The 10 Best Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands

1.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Our pick

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and his crew invite you to help with sails, try the helm, climb the rigging, swim, and enjoy scones plus a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is available if selected.

“Capt Magnus and his crew showed us just how beautiful the Bay of Islands really is! Fascinating to learn the history of the ship’s creation and how this activity directly supports youth development in sailing. Bravo Zulu!”

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2.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114

Set out from Russell at 10am aboard Vigilant with skipper Nat, Natalie, Nick, or Dallas and a small group of no more than 10. Sail among the Bay of Islands, stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or a beach walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and a chance to take the helm.

“Weather wasn’t great but the crew made the most of it. We did get wind and were able to enjoy sailing. First mate was great, made an excellent lunch, made sure we were comfortable and worked the sails too. The captain was knowledgeaRead more”

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3.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Spend about 5.5 hours aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard yacht sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Rick and Robin host a small group of up to 10, with island walking, swimming, snorkeling, a homemade lunch, sailing stories, and possible dolphin sightings.

“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”

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4.Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Join Barefoot Sailing Adventures in Paihia for six hours on a comfortable catamaran with skipper Luke or another English-speaking guide. Sail among 144 islands, help at the tiller, then spend two hours on a sanctuary island snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming, and eating a packed lunch.

“Very enjoyable and informative trip, and the simple picnic lunch was delicious. I was on my own and felt that I was given just the right balance of care and respect for solitude. It was great we could stop to watch some penguins swimming on the way, and I enjoyed my turn at the tiller.”

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5.Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Board the locally built R. Tucker Thompson in Russell for 5.5 hours of sailing in the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, enjoy fresh scones and a BBQ lunch, or relax while the English-speaking crew handles the work.

“We had a beautiful day sailing. The crew were very helpful, great to talk to and happy to pass on their knowledge. Our walk to Cooks lookout at our lunch stop was scenic and very interesting. Climbing the mast was a highlight for two of our group, adventurous husbands.”

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6.Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Sail from Paihia aboard the 65-foot Gungha II with Captain Mike or another English-speaking skipper. Help with the sailing or relax, watch for penguins and dolphins, then stop at a quiet island for walking, swimming, and snorkeling before a fresh sandwich lunch.

“Great. Excellent trip on a nice boat. Stopped at a beautiful beach. Had enough wind to get some good sailing in.”

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7.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Spend about two hours sailing the inner Bay of Islands aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional tall ship. You can help raise the sails, steer, climb the rigging with a harness, or relax with antipasto and a drink. Paihia visitors receive a return ferry ticket to Russell.

“Amazing dedication of staff on the ship who showed their love for what they do. Explaining the story behind the group who run the experience was very interesting.”

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8.Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 97 reviews · from $126

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours from Paihia. Sail the Bay of Islands, stop for two hours of swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or a bush walk, then enjoy catered lunch before the return sail.

“Really enjoyable day out on the catamaran, the 2 hours at the island were perfect, at one point we had a private beach! Also made use of the snorkels and paddle boards. Brad and Monique were very friendly. We would highly recommend.”

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9.Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Spend two hours sailing the Bay of Islands aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditionally rigged tall ship from Russell. Help hoist the sails, steer under supervision or climb the rigging, then relax with an antipasto platter and a drink from the cash bar. Ferry tickets from Paihia are included.

“Honestly exceeded all the expectations I had. All for non-profits, to gets kids to sail on this beautiful boat. We had activities on the ship and also great cheese and meat platter with alcohol for purchase for affordable prices. All for the kids!”

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10.Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Step barefoot from Paihia Beach onto a modern catamaran for a two-hour summer sail through Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi. The crew, including hosts such as Luke, Rachel, Luca, Michelle, Chris, and Amy, keeps things friendly and informative. Expect a swim stop, a complimentary drink, beanbags, and sunset views.

“Amazing evening! Staff was so sweet and welcoming. The opportunity to swim was great, kids kept wanting to jump off the boat and they were so accommodating. Awesome detail oriented all the way down to waterproof blankets. Loved it!! Best money we spent all trip. We almost booked it the next evening again!”

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