We are the only dedicated Snorkelling trip in the Bay of Islands, we take you to the only place that as soon as you hop into the water there are fish everywhere! With so many different varieties you will soon loose count.
If other operators offer snorkelling please check out their instagram photos to show their underwater shots (if any) so you are not let down!
With two epic spots planned for our trips, (up to 1.5 hours in the water) our main focus is in the No take zone of Deep Water Cove, with amazingly clear waters, it is filled with plentiful and varied marine life, which also makes it fun for us – as we never know what else will turn up… Explore a massive archway, amazing underwater scenery and have fun with cheeky fish that will make you laugh!
Even though the waters here are warm, we provide wet-suits so you can spend more time in the water, even a hot water rinse off for when you get out of the water as well as a cup of hot soup!
Not sure on the travel out there? Feel comfortable with 85% of our travelling time out to our snorkelling spots is in sheltered protected waters which provide amazing scenery to see along the way.
Our well travelled and experienced snorkellers are blown away with what our trip offers and have said “It’s world class, and on a par with the Poor Knights here in NZ for the Snorkelling.”
PRICING
All snorkelling gear is included free of charge. We have a large range of sizes of full wet suits, hoods, mask and snorkels and fins, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own, clean and sand free please. (No hunting gear as we snorkel in a reserve)
Adults (15+): $220
Children: $150
Special Family rate from $660 (2 Adults and 2 children 14 and under) with up to 3 extra children @$120 each.
alternatively…
Private tailor made trip for up to 10, $2000* Please email me your inquiry info@boisnorkelling.co.nz *conditions apply.
Snorkelling / sightseeing / history and all sorts of marine life. We know the Bay very well so you won’t be disappointed.
On a Cruise ship? Check our departure times on the day you arrive, as we have altered some times so you don’t miss out! *This will only be on the One trip a day options so have a look on ‘check availability’ below to see if it works for you.
DAILY DEPARTURES
HAPPENING NOW
ONE EPIC TRIP PER DAY
JANUARY 20th 2025 till May 2025
Then NOVEMBER 15th till 24th DECEMBER 2025
One 5 hour trip departing
Russell Wharf 9.00am / Paihia Wharf 9.15am
Please be at the wharf 15min before departure time.
Stops for a break at Otehei Bay on way back, returns around 2pm
MAIN SEASON – 2 TRIPS A DAY
25th of Dec 2025 till 20th January 2026
Two 4 hours trips departing:
AM Russell Wharf 8am / Paihia Wharf 8.15 (Island drop off option available)
PM Paihia Wharf 1pm /Russell Wharf 1:15
Please be at the wharf 15 min before your departure time.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
We can drop you off on Urupukapuka Island at Otehei Bay after your morning snorkelling trip.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Otehei Bay Cafe & bar, or exploring some of New Zealand’s most stunning walking tracks.
Talk to Bay of Islands Kayaking and hire a Kayak or paddle board. Located at Otehei Bay, they also do guided kayaking around the islands coast.
www.bayofislandskayaking.co.nz
*For $35 extra per person, (one way back) the ferries are regular that you can choose which one to take to get you home.
*Summer season when ferries are operating. (This picture is of the Island!)
Safety
Disclaimer: It is medically advised that if you have any heart issues then this activity of Snorkelling should NOT be done.
Snorkelling still needs a sense of responsibility and although we are there, we require our passengers have a duty to exercise reasonable care for their own safety and will abide by any decisions made by Bay of Islands Snorkelling crew on a case to case bases.
We can provide flotation Aid such as a Pool noodle or buoyancy jacket for those less confident in water, to make you feel more at ease..
We have a well-equipped first aid kit and our crew are fully trained in all situations.
The waters here in NZ are safe waters to swim in, without the regular dangers that other countries have to worry about.
Registered with Maritime NZ, we comply with the health and safety on the water regulations, and we carry on board all forms of communication and equipment required.
What to bring
Swimwear (please wear under clothes) & towel
Hat, your underwater camera with a full battery! Sunscreen, for the environment please apply before arriving to the boat.
Warm clothes and drinking water!
A sense of adventure!
There is limited room on the boat so please travel light
What we provide
Good quality long wetsuits, 5mm Spring wetsuits,
Masks & snorkels
Flippers/fins
Flotation aids, Pool noodles and vest. (if required)
Hot water shower for when you get out of the water
and a hot cup of tasty instant soup!