SAILING CHARTERS AND TOURS IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS

Small Group Sailing Cruises & Private Charters · Explore Hidden Bays, Islands and Wildlife on a Bay of Islands Sailing Charter

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Guests relax onboard a catamaran sailing charter with Bayscapes Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands

Discover the Bay of Islands on a Sailing Charter

Explore the Bay of Islands aboard our spacious catamaran. Our small-group sailing charters offer a relaxed way to discover hidden bays, stunning islands, and crystal-clear waters while enjoying a memorable coastal adventure.

With fewer guests onboard, there is plenty of space to relax, move around, and enjoy a more personal sailing experience with local knowledge of the Bay of Islands.

5 Star Rated on Google & Tripadvisor

Private & Shared Charters

Small Groups – Max 19 guests

Paddle Boards and Snorkelling Included

Locally Owned & Operated

Departures from Paihia Wharf

View Charters

Find Your Perfect Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sail, a full day of island exploration, or an exclusive private charter, we have an experience to suit every group.

Catamaran sailing charter in the Bay of Islands with guests relaxing on deck

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 on a self guided walk.

6 Hours

Island Stop

Lunch Included

View Shared Day Charter

Guest walking on shore with sailing boat anchored in a remote Bay of Islands bay

PRIVATE GROUPS

Private Charter – Bay Of Islands

Exclusive use of the boat for a personalised sailing experience with your family or friends.

Flexible Itinerary

Up to 19 Guests

Catering Available

Plan Your Private Charter

Guests Relaxing on beanbags and the deck of a sailing catamaran in the Bay of Islands

SHORT CRUISE

Afternoon Sailing Cruise – From Paihia

A relaxed 2 hour scenic sail – the perfect sailing experience if your short on time.

2 Hours

Scenic Sail

Small Group

View Afternoon Cruise

Two guests relaxing on the front deck of a catamaran during a Bay of Islands sailing charter

THE BAYSCAPES DIFFERENCE

Why Sail with Bayscapes?

Escape the crowds and experience the Bay of Islands differently. Our small group Sailing Charters give you more time to relax, explore hidden bays, and enjoy the journey at a slower pace.

No crowds. No rush. Just an unforgettable day on the water.

What Makes Us Different

Smaller Groups

Enjoy a more personal sailing experience with a maximum of just 19 guests onboard.

Quiet Anchorages

We choose sheltered anchorages each day to make the most of the conditions, providing calmer waters and a more enjoyable experience.

Real Sailing

Experience real sailing powered by the wind—simple, scenic, and stress-free.

Relaxed Pace

Take your time to relax, soak up the scenery, and enjoy every moment on the water.

Swim & Explore

Swim, snorkel, paddle board, and explore secluded bays in some of the Bay of Islands’ most beautiful locations.

Local Knowledge

Our experienced local crew know the Bay of Islands and will take you to beautiful locations chosen for the day’s conditions.

A couple admire the views at Roberton Island, Bay of Islands while onboard a sailing charter

Small Groups. Bigger Experiences.

We believe the best days on the water happen when there’s room to relax.

That’s why we limit our cruises to just 19 guests. With fewer people onboard, you’ll enjoy more space, more personal service, and a more relaxed atmosphere than larger tour vessels.

It’s one of the reasons so many of our guests describe their cruise as the highlight of their Bay of Islands visit.

Explore the Bay of Islands from Paihia

Departing directly from Paihia Wharf, your journey begins in the heart of the Bay of Islands — one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal destinations. From here, we set sail into a sheltered paradise of turquoise waters, hidden coves, and over 140 subtropical islands waiting to be explored.

Explore, Swim & Relax

Discover More Than Just Sailing

Every charter is different, but every trip is designed to help you experience the very best of the Bay of Islands. From relaxing under sail to swimming, exploring islands and spotting wildlife, there’s something for everyone.

Guests hiking on Waewaetorea Island with a scenic view of Honeymoon Bay in the Bay of Islands during a sailing charter

ISLAND STOP

Step ashore to explore secluded beaches and walking tracks.

