Bay of Islands Sailing, Wildlife & Island Day Cruise

Discover Wildlife. Connect with Nature. Protect the Ocean.

Come sailing with us in the Bay of Islands on a relaxed small-group day cruise. Our crew actively look for wild dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds and other marine life as we sail around the islands. You can relax on deck or help with the sails, then spend time ashore on an island with the option to walk, swim, snorkel or explore. No two days are quite the same. The weather, sea and wildlife help shape the day, while our crew share local knowledge, wildlife notes and stories from the Bay as we sail.

ISLAND & WILDLIFE DAY CRUISE

Spend the day sailing through the Bay of Islands, watching for wildlife, relaxing on deck and helping with the sails if you feel like it. As we cruise around the islands, our crew share their knowledge and love of the Bay, its wildlife and marine environment. At the island stop, you can head ashore to walk, swim, snorkel or explore.

Explore the Island & Wildlife Day Cruise

CONSERVATION FOCUS

Carino Wildlife Cruises operates under a Department of Conservation marine mammal permit, with responsible wildlife viewing central to how we explore the Bay of Islands. Our crew share their knowledge of the wildlife and environment, helping guests understand why protecting both matters.

Learn About Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife of the Bay of Islands

Explore the wildlife you may see around the Bay of Islands on our cruise, from dolphins and little blue penguins to seabirds and other marine life. Learn how to recognise different species, understand their behaviour and discover how they connect within the wider marine ecosystem.

Explore Our Wildlife Guide

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

For us, responsible tourism is about kaitiakitanga: caring for the wildlife, ocean and islands of the Bay of Islands and helping protect them for the future.

Wildlife encounters are always approached with respect. Our crew follow marine mammal viewing rules, take care not to disturb wildlife or their habitats, and help guests understand the animals and environment they are experiencing.

Every cruise also contributes to a bigger picture. Our crew collect wildlife information that is shared with the Department of Conservation and research organisations, and guests may have opportunities to help with wildlife observations and data collection. A portion of each fare also supports marine conservation, research and the Carino Marine Explorers Trust, helping local children experience and learn about their marine environment.

Explore Our Responsible Tourism

Your Bay of Islands Day Cruise

Island and Wildlife Day Cruise

From Paihia, spend around six hours on a relaxed small-group sailing cruise, watching for wildlife as you explore the Bay. Help with the sails or settle in on deck, spend time ashore on an island, and enjoy the day with our skipper and crew, who share local knowledge, wildlife notes and stories from the Bay.

Your Day at a Glance

Spend around six hours on the Bay — depart Paihia Wharf at 9am and return at approximately 3pm.
Sail through the Bay of Islands — relax on deck or join in and help with the sails; no sailing experience is needed.
Watch for wildlife — keep an eye on the water and sky while our crew actively look for wild dolphins and help you spot and understand the marine life we encounter. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Step ashore on an island — spend time exploring a sheltered island stop chosen to suit the conditions on the day.
Walk, swim or snorkel — choose how you would like to enjoy your time ashore; snorkeling equipment is provided.
Learn as you go — discover more about the wildlife, islands, marine environment and conservation through the stories, observations and local knowledge shared by our crew.