Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

The best thing about Phantom Sailing is its small 10-person limit. Instead of sitting on a packed sightseeing boat, you spend the day aboard a private yacht with room for conversation, hands-on sailing, and views that keep changing as you move among the Bay of Islands.

I especially like the chance to go ashore for an hour and walk to a viewpoint over the bay’s 144 islands. I also like the human touch: Rick and Robin share stories from a life spent sailing around the world, while Robin prepares a homemade lunch for the group.

The main consideration is that this is a true sailing day, not a fast sightseeing shuttle. You will spend most of the time on deck, and the island stop includes a walk uphill, so bring sensible clothes, sun protection, and a willingness to let the wind set the pace.

Key points to know before you book

• A maximum of 10 people keeps the Phantom personal, with more space for conversation and individual attention.
• Rick and Robin host the trip themselves, combining local Bay of Islands knowledge with years of ocean sailing.
• The island stop gives you more than a boat view, with about an hour to walk, swim, snorkel, or relax.
• Robin prepares a homemade lunch on board, adding real warmth to the middle of the day.
• Dolphin sightings are possible but not promised, so treat them as a lucky bonus rather than the main reason to book.
• The $121.01 price covers roughly 5.5 hours on the water, including snorkeling equipment and a small-group sailing setting.

Sailing away from Russell aboard the Phantom

You meet at 10:00 a.m. on The Strand in Russell, a handy starting point for a day on the Bay of Islands. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another harbor.

The Phantom is a live-aboard private yacht, which gives the trip a more personal feel than a standard large sightseeing cruise. With no more than 10 people on board, you can talk with Rick and Robin, ask questions about sailing, and find a comfortable place on deck without feeling lost in a crowd.

I see the boat itself as part of the appeal. Several details point to a proper sailing experience rather than a simple motorboat outing. You may be invited to learn some sailing basics, spend time at the helm, or watch Rick handle the yacht as conditions change.

That makes the trip especially appealing if you already enjoy boats. You do not need to be an experienced sailor, but you should be interested in being on the water for most of the day. This is not a short cruise with a quick photo stop and a return to port.

The Bay of Islands from the water

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the boat lets you see how scattered and varied the area is. From the deck, you can take in small islands, open stretches of water, beaches, and sheltered bays without the obstruction of road traffic or buildings.

I like this slower way of seeing the region. The scenery changes gradually, giving you time to notice the shape of the coast and the spaces between the islands. The sailing itself becomes part of the sightseeing rather than merely the transport between two stops.

Rick also shares local stories and information about the Bay of Islands as you go. The setting makes those stories easier to place because you are looking directly at the waterways and shorelines being discussed.

A dolphin sighting is possible during the cruise. One family described an encounter as a major highlight, but wildlife always follows its own schedule. Book this for the sailing, scenery, and small group first, then regard dolphins as a welcome extra.

An island stop with a one-hour viewpoint walk

The main shore stop gives the day a useful change of rhythm. You sail to an island, go ashore for about an hour, and have time to walk toward a viewpoint overlooking the bay and its many islands.

The walk is worth taking if you are comfortable with an uphill path. The view from above is one of the strongest parts of the day because it shows the Bay of Islands from a different angle. From the boat, you see the coast at eye level. From the viewpoint, you see the islands spread out across the water.

You can also choose to spend the stop swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. The supplied snorkeling equipment means you do not need to bring your own gear for that part of the outing.

The one-hour limit keeps the schedule moving, but it also means you will need to choose how to use your time. If the viewpoint matters most, head for the walk early. If swimming matters more, you may prefer to stay near the beach or boat.

A practical point: the island walk is not just a flat beach stroll. The climb is repeatedly praised for its views, so wear footwear suited to walking and do not assume you can fit every activity into the stop.

Homemade lunch on deck

While you enjoy the island stop or return to the yacht, Robin prepares a homemade lunch. The meal is served on board, often enjoyed on deck with the water and islands around you.

I consider this a real part of the experience rather than a minor inclusion. A prepared lunch gives the day a relaxed, hosted quality that suits the small group. You are not rushing off to find food during a short harbor stop, and the meal becomes another chance to talk with Rick and Robin.

The exact menu is not provided, so you should not book expecting a particular dish. What is clear is that the lunch is homemade and repeatedly described as a favorite part of the day.

If you want a cruise with a restaurant-style service or a long list of meal choices, this may not be the right match. If you like the idea of a simple meal prepared by your hosts and eaten aboard a sailing yacht, it adds good value.

Sailing, swimming, and time at the helm

After the island visit and lunch, the Phantom sails back toward Russell. The return leg is not filler. It is another chance to settle into the rhythm of the boat, watch the coastline, and talk with your hosts.

Rick is happy to offer sailing instruction and explain how the yacht works. Some people may simply want to sit back, while others will enjoy learning how to steer or trim the sails. The level of participation seems flexible, which is useful for families and mixed groups.

