About this tour
When Jake from our team chartered Serenity, a luxury catamaran in the Bay of Islands, we had six hours to shape the day however we fancied. You're not herded through preset stops — the captain picks an anchorage based on conditions, then it's your call: paddle board, snorkel a lagoon, hike island trails, fish, or simply sprawl on the generous decks with a cold drink. The boat sleeps up to 20 but feels intimate; the enclosed cockpit keeps things dry if weather rolls through. If you want to steer or help with the sails, the captain will walk you through it. Pickup from your lodge is on the cards too.
Highlights
- Captain lets you take the wheel and handle sail work if keen
- Anchorage chosen on the day — flexibility beats rigid itineraries
- Paddleboards, snorkelling gear, and fishing tackle all included
- Spacious decks and sheltered cockpit for weather changes
- Full-day customisation: swim, hike, lounge, or mix it all
- Intimate group size despite 20-person capacity
- Lodge pickup and drop-off arranged for you
What to expect
You'll kick off with a scenic motor and sail out to a sheltered spot the captain reckons will suit the day's conditions and your crew's mood. From there, it's genuinely open-ended: some team members grabbed paddleboards and explored rocky inlets, while others suited up for a snorkel in surprisingly clear water. The boat's big enough that half the group could be swimming whilst others reclined on deck with a book. If you fancy a bit of activity, the captain is patient about showing you the ropes — literally and figuratively. The interior is roomy and well-appointed; the enclosed cockpit means a passing shower won't kill the vibe.
One thing to clock: gourmet lunch isn't included, so either pack a picnic or let the charter know in advance what you'd like arranged. The six-hour window gives you genuine time to settle in and breathe, not a rushed tick-box exercise. Weather in the Bay can shift, but the catamaran's design handles it cleanly.
What travellers say
- Fully customisable itinerary shaped by captain and crew mood
- Snorkel, paddleboard, and fish gear included in the package
- Captain genuinely teaches sailing if you want hands-on involvement
- Spacious and sheltered design handles variable Bay weather well
- Intimate feel despite capacity for larger groups
- Lunch not included — plan food ahead or pay extra
- Seasickness possible even in sheltered waters on choppy days
- Booking clarity needed on whether group shares boat with others
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want a private sailing experience without the pressure of a scheduled tour. The Bay of Islands is genuinely stunning — sheltered waters, island scenery, and clear anchorages. Couples, groups, and families all fit the bill; service animals are welcome, and infants can join (on a lap). Snorkelling and paddleboarding gear included saves hiring separately. You can absolutely lounge all day if that's your speed, or be as active as you like.
Lunch isn't part of the deal — you'll need to sort food beforehand or budget extra for catering arranged through the operator. If you're prone to seasickness, even protected waters can be choppy on windy days. The boat takes up to 20, so if you're after absolute solitude, you might share with other guests (clarify group size when booking). Early summer and autumn tend to be calmest; winter swells can make paddling tricky.
Bring sunscreen, a light layer (sea breezes cool you fast), and a dry bag if you're paddling. The operator will sort lodge pickup. Alcohol can be arranged with advance notice. Good for mixed fitness levels.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.