Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

The best part of this six-hour Bay of Islands outing is the freedom to shape your island stop. You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk to a lookout, or do absolutely nothing on a beach while Brad and Monique handle the boat and share stories about the bay. I especially like the small-group feel and the chance to enjoy real sailing, not just a powered sightseeing cruise.

I also like the comfortable catamaran, with beanbags, an indoor saloon, clean toilets, and room to move about. Lunch is included and usually earns high marks, with options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. The one point to weigh is the wind: sailing time depends on conditions, so some of the route may be under motor rather than sail.

Key points to know before you book

• Brad and Monique run the boat themselves, creating a friendly, personal outing rather than a large commercial cruise.
• The two-hour island stop is the heart of the day, with swimming, snorkelling, paddleboards, a self-guided walk, or quiet beach time.
• The catamaran is built for comfort, with beanbags, an indoor saloon, spotless toilets, and plenty of space.
• Lunch is included, with several dietary options, though one diner found the meal only average.
• Sailing depends on the breeze, so expect a mix of sailing and motoring on some days.
• Bring a warm jacket, even in good weather, since the breeze strengthens once the boat gets moving.

Starting at Paihia Wharf at 9:30

Your day begins at Paihia Wharf, where you look for the Bayscapes catamaran. The departure time is 9:30 in the morning, and the full outing lasts six hours, so you return around mid-afternoon.

That timing works well if you want a full water day without giving up your entire evening. It also gives you enough daylight for the route, the island stop, lunch, and the return trip without making the schedule feel rushed.

The booking requires at least four passengers before it is confirmed. This matters if you are booking as a couple or a small family, since the trip depends on enough people signing up. One recent outing had 12 people, a size that still allowed the crew to give personal attention without making the boat feel crowded.

You take off your shoes when boarding. Wear something easy to remove, and do not arrive in your best white socks if you care about keeping them spotless. The rule helps protect the boat and suits the relaxed, barefoot feel of a day on the water.

A spacious catamaran built for looking around

Bayscapes is not presented as a bare-bones sailing platform. You get space to move around, an indoor saloon, comfortable beanbags, and clean onboard toilets. Those details matter more than they may sound, because six hours on a boat can feel long if you have nowhere comfortable to sit or shelter from a cool breeze.

I like the beanbags in particular. They let you settle in and watch the islands slide past without having to balance on a narrow seat. You can also shift around the boat for different views, which is useful when the sun, wind, or spray changes during the day.

The catamaran is described in the feedback as tidy, modern, well kept, and stable. A catamaran usually gives you a broad, steady platform, though the sea can still be lively and conditions remain weather-dependent.

The indoor saloon gives you a useful fallback if the breeze becomes too strong. Still, do not plan this as a fully sheltered cruise. The point is being outside, and the best views come from spending time on deck.

Sailing along the Bay of Islands

Once underway, the boat follows the North Island coastline and heads into the Bay of Islands. The scenery is the main event here: water, small islands, coves, and changing coastal views rather than a fixed line of attractions.

Brad and Monique provide information about the boat, sailing, the bay, and the history of islands you pass. This is a nice touch if you want to understand what you are seeing instead of simply taking photographs from the deck.

The crew also explain what is happening with the sails. That makes the trip more interesting for first-time sailors, while still leaving room for quiet time if you would rather watch the water.

Keep an eye out for marine life as the catamaran moves between bays. The information promises the chance to spot it, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter, so bring realistic expectations. The scenery and sailing remain worthwhile even if the animals stay out of sight.

A key detail is that the boat raises the sails when the wind allows. Several outings included a proper sail on the return, and one particularly enjoyable afternoon had enough breeze to make the trip feel like a true sailing experience. On calmer days, some of the route may be under motor. That is not a flaw, but it is worth knowing if sailing under canvas is your main reason for booking.

The two-hour island stop

The anchor stop gives you about two hours to choose your own pace. This is where the experience becomes more than a scenic ride.

You can stay aboard and relax, or use the supplied equipment and the shore access. A small inflatable boat is available to take you to the island, where you can reach the beach and start a self-guided walk.

Swimming and snorkelling

If the weather and water suit you, you can swim near the anchored catamaran or around the island bay. Snorkelling masks and snorkels are provided, which saves you from packing your own equipment.

The outing does not promise a guided snorkelling session or a particular marine sighting. You are free to use the gear during the stop, so this works best for people comfortable managing their own water activity.

Bring a towel and swimwear even if you are not sure you will get in. The bay may look too good to ignore once you are there.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboards are also supplied. You do not need to commit to a serious workout. You can paddle, sit on the board, or simply try it for the first time under your own steam.

This is a good option for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another walks, and someone else can stay on a beanbag with a camera. The crew provide the gear, but the activity is self-directed rather than a formal lesson.

The island walk

The self-guided bush walk adds a small land-based adventure to the day. The path can include a short, steep goat track to a summit or lookout, so comfortable footwear is sensible for the shore excursion even though you remove your shoes on the boat.

The walk is not described as a long hike. It is better viewed as a short chance to stretch your legs, see the island from above, and take photographs. Clear directions are provided, but you are responsible for following the route and judging your own comfort on the slope.

If you want an easy day, you can skip the walk. That flexibility is one of the strongest features of the schedule.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard after the activity time, while the boat is anchored or as the day continues. The meal is catered, and the available choices include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Most of the provided feedback describes lunch as tasty, delicious, excellent, or very good. Sandwiches and lunch boxes are among the details mentioned, making this a practical meal rather than a formal dining event.

There is one useful note of balance: one diner rated the lunch only 4 out of 10, despite giving the rest of the outing a very high score. Food is personal, and the meal should be seen as a welcome inclusion rather than the main reason to pay for the charter.

You can buy soft drinks and snacks onboard. Alcohol is not sold, but you may bring your own, and a cooler is provided. That makes it easy to add a preferred drink for the afternoon, provided you follow the boat’s general rules.

The return journey into Paihia

After lunch and the island activities, the catamaran sails back toward Paihia. This can be the most satisfying part of the day if the afternoon breeze fills the sails.

You may get a quiet ride under motor, a lively sail, or a mixture of both. The crew cannot control the wind, so the experience changes with the weather. I would treat the sailing itself as a bonus to a strong day on the bay, not as a guarantee of nonstop action.

The return also gives you a second chance to sit back and take in the islands. After swimming, paddleboarding, or walking, a comfortable seat and a steady view may be exactly what you want.

How Brad and Monique shape the day

Brad and Monique are the owners and crew, and that personal connection is central to the experience. They handle the sailing, explain the plan, share local information, and help people feel safe during the activities.

Their style appears attentive without being pushy. You can talk with other people onboard, ask questions, or enjoy some quiet time. That balance suits a day where not everyone wants the same level of activity.

Families can also find this workable. A family with two young children, ages two and four, had them well looked after during the outing. Still, parents remain responsible for children around the water, on the paddleboards, and on the island path.

The clean toilet is another small but important advantage. Six hours at sea is much easier when you have a proper facility onboard, especially for families and anyone who does not enjoy roughing it.

What to pack for comfort

Pack swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing. Add a warm jacket even if Paihia feels sunny at the wharf, since wind strength increases once you are sailing in open water.

I would also bring:

• Comfortable shoes for the island walk
• Sun protection
• A camera or phone with a secure grip
• A refillable water bottle
• Any preferred snacks or soft drinks
• Your own alcohol, if wanted, since none is sold onboard

Remember that shoes come off when you board. You will want footwear that is easy to remove and put back on for the island visit.

The boat provides snorkelling equipment and paddleboards, so you do not need to pack those. If you have specialist gear you prefer, the supplied information does not state whether extra personal equipment is accepted, so check before arrival.

Is $126 good value?

At $126 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Bay of Islands. It is also not just a short boat ride. Your price covers six hours, the catamaran charter, a two-hour island stop, snorkelling gear, paddleboards, the island transfer, the self-guided walk option, and lunch.

That combination makes the value fairly strong for anyone who wants several activities in one outing. Booking separate boat transport, water equipment, a beach stop, and lunch could easily become less convenient, even if the total price were similar.

The small-group setting adds value too. You are not paying only for transport. You are getting access to a well-equipped boat and direct attention from the owner-operators.

The value is less clear if you dislike boats, do not want to swim or walk, or mainly want guaranteed sail power. In that case, a shorter scenic cruise may suit you better. Also remember the four-person minimum, since the booking is not confirmed until enough passengers are signed up.

Who should choose this charter?

I would point this outing toward couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who like variety. You get active choices, but no one is forced to take part.

It also suits people who want a personal introduction to sailing. Brad and Monique explain the boat and the sails in a clear, approachable way, so you can learn a little without joining a technical sailing course.

It is a good fit for a family-friendly day, provided children are watched closely around the water and the island track. The supplied activities work for different ages, although the walk may feel steep for some people.

You may want to skip it if you need a rigid schedule, guaranteed sunshine, or a nonstop sailing session. The weather determines how much time is spent under sail, and the island activities are more self-guided than structured.

Practical booking details

The meeting point is Paihia Wharf. Look for the Bayscapes catamaran and arrive ready to board barefoot.

The tour is conducted in English, and it is usually offered in the morning. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Plan around six hours from the 9:30 departure. Since the outing includes an island stop, lunch, and a return sail, it is not a quick add-on between tightly scheduled activities.

Should you book the Bayscapes sailing charter?

I would book this if you want the Bay of Islands in a relaxed, hands-on format. The strongest reasons are the owner-run crew, the comfortable catamaran, the generous island stop, and the freedom to mix swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, walking, and quiet time.

Book with a warm layer and flexible expectations about the wind. If those conditions suit you, $126 buys a full day on the water rather than a simple transfer, with enough comfort and variety to make it a strong choice from Paihia.

FAQ

Where does the sailing charter depart from?

It departs from Paihia Wharf. Look for the Bayscapes catamaran.

What time does the charter leave?

The catamaran leaves at 9:30 in the morning.

How long does the experience last?

The charter lasts six hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A catered lunch is included onboard.

Are dietary options available?

Yes. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

How long do you spend at the island?

The island stop lasts about two hours.

What can you do during the island stop?

You can swim, snorkel, use the paddleboards, take a self-guided walk, or relax in the sun.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Can you bring alcohol?

Yes. Alcohol is not sold onboard, but you may bring your own. A cooler is provided.

Do you need to bring a jacket?

Yes. The breeze can become stronger while sailing, so a warm jacket is recommended.