Creating respectful cruises between wildlife & people.

Discover the very best of the Bay of Islands with us!

ISLAND & WILDLIFE DAY CRUISE

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bay of Islands with our island and wildlife day cruise. Watch dolphins, penguins and seabirds in their natural habitat, with a stop at an island sanctuary, for exploring, snorkeling and lunch.

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CONSERVATION FOCUS

Every cruise is on our marine wildlife conservation catamaran. From which we collect daily wildlife data. A percentage of every ticket contributes directly to marine mammal research, protection and our charitable trust for children education in marine conservation.

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EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Carino Marine Explorer - A day sailing, education program that aims to inspire children and bring marine wildlife to life, by encouraging outdoor and hands-on learning, in our vitally important Bay of Islands maritime park, through science and conservation.

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Responsible tourism for us, is about creating respectful cruises between wildlife and people.

We are the only yacht licensed to view and research dolphins in the Bay of Islands, we are a small local family business, operating responsible dolphin tours for over 29 years.

 We are about helping people experience the natural world and creating spaces for people to make a difference. 

We are the only company in the Bay of Islands, to be awarded a Responsible Whale Watching Certificate, by international organisation World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).

Day sailing with us

Island and Wildlife Day Cruise

Highlights of our signature Island and Wildlife Day Cruise:

 

  • Sailing on our comfortable 50ft catamaran through the blue waters of the Bay of Islands
  • Lend a hand and help set the sails or simply sit back and relax as the wind does the work
  • Watch and learn about wild dolphins in the Bay of Islands marine mammal sanctuary. We are the only yacht with a permit to view marine mammals.
  • An island stop is included, where you can explore an historic wildlife sanctuary island, Take a nature walk amidst regenerated bush and listen to the beautiful bird songs, Enjoy a refreshing swim or indulge in some snorkeling at a tranquil beach
  • Keep an eye out for our little blue penguins, the world's smallest penguin, as well as other ocean birds like our crazy diving gannets, pied cormorants, shearwaters, stormy petrels, and more in their natural habitat.
  • Help us to collect information on all wildlife we encounter, to help protect the future of our marine environment.
  • Enjoy a Kiwi-style BBQ lunch on board Carino NZ, complete with a bar to grab a refreshing drink
  • Professional and fully trained crew and guides
  • Cruising with us means contributing to marine conservation and research programs. A portion of each fare is donated to the Carino Marine Explorers Trust, which is a registered charity focused on marine education programs. Our goal is to provide opportunities for local children to become marine kaitiaki (guardians) of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

By choosing our tour, you are supporting responsible tourism practices that prioritize the well-being of the marine wildlife and their environment.

 

 Check out what people are saying and share the experience!

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We are a local family operated, marine conservation business

Meet your crew

Vanessa

Captain and wildly passionate about the marine world and its conservation.

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Bruce

Captain and/ or crew, A long time sailor, who has many stories to share.

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Wayne

Carino crew, Super great sailor and wild about the ocean. Ask him anything!

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WILDLIFE CRUISES NEWS

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  • 25 Aug 2021

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