Sailing
5–6 hours
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$175
per adult
Phantom Sailing
Phantom Sailing
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate ToursDay Trips
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About
A day out on Phantom gives you a chance to get away from the crowds. This is adventure, relaxation and scenic beauty all in one with the personal atmosphere created by your hosts, Rick and Robin. Swim, snorkel and hike the island then enjoy a great home cooked lunch amongst the beauty of the islands on this great owner- operator boat. We sail out of Russell and Paihia in the Bay of Islands and are in our 23rd year of loving our job.
Russell, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
629 reviews
Excellent
610
Very good
16
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Kris V
Oak Bluffs, MA44 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Fantastic hosts, Rick and Robin, who each have at least 40 yrs of sailing experience. And made extra special by pods of dolphins playing around the boat for at least 20 minutes AND several rafts of little blue penguins!! (We also saw them at the Royal Albatross center in Dunedin the week before). Water warm enough to swim, boat anchored in 18 ft of white sandy bottom, no grass, but as we swam to shore the white turned to charcoal gray lava sand. Robin prepared a delicious luncheon for the 10 of us. After our spectacular trip, we understand why Phantom is rated #1!
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aaron_matthew_nz
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Couples
We set sail on a stunning day with barely a cloud in sight. Rick and Robin were warm and friendly and put on an amazing lunch spread. It was a relaxing day, enjoying the sun both on land and on the water. This was a highlight for our trip to the Northland and we would be more than happy to recommend for those who are looking to set sail on the Bay of Islands for the day.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great recommendation and so very nice to read. Thanks for choosing Phantom!
Written 11 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wonderboy
Auckland, New Zealand44 contributions
Apr 2021
Superb small group trip on The Phantom. Rick, Robin and Jack were great hosts with many stories to tell of their sailing adventures. We saw dolphins and it was great to actually sail with the motor off. The area is so full of history as well. Lunch was delicious and home baked, although with the number of hungry boys on board it was perhaps a little light. You can byo your own drinks if you like. Anyway, highly recommended and so much nicer than the bigger commercial operators. An awesome day out on a real yacht!
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and for choosing Phantom. Glad you enjoyed the day!
Written 22 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shirley-AndyB
Kelowna, Canada98 contributions
Mar 2024
What a fabulous day out with Rick And Robin. Sailing in the Bay of Islands is a must do when you are visiting and these folks have it down to a fine art. Relaxed, friendly, just a fantastic day out. Great lunch and great company.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for coming aboard and so glad to hear you enjoyed the trip!
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark B
Lima, Peru33 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Rick & Renee hosted a spectacular day aboard their yacht. On the way to Robinson Island we had ringside seats for yachts competing in the Bay of Islands 3 days of racing. Rick sharing insights on what was going on, as well as many good yarns of their time sailing Phantom to Tahiti and further a field.
We then stopped in a beautiful bay for a beach trip, swim and snorkel whilst Renee prepared a delicious feast.
We even had the privilege of a little sail, if desired, on our way home. With Rick you are in safe and experienced hands.
We then stopped in a beautiful bay for a beach trip, swim and snorkel whilst Renee prepared a delicious feast.
We even had the privilege of a little sail, if desired, on our way home. With Rick you are in safe and experienced hands.
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really appreciate this review! Thanks for choosing Phantom for you day on the bay!
Written 26 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cathyf305
Auckland Central, New Zealand3 contributions
Mar 2021
Had a lovely relaxing day out on the boat. We had zero wind, but still enjoyed the company of our hosts on the boat Rick and Robyn and the others guests. Swimming, exploring the island and a great lunch including fish caught from the boat. Definitely recommend.
Written 26 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad that you had a "great day out" and thanks for your review!
Written 22 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve
Wellington, New Zealand23 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
This was such a great day Rick and Robin do an amazing job making us feel so at home.
The lunch was all local product and cooked on board and tasted superb.
We had a swim and then sailed back at 9knots which was totally magic.
Support a local business you won’t regret it.
Steve Goodey
The lunch was all local product and cooked on board and tasted superb.
We had a swim and then sailed back at 9knots which was totally magic.
Support a local business you won’t regret it.
Steve Goodey
Written 23 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Steve for coming aboard and for choosing Phantom!
Written 21 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
D'Arcy F
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
We spent a wonderful day regardless of the dizzily weather on the 'Phantom' with Robyn and Rick. They are competent wonderful people, totally in tune with their boat, and sailing is in their bones. We spent a lovely morning sailing to a fabulous lunch spot, where we explored, they beautiful island and had a lovely home prepared lunch with wine. Swam in the beautiful aqua waters off the little island and then sailed briskly back in the port of Russell. Fabulous day, thank you Rick and Robyn.
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great day indeed! so very nice to have a day with your family. Enjoyed the company and thank you for choosing Phantom!
Written 27 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camper30487448285
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Absolutely amazing experience with amazing hosts. Robin and Rick will do absolutely anything to make the trip the best it can be. Robin cooks an amazing banquet for lunch and we all eat and chat together in a lovely spot. Rick is an amazing guy with plenty of stories. If you wish they will also let you sail the boat yourself! Thanks guys. We had a blast 👍🏻👍🏻
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a lovely review. We really enjoy meeting new people everyday day and our fantastic job. Thank so much for choosing Phantomsailing!
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robmcguinness2022
1 contribution
Feb 2022
Rick and Robin are awesome, some of the nicest people you will ever meet and their sailing experience is second to non.
The know the Bay very well and their history of it and knowledge of where to head for the best experience is amazing.
I would highly recommend sailing with them anytime.
The know the Bay very well and their history of it and knowledge of where to head for the best experience is amazing.
I would highly recommend sailing with them anytime.
Written 20 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for this amazng review!! Can hardly say more than that!
Written 25 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are on a cruise boat and only there for 9 hours max. Do you pick us up at the cruise ship? Saw reply below they should get us by shuttle to Russell's wharf. What if it is pouring down the rain and the water is rough? See you have a non-refundable price however it says it is to be paid in cash.
Written 15 December 2019
How to get from cruise ship to sailboat
Written 28 November 2015
The cruise ship should shuttle you in to Russell's wharf and the Phantom leaves from there, so it should be easy! You do need reservations on the Phantom as they only take a maximum of 10 people.
Written 29 November 2015
We will be in Russell the afternoon of Jan 9 and all Jan 10. Please tell us the terms and times for your tour and if advance booking is necessary.
Written 11 June 2015
Thank you for your inquiry. The trip aboard Phantom starts at 10am from Russell and returns at 4pm. We serve lunch on board, the cost is $110per person and payment is made in cash. We take a maximum of 10 passengers - the smallest and most personal trip in the Bay. Please view our website.
Written 11 June 2015
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