Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters
Overview
Available languages
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 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!
Explore one of our 144 islands, spend some time lounging on the beach, kayak to a small cave or go snorkelling!
What‘s Included
Local guide
Kayaks
Snorkeling gear
Lunch
Coffee & Tea
Port pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities
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
217 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Real sailing experience
chantal v,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic cruise where you really sail. Not only motor. Anker in nice bay with a lagoon for snorkeling, swimming or kayaking
A wonderfully relaxing day out
tonyrZ5600BF,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day was spent with Nat (our Skipper) on the Vigilant. Having just flown in the day before from the UK this was an ideal way to soak up the sights of the Bay of Islands while getting over the journey. Nat is a great skipper, very informative and personable creating a lovely relaxed atmosphere on board. Cannot recommend this tour highly enough
Everything and more!!
SnoopyWagtail,,Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything 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.
Nice daytrip with room for improvement
Xxx N,,Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The cruise itself is definitely worth the while and money. We saw penguins, dolphins, did some snorkeling and kayaking and were allowed to do some sailing ourselves. However, the max of people was succeeded , the crew had no snorkeling equipment for our kids (though aware of their ages), the boat is quite old and not too tidily maintained and all in all the day felt a little rushed.
Just bloody brilliant!
jackiandmotz,,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just 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
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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!
missed cruise port meant we lost our money
David K,,Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Unfortunately our cruise ship notified us within the 24 hours that they weren’t able to dock at Bay of Islands. The tour provider kept the entire amount. It was their right under the Viator agreement. However, this happened at another port and the tour provider gave back a portion of the cost—that is providing excellent customer service.
Highly recommend
Wander43348757024,,Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely 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
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00GREAT 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.
From NZ$185.00
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