One account describes sailing at 7.8 knots, suggesting that the Phantom can make a lively return when conditions allow. Speed will depend on the wind and the day’s sailing conditions, so I would not treat that figure as a promise. The important point is that this is an active sailing trip, not a boat ride where the crew does all the work out of sight.

The yacht’s experienced handling also matters for comfort. You can enjoy the movement of the boat while Rick remains alert to conditions. That balance is particularly useful for anyone who likes the idea of sailing but wants capable hosts nearby.

What the small group changes

A 10-person maximum is one of the clearest reasons to choose Phantom Sailing. On a larger boat, you might see the same islands, but it is harder to ask questions, hear personal stories, or get a turn at the helm.

Here, the group size supports a friendly, informal mood. Families can spend time together without being separated across a large vessel, and solo visitors have a better chance to talk with the hosts and other people on board.

The small capacity can also mean that places sell out. Only a few bookings were recorded recently, but the experience has a 4.9 rating from 177 ratings and a 99 percent recommendation rate. Those figures suggest strong demand and satisfaction, so I would reserve ahead if your Russell dates are fixed.

The tradeoff is that there is less anonymity. If you prefer to keep to yourself, a small yacht naturally creates more social contact than a large cruise. The atmosphere is friendly and conversational, but it is not designed as a private charter for just one party unless your own group fills the boat.

Is $121.01 good value?

At $121.01 per person, Phantom Sailing costs more than a basic harbor ride, but you are getting much more than a scenic loop. The roughly 5.5-hour outing includes a small-group yacht trip, an island stop, an hour for walking or swimming, snorkeling equipment, local commentary, sailing instruction, and a homemade lunch.

I would judge the price by the amount of time and personal attention involved. You are spending half a day with two hosts on a yacht limited to 10 people. The lunch and equipment reduce the need for extra spending during the outing, though you should still arrive prepared with whatever personal items you need.

The value is strongest for people who care about the sailing itself. If your main goal is simply to reach an island quickly, a less personal boat trip may cost less and suit you better. If you want a day shaped around the wind, conversation, food, and changing views, the price is easier to justify.

The high recommendation rate supports that value, but I would still keep expectations realistic. Weather controls the quality of sailing, dolphin sightings are uncertain, and the day is spent mostly outdoors.

Who will enjoy this Russell sailing trip?

I would recommend Phantom Sailing to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a calm but active day on the water. It also suits anyone who prefers a small hosted outing over a large commercial cruise.

Families can benefit from the flexible mix of activities. One group of five found the yacht comfortable, and another account noted that an older parent over 80 felt safe and comfortable. That does not guarantee the same fit for every older person, but it suggests the setting can work well for a range of ages.

The trip is a good choice if you enjoy:

• Sitting outdoors for several hours
• Casual conversation with local hosts
• Learning about sailing
• Short island walks with broad views
• Swimming or snorkeling
• A homemade lunch rather than a restaurant stop
• A slower day built around the weather

I would think twice if you want a tightly timed schedule, guaranteed wildlife, or a mostly indoor activity. The island walk has an uphill section, and the experience depends on good weather.

Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Still, the information does not provide detailed mobility guidance for the yacht, beach, or viewpoint, so contact the operator before booking if you have specific access needs.

Weather, cancellations, and planning details

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

Your own cancellation terms are stricter. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. I would avoid booking until your plans are firm, especially during a short New Zealand visit.

Bring clothing suited to several hours on deck. The supplied information does not give a formal packing list, but sun protection, a warm layer, and footwear for the island walk are sensible choices based on the amount of time outdoors and the uphill viewpoint.

Plan to arrive ready for a 10:00 a.m. start in Russell. Confirmation is issued within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so leave room in your schedule if your dates are flexible.

My verdict on Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

I would book this if I wanted the Bay of Islands as a living sailing area rather than a backdrop viewed from a crowded boat. Rick and Robin provide the parts that make the day memorable: personal stories, local context, homemade food, a chance to learn about sailing, and time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.

The strongest features are the 10-person limit, the island viewpoint walk, and the relaxed return sail. Dolphin sightings can add a thrilling moment, but the trip has enough substance without them.

Skip it if you dislike being on deck for most of the day, need a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or want a short and highly structured cruise. For everyone else, especially people who value real sailing and friendly hosts, Phantom Sailing offers strong value for a half-day on the Bay of Islands.

FAQ

Where does Phantom Sailing depart from?

The tour starts at The Strand in Russell, New Zealand. The listed meeting point is Russell Booking and Information, The Strand, Russell 0202.

What time does the sailing begin?

The start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the Phantom Sailing experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, with the advertised duration described as about 5 to 6 hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Russell.

How many people can join the sailing?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Is lunch included?

A homemade lunch is prepared on board by Robin. The specific menu is not provided.

Can I go ashore during the sailing?

Yes. The boat sails to an island stop where you can go ashore for about an hour. You can use that time to walk toward a viewpoint, swim, snorkel, or relax.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not met, you are also offered another date or experience, or a full refund.