OUR PICKS · ISLAND HOPPING
Three or four islands, a beach stop and a swim on the way back. These 15 compare how long you actually get ashore against how long you spend under way - the number that decides whether the day feels generous or rushed.
Spend eight busy but well-paced hours exploring Phang Nga Bay by van and speedboat. You will visit Yao Yai, Panak, Hong, Panyee, Khao Ping Kan, James Bond Island, and Naka Island, with cave walks, sea canoeing, lunch, and beach time. Guides may include Selina, Emma, Habib, or Hanifa.
“Cindy and her team were great. We were very well looked after by them and really enjoyed the day.”
Spend a full day sailing Ha Long Bay aboard the Dragonfly Cruise, with a seafood lunch, Thien Cung Cave, and 45 minutes of kayaking or bamboo boating. English-speaking guides such as Harry, Benjamin, Linh, and Hoi lead the trip, while Old Quarter pickup keeps the day simple.
“Perfect on time. Bus was fine. The stop at the pearl farm was nice. I've never seen this, so it was new and interesting to me. Food was fine, they had vegetarian options. The kayaking was included and a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the walk through the cave. They weren't annoying with tips oder selling. I really recommend the trip.”
Cruise from Paihia or Russell among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, with lively English commentary, wildlife watching, and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay. You may pass through Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, then swim, walk, or eat at the island café.
“Great morning on our cruise. Informative guide, perfect weather and very comfortable boat.”
Cruise Ha Long Bay from Hanoi aboard the Royal Palace, with seafood meals, kayaking, Ti Top Island, Surprising Cave, sunset, Tai Chi, and squid fishing. Guides such as Violet, Alex, and Tony are praised for clear English and warm service. Expect a shared cabin and a full schedule.
“Great selection of planned activities. Felt like we saw the best of the bay. Karaoke needs some improvement as it relied on a dodgy internet connection. Thank you to Violet our guide for making our rooms extra comfortable. It's not the fault of the crew but there is a very sad pollution problem in the bay and the sky of Vietnam. Temper your expectations.”
Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by shuttle, then spend about five hours on the water with an English-speaking guide such as Tony, Ngoc, or Max. Visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or ride a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, hike Ti Top Island, and eat a set-menu seafood lunch onboard.
“We had a lovely time on our tour. Tour guide Max was very informative, friendly and generous with his time. We got to see some amazing sites even after the devastation caused by typhoon Yagi. Thanks Max and Vietnam Opentour for an unforgettable experience!”
Take a 7-hour Wangsai Speed Boat trip from Krabi or Ao Nang to Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island. Guides such as Sanan, Bee, and Eddie have been praised for friendly service, while lunch, snacks, fruit, drinks, hotel pickup, and snorkeling gear are included.
“Eddie our guy has been an absolute diamond. Very informative and very well organised and all the safety measures were good too.”
Spend about 10 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, cruising past limestone islets, visiting Hon Ga Choi and Dinh Huong, kayaking or riding a bamboo boat at Ba Hang, and exploring Thien Cung Cave. Group tours hold up to 25 people, with private upgrades available.
“The view is beautiful, we did some kayak and visited a cave. Our guide was nice and spoie English very well. My only regret is the pause at a shopping center, that was neither necessary nor interesting.”
Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working tall ship sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, visit an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is included when selected.
“Wonderful day out, sun, sea and sand. Dip in the water. Fabulous weather. Food was yummy. Staff were really attentive. They looked after everyone and we’re “down” with the kids!”
Travel from Waitangi Wharf or your hotel with guides such as Dyson, Rob, or Gareth to Haruru Falls, Makana Chocolate Boutique, Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, and the Manginangina Kauri Walk. Expect a compact, informative day with bottled water, live commentary, and a careful return to port.
“We have done many shore excursions and were somewhat disappointed in this tour. While the logistics of being picked up and returned were fine, our guide did not really engage with us like guides in the past (and especially compared to ouRead more”
Join Island Getaway’s 4.5-hour cruise with guides such as Nick, Blue, Hamish, and Tish. You’ll visit Roberton Island, sail through the Hole in the Rock when weather allows, then swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or relax at a quiet island bay.
“Beautiful trip with nice, fun, friendly guides and helpful education!”
Spend five hours aboard a comfortable boat in Paraty Bay, with four swimming stops at beaches and islands. Snorkel, use floaties, kayaks, or paddleboards when available, buy lunch and drinks onboard, and finish with fresh fruit and coffee. The crew speaks Portuguese.
“Was amazing trip on the boat. We stopped in different beaches where we could enjoy fishes. Food was tasty My child really enjoyed his activity”
Join Explore Group New Zealand from Paihia for a 4.5-hour cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Your local skipper provides live commentary, seeks dolphins and other marine life, and may steer through the Hole in the Rock when conditions allow. Lunch and 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay are included.
“We loved our trip around the Bay of Islands, Our Skipper - Bronwyn - did an excellent job of navigating past a very playful group of dolphins, who just wouldn’t leave us alone! Bronwyn made the passage through the Hole in The Rock seem like child’s play, even though the boat we were on was not much smaller than the gap! We enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch at the Ohehei Bay Beach Cafe….more than enough for everyone. All in all a most enjoyable few hours.”
You’ll tandem skydive from 12,000 feet above the Bay of Islands with an experienced instructor, enjoying about 40 seconds of freefall and wide views of 144 islands, turquoise water, Paihia, and Kerikeri. Pickup is available in selected central locations, and photos and video cost extra.
“This is the most efficient, well run place I have ever seen. It’s a tight ship and they know what they’re doing. Of course I had a great time; I was skydiving.”
Join Nat, Nathalie, Nick, Dallas, or Anita aboard Vigilant for a 5.5-hour sailing trip from Russell. Help with the sails, stop at an island for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or a walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life.
“We enjoyed a lovely day aboard Vigilant. The captain and her first mate were knowledgeable sailors and made the day quite enjoyable. They made us feel welcome and shared their knowledge and history of the area. We spent 1.5 hours on an island that allowed us to hike, swim, and kayak followed by a freshly made lunch and a leisurely sail. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time getting to know the captain, first mate and our fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.”
Spend three hours touring Destin Harbor, watching for wild dolphins, then relaxing at Crab Island for about two hours. The shared boat carries up to 22 people and includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, three paddleboards, and two lily pads. Crews such as Spencer, Delaney, Jesse, and Wendi keep the outing friendly and easygoing.
“Boat with plenty of room and a fun crew. Jesse and Donna were awesome hosts making sure we saw dolphins had a great spot at Crab Island, and never stopped moving putting out toys, calling vendors to our boat and playing with the kids. Perfect trip for a family.”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
