Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

Overview

Available languages

English

French

5 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Hop aboard Vigilant and enjoy a beautiful day sailing in the Bay of Islands. We only take 10 passengers, the small group allows you to lounge on the yacht comfortably and enjoy the islands privately. Our skipper lives here in Russell and knows plenty about it's history which they will be happy to share with you.

Vigilant is a beautiful traditional 42 ft Cutter rig yacht with a wineglass transom, teak decks, and a swamp kauri wooden interior. Enjoy an adventure away from the crowds of sightseers. Here, you can steer your own experience by helping the skipper at the helm, hoisting the sails or, if you prefer, just relaxing on deck while you journey from island to island. If you wish, you can swim on one of the beaches, snorkel and kayak. Comb the shores and walk around to see some great lookouts with panoramic views of the islands.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Kayaks

Snorkeling gear

Lunch

Coffee & Tea

Port pickup and drop-off

Alcoholic drinks

Gratuities

What To Expect

Vigilant Yacht Charters

Departing the Russell wharf at 10am, we will raise the sails and head out to the islands! The wind decides which island we go to, always a surprise!

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Explore one of our 144 islands, spend some time lounging on the beach, kayak to a small cave or go snorkelling!

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Shared Day sail

Away from the crowds of sightseers, you can steer your own experience by helping the skipper at the helm, hoisting the sails or, if you prefer, just relaxing on deck.

Reviews

4.92

216 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

203

Everything and more!!
SnoopyWagtail,
Apr 7, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything we hoped for and more, fabulous sail out and back to a secluded bay. Lovely explore and swim at the private island and cove, with a delicious and healthy lunch before the sail home. If you’re after local knowledge and expertise Nat and her boat are tough to beat. A fabulous day on the water which we would happily do again.
Just bloody brilliant!
jackiandmotz,
Mar 20, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Just bloody brilliant! We didn't want this day to end, we were very lucky with beautiful weather, just enough wind and the other friendly guests. The skipper and her chief mate could not have been more accommodating - a charming couple of ladies. We were served a delicious lunch and snacks. If you like to support small women run business this is for you.
The Perfect Day
Penelope H,
Feb 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The experience is amazing- Captain Nat not only knew how to find the best beach, site penguins and sharks and share the helm but also Chef Anita made the perfect wrap! The boat is very comfortable and plenty of kayaks, snorkels etc for water sports. I have sailed many times around the Bay of Islands and can’t remember a better experience!
Highly recommend
Wander43348757024,
Jan 3, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Great day out! Thank you! Particularly enjoyed sailing home. Skipper is clearly very proficient, as well as friendly and interesting
Great day out !
Jeremy M,
Dec 6, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely day out in the Bay of Islands. The 2 crew members, Raife & Del were superb. There were 8 on board + the 2 crew so made it a very friendly and special day Throughly recommended !
If you have not sailed this is your chance
stevenmQ5140GG,
Oct 29, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00
GREAT SAILING. They had blankets for the cold morning. It was easy to get to from our cruise dock. We went out to an island and went ashore. Had warm soup and bread for lunch. Then sailed back to the docks. Easy trip and relaxing.
Sailing from Kororareka
C4224XXhelenm,
Oct 29, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00
What a brilliant day this was. Thanks Nat and Rafe for being so friendly. Delicious simple lunch. Enjoyed the swimming, walking on Motorua and even the tropical downpour. Fab sailing too!
Wonderful day on the sea
D8565XMninal,
Mar 25, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely amazing experience. Great crew and service. Lunch was very good and we got everything we needed. Island time was the perfect length to go for a walk and a swim. We loved the small group size, would absolutely recommend.
Wish we could do it again
Birgit H,
Mar 20, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great sailing trip with Nathalie and Anita!!! Wonderful experience and an unforgettable day with two lovely skippers. We really can recommend this tour. Birgit and Dietrich
An amazing day
DavidFJKing,
Mar 15, 2024
- Tripadvisor
5.00
Perfect hosts - Nat and Anita looked after us really well. Knew their stuff about local history. Took us to a lovely little island. Swimming, walking and such. Lovely food. Sail back was fab We'll never use them again, 'cos we live far, far away. But you definitely should. Go on - treat yourself. You deserve it.