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Offered languages
- English
There's a special kind of evening that only happens on the water — the light going gold, the sail filling, the noise of the day dropping away behind you. The Sundowner Cruise is two hours of exactly that.
Departing directly from Paihia beachfront at 5pm — the boat comes to you, pulling up to the beach so you step aboard from the shoreline — No hustle of a busy wharf, no waiting in line.
We head off for our swim destination, the crew anchors in a sheltered bay for a swim stop — calm water, no crowds.
From here you'll sail the inner Bay of Islands as the sun is going down. Just the sea breeze, the sound of wind in the sails, and a view that earns its reputation.
A complimentary non-alcoholic drink is included. You'll be back in Paihia around 7pm, in plenty of time for dinner.
This is a premium cruise with limited capacity — maximum 20 guests — which offers a fun and engaging experience where you actually get to feel like part of the crew, not lost in the crowd.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet us at Paihia Beach, the boat anchors right on the shore line. You will see the Barefoot Sailing Adventures catamaran about half way along the beach, you will know you are in the right place, you will see it as soon as you get to the beach.
Itinerary
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Bay of Islands (Pass by)
A beautiful evening sailing cruise enjoying some of the best sights in the Bay of Islands as the day is winding down.
Admission ticket free -
1Opua
Departing at 5pm, the crew push off from the beach and we set off for a swim destination and slip into a sheltered anchorage at the entrance to the Opua inlet, out of the breeze, where the water goes glassy and the bush comes right down to the shoreline. This is the swim stop. The crew drop the ladder off the back and you can jump in from the deck or climb down, the water in the Bay through summer sits around 20-22°C, and after a day of sightseeing it's the kind of swim you remember. If you'd rather stay on board with a drink and watch, that works just as well, be our guest!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Russell (Pass by)
After the swim we set the sail. The engines go off, the sails fill, and the only sound is the water lapping the hulls. That's when the real magic begins. From here we sail the Bay of Islands inlet, meander past quaint anchorages, then track north into the wider Bay of Islands, along the Russell peninsula and the Tapeka coastline with the outer islands opening up ahead.
Admission ticket free -
Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Pass by)
Depending on the wind and swell that evening, the skipper picks the best line, sometimes out towards Moturoa Island sometimes tucking in closer to the mainland cliffs at Waitangi where you will see the Waitangi flag post at the Treaty Grounds from the sea. No two evenings run exactly the same route, which is really the beauty of sailing.
Admission ticket free -
Paihia Harbour (Pass by)
The run back towards Paihia harbor on the evening sea breeze at golden hour. The light at this end of the day is what does it, the hills go gold, the water turns that deep blue you only get after five o'clock, and the wind usually settles just enough to make the sail home feel effortless.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We're back on the Paihia beach around 7pm, just in time for your dinner plans.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 (such as a very low tide) a dinghy may be used to get from shore to the boat.
- Swim Stop - to participate in swimming from the boat you must be able to swim competently unassisted as it is a deep water swim from the boat
- Non-swimmers are very welcome onboard. We have lifejackets if you wish to wear one during the sailing time.
- Children are very welcome aboard. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 (including infants) require a ticket to board.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 (such as a very low tide) a dinghy may be used to get from shore to the boat.
- Swim Stop - to participate in swimming from the boat you must be able to swim competently unassisted as it is a deep water swim from the boat
- Non-swimmers are very welcome onboard. We have lifejackets if you wish to wear one during the sailing time.
- Children are very welcome aboard. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 (including infants) require a ticket to board.
- If you're unsure whether this works for you, please contact us before booking. We'd rather help you to make the right choice, than have you find out at the water's edge.
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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