Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

The best thing about Phantom Sailing is that this is a real sailing day, not simply a boat ride between photo stops. Rick and Robin take you through the Bay of Islands aboard the Phantom, their live-aboard private yacht, with time to help at the helm, hear stories from years at sea, and enjoy the water at an easy pace.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which makes the boat feel personal rather than crowded. I also like the mix of activities: an island walk to a viewpoint, swimming or snorkeling, a homemade lunch, and a quiet sail back to Russell. The main consideration is that you spend most of the day on deck, and the experience depends on good weather. This suits people who want sailing itself to be the main event.

Key points to know before booking

• A true sailing experience: The Phantom is a live-aboard private yacht, and the day focuses on time under sail rather than a quick sightseeing cruise.
• Maximum of 10 people: The limited numbers allow more conversation, personal attention, and room to enjoy the boat.
• One-hour island stop: You can walk to a viewpoint over the Bay of Islands, swim, snorkel, or relax while lunch is prepared.
• Rick and Robin host the day: They share local Bay of Islands stories and can offer sailing instruction.
• Homemade lunch included: Lunch is prepared aboard and served during the island stop or nearby sailing time.
• Possible dolphin sightings: Wildlife is not guaranteed, but dolphins may appear during the cruise.

Setting sail from Russell at 10 a.m.

You meet at Russell Booking and Information on The Strand at 10 a.m. The tour returns to the same meeting point after roughly five and a half hours, so plan on giving the outing most of your day.

Russell is a fitting place to begin. The small town sits among the waterways of the Bay of Islands, and the boat lets you see the region as it was meant to be seen, from the water. Instead of rushing from one lookout to another by road, you gradually move through the islands, coves, and open stretches of the bay.

The Phantom is not presented as a large sightseeing vessel. It is a private yacht used as a live-aboard home by Rick and Robin, an important detail for anyone choosing between a group cruise and a more personal sailing trip. The limited capacity of 10 people means you are likely to spend much of the day in direct conversation with the hosts and the other people aboard.

That small scale is also useful if you are interested in sailing. Rick is happy to explain what is happening and offer sailing instruction. You can expect the day to feel more hands-on and social than a standard narrated cruise, though you should not book it expecting a formal lesson or a set training course.

Sailing through the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the Phantom gives you a broad look at this sub-tropical corner of northern New Zealand. The scenery changes as the boat moves through the bay. You may see wooded islands, open water, beaches, sheltered inlets, and long views across the many channels.

The pace is part of the appeal. The Phantom has been described as a quick boat, with one account noting a sailing speed of 7.8 knots, but your actual speed depends on wind and sea conditions. Some parts of the trip may be lively and brisk. Other stretches may be quiet, with the boat carried more gently by the wind.

I would choose this experience if you enjoy being on the water for its own sake. You can sit back and watch the islands pass, but you are not simply being delivered to a string of attractions. The focus is the feel of the boat, the changing wind, and the chance to talk with people who have spent years sailing around the world.

Rick and Robin’s background adds another layer. They have traveled widely aboard their yacht, and their stories cover life at sea as well as the local area. You can ask questions, hear about sailing conditions, and learn some Bay of Islands history from a local New Zealander. This is one of the stronger reasons to choose the Phantom over a larger, less personal cruise.

The island stop and viewpoint walk

During the cruise, the boat stops at an island where you can go ashore for about an hour. The main option is a walk to a lookout with broad views over the bay and its islands.

The walk is a worthwhile part of the day, especially if you want to see the Bay of Islands from above after spending time at sea level. The views take in the scattered islands, beaches, and surrounding water. You should allow enough time for the walk and viewpoint rather than treating the stop as only a chance to step onto the shore.

The supplied details do not give a trail length or difficulty rating, so you should not assume it is a demanding hike or a completely flat stroll. The experience is described as a climb to an outlook, which means some uphill walking is involved. If you have mobility concerns, ask about the shore walk before booking.

The one-hour stop also means you will not have unlimited time ashore. That is part of the tradeoff. You get a pleasant change from the boat and a good viewpoint, but this is not a full island exploration tour. The island stop supports the sailing day rather than replacing it.

Swimming, snorkeling, and time on deck

You can swim or snorkel during the stop, with snorkeling equipment supplied. You can also stay aboard and relax while lunch is prepared.

That flexibility matters. You do not need to be an enthusiastic swimmer to enjoy the outing, and you are not forced into every activity. If the water appeals, you can use the provided equipment and explore near the boat or shore. If you would rather remain dry, you can enjoy the scenery, conversation, and preparation of lunch from the yacht.

