Private Catamaran Full Day Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

Private sailing beats crowds in every way. On a crewed Bay of Islands catamaran, you get exclusive use for up to 10 people, then anchor at a remote bay for a real island break with paddle boarding, snorkelling, and an island walk.

I like how the day feels flexible and low-key. You can move from calm sailing to active time on the water without rushing, and you still get lunch sorted for you.

One consideration: this experience needs good weather, and the boat does not sell alcohol (it is BYO), so plan for that before you arrive.

Key Highlights You Will Care About

• Exclusive use for up to 10 people, so you can chat or keep it quiet
• Two hours on a remote island bay with multiple activity choices
• Stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling gear included
• Lunch included with an option to upgrade to a plated buffet-style meal
• BYO alcohol only, no bar service on board
• Round-trip sailing built into a roughly 6-hour day

Where This Private Charter Fits in the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is famous for scenery, but a lot of boat days can feel like you are watching your own schedule slide around other people’s schedules. This charter flips that. You rent the catamaran for your group, and your crew runs the show for the full time window.

That matters because a private boat day is not just about comfort. It also changes the vibe. You can talk and take photos when you want, and when you want a break from people, you can get one. In the small details, it feels like someone planned the day for you, not the other way around.

You also get a useful mix of what the Bay does best: scenic cruising plus an out-of-the-way feel with an anchored island stop. The itinerary is built around that rhythm, and you do not have to pick and choose between tours.

Your 9:30am Start, Paihia or Russell Wharf

Most charters feel rigid. This one gives you a choice.

You typically leave at 9:30am from Bayscapes Sailing Charters Bay of Islands, in Paihia. But you can also depart from Russell Wharf, and the schedule can be set to a time of your choosing. That flexibility helps if you are arranging other plans on land, or if you want the best light for photos.

The meeting point is:

Bayscapes Sailing Charters Bay of Islands, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand.

It is also noted as being near public transportation, which is handy if you are not using a car.

The Sailing Time That Makes the Day Feel Worth It

You do not spend the whole day tied up to docks. The catamaran spends real time moving through the Bay of Islands, with sailing time broken into a before-and-after rhythm around your island stop.

Why that matters: the Bay is not a single view you look at from one angle. It is a whole set of water-level perspectives. When you are out on the catamaran, you get to see how coastlines, coves, and sheltered waters change as the boat glides. It is the kind of sightseeing that works better from the water than from shore.

Also, catamarans are generally stable and comfortable, which is good if someone in your group gets a little nervous on boats. You will still want to bring motion-sensible basics (think water and layers), but this is a relaxing style of outing, not a rough-water type of day.

The Remote Island Stop: 2 Hours to Paddle, Snorkel, and Walk

This is the centerpiece of the day. You anchor up in a sheltered bay at a remote island that is only accessible by boat, then you get a solid two-hour island excursion.

During that window, you can choose activities such as:

• Stand-up paddle boarding
• Snorkelling
• An island walk

You are not forced into one thing. If you want to be active first, you can. If your group is split between swimmers and walkers, you can mix and match.

A small but important detail: the experience includes snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddle board usage. That saves you from shopping around or showing up worried you forgot something.

Two practical tips for this part of the day:

• Bring swimwear you can wear comfortably under a light layer. You will likely feel cooler on the water than you expect.
• Plan your pacing. Two hours goes fast once you start moving, and it is better to enjoy the whole stop than rush one activity.

If you like nature time, this kind of island break tends to hit the sweet spot. You get clear-water views from the boat, then a chance to stretch your legs on land.

Lunch on Board: Packed Meal Now, Upgrade If You Want

Food on a boat day can make or break the mood. Here, lunch is included, and it is a packed lunch.

If you want something more special, there is an upgrade option for a buffet-style plated meal. They also mention the ability to cater for special occasions, including cakes and charcuterie boards and more.

What I like about this setup is that it respects both styles of travel:

• You can keep it simple with the included packed lunch.
• Or you can turn it into a proper celebration without having to coordinate a restaurant stop.

