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
221 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderfull relaxing day with Nathalie on the Vigilant.
Luk58,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On Friday 17 October, we had a wonderfully relaxing day on the Vigilant with Nathalie (the captain). Apart from us (4), there was only one other passenger on board. The weather was beautiful (almost too beautiful, because in the morning there was too little wind to sail). Around noon, we moored at Motorua Island for a beautiful walk on this uninhabited island and bird sanctuary. Back on the boat, we were served a delicious vegetarian wrap. The wind had picked up a bit and on the way back to Russell, the sails were hoisted and we sailed back on wind power. With Nathalie's help, you can even take the helm yourself for a while. It was a bit cold for snorkelling and kayaking, but the possibilities are there. All in all, what a great day!
A sailing day to remember
nickbM8171EO,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day! BOOK NOW! Very experienced Skipper (also a local lifeboat skipper) - Natalie - who had great knowledge not just of the sailing area, but also about local wildlife and history. We did all the “extra” activities - hiking, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking- - we saw a pod of dolphins, a bronze shark, lots of different birds - sadly not the elusive penguin this time! We’ll have to go again! Food was delicious, the company great and we would really recommend this trip.
Authentic sailing yacht cruising in the Bay of Islands
D2133PLjulianh,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A visit to the Bay of Islands is rather missing the point without a boat trip. The ferry is ok, but if you want the real experience of sailing a yacht in these beautiful waters then Vigilant will meet and most likely exceed your expectations. Nat, our skipper and owner of the boat deliberately limits the number of paying customers so they get the best possible experience. It really pays. Nat is knowledgeable, highly experienced, measured and calm and would instill confidence in even the most cautious passenger. As we found out there is so much to see with beautiful scenery and varied wildlife (penguins and a hammerhead shark among them) and plenty of time to get familiar with the feel of a real sailing yacht and soak in the views as we made our way to the first stop, Motuarohia Island, Captain Cook’s first landfall into New Zealand. We were able to go ashore and climb to the look-out for spectacular views of the bay. Back on the boat Nat is happy to accommodate what the party wants to do, swimming/snorkeling , kayaking or just sunbathing. With four experienced sailors on board we just wanted to go sailing and after a lovely lunch prepared by the crew we took the long way back to Russel, circumnavigating Moturoa in the afternoon’s freshening easterly breeze. A fantastic day! If you want to feel part of a crew, yet have space to breath and get a genuine authentic yacht sailing experience then Vigilant is the answer.
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.
From NZ$185.00
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