Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands
By Island Getaway Tours
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About
This afternoon cruise in the Bay of Islands allows you to explore without the crowds. Hop aboard a small boat and enjoy two remote island stopovers with native bush walks and panoramic views. You’ll hear interactive commentary on this local, personalized tour. Plus: snorkel unfrequented island reefs and go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 22 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Bay of Islands afternoon cruise and island tour
- Snorkeling and SUP equipment provided
- Locally owned and operated: guides share intimate knowledge
- Suitable for all ages: families, solo travelers, and couples
- Small group tours
- Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
- Two remote island stopovers
- Swim, Snorkel and relax (all equipment provided)
- Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
- Stand-up Paddleboarding (all equipment provided)
- A truly personalised, local experience
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1Island Getaway Tours, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New ZealandCheck-in location: Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf Please checkin at least 20 minutes before departure
- Option 2Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New ZealandPlease be waiting at the end of the Russell Wharf, next to the Booking and Information Centre
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P2- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
- Suitable for all ages
- Please bring a swimsuit & towel
- Minimum passenger numbers apply; if not met, we reserve the right to upgrade to our 4.5hr Tour (at no extra cost) or refund your tickets
- Water and something to eat is recommended.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P2
From
AU$126.01
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1• Meeting at the Salt Air Office (Next to the Paihia Wharf) at 3.20pm, for our 3.30pm departure. Our crew will greet you and welcome you on board for the day • Take a seat as we begin cruising the sheltered coastline towards the outer islands • Keep and eye out for local wildlife as your skipper and crew will point out local hot-spots and provide plenty of history and information about the area. • Our first stop is Roberton Island (also known as the famous Twin Lagoons) where we disembark and take a 10 minute walk amongst native flora and fauna to the island lookout point - a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay of Islands. • Take some time exploring the tidal lagoons, or take relax on this secluded island before making your way back on board the boat. • Our tour continues as we cruise among the 144 islands the bay has to offer. Keep an eye out for marine life and unique shore birds that live in the area - sometimes we are lucky enough to spot dolphins and a variety of other wildlife throughout the day!! • Arriving at our second island stop, we begin our activities....all equipment is available for you to discover the underwater reefs with snorkelling gear provided, and opportunities to give Stand-up Paddleboarding a try. • Take a walk along one of the island trails, enjoy a swim or relax on the unfrequented beaches in the warmth of the sun....some days, you can even try fresh NZ Kina (seafood) - there are options for everyone. • After our time on the second island, we begin our cruise back home through the islands following the coastline back into Paihia. • Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple on a honeymoon, or a family on vacation, your visit to the Bay of Islands isn't complete until you have experienced our Afternoon Cruise & Island Tour
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- krzysztofb7700 contributionsPerfect afternoonThe crew was absolutely nice, helpful, and entertaining. We were lucky in many ways—the weather was perfect (sunny and warm but not hot), a pod of dolphins swam along the boat, and the ocean was calm enough to let us sail through the Hole in the Rock. It was a great example of "money well spent."Written 8 December 2024
- 192heatherh0 contributionsSo glad we chose this tourWonderful day with Nicola, our skipper and tour guide who is highly competent, knowledgeable, really friendly and welcoming. Especially enjoyed stopping off on the two islands, would have liked more time on them ideally.Written 7 December 2024
- 680harshithap0 contributionsAmazing trip, definitely worth doing in paihiaA fantastic trip, 100% recommend. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we got to see dolphins and penguins multiple times. The crew were so lovely and helpful too and the boat itself was so clean and well kept. Wish the island stopovers were a little longer but it was perfect as is too.Written 5 December 2024
- 564denisew0 contributionsAmazing amazingFabulous cruise, amazing scenery and very informative commentry. Staff were super big thanks to Bluebell and Hamish for going the extra mile. Would highly tecommend doing this cruiseWritten 5 December 2024
