Island Hopper Day Cruise

Online bookings close 2hrs before departure time. Please call we may have space available 0274784234

Join the Barefoot crew for a magical day sailing cruise in the Bay of Islands. Trips depart from the Paihia beach front, cruising amongst our beautiful marine playground aboard a sailing catamaran. With plenty of deck space to spread out and relax, chalk up some leisure time and let the crew share their love of sailing with you. 

During our 2 hour island stopover, the boat anchors in the bay where you can go ashore to explore a beautiful wildlife sanctuary island, enjoy optional activities and immerse yourself in nature.

See the real beauty of the Bay of Islands from the local spots where the big tourist boats can't reach.  You won't get lost in the crowd, you'll feel like part of the crew.

Join us for a day in the bay, the kiwi way! 

The day at a glance

• Departs 10am, returns approximately 4pm (about 6 hours)

• Board at 9:45am

• Departs from Paihia Beach - join the boat directly from the shore

• Small group sailing on one of our two catamarans, which carry 16 and 20 guests

• Two hour stopover at a wildlife sanctuary island

• Lunch, morning tea, and coffee included

• Runs daily from 1 October to 30 April

What you can do on the island

• Snorkel and swim

• Stand up paddle boarding

• Native bush walks

• Bird watching

• Relax on the beach

Wildlife you may see

Sea life - blue penguins, gannets, sea birds. Stingrays are often seen around the islands, and there is a chance of dolphins or orca. At the island we have many endangered bird, lizard and insect species - kiwi, kakariki, saddleback, robin, whitehead, tui are abundant, as well as gecko and giant weta.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The sailing experience 

This trip is designed for a good balance of sailing and island time. Our experienced and passionate crew are keen to show you a real sailing experience, and the Bay of Islands is undoubtedly the best sailing destination in New Zealand. It takes 2 hours to sail to the island - then 2 hour island stopover - followed by a 2 hour return sail. Guests are welcome to lend a hand with the sailing if they feel like it, weather and crew permitting.

What is included

• Morning tea or coffee with biscuits

• Lunch - 

     - Deli sandwich 

     - Fruit 

     - Lamington cake

     - Nut bar

     - Chips

• A cold drink on the return sail

Dietary needs

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, and Dairy Free options are available. Please select your option in Extras when you book.

Please note this lunch is not suitable for guests with food allergies. Food is prepared and served on a boat, so cross contamination can occur. If you have a food allergy, please bring the food you need with you.

What to know before you come

• Boarding is directly from the beach, so please expect to step into shallow water to get on and off the boat

• Please do not use spray sunblock. It damages the paint on the deck of the boat. Cream sunblock is welcome

• The island is a wildlife sanctuary. Please check your shoes, bags, and gear are free of seeds, soil, and pests (ants etc) before you board

Accessibility note:

Boarding is from the beach - which requires you to be steady on your feet and able to manage using a boarding ladder without physical assistance. You will step from the sand into shallow water, then onto a boarding ladder to get onto the catamaran. In some conditions a dinghy may be used to get to and from the boat.

Supporting Project Island Song

A portion of every ticket goes to Project Island Song, supporting conservation work in the Bay of Islands.

This is a great chance to experience sailing at it's best, in a world renowned sailing destination. So grab a friend, bring the family or take some time out for yourself. Come enjoy a day of sun kissed skin, windswept hair, and salty smiles!

Booking notice

Online bookings close 2 hours before departure. For a later booking, please call 027 478 4234.