Private Catamaran Full Day Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

A private catamaran is one of the best ways to experience the Bay of Islands, because you can leave the busy shore behind and reach a sheltered island that is accessible only by boat. Brad and Monique of Bayscapes Charters run the six-hour outing, with time for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and an island walk.

I like the small private group, limited to your own party of up to 10, and the freedom to choose how active or relaxed the day feels. I also like the flexible approach to timing, since you can request a departure time instead of being locked into the standard 9:30am start.

The main drawback is the price: $2,606.41 per group is a serious outlay for a day on the water, especially for a small party. The charter makes better financial sense for eight to 10 people, and the trip depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Private catamaran for up to 10: You get exclusive use of the boat, rather than sharing the day with a large public tour.
• Six hours on the Bay: The general plan allows about two hours sailing out, two hours at an island, and two hours returning.
• Active island stop: Paddleboarding, snorkeling, and a bush walk are all available, so you can mix water time with dry land.
• Lunch is included: Each person receives an individual packed lunch, with upgraded plated meals and special-occasion food available by request.
• Paihia or Russell departure: The usual meeting point is Bayscapes Sailing Charters at 69 Marsden Road in Paihia, with Russell Wharf also available.
• BYO alcohol only: Alcohol is not sold on board, but you may bring your own.

Six hours built around your private group

The appeal here is control. You are not joining a fixed boatload of strangers, and the day is not built around rushing from one scheduled stop to another. Your group has the boat, crew, equipment, and open water for roughly six hours.

The usual departure is 9:30am from Paihia, though you can request another time. Departures can also be arranged from Russell Wharf. That flexibility matters for families, wedding groups, birthday outings, or anyone working around accommodation and other plans.

The catamaran is crewed, so you are not responsible for sailing the boat. You can sit back and watch the coastline, talk with your group, or choose an activity once the boat reaches a sheltered bay.

The general timing is straightforward:

• About two hours sailing out through the Bay of Islands
• About two hours anchored near an island
• About two hours cruising back to Paihia or Russell

This is not a short scenic cruise with a quick photo stop. You get a full half-day on the water, with enough time to enjoy the journey and still spend a useful stretch of time ashore.

Sailing out from Paihia or Russell

The Bay of Islands is best appreciated from the water. From the deck, you see the coastline from a different angle, with small islands, coves, and open stretches of sea passing by as the catamaran heads away from town.

The first two hours are part of the experience, not just transport to the island. You can use this time to settle into the boat and enjoy the scenery without needing to follow a packed schedule.

A private charter also lets you choose your own level of conversation. The crew can be sociable and involved, but you are not required to spend the day in a group activity. One useful feature of this trip is that you can chat with Brad and Monique when you want to, then have quiet time with your own party.

That balance suits mixed groups. Some people may want to talk, take photographs, and watch the sailing. Others may prefer to sit quietly or read the water. A private boat gives you room for both.

The boat has a restroom, which is a practical point during a six-hour outing. It also carries snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards, so you do not need to arrange those separately.

A two-hour island stop at a sheltered bay

The island stop is the heart of the day. The catamaran anchors in a sheltered bay near a remote island, giving you time to step away from the boat and enjoy the clear water and scenery at a slower pace.

You can spend the full stop in the water, using the snorkeling equipment or paddleboards. If conditions suit, snorkeling lets you look below the surface rather than simply viewing the Bay from the deck. The paddleboards provide another easy way to explore the calm water near the anchorage.

You can also choose an island walk. The outing includes an island excursion, and the available details point to a short bush walk as one of the possible activities. This is useful for anyone who does not want six straight hours of swimming and sailing.

A stop such as Honeymoon Bay can add a memorable sense of place to the day. Sheltered water makes the pause feel distinct from the open-water sailing, and the combination of beach, bush, and sea gives your group several ways to spend the time.

Keep your expectations sensible. The trip offers access to an island and a range of activities, but it does not promise a long guided hike, a specific wildlife encounter, or a particular snorkeling site. The exact experience depends on the day’s conditions and the crew’s chosen route.

That flexibility is a strength for a private group, but it also means you should discuss your priorities before departure. Tell the crew if your group is most interested in snorkeling, paddleboarding, walking, or simply relaxing at anchor.

Lunch, upgrades, and special occasions

An individual packed lunch is included in the price. That keeps the day simple and means you do not have to bring a full meal for everyone, although you may want to confirm the menu and any dietary needs before going.

There is also an upgraded lunch option with a buffet-style plated meal. The available information does not specify the menu, so ask what is being offered when you book. That is particularly important for a birthday, anniversary, family celebration, or corporate outing where lunch is part of the occasion.

Bayscapes can also arrange cakes, charcuterie boards, and other special food. Those extras are not part of the base price, but they could make the charter more suitable for a milestone event.

Alcohol is not sold on board. You may bring your own alcoholic drinks, so plan ahead if that is important to your group. The BYO arrangement is easy enough, but it means you should not expect a bar service or an onboard drinks package.

