We have taken the unprecedented step to voluntarily cease all swim with dolphin activities during our cruises.
The decision reflects our commitment to protect the local dolphin population and to remain at the forefront of conservation within the Bay of Islands.
Research has shown that swimming with dolphins could exacerbate the potentially negative consequences of interaction by reducing periods for resting, feeding and socialising. In turn, this could bring about a decline in socialising behaviour and consequentially lower pregnancy rates.
By choosing to refrain from swimming with wild dolphins, we feel that our activities will be conducted in a manner that seeks to minimise any potentially negative impact on dolphins.
The welfare of the dolphins is of paramount importance to us; we want to help protect the future of our marine mammals
Cancellations must be received by us 24hrs before day of departure, for 100% refund. Passengers who have not cancelled before this are considered “no shows” and no refunds are available. If we cancel, we will either reschedule or you will be refunded in full. Our first concern is for passenger and vessel safety. Please see our booking conditions.
If you have any further questions that we may be able to help with? – Click here to go to our contact page
The day sailing adventure is 6hrs. (9.00am – 3.30pm) daily.
Carino NZ departs from Paihia wharf at 9.30am. You need to be on the wharf at 9.15am for check in. The wharf is situated on the waterfront in Paihia Township. How to find us
You can book on the website now or email carinonz@gmail.com or phone +64 9 4028040
You will need a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, warm jacket just in case, camera, money for drinks, heaps of enthusiasm and a smile. We provide masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits (seasonal). Its fine to bring your own equipment. Bay of Islands weather is sub-tropical (temp 18C – 30C)
We have a solid boarding ladder at the back of the yacht for easy access in and out on the water.
The day sailing adventure is suitable for families with older children. We find that children under 5 years find the sailing tour a too long .
Due to current maritime NZ rules we are unable to take children 4 years and under.
With regards to swimming with dolphins, Children under 8 years old are unable to swim with the dolphins and 8-12 year old must have a adult in the water with them, one on one.
Our tours normally operate in the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands and seasickness is rarely an issue. However, because this can be an open ocean experience at times venturing into the Pacific Ocean, it is subject to a variety of sea conditions and sea sickness may be a problem for some of our guests. If you are prone to motion sickness, we advise that you take preventative measures before departing Paihia or Russell. Be advised that seasickness during the tour is not grounds for a refund and we are not able to cancel the tour for the others if you become sick.
Due to current maritime NZ rules we are unable to take children 4 years and under on any of our tours.
Sailing experience is not necessary. Sailing under the guidance of professional crew is a relaxed way to explore the bay. You can lend a hand to hoist the mainsail and jib or Sit back and relax as the sails catch the breeze.
The BBQ lunch is held aboard CARINO NZ. It is a kiwi style BBQ, Beef sausages, onions, bread rolls and salad. Vegetarians are also catered for on request. CARINO NZ has a fully licensed bar, with a range of New Zealand beers, wines and cool drinks.
Due to the spontaneous nature of sailing, there are several favourite islands that CARINO NZ can stop at. Your skipper will find a suitable calm cove to enjoy. These include Ururpukapuka Island, Roberton Islands and Motorua Island.
The Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with the 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The Bay of Islands is a unique location for bottlenose dolphins, as it provides the dolphins with abundant food and security for resting and breeding. The maritime and historic park is the original cradle of European civilization and has fine examples of Maori culture.
Yes! The idea of our tours is to hopefully encounter all forms of marine life, either in the water or in the sky. ( Blue penguins, Australasian Gannets, Orcas, maybe a whale, schooling fish – not all are seen every day)
It is breathing through a tube while on the surface. When you dive under the water you still need to hold your breath.
Some degree of swimming experience is needed to snorkel at the island stop.
Swimming and snorkeling can be a strenuous physical activity which may increase health and safety risk for persons suffering from medical conditions – stress from sudden exposure to cold water, panic or strenuous activity can aggravate some medical conditions, and certain medical condition such as heart disease may result in cardiac arrest and death. Please advise us of any medical conditions and to have any medication with you on the tour.
No. There is no guarantee for finding wild dolphins.
Our tour is about the whole bay of islands and the marine environment (not just about dolphins).
We are a sailing tour that actively seeks dolphins, while also experiencing the beauty of the Bay of Islands.
We run our tours to respect and appreciate the habitat and behavior of wild dolphins and sometimes this means, not seeing them.
Physical contact (touching or grabbing) or feeding any wild dolphins or marine mammal is not permitted under any New Zealand DOC permit.
We are the only yacht licensed by Department of Conservation to interact with wild dolphins in the Bay of islands. We provide a unique dolphin tour that will take you up close with wild dolphins and you will also get to experience the joy of sailing, an island stopover where you can snorkel and a bbq lunch. This is the total bay of islands experience, all on one yacht.
We find dolphins approximately 80% of the time.
We cannot guarantee to find the dolphins, as they are wild animals in their own environment, not in an enclosure.
Our tour is about the whole bay of islands and the marine environment (not just about dolphins).
We run our tours to respect and appreciate the habitat and behavior of wild dolphins and sometimes this means, not seeing them
We are closed for winter from the 1st May to the 31 August, so are unable to take you sailing
All departures are subject to demand, sea and weather conditions. The weather is a big factor and we will not depart if there is a gale or severe wind warning in force, for the safety of all passengers
We ask all guests to call us the day before to confirm the weather conditions.
All commercial marine mammal operators in New Zealand are subject to a permit system administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
If commercial operators such as sailing yachts, fishing boats and other cruise vessels do not have marine mammal permit they must stay away from any marine mammal.
We do not fit thought the hole in the rock, so do not go there.
We do often see it in the distance and crew will point it out.
Paihia
9.30am & 3.45pm
