Island Hopper Day Cruise: 6-Hours Sailing Adventure to Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a 6-hour sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands. Discover remote islands, encounter rare bird species, and enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking, and swimming.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bay of Islands - Enjoy a 6 hour sailing cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. We take you on a cruise among the many islands of the Eastern Bay of Islands, and enjoy a 2 hour island stopover at a wildlife sanctuary island to enjoy optional activities like snorkelling, paddle boarding, and nature walks. This really is the Ultimate Bay of Islands Sailing Cruise.
What's Included
  • Use of stand up paddle board
  • Local guide
  • Lunch
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Live commentary on board
  • All activities
  • Tea and coffee
  • Island Hikes in the wildlife sanctuary bush tracks
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Experience a day filled with enchantment as you sail through the Bay of Islands.
Stroll from the sandy shores of Paihia and onto a state-of-the-art catamaran, cruising through the bay’s 144 islands towards an isolated island destination.
• Explore the Bay of Islands in true ‘Kiwi’ style on a full day of sailing adventure
• Travel aboard a comfortable…

Location
Barefoot Sailing Adventures
Marsden Road
You will find the Barefoot sailing catamaran anchored on the shore line at Paihia Beach, it won't be hard to find, it has Barefoot Sailing Adventures sign written along the side, and it is usually anchored at least 30 min prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(279 Ratings)
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Kelly_l
Nov 1, 2025
Perfect Day (10/10 experience) - Highly recommend this sailing excursion! We were excited to explore the Bay of Islands, and this trip exceeded our expectations. Luke and his crew were knowledgeable, professional, and a lot of fun. We enjoyed learning how to sail, and Luke took the time to answer our questions and even let us help sail the catamaran. The boat was spotless and easy to get around, and we loved the clean, comfortable bean bag chairs scattered around the deck—they were definitely a highlight for us. We also had a great time exploring the island and paddleboarding. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’d absolutely do it again. Thanks for a fantastic day!
Review provided by Viator
Gernotandreas
Oct 27, 2025
😊👍☀️ - Super friendly team, great boat and great planning. Schedule was fully adhered to and it was a special experience. Definitely recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fishie1234
Oct 14, 2025
Wonderful day sailing with Barefoot - We had a wonderful relaxing day, with great information from our guide. Lovely packed lunch, and plenty of time to enjoy the island
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shiv_a
May 19, 2025
A Catamaran Sail - Travelled with Spouse and friends Very helpful boarding and disembarking. The catamaran kept boat steady. The sails provide a quiet period with just the sound of water and occasional birds. Sufficient time at the beach for swimmers and snorkeling, and for a short walk up the side of the island. Lunch was fine. Captain was very informative about the Bay of Islands and birds, though didn’t see many. Did see a pair of small penguins swimming.
Review provided by Viator
C2993pcashleyc
Apr 10, 2025
Bay Of Islands Gorgeous Day - A Wonderful day 6 hr round trip to see & absorb so much beautiful Bay Of Island scenery with wonderful/fun host Luke (& the lovely Bromley lady!), with lovely stop for picnic lunch/swim/walk in a secluded bay too. When we returned, even had some time to visit the nearby historic WaitangiTreaty site before it closed - before driving by Car back to Auckland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
661kyliet
Apr 6, 2025
Unforgettable Sailing Experience with Barefoot Adventures - What an incredible day! Luke and the team at Barefoot Sailing Adventures were absolutely awesome — super friendly, professional, and made everyone feel welcome from the moment we stepped aboard. The yacht was beautiful and well-maintained, the lunch was fresh and delicious, and the views around the Bay of Islands were simply stunning. A truly relaxing and memorable experience on the water. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a perfect day out in paradise!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N7031rzlauriek
Mar 30, 2025
Best ever - Best sailing cruise ever Luke our captain was the best ! Made us feel very welcome and had a great sense of humor . Weather was perfect Lunch provided was good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristi
Mar 29, 2025
Beautiful scenery and nature - Very well organized and fun and relaxed atmosphere with lots of wildlife and a pod of dolphins that kept following our boat
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A6704bopatrickm
Mar 28, 2025
Tropical island cruise in the Bay of Islands. - Enjoyed a great sail, great day of activities. Luke and Carmen took great care of us, were knowledgable and great guides for the Bay of Islands. Luke is an able sailor and kept us safe. We enjoyed sailing, great conversations, snorkeling in a small bay of a beautiful tropical appearing island, paddle-boarding and a nice hike to a secluded bay on the other side of the island. We were lucky, and visited by dolphins twice, one time coming right up to the catamaran. Could not have asked for a more pleasant cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
362madeleines
Mar 22, 2025
Best day in New Zealand! - A beautiful day on the water and idyllic island stop. Luke and Carmel took care of everything, even taking our shoes on-shore!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $127
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).