Barefoot Sailing is owned by two down-to-earth Bay of Islands locals, Luke and Rachael, who have turned their passion for adventure and sailing into an unforgettable experience.

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.

A recap of our tour

We spent one sunny 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, Luke shared loads of info about the area, its wildlife, and Barefoot Sailing’s commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. We learnt about Project Island Song, a conservation effort to restore wildlife to the islands - they even 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 around midday and spent the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. There was even time for a walk Luke recommended, which took us across the island to a beautiful secluded bay.

Meeting our second guide, Carmen, was another highlight of my day. She waved us off to shore with our packed lunches and spent hours talking to everyone, sharing stories from her life and travels. She’s also “the hostess with the mostess”, bringing round coffee and biscuits for morning tea and cold drinks in the afternoon. 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 this corner of the world, PLEASE let it be this one.

Barefoot Sailing is a 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!

How much does it cost?

A day out with Barefoot Sailing Adventures on their Island Hopper Day Cruise costs $210 per adult and $180 per child, which includes morning tea, lunch and a cold afternoon drink.