We were surrounded by international travellers all eager to have a fun day on the water. Our captain Luke and Carmen set the mood with their humour and interesting facts about the area. We could participate in sailing or relax on the bean bags. I chose bean bags. We headed to an island to snorkel, swim, walk or paddle board. The day flew. Lots of chuckles and interesting conversations. Thank you

I try to say “the best I’ve ever done” as little as possible. After all, how can everything be the best? But after five years travelling New Zealand top to bottom, I can say, without a doubt, that Barefoot Sailing Adventures is the best tour I have ever taken. We spent last Saturday exploring the Bay of Islands with Barefoot Sailing. The tour started at 9:45 am and Luke ferried everyone from shore to the boat so we didn’t get wet (5 stars for that alone!). He gave us a safety briefing, and it was clear from the get-go that he knew more about the Bay of Islands than anyone I’d ever met. As we sailed from Paihia toward Moturoa Island, Luke shared information about the area, its wildlife, and Barefoot Sailing’s commitment to sustainability. We learnt about Project Island Song, a conservation effort to restore wildlife to the islands - they donate a portion of each Island Hopper Day ticket to the project! One of the things that surprised me the most was the time and effort Luke put into getting to know us. Within the first hour he knew everyone's names (there were 16 of us!), where we were from and little details about our lives. He wandered around the boat, making a point of sitting down, chatting with everyone, and making sure they had everything they needed to have the best experience possible. We anchored up at Moturoa at midday and spent the afternoon swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding. There was even time to do a short walk Luke recommended which took us across the island to a beautiful secluded bay. Meeting Carmen was another highlight of my day. She waved us off to shore with our packed lunches (nice touch!) and spent hours talking to each of the guests, sharing stories from her life and travels. She’s also “the hostess with the mostess”, bringing round tea, coffee, Milo and biscuits for morning tea and a selection of cold drinks in the afternoon. She is an asset to the Barefoot Sailing crew and by the end of our day, Carmen and Luke had started to feel more like friends than tour guides. If you’re considering an island tour while you’re in the Bay of Islands, PLEASE let it be this one. It’s so clear that Barefoot Sailing is a down-to-earth, Kiwi-owned business run by people who genuinely care about the area. Our cruise was outstanding from start to finish. Their hospitality, humour and passion for their work made the whole day magical and an experience I’ll remember forever. I’ll rave about it to anyone who will listen!

Had a lovely time on the 2 hour Sundowner cruise at Paihia. Not quite what we planned as we had to get a tender to the catamaran - and my elderly friend was absolutely terrified getting on and off. Oir skipper, Luke, was incredibly kind and reassuring and, once on the boat, she relaxed and really enjoyed herself - as did I. Being under sail was lovely and the evening swim was delightful.

Really nice and calming, aspect to the area. The Catamaran was wonderful. And I will say the same thing, as previous. To begin Luke ( owner, pilot, dad to a cute girl) was real cool. He learns ur name , and then demands u hand over ur shoes. Now it is time for a plug, on his very nice Female companion. She assisted me from the booking to helping me park my car correctly, while she stood on the boat. The beautiful, idea about this, was we got a background discussion of Luke's passion in his sailing and dang proud of his Catamaran, and knowledge about the upkeep. It was pretty neat as I have never been in the Pacific for a dip. OH, lets not forget the communicative, group. that we had. Very nice group. Had fun, and the weather was wonderful.

Jason and Carmen ensured the eight couples aboard our two-hour evening cruise had a relaxing, beautiful evening sail. The swim stop was a highlight. Highly recommend Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Wonderful way to enjoy the Bay of Islands on the water.

We had an absolutely amazing day out with Barefoot Sailing. Our group aged from 6 to 75 all had a fantastic time. The Skipper was great, chatty and fun and great with the kids as well as being really informative, but also giving us time to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery too. Great packed lunch and hot drinks served too. One of the kids said it was the best packed lunch ever! We would definitely recommend the Lagoon Bay cruise to anyone.

Excellent afternoon and fabulous company Throughly recommended Knowledgeable skipper Fun meeting others A great experience Good price too Thanks very much

If you haven't sailed, it's just a relaxing way to finish up the day. I was able to learn about some local information, while also Some nice group interaction that will help In my visit. This specific provider means you are getting the owner, and his wife. I had to bother, to give me assurance of a successful, Evening. A hardy THANKS. To Luke and Rachel. And their 2 year old. I appreciate Luke,s willingness to look out for my, unsteadiness due to arthritis. And thanks to the Canadian friends who Fibbed to me about the water temperature. Wonderful !!

We had a great trip on Luke's catamaran, Moonwalker, sailing out from Paihia to one of the islands in the bay with just a small party of 5 other people. Luke was very attentive to his passengers, checking frequently that we were all ok, especially anyone who had a tendency to sea-sickness, but everyone was fine even though it got a little bouncy once or twice. He also gave out some info about the bay and the boat that was very interesting. The lunch pack provided was really good too.

We had a wonderful day sailing in the Bay of Islands out to the bird sanctuary island. Mid-spring is windy and cool, but ponchos and warm drinks sustained us for a great day. Simple but satisfactory lunch was served on reaching the island. Great sailing skills the whole way.

Excellent day out with great sailors with terrific personalities & knowledge of th area. Extra care given to an old wobbly !

Had the best time aboard. It was extremely relaxing and had a great swim jumping off the boat. Price was extremely good given the opportunity we will go back up north and take the family to do the full day charter

Amazing sunset tour. Rachel made the booking easy. Luke was a very informative skipper. Cait was crew made sure we were all comfortable and felt special.

A must do! We loved it! Just wonderful cruising around the bay! Even saw dolphins. Luke was our amazing Captain 🧑‍✈️ and he was very friendly, very informative and knew his sailing!

This was such a fun trip. The captain, Sarah, was so funny and had so many great stories, and the crew person, Michelle, was so helpful and informative. The trip was so relaxing, and the scenery was beautiful. We spent two hours on the island of Moturua, which gave people the opportunity to snorkel, hike, paddle board, or just relax on the beach. I highly recommend this tour if you are in Bay of Islands.