10 Sailing Trips in Bay of Islands Worth an Early Alarm

1.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Our pick

Spend about 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and the crew invite you to help with sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery. Morning tea, fresh scones, a chicken BBQ lunch, and optional return ferry transport from Paihia are included.

“A brilliant experience with lots of activity, if you want, or do nothing. Skipper Magnus and his crew ensured that everyone had a fabulous time on board the sailing ship.”

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2.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114

Join a small group of up to 10 aboard Vigilant from Russell at 10am. Nat, Dallas, Anita, or Nick may guide the day, shaped by the wind. Sail among the Bay’s 144 islands, stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or a beach walk, then enjoy lunch, tea, coffee, and local commentary before returning to Russell.

“Unfortunately our cruise ship notified us within the 24 hours that they weren’t able to dock at Bay of Islands. The tour provider kept the entire amount. It was their right under the Viator agreement. However, this happened at another port and the tour provider gave back a portion of the cost—that is providing excellent customer service.”

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3.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Spend about five and a half hours aboard Phantom, a live-aboard yacht sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Rick and Robin host up to 10 people, sharing sailing stories and local knowledge. You can walk to an island viewpoint, swim, snorkel, enjoy a homemade lunch, and watch for dolphins.

“We had a great time sailing with Robin and Rick. She fixed us a nice lunch, and he regaled us with stories from his vast, and not only sailing, experience. Sailing went smoothly, and we had some time for swimming and hiking on Robinton Island.”

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4.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Help steer, stretch out on beanbags, and watch for penguins, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. After two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island, you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, hike, or eat a packed lunch. Luke and his crew provide local stories, hot drinks, and a cold drink for the return sail.

“We absolutely loved our guides and the atmosphere! Great sense of humour and genuine interest in getting to know each and every person on the tour!”

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5.Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson, a working tall ship sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, take the helm, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, or relax with scones, tea, and a BBQ lunch. Your fare also supports a youth sailing program.

“Fantastic day - the only way to experience the Bay of Islands”

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6.Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Join Captain Mike and crew aboard the 65-foot Gungha II for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Help sail or stretch out on deck, watch for dolphins and penguins, then swim or walk ashore at a secluded island. Fresh snacks, lunch, snorkel gear, drinks, and a hot outdoor shower are included.

“Fabulous sail comfortable and the food was great Guide was great Captain great One of the best sailing trips I’ve had and Bay of Islands was stunning I highly recommended”

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7.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Join the R. Tucker Thompson in Russell for a relaxed 1-hour-50-minute sail through the inner Bay of Islands. Help raise the sails, enjoy a shared antipasto platter, buy a drink at the licensed bar, and climb the rigging if conditions allow. Paihia visitors receive return ferry tickets, making this a fine afternoon and evening outing.

“booked to sail to hole in the rock , but Captain said wind was not from right direction , a bit disappointed , only sailed across harbour and back , a bit tame and boring , crew were friendly and cheerful , trip was over too soon . Darryl and Xian”

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8.Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 97 reviews · from $126

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia with owners Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran. Stop for two hours at an island bay, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk, or relax. A catered lunch, indoor saloon, beanbags, and a small-group feel make this a well-rounded day on the water.

“Highly recommend. This was the highlight of our trip. Brad and Monique were amazing hosts. The boat was tidy, clean and modern. The sites were stunning and the lunch was delicious. Great value for money and would certainly do this again!”

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9.Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Join the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a two-hour late afternoon sail across the inner Bay of Islands. Help hoist the sails, steer under supervision, or climb the rigging with safety gear. A shared antipasto platter is included, drinks are available from the cash bar, and ferry tickets from Paihia are covered.

“Honestly exceeded all the expectations I had. All for non-profits, to gets kids to sail on this beautiful boat. We had activities on the ship and also great cheese and meat platter with alcohol for purchase for affordable prices. All for the kids!”

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10.Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Step from Paihia Beach onto a modern catamaran at 4:45 PM for a two-hour evening sail through Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi. The crew, including Luke, Rachel, Luca, Michelle, Chris, and Amy on past departures, handles the sailing while you enjoy a drink, optional swim, beanbags, and sunset views. Return by 7 PM for dinner.

“Lovely evening cruise hanging out on beanbags and sailing along the bay!”

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