book with only two or three people, the privacy is attractive but expensive.

The two-hour journey into the bays

The first part of the usual plan takes about two hours. You sail through the Bay of Islands, a coastal area known for scattered islands, sheltered water, and attractive views from the sea.

The pace is important here. You are not simply being transported to a beach. The boat ride gives you time to enjoy the setting from different angles, with the coastline opening and closing as you move between bays. If you like being on the water as much as reaching the destination, this is a strong feature.

The catamaran format should appeal to people who prefer a more relaxed platform for a long day. You can shift between taking in the views and preparing for the island stop. Since the excursion lasts six hours, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and swim gear are sensible choices, although the provided information does not specify a packing list.

You should also keep expectations realistic. The trip is described around a general route, not a guaranteed list of named islands. The stop depends on the day, conditions, and crew’s plan. Honeymoon Bay has been part of an outing, but you should not assume every departure follows exactly the same route.

A remote island with time to choose

The central stop lasts about two hours at a sheltered bay on an island accessible only by boat. This is where the charter becomes more than a scenic cruise.

You can use the stand-up paddleboards, borrow snorkeling equipment, or take an island walk. Having several choices lets different people in the same group enjoy the stop in their own way. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay dry and walk or sit by the shore.

That two-hour window is a useful length. A short stop often leaves you rushing through equipment, swimming, and photos. Here, you have time to settle in and choose an activity without treating the island like a ten-minute viewing platform.

The water is described as clear, and the island setting offers scenic views. Still, water activities always depend on conditions. The charter includes the equipment, but the information does not promise a particular marine life sighting, water temperature, or snorkeling visibility. Think of snorkeling as an available option, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The island walk is another good choice if you want a break from the water. One past outing included a short bush walk, so the activity can provide some variety for people who do not want to swim for the full stop. Since no trail length or difficulty is given, ask the crew if walking is important to your group.

Lunch, special occasions, and onboard extras

An individual packed lunch is included in the standard price. That keeps the day simple and avoids the need for every person to arrange a separate meal before boarding.

You can also ask about an upgraded lunch menu with a buffet-style plated meal. This may suit a celebration or a group that wants lunch to feel more like part of the occasion. Cakes, charcuterie boards, and other special arrangements are also available for special events, but you should organize these in advance rather than assume they come with the standard booking.

Alcohol is not sold on board. Alcoholic drinks are BYO, so check the operator’s current guidance before bringing anything. The supplied details confirm BYO alcohol but do not specify storage, serving rules, or glassware.

The included restroom is a practical benefit, especially because the total outing lasts around six hours. You will also have access to the catamaran and activity equipment for the duration of the charter.

Sailing back to Paihia

After the island stop and lunch, the usual plan allows about two hours for the return sail. You finish back at the original meeting point, rather than needing to arrange a separate transfer.

The return leg gives you another chance to watch the Bay of Islands from the water. If you have spent the middle of the day swimming or walking, this slower section can be welcome. It also means the trip never feels like a rushed transfer to an island and back.

The full timing is roughly two hours out, two hours at the island, and two hours back. That clear structure helps you judge whether this is right for your group. People who want a quick sightseeing cruise may find six hours too long. People who enjoy a full day outdoors will likely appreciate the balance between sailing and shore time.

How the price compares with the experience

The listed rate is $2,606.41 for the entire group, up to 10 people. Because this is a private charter, the price pays for the boat and crew rather than a seat-by-seat ticket.

For a full group, the value is easier to defend. You receive a crewed catamaran, a six-hour outing, lunch, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboard use, a restroom, and a private island stop. You also avoid the usual compromise of following a large group’s pace.

The price becomes harder to justify with a small party. Two people would be paying a large amount for privacy, while a group of eight to 10 spreads the cost much more comfortably. I would first gather your group, then judge the price per person. Do not make the decision from the headline group price alone.

The upgraded lunch and special-occasion extras may add to the cost. They are useful options, not required parts of the standard day.

Who will get the most from this charter

I would recommend this trip most strongly to people who value privacy and time on the water. It works well for a group that wants to combine sightseeing, swimming, light activity, and a relaxed meal without changing boats or rushing between stops.

Families may like having different activity choices in one place. Some people can snorkel or paddleboard while others take the island walk. Friends celebrating a birthday or another occasion can arrange a cake, charcuterie board, or upgraded meal.

It also suits groups that do not all share the same social style. You can spend the day talking with your own party, or simply enjoy a quieter ride. The private format gives you more breathing room than a standard shared cruise.

I would be more cautious about booking if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing route with named stops guaranteed in advance. The general plan is clear, but the exact island and conditions can vary. I would also think twice if your group is very small and price is the main concern.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The experience requires good weather. If Bayscapes cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from losing the full booking amount because of an operator weather cancellation.

Your own cancellation policy is much stricter. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so confirm your group, date, and plans before paying.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The departure point is near public transportation, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. No separate accessibility details are provided, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator before booking.

Should you book the Bayscapes charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day that mixes sailing with real time ashore. The two-hour island stop, included lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and flexible atmosphere give the outing more substance than a short harbor cruise.

The strongest reasons to go are the private setting and the crew’s personal approach. Brad and Monique can help shape the day, and the format leaves room for both activity and quiet time.

Skip it if you are traveling as only one or two people on a tight budget, or if you need a fixed route and guaranteed named stops. For the right group, though, this is a well-rounded way to see the Bay of Islands from the water and spend an unhurried afternoon on an island.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran charter start?

The usual meeting point is Bayscapes Sailing Charters at 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand. Departure from Russell Wharf is also available.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m. The charter information also says you can choose another time, so confirm your preferred departure when booking.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts approximately six hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The catamaran can take up to 10 people in one private group. Larger groups should contact the operator directly.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An individual packed lunch is included. An upgraded buffet-style plated meal is available by inquiry.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. The charter includes snorkeling equipment and use of a stand-up paddleboard.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. A restroom is available on the catamaran.

Can I bring alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages are BYO. Alcohol is not sold on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the booking refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment.