This cruise is suitable for people who want a relaxed but real day out on the water, with sailing, wildlife watching, island time and crew knowledge along the way.

It suits couples, families with children aged 4 and over, small groups, solo travellers, nature lovers, photographers, active older guests and visitors who want more than a quick sightseeing trip.

You do not need sailing experience, but you do need to be comfortable moving around a sailing boat. The boat moves with the sea, and guests need to be able to keep their balance, step on and off the vessel safely, and manage the island landing.

Walking, swimming and snorkelling are optional.

Your fare includes a small-group sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands, active wildlife watching, time ashore on an island, snorkelling gear, tea and coffee onboard, and commentary from our crew about the wildlife, islands, history and conservation of the Bay.

Our crew actively look for wild dolphins, little blue penguins, seabirds, rays and other marine life as we sail.

An optional Kiwi barbecue lunch can be added when you book, or you are welcome to bring your own food.

Part of each fare also goes to the Department of Conservation to support marine mammal education, compliance and research in the Bay of Islands. A portion also supports marine education through the Carino Marine Explorer Charitable Trust.

The cruise is about six hours.

Boarding is at 8:45am at Paihia Wharf. We depart at 9:00am and return at around 3:00pm.

Please arrive on time so we can welcome everyone onboard and leave safely. The boat cannot be held for late arrivals.

Carino NZ departs from Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands.

Please meet us at Paihia Wharf, by 8:45am. The wharf is on the Paihia waterfront, close to cafés, shops and accommodation.How to find us

We actively look for wild dolphins as part of the cruise, but dolphins are never guaranteed.

The dolphins in the Bay of Islands are wild animals. They move, feed, rest and travel as they choose. Our crew watch the water and the sky throughout the day, and if we are lucky enough to encounter dolphins or other marine mammals, we follow the rules and let the animals’ behaviour guide what happens next.

It is both, but it is not only about dolphins.

Carino’s Island & Wildlife Day Cruise includes active dolphin watching, and we operate under a Department of Conservation marine mammal permit for viewing marine mammals in the Bay of Islands. If we encounter dolphins, whales or other marine mammals, we follow our permit conditions and let the animals’ behaviour guide what happens next.

The day is broader than a dolphin search. We also look for little blue penguins, gannets, shearwaters, other seabirds, island birds, rays, fish and sometimes other marine life.

You also get a full sailing day, an island stop, time to swim or snorkel, and stories from crew who know the Bay.

 No. Swimming with dolphins or any marine mammals is not allowed within the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

Carino is a viewing-only dolphin and wildlife cruise. If we encounter marine mammals, we watch carefully from the boat and follow our Department of Conservation marine mammal permit conditions.

Common sightings may include seabirds, little blue penguins, gannets, shags, island birds, rays and fish. Dolphins are seen regularly, but never guaranteed.

Bottlenose dolphins are the dolphins most associated with the Bay of Islands. Common dolphins, orca, pilot whales, Bryde’s whales and New Zealand fur seals may pass through the wider area at times, but these are occasional or rare sightings.

Every day is shaped by the season, weather, sea conditions and where the wildlife happens to be..

No. Wildlife is wild, so we do not guarantee dolphins or any other species.

Our crew are always looking, and we share what we see and what we know as the day unfolds. Some days bring dolphins. Some days bring penguins, seabirds, rays or a quiet anchorage with clear water and birdsong. The Bay decides.

There is no refund if dolphins are not seen.

The cruise is a full sailing, wildlife and island day experience. Dolphins are an important part of what we look for, but they are not the only part of the day.

Carino NZ is a relaxed small-group sailing, dolphin and wildlife cruise from Paihia, with a maximum of 20 guests onboard.

The day is not just transport to an island. We sail, look for wildlife throughout the day, stop at an island chosen for the conditions, and give you time to walk, swim, snorkel or simply slow down and enjoy being ashore.

Carino operates under a Department of Conservation marine mammal permit for viewing dolphins and other marine mammals in the Bay of Islands. If we encounter marine mammals, we follow our permit conditions and watch carefully, with the animals’ behaviour guiding what happens next.

Our crew also record wildlife sightings and behaviour notes over time, including dolphins, seabirds, penguins and other marine life where relevant. These observations help build a longer picture of what is happening in the Bay.

A portion of each fare supports the Department of Conservation for marine mammal education, compliance and research. A portion also supports marine education through the Carino Marine Explorer Charitable Trust.

So the difference is the whole day: small-group sailing, active wildlife watching, a DOC marine mammal permit, an island stop, snorkelling gear, crew knowledge, and conservation woven through the way we operate.

 No. You do not need any sailing experience.

You are welcome to help with the sails if you would like to get involved, or you can simply relax on deck and enjoy the day. Our crew will guide you.

Yes, if conditions allow and you would like to help.

Guests often enjoy helping hoist the sails or learning a little about how Carino moves through the Bay. There is no pressure to take part. You can join in or just sit back and enjoy being under sail.

he island stop is chosen on the day by the skipper.

We choose the stop to suit the wind, sea and shelter, so the exact island or bay can change from one cruise to the next. Once ashore, you can walk, swim, snorkel, explore the beach, look for birds or simply relax.

The Hole in the Rock is not the focus of this cruise we do not go there.

Carino is a sailing, wildlife and island day cruise. Our route is shaped by the weather, sea conditions, wildlife and the best sheltered island stop for the day. Some days we may travel further through the Bay, but our priority is a safe, relaxed sailing and wildlife experience.

Yes, usually during the island stop, if conditions are suitable.

Snorkelling is optional and snorkelling gear is provided. You are also welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. If you do not want to swim or snorkel, you can walk, explore the beach or relax ashore.

You should be a confident enough swimmer to be comfortable in the water.

Snorkelling can be a strenuous physical activity. It may not be suitable for some medical conditions, especially heart conditions. If you have a heart condition, breathing condition, limited mobility, or any concern about whether snorkelling is suitable for you, please check with your doctor before booking or before deciding to snorkel.

You do not have to snorkel to enjoy the cruise.

Yes, the cruise is suitable for children aged 4 and over.

Children need to be supervised by an adult throughout the day. The boat moves with the sea, and the island stop may involve sand, rocks, tracks, swimming or changing conditions, so children need to be able to follow crew instructions.

We are unable to take children under 4 years old.

No, there is no upper age limit.

Guests do need to be in reasonable health and able to move safely around a sailing boat. You need to be comfortable with steps, movement, uneven surfaces and getting on and off the boat.

If you are unsure whether the cruise is suitable for you or someone in your group, please contact us before booking.

Please contact us before booking.

Carino NZ is a sailing catamaran operating in a natural marine environment. Guests need to be able to board safely, move around the boat, manage a moving deck and follow crew instructions. The island stop may involve stepping ashore onto a beach or uneven surface.

We are happy to talk through what is involved so you can decide whether the cruise is suitable.

Most of the cruise usually takes place in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, but we are still on the ocean and conditions can change.

If you are prone to motion sickness, please take your usual preventative measures before departure. Seasickness is not a reason for a refund once the cruise has departed.

Please bring swimwear, a towel, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm layer or jacket, and any personal medication you may need.

Flat shoes or sandals are best for moving around the boat and going ashore. Bring your camera or phone if you would like photos.

Snorkelling gear is supplied, and you are welcome to bring your own.

Wear comfortable clothing for a day on the water.

Layers are best. The Bay can be warm and sunny, but it can also feel cooler under sail or after swimming. A windproof or warm jacket is useful, even on sunny days.

Flat footwear is best for the boat and island stop.

Lunch is optional and can be added when you book. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch.

Our Kiwi Barbecue Lunch options are:

Kiwi Barbecue Lunch – Beef Sausage
BBQ beef sausage with sautéed onions, mini baguette, green salad, coleslaw, brownie and apple.

Kiwi Barbecue Lunch – Vegetarian Sausage
BBQ vegetarian sausage with sautéed onions, mini baguette, green salad, coleslaw, brownie and apple.

Kiwi Barbecue Lunch – Gluten-Free Vegetarian Sausage
BBQ gluten-free vegetarian sausage with sautéed onions, gluten-free bread roll, green salad, coleslaw, gluten-free bliss balls and apple.

Our galley is not gluten-free, and we are unable to guarantee no cross-contamination.

Yes. Tea and coffee are included onboard.

Carino also has an onboard bar with cold drinks, New Zealand beer and wine available to purchase.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks.

Please help us care for the Bay by taking care with packaging and rubbish while onboard and ashore.

All departures are subject to demand, sea and weather conditions.

The weather and sea are a big part of our safety decision-making. If we need to cancel because of weather, sea conditions, minimum numbers or safety, we will offer to reschedule you or provide a refund.

Please make sure your contact details are correct when you book, and check with us the day before departure.

You can cancel or change your booking up to 24 hours before the day of departure for a full refund.

If you cancel late or do not arrive for the cruise, no refund is available. If we cancel because of weather, sea conditions, minimum numbers or safety, we will offer to reschedule you or provide a refund.

Please read the full booking conditions and risk disclosure before booking.

Yes. All departures are subject to demand, sea and weather conditions.

If minimum numbers are not reached, we may need to cancel or reschedule. If that happens, we will contact you and offer the nearest possible alternative date or a refund. Please check in with us the day before departure to confirm cruise.

Cruise ship passengers can book, but please check your ship’s tender times carefully before booking.

Our cruise boards at 8:45am and departs Paihia Wharf at 9:00am. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals. We arrive back in Paihia at 3pm. So you need to check your tendering times. If your ship is tendering into Waitangi or Paihia and you are not sure whether you can reach us in time, please contact us before booking.

Yes. The Bay of Islands is a marine mammal sanctuary, and Carino Wildlife Cruises operates under a Department of Conservation marine mammal permit.

We follow marine mammal viewing rules and our permit conditions. We do not chase, feed, touch or swim with dolphins or other marine mammals. If we encounter marine mammals, we give them space and let their behaviour guide what we do.

No. Please do not touch, feed, chase or disturb any wildlife.

This includes dolphins, whales, seals, birds, rays, fish and marine life seen while snorkelling. Wildlife is part of the Bay, not part of a show, and our crew will guide guests on how to watch respectfully.

Light rain does not always mean the cruise is cancelled.

Our decision is based on the overall sea and weather conditions, including wind, visibility, sea state and safety. If conditions are not suitable, we will try and contact you. Please check in with us the day before departure.

Our main day cruise season runs from 10 September to 30 April.

Every part of the season has something different to offer. Spring and autumn can be quieter. Summer brings warmer swimming weather. Wildlife can appear at any time, but it is wild and never guaranteed.

Carino NZ takes a maximum of 20 guests.

This keeps the day relaxed, personal and easy for guests to ask questions, move around and enjoy the Bay without feeling crowded.

You can book online through our Book Now page.

You are also welcome to contact us if you have questions about dates, children’s ages, lunch options, weather, mobility, snorkelling or whether the cruise is suitable for your group.