Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

The best part of this six-hour catamaran trip is the freedom to shape the island stop your own way. Swim, snorkel, paddleboard, walk to a viewpoint, or stay aboard with a book and a view. Brad and Monique run the boat themselves, adding useful information about sailing and the Bay of Islands without turning the day into a lecture.

I like the comfortable Bayscape catamaran, with beanbags, an indoor saloon, clean toilets, and room to move around. I also like the mix of activity and quiet time: the two-hour stop gives you enough time to try several things, while the sailing itself leaves space to simply watch the islands go by.

The main consideration is the weather. The boat may motor when the wind is light, and the breeze can feel cool once you are out on the water. Bring a warm jacket, and remember that shoes come off before boarding.

Key points at a glance

• A two-hour island stop: Swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, take a self-guided walk, or relax on the beach.
• A small, personal boat experience: The Bayscape catamaran has been described as comfortable, clean, stable, and often limited to about 12 people.
• Hosts who sail and explain: Brad and Monique provide information about the boat, sailing, and the islands.
• Lunch is included: Catered food is provided, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices.
• A relaxed six-hour pace: You leave Paihia at 9:30am and return in the afternoon, with time for both sailing and shore activities.
• Good value at $126: The price covers the charter, island stop, lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and the walk option.

Leaving Paihia at 9:30am

Your day starts at Paihia Wharf, where you look for the Bayscape catamaran. The boat leaves at 9:30am, and the six-hour schedule gives you a proper outing rather than a quick harbor ride.

The Bay of Islands is best seen from the water. Paihia is surrounded by small islands, sheltered bays, and open stretches of coastline, so the view keeps changing as you sail. From the catamaran, you can move about to find a good outlook, settle into a beanbag, or sit inside the saloon if the weather turns cool.

The boat’s size helps here. It is spacious enough to avoid feeling boxed in, but the small-group setup keeps the day personal. One group of 12 found the boat easy to enjoy without pressure to talk all the time. That is useful if you want company but also value a little quiet.

Shoes must be removed when you get onto the boat. Wear something easy to take off, and bring a towel, swimwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. The wind usually feels stronger once the catamaran is sailing, so a warm jacket is a smart choice even on a sunny morning.

Sailing the Bay of Islands with Brad and Monique

Brad and Monique are the owners and crew, and their role is a large part of the experience. They explain what is happening with the sails, point out parts of the bay, and share information about the area and its island history.

That balance matters. You get a real sailing experience, not just transport between two stops, but you are not expected to know anything about boats. The crew handles the practical side while giving you enough explanation to understand why the boat changes course or raises its sails.

The catamaran may sail when the wind allows, though some parts of the route can be under motor power. This is normal for a sailing charter and depends on the day’s conditions. On a breezy return trip, you might get the satisfying sight and sound of the sails doing the work. On calmer days, the view remains the main event.

Keep an eye out for marine life as you travel along the coast and into the bay. Specific sightings cannot be promised, but the open boat gives you a good chance to watch the water rather than view it through a window.

I particularly like that the crew seems to give people room to choose their own pace. You can ask questions about sailing, join the activities, or simply sit on a beanbag and enjoy the scenery. That makes this a better fit for mixed groups than a tour built around nonstop action.

The two-hour island stop

The central part of the outing is a two-hour stop in a secluded island bay. This is long enough to make the stop feel worthwhile. You are not rushing from one activity to the next, and you can combine a walk with time in the water.

A small rib is available to take you onto the island for the beach and bush walk. The walk is self-guided, with directions provided by the crew. Some people have described the route as a short but steep goat track leading to a summit or lookout, so it is worth wearing sensible clothing and taking care on uneven ground.

The reward is a view across the bay and a chance to see more than just the shoreline. If you prefer not to take the track, you can stay near the beach, swim, or return to the catamaran. The choice is yours, which keeps the stop from feeling like a forced group march.

The island stop can also feel remarkably quiet. Depending on the day and the location, you might find a beach with very few people on it. That sense of space is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a boat ride that only circles the islands.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

Water activities are included, so you do not need to arrange separate equipment. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are available, along with stand-up paddleboards.

The bay stop is a good time to use them because the boat anchors while you have a solid block of free time. You can swim straight from the boat or use the beach and island access, depending on the arrangements on the day. The water temperature and conditions will affect how appealing a swim feels, so do not feel you must take part.

Paddleboarding is a nice middle ground for people who want to get on the water without committing to a long swim. You can try standing, kneeling, or simply sit on the board, as one first-time participant did. Snorkeling gives you another way to slow down and look beneath the surface, though visibility will depend on the conditions.

