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Bay of Islands 6-Hour Island Hopper Day Cruise to Wildlife Sanctuary Island
boats

Bay of Islands 6-Hour Island Hopper Day Cruise to Wildlife Sanctuary Island

by Barefoot Sailing Adventures

6 hours
Paihia
NZ$220.50NZ$245 on ViatorSave 10%/person
From
NZ$220.50NZ$245 on ViatorSave 10%per person

Choose from 1 available option

6 hours
Starting time
Friday 11 September 2026
Language
English
Free cancellation until 10 Sept 2026.
NZ$441NZ$490Save 10%
2 adults × NZ$220.50
All taxes and fees included

How do you want to book?

Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.

Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.NZ$490

Overview

This 6-hour Island Hopper Day Cruise sails from Paihia’s beachfront on a modern catamaran through the Bay of Islands, navigating among the 144 islands in the eastern part of the bay. The cruise includes a 2-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island where passengers can step ashore easily as the catamaran pulls up to the beach. During the stop, guests may snorkel using provided equipment, paddle board, swim, or take moderate walks on native bush trails within the sanctuary. Onboard amenities include morning tea, tea and coffee, and a packed picnic lunch. A local guide provides live commentary throughout the cruise. Passengers can also assist the experienced crew with sailing the boat under supervision. The return sail to Paihia includes a cold drink served onboard. All activities and equipment for snorkeling and paddle boarding are included. The tour requires a reasonable level of physical ability due to boarding and walking conditions and operates in most weather conditions. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free lunch options are available if requested in advance.

Highlights

Sail a catamaran among 144 Bay of Islands islands
2-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island
Use snorkeling gear and stand up paddle boards
Packed lunch and morning tea included
Local guide provides live commentary on board
Island hikes in native bush tracks

What's included

Use of stand up paddle board
Local guide
Lunch included
Use of snorkeling equipment
Live commentary while on board
All activities during the cruise and island stop
Tea and coffee served on board
Island hikes on wildlife sanctuary bush trails

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off not included
Bottled water not included

Itinerary

1

Wildlife Sanctuary Island

The cruise lasts about 6 hours total and sails through the Eastern Bay of Islands. There is a 2-hour stop on a wildlife sanctuary island offering optional activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and hiking nature trails. The catamaran docks directly on the beach for easy access to the island.

120 min

Meeting point

You will find the Barefoot sailing catamaran anchored close to the shore line about half way along the stretch of Paihia beach. It won't be hard to find, it has Barefoot Sailing Adventures footprint logo sign written along the side, and it is usually anchored at least 30 min prior to departure.

End point

You will find the Barefoot sailing catamaran anchored close to the shore line about half way along the stretch of Paihia beach. It won't be hard to find, it has Barefoot Sailing Adventures footprint logo sign written along the side, and it is usually anchored at least 30 min prior to departure.

Languages

English (guide)

Cancellation policy

  • Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.

Additional info

1–15 travelers per booking
Mobile ticket
Reachable by public transport
Suitable for all fitness levels
A reasonable level of physical ability is required to board the boat safely; this may be difficult for guests with knee problems
Cruise ship passengers should allow 1.5 to 2 hours before and after ship anchor times to reach the cruise; no schedule changes or late arrivals are accommodated
Boat capacity is limited to 16-20 people
Moderate walking is involved on island hikes; appropriate footwear is advised
Not recommended for guests with walking disabilities or unstable legs due to uneven surfaces and boat movement
The cruise operates in most weather conditions; dress suitably for outdoor conditions
No refunds if the tour is missed because of late or no arrival of cruise ship passengers
Snorkelers must be competent swimmers in open water without flotation aids
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and gluten free lunch options are available if requested during booking; lunches are not safe for food allergies due to possible cross contamination, so guests with allergies should bring their own lunch
Not recommended for guests with poor mobility
Total
NZ$441Save 10% vs Viator