Sundowner Sailing Cruise— 2 Hour Sail, Swim Stop | Bay of Islands
Overview
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
- - Departs from Paihia beachfront — the boat comes to you
- - Sail the inner Bay of Islands at golden hour — sea breeze, wind in the sails, the town behind you
- - Immersive, limited-capacity sailing cruise-max 20. A fun evening adventure, not a sightseeing bus.
- - Sheltered anchorage swim stop in calm, clear water
- - Complimentary drink included — spot historical landmarks along the shoreline
Meeting Location
Marsden Road
Paihia Beach, Paihia 0247, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Bay of Islands (pass by)
Opua
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Russell (pass by)
Waitangi Treaty Grounds (pass by)
Paihia Harbour (pass by)
Paihia Beach (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Sundowner Sailing Cruise— 2 Hour Sail, Swim Stop | Bay of Islands?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-60061P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 32 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour 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.
- - Departs from Paihia beachfront — the boat comes to you.
- - Sail the inner Bay of Islands at golden hour — sea breeze, wind in the sails, the town behind you.
- - Immersive, limited-capacity sailing cruise-max 20. A fun evening adventure, not a sightseeing bus.
- - Sheltered anchorage swim stop in calm, clear water.
- - Complimentary drink included — spot historical landmarks along the shoreline.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Sundowner Sailing Cruise— 2 Hour Sail, Swim Stop | Bay of Islands is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- - Departs from Paihia beachfront — the boat comes to you
- - Sail the inner Bay of Islands at golden hour — sea breeze, wind in the sails, the town behind you
- - Immersive, limited-capacity sailing cruise-max 20. A fun evening adventure, not a sightseeing bus.
- - Sheltered anchorage swim stop in calm, clear water
- - Complimentary drink included — spot historical landmarks along the shoreline
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