PADDLE BOARDING

Glide across calm bays and explore at your own pace.

a little blue penguins swims by a sailing charter in the bay of islands

WILDLIFE WATCHING

Look out for dolphins, seabirds and other marine life in the Bay of Islands.

SAILING

Enjoy peaceful sailing through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastlines.

SNORKELING & SWIMMING

Discover vibrant marine life and swim in the clear, sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands.

Catered lunch served onboard a Bay of Islands sailing charter

LUNCH ONBOARD

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal while anchored in a quiet bay on select charters.

MEET THE BOAT: OUR SAILING CATAMARAN

Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.

Our 40-foot catamaran is designed for comfort, with small groups so there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the Bay of Islands.

You can unwind in the saloon or head outside to lounge on deck beanbags. Or step onto the forward nets and watch the water glide beneath you. Our crew takes care of everything, so you can simply relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy your time on the water.

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Spacious 40ft (12m) Catamaran

Comfortable Indoor Saloon

Forward Nets & Deck Beanbags

Jumping Platform

Smooth, Stable Sailing

Discover The Boat

MEET THE BOAT: SAILING CATAMARAN

Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.

Our 40-foot catamaran is designed for comfort, with small groups so there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the Bay of Islands.

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Spacious 40ft (12m) Catamaran

Comfortable Indoor Saloon

Forward Nets & Deck Beanbags

Jumping Platform

Smooth, Stable Sailing

Discover The Boat

144 ISLANDS TO DISCOVER

Explore Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Bays

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 unique islands, each offering its own mix of sheltered bays, native bush, and crystal-clear waters. On our sailing charters, you’ll have the opportunity to step ashore on beautiful island sanctuaries such as Moturua Island, where self-guided walks lead through native forest and coastal viewpoints.

While sailing, you may see:

✔ Native seabirds
✔ Little Blue Penguins
✔ Dolphins (from a respectful distance)
✔ Restored island habitats

With every trip, our crew selects the best locations based on conditions, ensuring calm anchorages, stunning scenery, and an immersive experience surrounded by nature.

a lady takes a picture of two little blue penguins while on a sailing catamaran charter

Quick FAQs – Bay of Islands Sailing Cruises

Do you offer Shared and Private Sailing Charters?

Yes. We offer small-group shared sailing charters as well as private charters for families, couples, and groups.

Where do your Sailing Charters depart from?

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.

How many guests are on board?

We keep our sailing experience small and personal, with a maximum of 19 guests onboard to ensure comfort, space, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can we swim, snorkel, or paddle board?

Yes – on trips with an island stop there will be time to enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and paddle boarding at a sheltered island bay.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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.

What should I bring on a sailing trip?

– Jacket/Jumper; the breeze gets stronger when you are sailing so bring a jumper even if the weather looks good. In any case we do have a indoor saloon for your comfort.
– Sunglasses and Sunhat
– Any drinks or snacks you wish. Fridge available onboard

For day trips;
– Swimwear and a towel if you want to go swimming. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear or you can use our masks and fins provided.
– Walking shoes; Shoes are to be taken off upon boarding but do bring sneakers/shoes if you are planning on doing our island walk.

We have storage room onboard for your bags. When onboard you will be directed to an area to stow your gear.

Do you see dolphins in the Bay of Islands?

Dolphins are frequently spotted in the Bay of Islands, along with seabirds and other marine life. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, they are a regular highlight of the experience.

What is the best time to visit the Bay of Islands?

The Bay of Islands offers ideal sailing conditions from September through May, with warm weather, calm seas, and clear skies creating perfect days on the water. Peak season runs from December to February, when demand is highest and prices may be slightly elevated. Our favorite time to visit is February, when the waters are at their warmest and the crowds are smaller compared to January, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable sailing experience.

Still got questions? Read our full FAQs here

What Our Guests Say About Their Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

“Sailing in the Bay of Islands aboard this beautiful catamaran was the highlight of our visit to NZ. We really enjoyed the hospitality, knowledge and sailing skills. Great food & snacks, opportunities to explore a couple of islands, a lovely sail through the bay and had stand up paddle boards and snorkel gear available for use. Our private sailing charter with them was outstanding.”

Erik WakleyPrivate Charter

“This was a totally special and fantastic boat day, from start to finish it was just perfection. The boat is lovely, they only take a small group so plenty of space to lay out on bean bags on the front of the boat. Beautiful views and the stopover at one of the islands was so beautiful a few hours to walk around, snorkel, swim, paddle board everything you could wish for. Delicious lunches given to each person sitting on the boat soaking up the views. Brad & Monique were the most wonderful hosts / guides couldn’t recommend this more!”

Lottie HShared Day Charter

“Fantastic day sailing with Brad & Monique around the bay of islands. Friendly skippers with lots of knowledge about the area and who were more than happy to answer questions. We had a great time on our walk, using the SUP’s and snorkelling with a delightful lunch to finish it off. The catamaran was beautiful and clearly well looked after! Thanks very much, a great way to see the Bay of Islands, I would definitely recommend them!”

Hamish BaxterShared Charter

“Incredible hospitality and organisation of the charter. Everyone was blown away and continued to talk about it and relive those memories. The attention to detail, provision of food, and being taken to Honeymoon Bay, which was perfectly named, was truly exquisite. Your warmth and sincerity were greatly appreciated. We would highly recommend Bayscapes to our friends and family.”

Katherine and LucyPrivate Charter – Wedding Ceremony

“The best boat charter we’ve taken anywhere in the world. Wonderful clean and comfortable boat, tasty lunch catered from a local restaurant, and a friendly and knowledgeable crew (Brad and Monique). Zero complaints and would absolutely do this again next time we visit NZ. Highly recommended!”

Andrew EllisShared Charter

“We loved our experience on the Bayscapes tour. I went with my parents and we all loved it. The catamaran is super stable and relaxing to sail on. There were plenty of seats including a cushioned lounge in the interior, seating on the aft, bean bags and nets on the bow area. Lunch was great, they catered to my GF diet. Monique and Brad were such attentive hosts who do whatever they can to help you and make you comfortable. I would happily recommend this trip to anyone and loved the small group vibe much more than a big crowded boat.”

Lauren RaffaeleShared Day Charter

Discover Your Bay of Islands Adventure

Explore our latest travel guides, local tips and inspiration to help you experience the very best of the Bay of Islands.

Ready to Discover the Bay of Islands?

Join one of our relaxed small-group sailing charters or book the whole boat for your own private adventure.

• Small Groups • Private & Shared Charters • Paihia Departures •

Book Your Sailing Charter

SAILING CHARTERS AND TOURS IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS

Discover the Bay of Islands on a Sailing Charter

Find Your Perfect Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

Shared Day Charter – From Paihia

Private Charter – Bay Of Islands

Afternoon Sailing Cruise – From Paihia

Why Sail with Bayscapes?

What Makes Us Different

Small Groups. Bigger Experiences.

Explore the Bay of Islands from Paihia

Discover More Than Just Sailing

ISLAND STOP

PADDLE BOARDING

WILDLIFE WATCHING

SAILING

SNORKELING & SWIMMING

LUNCH ONBOARD

Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.

BOAT HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Bays

Quick FAQs – Bay of Islands Sailing Cruises

Do you offer Shared and Private Sailing Charters?

Where do your Sailing Charters depart from?

How many guests are on board?

Can we swim, snorkel, or paddle board?

What happens if the weather is bad?

What should I bring on a sailing trip?

Do you see dolphins in the Bay of Islands?

What is the best time to visit the Bay of Islands?

What Our Guests Say About Their Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

Discover Your Bay of Islands Adventure

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Inside Bay of Islands Conservation: How Wildlife Is Being Protected

Relaxed Sailing Made Easy: The Ultimate Catamaran Charter Guide

Ready to Discover the Bay of Islands?