Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands
Shared and Private Sailing Charters exploring hidden bays, beautiful islands and marine wildlife in the Bay of Islands.
Discover the Bay of Islands on a Sailing Charter
Join Bayscapes for a sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands. Choose a shared or private charter and spend your day swimming, exploring beautiful islands, relaxing in sheltered bays and enjoying the freedom of sailing.
Find Your Perfect Bay of Islands Sailing Experience
From a relaxed afternoon sail to a full day of island exploring or an exclusive private charter, choose the experience that suits your time, group and plans.
MOST POPULAR
Shared Day Charter – From Paihia
A full day sailing adventure with an island stop for swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling or exploring the island.
PRIVATE GROUPS
Private Charter – Bay Of Islands
Have the whole boat to yourself and create a sailing experience around your group.
SHORT & SCENIC
Afternoon Sailing Cruise – From Paihia
A relaxed two hour sail through the Bay of Islands — perfect for a scenic escape when you’re short on time.
Why Sail with Bayscapes?
Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands at a more relaxed pace. With small groups, a spacious catamaran and a local crew who know the area, you can spend less time following the crowds and more time enjoying the places that make the Bay of Islands special.
No crowds. No rush. Just an unforgettable day on the water.
What Makes Us Different
Loved By Our Guests
See what guests have to say about sailing the Bay of Islands with Bayscapes.
Explore, Swim & Discover
Discover More Than Just Sailing
Sailing is just the beginning. Swim in sheltered bays, explore beautiful islands, watch for marine wildlife and enjoy the Bay of Islands from the water.
Sailing
Enjoy peaceful sailing through the Bay of Islands
Island Exploring
Step ashore to discover secluded beaches, native bush and island walking tracks.
Water Activities
Swim, snorkel or paddle board in clear, sheltered bays.
Wildlife Watching
Look out for dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.
MEET THE BOAT: OUR SAILING CATAMARAN
Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.
Our spacious sailing catamaran is designed for relaxed days on the water. With comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, forward nets, deck beanbags and a stable twin-hull design, there’s plenty of room to sit back and enjoy the Bay of Islands.
BOAT HIGHLIGHTS
144 ISLANDS TO DISCOVER
Explore Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Bays
The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands, surrounded by sheltered bays, native bush and clear coastal waters. Depending on your charter and the day’s conditions, you may have the opportunity to explore island sanctuaries such as Moturua Island.
Wildlife sightings vary from trip to trip, but you may spot dolphins, little blue penguins, diving gannets and other marine life as you sail.
With every trip, our crew selects the best locations based on the day’s conditions, aiming for sheltered anchorages, beautiful scenery and an immersive sailing experience surrounded by nature.
Bayscapes Charters FAQs
Everything you need to know before your Bay of Islands sailing charter.
We offer shared small-group shared charters and private charters for families, couples and groups. Choose from relaxed afternoon sails, full-day sailing experiences and private charters tailored to your group.
Shared charters depart directly from Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands, making it easy to step straight from Paihia Town onto the boat and begin your journey. Private charters offer flexible pickup options from either Paihia, Russell, or Waitangi Wharf for your convenience.
We keep our sailing experience small and personal, with a maximum of 19 guests onboard to ensure comfort, space, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Yes – on select trips like our Shared Day Charter or our Private Sail and Stop which include an island stop there will be time to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and paddle boarding at a sheltered island bay.
Safety always comes first. If conditions are not suitable for sailing, we will communicate with you to either reschedule your trip or offer alternative arrangements depending on availability.
Dolphins are regularly seen in the Bay of Islands, but as they are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
For all trips:
- A warm layer or jacket
- Sunglasses and a sunhat
- Any drinks or snacks you’d like to bring — a fridge is available onboard
For day trips with an island stop:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Walking shoes if you plan to explore the island
Shoes are removed when boarding, and there is storage onboard for your belongings.
At Bayscapes Charters, our sailing season runs from September to May.
Bay of Islands Blog
Explore our blog for the latest travel guides, local tips and inspiration to help you experience the very best of the Bay of Islands.
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