What
  • Attractions
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  • Chandlery
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  • Community Club Organisation
  • Cruises
  • Eating Out
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  • Realty
  • Sailing Schools
  • Sightseeing
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Where

Welcome to Sailing & Dolphins, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Do you want to play? – The dolphins do!

Come sailing and discover the wild Dolphins, and the beautiful Bay of Islands. This is your day sailing adventure:
• Your relaxing day sail
• Your chance to feel the magic of Dolphins – Dolphin swim and /or watching
• Untouched beaches on island stopover
• Safe and easy snorkelling
• Beautiful island scenic walks
This adventure is for you who believe the journey is more important than the

Your Sailing Team

We are a small local family run business, operating since 1995. We have been in boats for 40 years and love sharing the fun and enjoyment with friends and family.

  • Your skipper Vanessa McKay has over 45 000 Ocean miles of sailing experience. From the South Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the North Sea.
  • Bruce and Mary McKay have extensively sailed the South Pacific Ocean and Bruce McKay helped to successfully defend the 2000 America’s Cup with Team New Zealand.
  • Family involvement (brother Barry McKay) with Team New Zealand – America’s Cup 1992,1995,2000,2003,2007.

As a small 100% New Zealand owned and operated family cruise, we love the Bay of Islands and are committed to giving you a fun and relaxing way to experience sailing and dolphins, making this your best holiday experience.

Day sailing adventure

Your 6hr day adventure includes

  • Your relaxing day sail
  • Your chance to feel the magic of Dolphins – Dolphin swim and /or watching
  • Untouched beaches on Island stopover
  • Safe and easy Snorkelling
  • Beautiful island scenic walks

Sail the Bay of Islands – New Zealand

  • Sail amongst the beautiful bay of Islands on our 50ft spacious sailing catamaran “CARINO NZ”, our yacht is purpose built for day sailing in the Bay of Islands
  • Help the crew set and trim the sails
  • Relax and enjoy your view from our spacious decks
  • You can watch for penguins, petrels and other ocean birds

Dolphin watching/ or swimming

  • Your chance to swim with wild dolphins
  • We are the only sailing yacht licensed by Department of Conservation to swim with dolphins in the Bay of Islands
  • You see wild dolphins up close and personal
  • Learn from our experienced crew to understand and appreciated the magic of wild dolphins
  • Watch our adopted dolphins “ Bad Jelly and Jim” or other dolphins we know by sight and their names
  • We are conscious of the need to protect the dolphins and respect their habitat. Interaction with the dolphins (especially swimming) is at the dolphins’ invitation.
  • Enjoy baby dolphin calves learning to swim ( birthing season late spring to summer)
  • The Bay of Islands is a unique location for bottlenose dolphins, as it provides them with abundant food and security for resting and breeding and is part of their large home territory
  • On board Carino NZ, great viewing of dolphins is to be had all around the yacht. The dolphins may bow ride at the front of the yacht and you can see then through the trampolines. The dolphins also may play (scratch or rub) on our rudders at the back of the yacht. We are the only dolphin boat that they do this to and so is a very unique viewing experience.
  • A portion of your fare goes towards dolphin research in the Bay of Islands

Explore island beaches and island walks

  • Your skipper will find a suitable calm island cove to enjoy. A wide range of activities awaits
  • Snorkelling – all equipment is provided.
  • Scenic walks on Department of Conservation tracks are accessible on all islands, with spectacular Bay views.
  • You relax on the beach in the sun, or maybe beach comb for that unique shell souvenir
  • The BBQ lunch is held back aboard CARINO NZ. It is a kiwi style BBQ. 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.