Sailing
5–6 hours
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$185
per adult
Vigilant Yacht Charters
Vigilant Yacht Charters
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingKayaking & Canoeing
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Capture the magic of this classic single mast yacht as you sail around the aquatic playground of the bay of islands. Design your own day, your own custom built adventure, aboard this 14 meter fully equipped yacht which offers you the very best in quality, comfort and safety. Your experienced skipper and crew are on board to ensure you have a day to remember.
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
360 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
9
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Annie1013
Singapore, Singapore36 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
For those who have never sailed before, VIGILANT Yacht Charters is a great rite of passage! Not for those prone to sea sickness, though. We sailed early this month and the winds that day made for a wonderful day out in the Bay of Islands. To see the landscape from the yacht was a completely new experience for us. Nik and Nat had two kayaks on board, which we were allowed to take out when we anchored. The waters there were calm making it very safe, even for the kids. Lunch consisted of salad and bread, the only thing I thought could be improved.
Our ride back from where we anchored, to Russell Wharf, was speedy and one filled with thrills and spills! VIGILANT leaned to one side most of the time and we held on to whatever was secure, to prevent ourselves from sliding off into the ocean! Yes, it was THAT exciting! Young children will need to be anchored to adults. The elderly should be able-bodied enough to hold on securely when the winds pick up.
The forecast was cloudy but the sun made its appearance 70% of the time making for ideal conditions to stay out on the deck. We got wet from sea spray but no matter, our skipper, Nik, made sure it was all part of the fantastic experience.
Our ride back from where we anchored, to Russell Wharf, was speedy and one filled with thrills and spills! VIGILANT leaned to one side most of the time and we held on to whatever was secure, to prevent ourselves from sliding off into the ocean! Yes, it was THAT exciting! Young children will need to be anchored to adults. The elderly should be able-bodied enough to hold on securely when the winds pick up.
The forecast was cloudy but the sun made its appearance 70% of the time making for ideal conditions to stay out on the deck. We got wet from sea spray but no matter, our skipper, Nik, made sure it was all part of the fantastic experience.
Written 13 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 day out! You guys fared very well in some of the roughest conditions the Bay Of Islands has to offer. Real tough sailors, thanks for coming out guys.
Written 23 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hel
2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We went with this trip after reading all of the great reviews and now have to add our own! Excellent day, gorgeous boat and very friendly crew. Couldn’t fault it. Probably couldn’t add anything that hasn’t already been said but the freshly picked salad for lunch from Nat’s garden was a great addition to the trip. We saw snorkelled, swam, walked up to a beautiful look out, saw dolphins on the way home and overall really enjoyed the competency of the sailing. Very impressive. If you are looking to book- do it now! Thank you Nat and Anton.
Written 24 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.
Ah yay! Thank you so much for the review. We're really happy to had a good time out with us!
Written 20 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
4GiGigirl10
Ramona12 contributions
Mar 2020
A welcoming crew and a beautiful day. Cool at first but warmed up. An older Yacht that could use a little tender care, but was comfy with places to sit all around. An easy access toilet was a plus. We motored to a beach that many other boats came to as well. You could stay on the boat or go ashore and swim, snorkel or hike. When ready to return just signal the captain and he would bring you back in his little dingy. A nice fresh salad was prepared for lunch, tea or coffee offered then we sailed back. We had a nice day.
Written 24 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.
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We're happy you had a good time out with us.
Written 2 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Culture24810902599
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
I have spent many hours on the bay of Islands waters , motoring around on power driven vessels, I recently decided to take the opportunity to do things a little differently and Im very glad it did, Nat and her crew on vigilant were amazing hosts, and nothing gives you the chance to appreciate being on the water more than gracefully gliding through it under the power of her sails the lack of an engine rumble means you can hear birds singing on the islands as you go by, and if you're lucky enough to be visited by them the splashes of dolphins. Not to mention a lovely stop over in a quiet bay away from the masses, with the opportunity to go for a bush walk, kayak or snorkel, and chill in the shade of a beautiful Pohutakawa tree. We also have did this trip with three children under 7 and the vigilant team lived up to her name and kept a watch on them.