The activity is best for people comfortable spending most of the day outdoors on a boat. One useful expectation to set is that this is not a short cruise with a long land visit. Most of your time is on deck, with roughly an hour on the island. Bring the attitude and clothing for a day at sea, and remember that weather can affect how comfortable the ride feels.

Dolphins are another possible highlight. Sightings are not promised, but the open waters of the bay offer a chance to see them. If you do encounter dolphins, it can become the moment you remember most. Still, book this for the sailing, scenery, and hospitality, not solely for wildlife.

Homemade lunch aboard the Phantom

Lunch is prepared by Robin and is served as part of the day. The food has received repeated praise, with specific descriptions of a delicious, light, homemade meal enjoyed on deck.

That detail helps explain the value of the experience. You are not simply paying for transport around the bay. The day includes time, food, equipment, conversation, and a carefully paced island stop. A homemade lunch also keeps the outing connected to the hosts rather than making it feel like a standard package with prearranged catering.

The meal is described as light, so do not assume a large restaurant-style feast. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before booking because the supplied information does not specify menu choices or special-diet arrangements.

Eating on deck is part of the charm, but it also means the weather matters. On a calm, sunny day, lunch with the islands around you is a fine way to break up the sailing. In rough or wet conditions, the same arrangement may feel less comfortable. The operator can cancel for poor weather and offer another date or a full refund, but the experience itself is non-refundable if you cancel for your own reasons.

What the small group changes

With a maximum of 10 people, the Phantom offers a different social experience from a large Bay of Islands cruise. You are more likely to speak with Rick and Robin, ask questions as they arise, and find a comfortable place on the boat without feeling lost in a crowd.

The small group also suits families. A family of five can fill much of the social space without taking over the boat, and the intimate setup has worked well for older family members too. One account specifically described an over-80 passenger feeling safe and comfortable, though individual fitness and mobility still matter.

The atmosphere is friendly and informal. You may spend time hearing sailing stories, discussing the local area, or learning how the boat works. Rick and Robin are happy to provide sailing instruction, so curious passengers can take a more active interest instead of remaining passive observers.

The limitation is simple: there is less anonymity. If you prefer to keep to yourself, a larger vessel may offer more personal space and less conversation. The Phantom is a good match for people who enjoy meeting their hosts and sharing the day with a handful of others.

How the price compares with the experience

At $121.01 per person, Phantom Sailing costs more than a basic sightseeing ride might, but the comparison is not quite like for like. The price covers about five and a half hours aboard a private yacht, a small group, snorkeling equipment, an island stop, and homemade lunch.

The value is strongest if you care about the sailing itself and would make use of the personal attention. You are paying for a more intimate day with experienced hosts, rather than just a seat on a boat. The ability to ask questions, learn about sailing, and spend time under sail gives the outing more depth than a simple scenic transfer.

The price may feel less worthwhile if you mainly want a quick look at the islands, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or a long beach visit. The itinerary gives you only about an hour ashore, and the wildlife is unpredictable. You should also remember that the tour needs good weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The experience is highly rated at 4.9 out of 5, with 99 percent recommending it. Those figures fit the main strengths of the trip: warm hosting, good food, a relaxed pace, and a small group. They do not remove the need to choose carefully. A sailing day can be wonderful when you want a sailing day, but it is the wrong choice if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing circuit.

Who should book Phantom Sailing?

I would recommend this trip to:

• Couples looking for a quiet day on the water
• Families who want a more personal boat experience
• People who enjoy sailing or want informal instruction
• Anyone who prefers small groups to crowded cruises
• Visitors who like local conversation, homemade food, and flexible time
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want water time without giving up scenic sailing

It is also a strong option for a special occasion. The hosts make an effort to create a welcoming atmosphere, and the yacht setting can make a birthday or family day feel more personal than a standard excursion.

I would be more cautious if you dislike being on deck for long periods, need a fully detailed walking plan, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings. The island walk is only about an hour, the route details are limited, and the day depends on the weather.

Should you book the Phantom?

Book Phantom Sailing if you want the Bay of Islands from the deck of a real yacht, with no more than 10 people, a homemade lunch, and hosts who are happy to share their life at sea. The blend of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, island views, and local stories gives you a full half-day without making the schedule feel rushed.

Skip it if you want a large boat with many facilities, a long stop ashore, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. For the right kind of passenger, though, this is one of the most personal ways to spend time around Russell. The strongest reasons to book are the small group, Rick and Robin’s sailing background, and the chance to make the journey itself the main attraction.

FAQ

Where does Phantom Sailing begin and end?

The tour begins at Russell Booking and Information on The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10 a.m.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes, or about five to six hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided during the experience.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Robin prepares a homemade lunch during the day, served aboard the Phantom.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not met, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.