If you want to fit in everything, plan your time. A short walk, a swim, snorkeling, and paddleboarding can fill two hours quickly. If your group has young children, the flexible format is helpful, and the crew has welcomed families with children as young as two and four. You will still need to supervise children around the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard, usually after the island activities. The food is catered and has generally been described as tasty, with sandwich-style lunch boxes mentioned specifically. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available, which makes planning easier for mixed groups.

Most people will find the included lunch a useful part of the price. One person felt the lunch was only average, so I would not book this as a food-focused outing. The main value is the full day on the water, with lunch adding convenience so you do not need to bring a meal.

Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Alcohol is not sold, but you may bring your own. A cooler is provided, so you can bring a drink for the afternoon sail if that suits you. Pack water and any extra snacks you know you will want, especially if you expect to spend much of the island stop swimming or walking.

The indoor saloon gives you a comfortable place to eat if the breeze picks up. After lunch, you can settle into the beanbags and watch the islands pass by as the boat heads back toward Paihia.

Comfort on a six-hour charter

A six-hour boat trip can feel long if the vessel is cramped or the sea is rough. The Bayscape catamaran helps with both concerns through its stable design, open deck space, indoor saloon, and comfortable beanbags.

The clean toilets are another practical advantage. They matter more on a full-day outing than on a short harbor cruise, and the boat has been kept in notably good order.

You should still prepare for normal boat conditions. The breeze strengthens as you sail, and the weather can change during the day. Bring layers rather than relying on a warm morning. A towel and swimwear are essential if you want to use the water equipment, while non-slip, easy-to-remove footwear is useful for getting to the wharf and island.

This is not a luxury yacht with a formal service style. It is a well-kept sailing catamaran with a relaxed atmosphere. That is part of its appeal. You get room to spread out, but the day still feels connected to the sea and the weather.

Is $126 a fair price?

At $126 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full Bay of Islands outing rather than a short scenic cruise. The fee includes six hours aboard the catamaran, the two-hour island stop, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and the optional walk.

You are also paying for a small-group sailing experience with the owners at the helm. A standard sightseeing boat may offer a lower price, but it will not necessarily include this much free time at an island or the same chance to use water equipment.

The value is best for people who will take advantage of the stop. If you plan to swim, walk, or paddleboard, the included gear saves you from arranging separate rentals. If you only want to sit indoors and watch the scenery, a shorter cruise may be enough.

The booking requires at least four passengers before it is confirmed. That is important if you are booking close to your travel date or planning around a cruise-ship stop. The tour has also worked well as a shore excursion for people visiting the Bay of Islands by cruise ship, but you should check your ship schedule carefully because the charter occupies most of the day.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day with choices. It suits you especially well if one person wants to swim, another prefers a walk, and someone else would rather stay aboard and enjoy the view.

It is also a good pick if you want to learn a little about sailing. Brad and Monique explain the boat and the sails in a friendly way, so you can understand more without needing prior experience.

Families can appreciate the open schedule, though adults remain responsible for children around the water and on the island track. The walk may be too steep or uneven for some people, but it is optional.

I would think twice if you dislike wind, getting wet, or changing weather. This is an outdoor sailing day, not a sealed sightseeing bus on water. You should also choose another activity if your main goal is a long, challenging hike or a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

Booking tips for a smoother day

Book with the minimum four-passenger rule in mind. If your plans are tight, leave room for changes until the booking is confirmed.

Arrive at Paihia Wharf with enough time to find the Bayscape catamaran. Bring a warm jacket even in summer, plus swimwear, a towel, and sun protection. Shoes come off as you board, so avoid complicated footwear.

If you have dietary needs, select the correct lunch option when booking or tell the operator in advance. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices are available.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. English is the tour language, and the usual departure is in the morning at 9:30am.

Should you book the Bayscape catamaran?

Yes, if you want the Bay of Islands at an unhurried pace, with real sailing, a comfortable boat, and a useful two-hour island stop. The combination of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, walking, and quiet time gives you more control than a tightly scheduled cruise.

I would book it for the hosts, the boat comfort, and the amount of time at the island. Just bring warm layers, keep your expectations flexible about sail power and lunch, and remember that the weather shapes the day. At $126, it is a well-priced choice for a full day on the water with lunch and equipment included.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour leave from?

The tour leaves from Paihia Wharf. Look for the Bayscape catamaran.

What time does the tour depart?

The charter usually leaves at 9:30am and lasts six hours.

How long do you spend at the island?

The island stop lasts two hours.

What can you do during the island stop?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A catered lunch is included, with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are provided, as are paddleboards.

Can I bring alcohol?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, weather-appropriate clothing, and a warm jacket for the stronger breeze while sailing.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.