In summary if you want to get a feel for the Bay of Islands this is the charter for you!
In summary if you want to get a feel for the Bay of Islands this is the charter for you!
Written 20 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.
Mark
2 contributions
Apr 2021
Awesome day out with Ntalie onboard Vigilant. Weather was a bit rough so she kept checking that everyong was ok. Also knows the area very well so we ended up in the right spot for some swimming without the big waves.
Highly recommend going with Vigilant.
Highly recommend going with Vigilant.
Written 12 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.
Thank you so much for the review! Glad you toughed the weather, a real sailor you are! Cheers guys.
Written 20 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dkingNZ
Auckland, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2023
Bought this for my parents 70th birthday. The weather was marginal but the call was made to go ahead (which was great as they’d travelled north especially). They raved about both the experience and the skipper, and felt very safe at all times, even in quite firm breezes.
Written 17 January 2023
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.
karlastuart2023
Napier, New Zealand1 contribution
Oct 2023
An amazing day out. We were concerned about the high wind conditions but Natalie’s knowledge of the BOI enabled us to experience the perfect day out sailing. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend sailing with Natalie and Wanita on the beautiful Vigilant 🙏
Written 24 October 2023
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.
philradford
1 contribution
Feb 2024
We had a great day out - Nat (skipper) and Dallas (crew) were very welcoming, chilled, and very proficient. Beautiful weather and water topped it off. Fun and lovely to experience the beautiful BOI on the water.
Written 26 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.
Russell P
Auckland, New Zealand35 contributions
Nov 2023
We had a great day out on the vigilant. Skipper and crew were excellent, knowledgeable and always trying to get the best experience for their customers. The lunch was fantastic. A days sailing in the Bay of Islands should be on everyone’s list and this is the yacht to do it on.
Written 9 December 2023
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.
Alex J
Chicago, IL63 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
As sailors we were keen to get on the water in the Bay of Islands during our 5 week trip of New Zealand. Nathalie and crew provided a relaxing sail while sharing local knowledge of the area. They were very personable and competent. We anchored at a small cove and allowed ample time for a hike. That was followed by a fresh salad and tea. On the return we spotted Orcas, which Nathalie was positively giddy about! We deviated from our return course to spend some time watching the Orcas. All in all a great day!
Written 25 October 2023
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.
I booked this online yesterday for tomorrow and haven’t received an email confirmation yet. Tour boat operators, Please confirm reservation.
Thanks
Mary O’K
Written 5 February 2019
I booked this online yesterday for tomorrow and haven’t received an email confirmation yet. Tour boat operators, Please confirm reservation.
Thanks
Mary O’K
Written 5 February 2019
Hey Mary! Glad we got in touch. See you tomorrow.
Written 5 February 2019
I booked this online yesterday for tomorrow and haven’t received an email confirmation yet. Tour boat operators, Please confirm reservation.
Thanks
Mary O’K
Written 5 February 2019
If u got the confirmation just show up at dock . they are a small outfit and only the captain and his wife run the company
Written 5 February 2019
Paradise15178911969
Adelaide, Australia
Hello We will be staying in Paihia and I noticed you leave from a Russell How would we get there in the morning. Thanks Rebecca
Written 10 January 2019
There’s ferries that run from paihia to Russell every 20 minutes! All you have to do is walk down to the paihia pier and hop on one of the ferries. Well be on the Russell wharf waiting for you. As long as you catch a ferry before 930 you’ll be fine!
Written 10 January 2019
Hi,
We are a party of 7. We are interested in sailing for 3-4 nights. Is this a possibility and how much would it cost? N.B. One of our party is a very experienced yachtsman but we can't find a yacht or catamaran to hire for less than 5 days. We will be in NZ in the first 10 days of February.
Thanks,
Tracey
Written 2 April 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.