- shaonumq0 contributionsBeautiful bay of islandsI went on this great tour with my family. What an amazing experience, the staff were just the best. Excellent commentary that was very imformative and had me cackling like a hyena. We got to stop over and rest enjoy beautiful spots and go through the hole in the rock 2x. Tish, Hamish, and Conor, I believe their names were (sorry if i have the names wrong). Thank you for being such a solid team and helping me drag my girls pram along 🤣 really appreciate it.Written 1 December 2024
- 549keitha0 contributionsEnjoyable cruise, but weather and seaside dependant.Comfortable boat. Informative crew. Saw lots of sea birds and little blue penguins swimming. 4.5 hrs flew by. Flexible arrangements for drop off in RussellWritten 1 December 2024
- ANDREW G0 contributionsFantasticGreat trip. Really loved it went to the hole in the the rock and and island lookout pint but really informative and friendly I think Adam was the guideWritten 27 November 2024
- Scott W0 contributionsFullers Hole in the Rock CruiseWe had a great time cruising the Bay of Islands, the hole in the rock is spectacular, especially when they back the boat into the cave. The playful dolphins were an added bonus.Written 26 November 2024
- 238irisw0 contributionsA very nice outingThe cruise was well organized, and the driver/guide was top notch - informative but brief commentary. We got to see two orcas, a real treat!Written 26 November 2024
- Trek6920360 contributionsAmazing experienceGreat day. Very informative and captain stopping each time we experienced wildlife. Saw two types of dolphins a seal and a penguin. Many types of beautiful birds. Going through the rock was awesome.Written 25 November 2024
- Dazzer9990 contributionsA great trip with the best companyDespite a ticket mix up the afternoon before, we finally got to do the tour the following morning. Charlotte dealt with the mix up brilliantly and Adam (the boss!) came and apologised in person - great customer service and really nice people. The tour itself was fantastic and incredibly well run. Great skipper, informative friendly guides and a really good boat. We saw Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Little Blue Penguins and a Fur Seal. A casual relaxed day around the amazing Bay of Islands. We even got to pass through the Hole in the Rock. Thank you to all at Island Getaway you were great!Written 24 November 2024
- Diane W0 contributionsexceptional hole in the wall touroutstanding tour. we loved two island stopovers (hikes available) and visit to hole in the wall was amazing. customer service from staff was 10/10 . tea/coffee with cookies and blankets much appreciated. we saw whales although that was a rare treat. highly reccomend.Written 22 November 2024
- Climber381318805410 contributionsMust do trip if in Bay of Islands.Turned out to be a great day for weather. Journey was all as advertised and able to get to the hole in rock on calm sea. We were fortunate to have a school of Dolfins join the boat as it left the first stop off. They were keen to show off their skills behind the boat giving is all a spectacular display. The crew were very helpful and informative throughout the trip. Big thumbs up guys. Thanks for a great day.Written 21 November 2024
- 624mjh0 contributionsAmazing trip and tour!!Amazing trip and wonderful crew on board! Shout out to Connor who was amazing with everyone!! The hike up Roberton Island had amazing views and the cafe/bar stop was super fun with awesome vibe!Written 20 November 2024
- 222warrene0 contributionsWonderful day on the bayJust a spectacular day with great scenery, great guides and saw orcas, dolphins and a little penguin. The walks were a great way to break up the day and see some awesome views. Didn't matter that it was a bit overcast. Going through the hole was a highlight.Written 16 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
74 reviews
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mangstmann
5 contributions
Me and my friends did the 3 hour afternoon cruise in January 2020. First, we went to a stunning viewpoint and then to a beautiful beach where we could try stand up paddling or snorkeling. Even though we only had 3 hours in total, the tour didn't feel rushed at all. Linford was an exceptionally good guide - he explained everything in detail and was super friendly! I highly recommend the tour!
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn M
London, UK19 contributions
Jan 2023
Fantastic few hours visiting Motuarohia and Urupukapuka islands on a comfortable boat. Lin and Gaby were very welcoming, knowledgeable and professional. I tried paddle boarding for the first time and felt supported throughout. Great snippets of history, and stunning late afternoon/sunset views all round!
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen R
Tweed Heads, Australia367 contributions
Mar 2020
This was a great trip and Jake and Blue made sure that everything was perfect. The boat ride was great and Jake mad sure that the speed we were travelling at was safe and comfortable. When the boat pulled in to shore they had a special ramp that was lowered down so that we did not have to jump off into the water. The morning tea on the beach was nice. It was a tough climb to the top of the mini mountain but well worth it once you made it. Traveled to another island where we had lunch and enjoyed a snorkel and paddle board.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure47545823873
8 contributions
Great experience, the crew was very friendly, had great smiles, and having blankets was a nice touch.
