Private Catamaran Full Day Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

The Bay looks best from the water. This private six-hour catamaran charter gives your group its own boat, crew, and flexible day in the Bay of Islands, with a two-hour sail out, a two-hour island stop, and a two-hour return to Paihia or Russell. I like the small private setting, which lets you chat with your own group or enjoy quiet time without being pushed into a social tour. I also like the choice of paddleboarding, snorkelling, and an island walk once the boat anchors.

The main drawback is the price. At $2,606.41 for up to 10 people, it can be good value for a full group, but it becomes expensive when shared by only two or three people. The charter also depends on good weather, and the strict cancellation terms mean you should check the forecast carefully before booking.

Brad and Monique run Bayscapes Charters, and the personal service is a major part of the appeal. You can request a start time, though the standard departure is 9:30 a.m., and you can arrange extras such as a buffet meal, cake, or a charcuterie board for a special occasion.

Key points at a glance

• A private boat for up to 10 people: Your group has exclusive use of the crewed catamaran, rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Three clearly paced parts: Allow roughly two hours sailing into the Bay, two hours at an island, and two hours sailing back.
• Honeymoon Bay may feature on the route: Past outings have included this attractive island stop, though the exact destination can depend on conditions.
• Water activities are included: Paddleboards and snorkelling equipment are supplied, and an island walk is another option.
• Lunch comes with the charter: An individual packed lunch is included, with upgraded plated meals available by arrangement.
• BYO alcohol only: Alcohol is not sold on board, so bring your own if you want drinks with lunch.

Leaving Paihia for open water

The charter begins at Bayscapes Sailing Charters, 69 Marsden Road in Paihia. The listed start time is 9:30 a.m., with the option to request another time when arranging the trip. Since the boat can also return to Russell, confirm both the departure and return wharf before sailing day.

The first two hours are spent moving out through the Bay of Islands. This is not just transport to the island stop. It is a large part of the experience, giving you time to watch the coastline change, settle into the boat, and enjoy the views without a tight schedule of short stops.

I like that the day is divided into long, simple blocks. You are not constantly getting on and off a boat or racing to the next photo stop. You have time to sit with a coffee, talk with your group, or simply watch the water.

The private format also changes the mood. On a shared boat, you usually follow someone else’s timetable and social rhythm. Here, your group can talk together or take quiet time, with no requirement to mingle. That flexibility is especially useful for families, couples traveling with friends, or a group marking a birthday or anniversary.

The catamaran is crewed, so you are not expected to manage the sailing yourself. Brad and Monique handle the operation and have been praised for a friendly, professional approach from the initial planning through the day on the water. That matters on a private charter because communication before departure can shape the whole outing.

Reaching a remote island by catamaran

The island stop is the heart of the day. The boat anchors in a sheltered bay at an island reached only by water, giving you a quieter setting than a standard shore excursion. Honeymoon Bay has featured on previous outings, though you should treat the final anchorage as weather and sailing conditions dependent.

You get around two hours here. That is long enough to do more than step ashore, take a quick picture, and return to the boat. You can split the time between activities or keep things simple and enjoy the beach and views.

The included options are:

• Paddleboarding
• Snorkelling
• An island walk
• Relaxing aboard or around the sheltered anchorage

Paddleboards and snorkelling equipment are included, which keeps the day easy. You do not need to organize separate hire or carry a collection of water gear from Paihia. Still, conditions in the water can vary, so do not assume every activity will suit every person on every day.

The island walk adds a useful change of pace. One previous group chose a short bush walk, making the stop more than a water-sports session. If you prefer dry land, this gives you a way to enjoy the island without spending the full two hours in the water.

The two-hour stop is also a practical length for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel or use a paddleboard while others walk, sit, or remain on the boat. A private charter works best when people in the group want different kinds of time, and this stop gives you room to make those choices.

Lunch on board, with room to upgrade

An individual packed lunch is included in the price. That keeps the standard package straightforward and avoids the need to find a café during a remote island stop. You can eat during the island break or at another suitable point during the day, depending on the crew’s plan and conditions.

If lunch is important to your celebration, ask about the upgraded buffet-style plated meal before you go. Bayscapes can also arrange cakes, charcuterie boards, and other additions for special occasions. These extras are not part of the base price, so request the cost and menu details in advance.

Alcohol is BYO. The boat does not sell alcoholic drinks, so bring your own if that is part of your plan. Keep the practical side in mind: drinks should be suitable for a boat trip, and you should confirm any serving arrangements with the operator before departure.

The supplied lunch is best viewed as a useful inclusion rather than a major dining event. If you want a polished birthday meal or a long lunch with several courses, the upgraded option is the better choice. If you simply want food included while you enjoy the bay, the packed lunch should meet that need.

Sailing back to Paihia or Russell

After the island excursion, the boat spends about two hours returning toward the starting area. This gives the day a calm finish rather than ending as soon as you leave the island.

