Bay of islands sailing charters

Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands aboard our spacious sailing catamaran. Join one of our shared sailing tours or book a private charter for your own group — with island adventures, time on the water and a relaxed way to experience the Bay.

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Sail the Bay of Islands on a sailing catamaran with Bayscapes Sailing Charters

Discover the Bay of Islands on a Sailing Charter

Sail between beautiful islands, swim in sheltered bays, explore ashore or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Whether you join us for a shared cruise or book a private charter, we’ll help you make the most of your time on the water.

Shared Cruises and Private Tours

Small Groups

Swim, Snorkel or Paddle Board

5 Star Rated

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Choose Your Bay of Islands Sailing Experience

From full day tours and island adventures to relaxed cruises and private charters, choose the experience that suits you.

MOST POPULAR

Shared Day Charter from Paihia

Join us for a full day exploring the Bay of Islands with a small group. Stop at a beautiful island for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding or a walk ashore — or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.

6 Hours

Island Stop

Lunch Included

View Day Charter

PRIVATE GROUPS

Private Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

Your boat. Your group. Your day.

Choose from our popular curated sailing tours or design a custom itinerary—from secluded beach stops and snorkeling to scenic coastal cruises.

Flexible Itinerary

Up to 19 Guests

Catering Available

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

SHORT & SCENIC

Afternoon Cruise from Paihia

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sail through the Bay of Islands, with beautiful scenery, fresh sea air and plenty of time to simply enjoy being on the water.

2 Hours

Scenic Sail

Small Group

View Afternoon Cruise

144 Islands

40ft Catamaran

Locally Owned

Paihia Departures

Guests walk part of the track of Moturua Island while on a sail and hike charter with Bayscapes Charters

Why Sail with Bayscapes Charters?

Come sailing with us and discover a different side of the Bay of Islands. Aboard our spacious catamaran our crew will help you feel right at home as you sail between the islands we’ll find a quiet spot where you can swim or snorkel, or simply relax and take in the views. With small groups and a more personal experience, there’s room to slow down and enjoy the Bay your way.

A Different Way To Experience The Bay of Islands

Small Groups

With a maximum of 19 guests, there’s room to spread out and enjoy the boat without feeling crowded.

A Spacious, Stable Catamaran

Our sailing catamaran offers comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, forward nets, beanbags and plenty of room to relax.

Real Sailing

We love sailing so as soon as the wind is up, we put the sails up and let the Bay of Islands provide the power.

Swim, Explore or Simply Relax

Our day charters give you time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, walk the island or stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

Local and Personal

Bayscapes is locally owned and operated by Monique and Brad, who love sharing the Bay of Islands with guests.

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

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Loved By Our Guests

See what guests have to say about sailing the Bay of Islands with Bayscapes.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 97 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    A&A Barton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a fantastic day charter with Brad and Monique. It was supposed to be a shared charter but the other party cancelled at the last minute so we were the only guests on the boat. Brad and Monique were professional, knowledgeable and very friendly. They keep their boat in immaculate condition and obviously take pride in their charter business. As an experienced sailor myself, I highly recommend this charter for exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Gerrie Colazo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Bayscapes was an absolutely amazing experience! We used them for a Hens Do and everyone had the best day ever! The hosts, Monique and Brad, were awesome and so accommodating. Even though the weather was a bit windy, they found the best spot for us to spend the day. They have everything you need - bean bags, music, paddle boards, snorkeling gear. Thanks so much for the awesome day guys! Can't recommend you enough! 10/10
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Elizabeth Clayton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family had such a good time on our sailing trip. Brad and Monique were great skippers, the sailing and island activities were fun, and lunch was very tasty! 5/5 all around, I definitely recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Alan Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Sam Wiseman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was truly a special day on the water. Brad and Monique were fabulous, helpful and knowledgeable. This is a perfect foil to all the "touristy" high speed high pressure trips. Snorkeling, paddle boarding and swimming all while moored in a beautiful bay during our lunch stop over was awesome. My wife and I highly recommend this charter.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lauren Raffaele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved our experience on the bayscapes tour. I went with my parents (early 70's) 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, and bean bags and nets on the bow area. Lunch was great, they catered to my GF diet, and it was available whenever you wanted it during the 2 hour island stop. 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. Highly recommend popping into the Tipsy Oyster afterwards for oysters and a drink 🍺
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Crazy Mama 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had the best day exploring the Bay of Islands with Bayscape Charters. The catamaran was spotless and very comfortable. The lunch was filling and delicious, better than we had expected. The options for a walk, snorkeling, paddle boards and swimming made for an adventurous day. Brad and Monique are very friendly, professional, knowledgable yet laid back and made the whole experience exceptional. The blankets, when it got windy, were a nice touch. I highly recommend them.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Carrie Costa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic trip with Brad and Monique out in the Bay of islands. We had a lot of wind and they were very apologetic about some of the conditions we had to navigate, but as a first-time visitor we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We had a great stop in a sheltered area with a walk and swim to explore Motorua, along with a great lunch. This is the second Catamaran tour I've done and it's something that I will look for in other places when I travel because it's such an awesome way to explore. Highly recommend Bayscapes for your visit to the Bay of Islands. I'm really glad we choose the over the large commercial tourist option.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Mike Bouvier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you enjoy sailing and getting a great perspective of the Bay of Islands from out on the water you will love this little charter cruise.  Brand and Monique do a great job of sharing a bit of history of New Zealand while exploring several of the bays and islands.  A stop for a swim/snorkel and a short hike followed by a hearty lunch box before, wind permitting, a brisk sail back to the Paihia marina.  The catamaran is very clean, well kept and spacious enough for all the guests.  It's great to see a young local couple own and operate their own charter.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Marek 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful day with an amazing crew. I’ll be back next time I’m in Russell.

Discover more with a sailing charter

Activities Onboard: Swim, Snorkel and Island Exploring

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

Discover secluded beaches, native bush and island trails.

Guest paddleboarding from a catamaran in calm ocean water

Water Activities

Swim, snorkel or paddle board in clear, sheltered bays.

Wildlife Watching

Look out for dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.

Aerial view of the Bayscapes Sailing Charters catamaran Hibiscus Star sailing in the Bay of Islands

Spacious. Stable. Built for Relaxing.

Meet The Boat: Our 40ft Sailing Catamaran

Hibiscus Star 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:

40ft (12m) Sailing Catamaran

Comfortable Indoor Saloon

Forward Nets & Deck Beanbags

Jumping Platform

Smooth, Stable Sailing

Discover The Boat

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

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your questions about your Bay of Islands sailing charter.

We offer shared small-group shared charters and private charters for families, couples and groups. Choose from a full-day sailing tour, a relaxed afternoon sailing cruise, or a private charter.

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.

Still got questions? Read More FAQ’s here

YOUR SAILING ESCAPE AWAITS

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