Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

The best part of this Bay of Islands outing is the balance. You get real sailing along the coast, a two-hour island stop with swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and a short walk, then a relaxed lunch aboard the catamaran. Brad and Monique run the boat themselves, so the day has a personal, hands-on feel rather than the feel of a large sightseeing cruise.

I like the comfortable, stable catamaran and the freedom to set your own pace at the island. You can climb a track for a view, take a paddleboard into the bay, or do very little at all. The main consideration is the weather: the wind can make the boat feel cooler, and the crew only raises the sails when conditions allow. Lunch is generally well received, though it may feel simple to anyone expecting a full hot meal.

Key Points To Know Before You Sail

• Brad and Monique host the trip themselves, offering sailing information and commentary about the Bay of Islands.
• The two-hour island stop is flexible, with time for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, walking, or sunbathing.
• Bayscapes is a spacious catamaran, with beanbags, an indoor saloon, clean toilets, and room to move around.
• Lunch is included, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices available.
• Bring a warm jacket, since the breeze can strengthen once the boat gets moving.
• Four passengers are needed before the booking is confirmed, and the trip usually leaves in the morning from Paihia Wharf.

Setting Out From Paihia Wharf at 9:30

You meet at Paihia Wharf and look for the Bayscapes catamaran. The departure time is 9:30 in the morning, giving you a full six hours on the Bay of Islands rather than a short harbour cruise.

The opening part of the trip is about getting out into the bay and along the North Island coast. The catamaran gives you several places to sit, so you can move around to take photographs, watch the shoreline, or settle into a beanbag and enjoy the ride.

Brad and Monique are both owners and crew. They explain the sailing plan, share information about the area, and point out what is happening with the sails when the boat is under wind power. That makes the trip useful for anyone curious about sailing, but you are not required to take part in a lesson. You can simply enjoy the scenery.

The boat sometimes motors when the wind is light, then sails when conditions are suitable. This is worth knowing before you book. You are paying for a sailing charter, but a day on the water cannot guarantee that every mile will be under sail. When the wind does cooperate, the return trip can become the most memorable part of the day, with the catamaran moving quietly across the bay.

A Comfortable Catamaran With Room To Spread Out

The Bayscapes catamaran is one of the strongest parts of this experience. It has open areas for viewing the water, an indoor saloon for shelter, comfortable beanbags, and clean toilets. Several people have found the boat especially stable and smooth, which matters if you are not used to being on the water.

The layout also helps the day feel unhurried. You do not have to sit in one fixed seat for six hours. Walk around, take a turn in the shade, sit near the front, or retreat indoors when the breeze picks up.

Shoes must come off when you board. Wear something easy to remove and expect to keep your feet bare while on the boat. Bring a towel and swimwear, but also pack a warm jacket. Even on a sunny day, the wind can feel cool once the boat is under way.

The catamaran suits couples, families, and small groups who want a quiet day rather than a party boat. Children have been welcomed on the trip, and the activities can be adjusted to suit different ages. The water equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own snorkel or paddleboard.

The Two-Hour Island Stop

After sailing through the bay, the catamaran anchors near a secluded island bay. This is the main active section of the day, but it is not a rigid group program. You choose how much or how little you want to do.

A small inflatable boat can take you ashore for the island walk. The route is self-guided, with directions provided by the crew. It is a short bush walk, but some sections can be steep, including a goat-track-style climb to a summit or viewpoint. Wear sensible footwear for the walk, even though you will be barefoot on the catamaran.

The payoff is a broad view across the water and a chance to see the bay from land. The walk is not a major hike, and you should not book this trip expecting a long trail. It is better understood as a short island outing that adds variety to the sailing.

Back at the anchorage, you can swim from the boat or near the beach, use the supplied snorkelling mask and snorkel, or take out a stand-up paddleboard. The equipment gives you several ways to enjoy the stop without paying for separate rentals.

Snorkelling conditions depend on the day and the location, so do not expect a dedicated reef tour. The real value is the choice. You can spend ten minutes in the water, paddle around for a while, walk ashore, and then return to a beanbag. Some departures may even find a quiet beach with very few other people around, though the exact setting depends on the day.

If you prefer not to swim, the island stop still works. Walk, take photographs, read in the sun, or stay aboard and watch the others. That flexibility is a major advantage for mixed groups, where one person wants water activities and another wants a calm afternoon.

Lunch Aboard After The Water Activities

Lunch is served on the catamaran after the island stop. The meal is catered and includes options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. You should mention dietary needs when booking so the crew can prepare the right option.