The return sail is a good time to enjoy the changing view from a different angle. It also gives you a chance to dry off, talk through the day, or simply sit back. Because the charter lasts about six hours in total, you should expect a full morning and afternoon commitment, not a quick scenic cruise.

The listed end point is back at the meeting point. If you leave from Paihia, plan around a Paihia return. If a Russell departure or return has been arranged, confirm the exact wharf so nobody has to make a hurried trip across the water afterward.

What the private format is really worth

The price is $2,606.41 per group of up to 10. With 10 people, that works out to about $260.64 per person for six hours, including the crew, packed lunch, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, and private use of the boat.

That can be fair value for a full group. A private charter gives you control over the social setting, activity choices, lunch plans, and timing. You are paying not only for transport but for personal use of the catamaran and a flexible day on the water.

The value drops for a small party. Two people would effectively pay more than $1,300 each, and three people would pay roughly $869 each. That does not make the trip poor value, but it makes the decision more about privacy and occasion than simple cost.

I would consider this charter most worthwhile for:

• A family group of up to 10
• Friends sharing the cost
• A birthday, anniversary, or other special event
• People who want both water activities and an island walk
• Anyone who dislikes crowded shared excursions
• A group with mixed interests and different energy levels

If you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want a scenic boat ride, a shared sailing trip may cost much less. This private charter earns its price when you can fill the boat or when exclusive use matters to you.

Timing, weather, and the cancellation risk

The standard start is 9:30 a.m., and the total duration is approximately six hours. The operator also allows you to request a different departure time, so ask about this before assuming the schedule is fixed.

Good weather is required. That is common sense for a sailing trip, but it has real booking consequences here. If Bayscapes cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Your own cancellation terms are much stricter. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason after booking. If you cancel or request an amendment, the money paid is not returned.

I would not book this as a casual placeholder while waiting to see how your holiday unfolds. Check your group’s availability, confirm the meeting point, and look at the forecast before committing. The weather protection applies when the operator cancels, not when you change your mind.

Comfort and practical details on board

A restroom is available on the catamaran, an important detail during a six-hour outing. Snorkelling equipment and paddleboards are included, so you can keep your packing list fairly short.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in Paihia without a car. The experience is described as suitable for most people, but the activities involve a boat, water, and an island excursion. If someone in your group has specific mobility or medical needs, discuss those details with Bayscapes before booking rather than relying on the general participation guidance.

Bring the personal items you would normally want for a day on the water. The supplied information does not specify a full packing list, but practical choices include sun protection, a change of clothes if you plan to snorkel, and any medication your group needs. Ask the operator about food requirements and special arrangements when you book.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Keep the confirmation available on your phone and allow enough time to reach 69 Marsden Road.

The service style from Brad and Monique

The strongest part of this charter is the human side. Brad and Monique are described as friendly and professional, with smooth communication from planning through the actual outing.

That matters more on a private trip than on a standard sightseeing cruise. You are making choices about departure time, lunch, island activities, and perhaps special extras. Clear contact with the crew helps you shape a day that fits your group instead of simply accepting a fixed package.

The tone also appears relaxed. You can talk with the people around you if you want, or take quiet time without pressure to socialize. That is a small detail, but it can make a six-hour trip much more enjoyable, especially when a group includes both talkative and quiet personalities.

Who should book this Bay of Islands charter?

You should book it if you want the Bay of Islands on your own terms and can share the cost across a reasonably large group. The private boat, flexible mood, island stop, water gear, and lunch make it a strong choice for a special day rather than a basic sightseeing transfer.

It is less suitable if you want a low-cost introduction to the bay, need a guaranteed fixed weather plan, or are booking at the last minute without confidence in your schedule. The non-refundable terms require a little more care than a standard ticket.

For the best value, bring a group close to the 10-person limit, decide in advance who wants to snorkel, paddleboard, walk, or relax, and ask about the upgraded meal if you are celebrating. I would also confirm the exact island destination and wharf arrangements before the day.

FAQ

How long does the private catamaran charter last?

The charter lasts approximately six hours. The usual structure is about two hours sailing into the Bay of Islands, two hours at an island, and two hours sailing back.

Where does the experience start?

The listed meeting point is Bayscapes Sailing Charters, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand.

What time does the charter begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m. A different departure time may be requested when arranging the charter.

Can the charter start or finish in Russell?

The general sailing plan allows departure from Paihia or Russell Wharf, followed by a return to Paihia or Russell. Confirm the exact wharf arrangements before departure.

How many people can join the private charter?

The catamaran can accommodate a private group of up to 10 people. Groups larger than 10 should contact Bayscapes Charters directly.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An individual packed lunch is included. An upgraded buffet-style plated meal can also be arranged.

Are water activities included?

Yes. Paddleboards and snorkelling equipment are included. An island walk is another activity available during the island stop.

Can I bring alcohol?

Yes, alcohol is BYO. Alcoholic drinks are not sold on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel or request an amendment yourself, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed.