Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on a magical day sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands.

Step straight from Paihia's beachfront onto a modern catamaran and set sail amongst the bay's 144 islands to a remote island destination.

• Discover the Bay of Islands the "Kiwi" way on a day sailing adventure

• Set sail on a comfortable catamaran, with bean bags and comfortable seating for you to enjoy

• Relax or take part in sailing the boat with your friendly, experienced crew

• Enjoy a 2-hour island stopover and snorkel, paddle board, hike or swim

• Visit wildlife sanctuary islands to encounter native bush and rare bird species

• Savour morning tea, a packed delicious picnic lunch, and a refreshing cold drink on the return sail

• The catamaran pulls right up to the beach where you can step on and off from the shore for your island adventures!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This trip requires a reasonable level of physical ability to safety board the boat, this can be challenging for people with knee problems

Specific dietary requirements for allergies or food preferences should be catered by the customer for your safety and satisfaction. Vegetarian option available at time of booking if required.

CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS be advised that 1.5 - 2 hours either side of cruise ship anchor/departure is recommended to allow reasonable time to get to and from our cruise. We do not make allowances for a change in ship schedule or late arrivals. Normal terms and conditions apply.

A maximum of 16-20 people on board

A moderate amount of walking is involved if you choose to do the island walks, please wear appropriate footwear

Due to uneven surfaces, and a moving boat, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or unstable in the legs

Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately, and be prepared for a day in the great outdoors

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Snorkel participants must be able to swim competently in open water for a distance of 200m

Children must be accompanied by an adult

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

Not recommended for people with poor mobility

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Local guide

Lunch

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Use of stand up paddle board

Live commentary on board

All activities

Coffee and/or Tea

Island Hikes in the wildlife sanctuary bush tracks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Please bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.

Options

Island Hopper Day Cruise

Reviews

4.97

275 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

267

If you do one trip do this one!!
Sam F,
Mar 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Barefoot offer you the experience to enjoy the bay of islands as they should be enjoyed. It’s no queuing for a big boat and not getting seats with a view, and then a whistle stop tour with a commentary. Luke and his team give you the experience of going out for the day with friends. It’s a small and personalised service and very relaxed. You get on the catamaran on the beach and sit on a comfortable bean bag, and everyone has the best view! The other people sharing your adventure with you are lovely and interesting and Luke is friendly and funny and you enjoy a hot drink and biscuit whilst you leisurely sail to your destination island. Your catamaran takes you to a sheltered beach where you have a lovely homemade packed lunch given to you and a choice of paddle boarding, snorkelling, swimming and bush walking. You are on the island for 2 hours. We did all of the activities and on our walk saw saddlebacks, tuis, fantails, tomtits, kingfisher, parakeets, grey warbler, swallows- it was magical. The journey back was more beautiful sailing whilst relaxing on the catamaran and drinking refreshing cold drinks. If you wanted you could join in with the sailing - which my partner particularly enjoyed. All in all a perfect day. It gave you the experience of chartering your own catamaran and pootling off to a private island with friends, but of course without the expense, stress and responsibilities. If you do one trip in the bay of islands, do this one. It is one that will give you treasured memories, and unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Awesome day on the...
Larry S,
Feb 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Awesome day on the catamaran with knowledgeable, helpful staff. Luke and Nero were great. Encourage anyone do do this tour.
Aureeeele
Aurele G,
Dec 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great experience ! Luke is a very nice and funny person ! And his crew is fantastic ! Thank you for the Milo 😊
Nice day great crew
Michael N,
Dec 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Nice day great crew. Be sure to hike over the hill to the other cove. It is 10 x more beautiful that the cove they are able to dock in. And the walk is challenging but really nice.
Great experience
Erika v,
Oct 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Because of bad weather we sailed a day later but what a fun time we had. Great sailing and I firmatiin by Luc and Jordan from Barefoots. Nice lunch and gorgeous Island we visited. We had a lovely day. Thnx guys!