The food is generally considered tasty, with sandwich-style lunches and lunch boxes noted among the meals served. One assessment found the lunch ordinary, so expectations should be sensible. This is a practical meal that keeps the day moving, not a restaurant experience.

That said, including lunch improves the value. You do not have to bring a meal or cut your island time short to find food. The crew serves it after the swimming and walking, when you are ready for a break.

Soft drinks and snacks are not included, though they can be purchased aboard. Alcohol is not sold on the boat, but you may bring your own. A cooler is provided. Keep this simple: bring only what you are likely to drink, and remember that the boat has a relaxed, low-key atmosphere rather than a bar service.

Sailing Back Through The Bay

The afternoon return gives the crew another chance to raise the sails. If there is enough wind, you get the quiet, smooth movement that makes a catamaran charter different from a standard motorboat trip.

Brad and Monique explain the sails and keep you informed about the route. You can ask questions or simply sit back. The small-group setup makes it easy to have a conversation without making socialising compulsory.

The return to Paihia is also a useful time to take in the wider setting. The Bay of Islands is made up of many small islands, sheltered inlets, and open stretches of water. From the catamaran, you see the coast from a low, changing viewpoint rather than from a single lookout.

The trip ends back at Paihia Wharf after roughly six hours. Since you have already had lunch and your main island stop, the final sailing feels like a calm finish rather than another scheduled activity.

Is $126 Good Value?

At $126 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Bay of Islands. It is good value if you want several parts of the day bundled together: six hours on the water, a catamaran charter, an island stop, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, a walk, and lunch.

A short sightseeing cruise may cost less, but it will not usually give you two hours to swim, paddle, snorkel, and walk ashore. Separate boat and equipment bookings could also add up quickly. Here, the main extras are soft drinks and snacks, while the key activities are already included.

The value is strongest for people who want an active but unhurried day. You get more than a view from the deck, but less structure than a tightly scheduled adventure tour. That middle ground is why the trip works well for couples, families, and groups with different energy levels.

The price is less appealing if you only want a quick sail, dislike boats, or have no interest in getting wet or stepping ashore. You also need a minimum of four passengers before the booking is confirmed, so the departure depends on enough people joining.

Who Should Book This Charter?

I would choose this trip if you want to experience the Bay of Islands from the water without giving up comfort. The catamaran is spacious, the beanbags make a difference during a long day, and the indoor saloon gives you a place to warm up.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed day with a little adventure
• Families who need flexible activities
• Visitors curious about sailing but not ready for a technical sailing lesson
• Cruise passengers looking for a full-day excursion from the Bay of Islands
• People who enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, light walking, and scenic photography
• Anyone who prefers a small-group boat over a large sightseeing vessel

You should think twice if you need a guaranteed full day under sail. Wind conditions decide how much sailing takes place, and some of the route may be under motor. Also, the island walk includes a short steep section, so it may not suit anyone looking for completely flat access.

Practical Tips For A Better Day

Arrive ready for both sun and wind. Pack swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate layers, with a warm jacket at the top of the list. The breeze can feel much stronger once the boat leaves the wharf.

Wear footwear that is easy to remove. Shoes come off as you board, and you will want comfortable footwear for the island walk rather than relying on bare feet.

Tell the crew about dietary needs in advance. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free meals are available, but planning helps avoid confusion at lunchtime.

Bring your own alcoholic drinks if you want them, since alcohol is not available to buy onboard. The supplied cooler makes this possible, but soft drinks and snacks are extra.

Finally, leave room in your schedule for weather. The trip is built around the sea, so the exact sailing conditions and island experience can change. That is part of the nature of the outing, not a flaw in the plan.

Should You Book Bayscapes Charters?

Book this charter if you want a full Bay of Islands day with a strong mix of sailing, island time, swimming, paddleboarding, walking, and easygoing comfort. Brad and Monique provide a personal touch, and the boat has the space and facilities needed for six hours on the water.

The clearest reasons to book are the flexible two-hour stop, the included equipment, the tidy catamaran, and the chance to sail when the wind allows. The main cautions are the weather, the minimum of four passengers, and a lunch that is practical rather than elaborate.

For $126, I consider it a solid choice for a memorable day from Paihia, especially if you want to do more than look at the islands from a boat window.

FAQ

Where does the Bay of Islands sailing charter depart?

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

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts six hours and is usually available in the morning. Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

What activities are available at the island stop?

You can swim, snorkel, use a stand-up paddleboard, take a self-guided island walk, or relax in the sun.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkelling mask and snorkel are included, as are paddleboards.

Can I bring alcohol?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, weather-appropriate clothing, and a warm jacket for the stronger breeze while sailing.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A minimum of four passengers is required before the booking is confirmed.