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Paihia Tours
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
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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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
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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 1
    Island Getaway Tours, 69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
    Check-in location: Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf Please checkin at least 20 minutes before departure
  • Option 2
    Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
    Please 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
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    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:
    • Island Getaway Tours
      624
      Paihia, New Zealand
      Joined in December 2016
    • krzysztofb770
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Perfect afternoon
      The 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
    • 192heatherh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      So glad we chose this tour
      Wonderful 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
    • 680harshithap
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing trip, definitely worth doing in paihia
      A 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
    • 564denisew
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing amazing
      Fabulous 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 cruise
      Written 5 December 2024
    • shaonumq
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful bay of islands
      I 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
    • 549keitha
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable 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 Russell
      Written 1 December 2024
    • ANDREW G
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic
      Great 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 guide
      Written 27 November 2024
    • Scott W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fullers Hole in the Rock Cruise
      We 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
    • 238irisw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A very nice outing
      The 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
    • Trek692036
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience
      Great 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
    • Dazzer999
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great trip with the best company
      Despite 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 W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      exceptional hole in the wall tour
      outstanding 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
    • Climber38131880541
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Must 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
    • 624mjh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing 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
    • 222warrene
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful day on the bay
      Just 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
    See all 624 reviews
    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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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles74 reviews
    Excellent
    70
    Very good
    4
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    mangstmann
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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😅
    Google
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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!
    Google
    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
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    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.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Day Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands provided by Island Getaway Tours

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