Also, the inclusion of a meal means you can focus on the day, not on planning where to eat while your boat window is underway.

Comfort Details That Actually Matter During a 6-Hour Charter

On a private sailing day, the small logistics can either feel thoughtful or annoying. This one includes a restroom on board, which is a quality-of-life win.

You are also told that use of snorkeling equipment is included, and stand-up paddle board usage is included. That signals that the boat day is built for doing things, not just sightseeing.

One thing to plan for: alcohol is BYO. The boat does not sell alcohol on board. If your group likes a celebratory drink, grab it before you arrive. (Also, bring it in a way that is easy to manage on board.)

And yes, it is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates, so you are not mixing with strangers or joining someone else’s schedule.

Who This Private Catamaran Is Best For

This charter is a great fit when you want control and comfort without needing to become a sailor yourself.

It is ideal for:

• Friends and families who want privacy and a more personal pace
• Groups up to 10 people who want an active water day
• People who prefer not to mix with other passengers
• Celebrations, since they can support special occasion add-ons like cake and charcuterie

It also makes sense if you are staying in Paihia or Russell and want a Bay experience that feels more like a day out than a checklist tour.

If you are the type who likes a mix of relaxation and activity, this works well. You can sail, then paddle or snorkel, then go for a walk, all with the same crew and boat handling the movement.

Price and Value: Is It Worth $2,606.41 for Up to 10?

The price is $2,606.41 per group (up to 10 people), for roughly 6 hours.

Here is how I think about value: you are paying for the boat time plus the crew time plus the included equipment and lunch, and you are dividing that cost by your group size. If you fill closer to the max (10 people), it is much easier to justify than if you have a tiny group.

On a per-person basis, the math comes out to about $260 per person when you use all 10 spots. That is not cheap, but it does compete well with the cost of multiple stand-alone tours, especially if you also consider the included water activities and the fact that it is private.

The sweet spot is groups of friends, couples traveling together, or family groups that can realistically reach the higher end of the capacity.

If you are traveling as a smaller pair or trio, you will feel the cost more. In that case, ask yourself if a private boat day is truly what you want, or if you would be happier with a shared sailing option.

Tips to Get the Best Day From This Charter

A few practical moves can make your day smoother:

• Plan for weather. Since good weather is required, build in flexibility in your overall travel schedule if you can.
• Bring layers. Even on warm days, you can get cool on open water.
• Set expectations for alcohol. BYO means bring what you want, and be ready to manage it.
• Choose your island activities early. Two hours sounds long until you are transferring gear, climbing in and out, and enjoying the water. Pick your first activity so you do not waste time.
• Get clear on your meeting time. The start is typically 9:30am, and it returns to the same meeting point.

If you are the planning type, you will appreciate how the crew handles the flow and keeps it organized. Names you may hear from the crew include Brad and Monique, and the overall feel is friendly and professional.

Should You Book This Private Charter?

If your goal is a private, water-based day that blends cruising with a real island stop, I think this one is worth strong consideration. The big reasons are simple: exclusive use, included paddle boarding and snorkelling, and an anchored island excursion that gives you time to actually do things, not just look.

I would only hesitate if:

• your group has trouble with boats or wants a very short day
• you cannot be flexible with weather
• you strongly prefer alcohol service on board (since it is BYO only)

Otherwise, this is the kind of Bay of Islands day that tends to feel special because it is built around your group, your pace, and your time on the water.

FAQ

How many people can be on the private catamaran?

The charter is private and designed for up to 10 people per group.

How long is the sailing charter?

The experience runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the charter start?

The typical start time is 9:30am, with the option for you to choose a time of your choosing.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Bayscapes Sailing Charters Bay of Islands, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand. You also depart from Paihia or Russell Wharf depending on the arrangement.

What activities are included at the island stop?

The included options include stand-up paddle board usage, snorkelling, and an island walk.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a packed lunch, and you can enquire about an upgraded buffet-style plated meal.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are BYO, and are not sold on board.

What happens if weather is poor?

Good weather is required. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.