Although I didn't see dolphins or seals, the weather was very good and I really liked the two islands I stayed at.
It is recommended that if there are no activities in the water due to weather conditions, tourists can be reminded in advance. We also wore swimsuits and brought towels😅
Although I didn't see dolphins or seals, the weather was very good and I really liked the two islands I stayed at.
It is recommended that if there are no activities in the water due to weather conditions, tourists can be reminded in advance. We also wore swimsuits and brought towels😅
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are happy that you enjoyed spending time on the islands with our amazing crew!
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon G
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Friends
Nick and Leon were excellent tour guides who clearly explained some of the interesting history behind the Bay of Islands. The activities were an excellent addition as we enjoyed seeing the marine life close-up while snorkelling, as well as giving paddleboarding a go.
Overall, this is a fantastic experience for gaining a glimpse into the Islands while having a bit of fun. We even saw some dolphins (although this was not intentional).
Do keep in mind that the experience is 3.5 hours long, so it will not be for everyone if you are looking to spend a whole day exploring
Overall, this is a fantastic experience for gaining a glimpse into the Islands while having a bit of fun. We even saw some dolphins (although this was not intentional).
Do keep in mind that the experience is 3.5 hours long, so it will not be for everyone if you are looking to spend a whole day exploring
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate you taking the time to post your great review of your recent cruise with us. It certainly sounds like you had an awesome time out on the water with our lovely crew and made the most of all the activities on offer including snorkelling and paddle boarding. Thanks for booking with Island Getaway Tours.
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karin Wuelker
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
The tour was breathtaking and the team was very nice and helpful. It was also a small group, which I really liked. Everyone had a great view of the islands. The snorkeling and stand up paddling was really great. I have never done stand up paddling before, but the team instructed me well and I was able to enjoy the time on the water to the fullest. Thank you for this great tour.
I can recommend them to everyone.
I can recommend them to everyone.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A_had
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
Really fun cruise. Small group which was really nice. The guides were friendly and helpful. Loved snorkelling and paddle boarding. Only suggestion is to probably have more than 4x paddle boards for a group of 20
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rav01
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Myself and my friend recently went out on the afternoon cruise with Lin and Gaby. Both were very knowledgeable and provided us with a continuous stream of information throughout the trip. We stopped off at 2 islands, enabling us to walk up to amazing viewing points and spend time on quiet coves. Snorkelling equipment and paddle boards were provided for everyone on board to use, so we were never short of something to do. Added bonus of spotting and swimming with a stingray in one of the coves. Highly recommend this trip- great value for money. Thank you both!!
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helena
4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Very nice guided and beautiful tour. I did find the way they talk about the takeover of an island to the original inhabitants too easy. It is an intense history that still has a daily impact on the lives of the Maori, which deserves to be told. Views are fantastic and the team is super enthusiastic, caring and driven!
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I'm glad you enjoyed our commentary
onboard from one of our local Crew Members!
Written 6 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SueSneyd
Toronto, Canada26 contributions
Nov 2022
Fab crew, beautiful islands and perfect amount of time. Lin & Eloise as our crew were friendly, fun and helpful sharing stories of the islands and getting us safely to and from two beach landings. Excellent hike up a small hill with amazing views of the islands. Snorkeling and SUP at another island and very calm bay - excellent teaching Eloise! Tips: bring water, snacks, wear bathing suit as no changing areas. Thanks to the team for flexibility in picking us up in Russell and dropping us off in Paihia
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard S
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi
Could you let me know if this cruse is a fast boat or a slow one
Written 31 December 2021
Our Cruise ship will dock at Bay of Island on 18th March, our on shore time will be between 8:00am to 17:00PM, I wonder would you offer any tour at this time range, we are four adults . Btw how would the weather look like in mid March in Bay of Island?
Thanks
Steven Szeto
Written 25 January 2019
Booked this tour for the 12th of October 18 for 4 adults
Booking no BR-666928266
Trying to 'Get Tickets' from the pop up in the mail received after booking and payment
But not connecting to the next site. An error is showing
Sandeep Poddar
Written 16 September 2018
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