What the private format is really worth

The price is $2,606.41 for up to 10 people. At the maximum group size, that works out to about $260.64 per person. A group of six would pay roughly $434.40 per person, while a couple would carry the full cost between them.

That makes the charter best suited to a larger family group, a group of friends, or a special occasion. If you have 10 people, the cost buys a full six-hour private boat, crew, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and an island excursion. The value is not just the seat on the catamaran. It is the privacy and the ability to shape the day around your own group.

For a small party, the price is harder to justify. You can still have an excellent day, but the per-person cost rises quickly. If your main goal is simply to see the Bay of Islands from a boat, a shared cruise is likely to cost less. This charter earns its price through exclusivity, flexibility, and the personal feel of having the crew focus on your party.

I would also factor in the cost of any lunch upgrade, cake, charcuterie board, or other special request. The base fare includes packed lunches, but a celebration meal will cost extra.

Brad and Monique set the tone

Brad and Monique are the people who shape the experience. Their role is not limited to steering the boat. They handle the planning, welcome you aboard, and help the day run smoothly.

The feedback supplied about the charter repeatedly highlights their friendly, professional manner and the ease of dealing with them before the trip. That matters on a private outing, since the crew becomes a large part of the experience. You want clear communication without feeling pushed into constant conversation or activity.

The arrangement appears well suited to groups with different personalities. You can talk with the crew, ask about the area, or keep to your own party. There is no pressure to mix with other people because there are no other passengers joining your charter.

That is a small but important advantage for families and close friends. You can make the day as social or quiet as you like.

Weather matters more than your calendar

This is a water-based outing, so weather is a real factor. The charter requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellation.

If Bayscapes cancels because of bad weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is a fair protection, but it does not remove the risk of losing a planned day if you have limited time in the Bay of Islands.

Your own cancellation terms are strict. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons after booking. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid will not be returned.

I would avoid booking this as the only major activity on the final day of a tightly planned New Zealand trip. If weather forces a change, you may not have another chance to use the charter. Build in some flexibility if the sailing is a central part of your plans.

Who will enjoy this charter most

This trip fits a group that wants a private day rather than a standard sightseeing cruise. It is especially appealing for:

• Families who want a mix of water activities and an island walk
• Friends sharing the cost of a full-day outing
• Couples celebrating a special occasion with a larger group
• Groups that want a flexible departure time
• People who prefer quiet private time over a crowded boat
• Anyone wanting snorkeling and paddleboarding included without hiring separate gear

The charter is also a good match for a group with mixed energy levels. Some people can swim or paddle while others remain on the catamaran or take the island walk.

It may be less suitable if you want a detailed natural-history tour, a long hike, a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or a large choice of departure dates. Those features are not promised here.

Most people can participate, and the experience is near public transportation. Still, the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility specifications, so ask Bayscapes directly about mobility needs before booking.

Practical details for your day on the water

The standard meeting point is Bayscapes Sailing Charters, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200. The trip ends back at the meeting point. Russell Wharf can also be used as a departure location by arrangement.

The listed start time is 9:30am, but a different time may be requested. Confirm the exact departure point and time when you book, particularly if you are staying in Russell rather than Paihia.

Bring anything your group needs for a comfortable day, within the limits of a boat outing. The charter provides lunch, a restroom, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards. Alcohol is BYO, and no alcoholic drinks are sold on board.

The booking confirmation is provided at the time of reservation, and the activity is private for your group only. The maximum is 10 people. Larger parties should contact Bayscapes directly rather than assume that more passengers can be added.

Should you book the Bay of Islands catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you value privacy, flexible timing, and a relaxed mix of sailing and island activities. The strongest reasons are the private catamaran, the two-hour island stop, the included equipment, and the ability to spend the day with your own people.

Think twice if you are traveling alone, as a couple, or with a very small group. The price is much easier to accept when divided among eight to 10 people. Also make sure you can handle a strict personal cancellation policy and have some flexibility in case of poor weather.

For the right group, this is a well-rounded Bay of Islands outing: scenic sailing, clear water, paddleboarding, snorkeling, a bush walk, lunch, and a crew that keeps the day personal without forcing a fixed social style.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The charter lasts approximately six hours. The general plan includes about two hours sailing into the Bay, two hours at an island, and two hours sailing back.

How many people can join the charter?

The catamaran is available for a maximum of 10 people. Larger groups should contact Bayscapes Charters directly.

Where does the charter start?

The standard meeting point is Bayscapes Sailing Charters at 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand. Departures from Russell Wharf can also be arranged.

What time does the charter usually depart?

The listed start time is 9:30am. You can request a different departure time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An individual packed lunch is included in the price. An upgraded buffet-style plated meal is available by request.

Can I bring alcohol?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks are BYO. Alcohol is not sold on board.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes. The charter includes use of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the charter is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Personal cancellations and amendments are non-refundable.