Bay of Islands Snorkelling Adventure

Join Bay of Islands Snorkelling for a personalized tour with friendly fish, stunning scenery, and easy water access. Book your adventure today!

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

After being picked up from the wharf, the journey begins past the stunning islands to the crystal-clear waters of the Cape Brett Peninsula. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery en route to the snorkelling spots at Deep Water Cove. All equipment is provided, and entering the water is a breeze with our platform—no need to climb ladders. Delight in observing the fish and exploring two distinct snorkelling sites. Afterwards, rinse off with fresh water and warm up with a hot packet of soup. Gain insights into the local sights and scenes along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, this is a fantastic way to experience the Bay of Islands both above and below the water. With an optional drop-off on the largest island on the return trip, you can choose between a half-day or full-day adventure.

What's Included
  • Hot fresh water rinse off for after your snorkel
  • A hot soup for after your snorkel
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
What's Not Included
  • Towels and swimwear
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Experience the only dedicated snorkeling adventure in the Bay of Islands! Enjoy a small, personalized tour on a vessel that takes you to the pristine waters of the ‘No-take’ zone at Deep Water Cove, protected for over 10 years. Encounter a diverse array of friendly fish, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery.

We accommodate all snorkeling skill levels and provide high-quality gear to keep you warm and comfortable in the water for extended periods.

Our boat is specially modified for easy water entry and exit, and you’ll love the hot freshwater rinse-off afterward!

Our passionate and knowledgeable crew are eager to share their love for the area with you. Tours run from November to May and can be booked online through our website. Check out available dates and book your adventure today.

Private tours are also available upon request. Contact us to arrange your exclusive experience.

Location
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands
The Strand
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(63 Ratings)
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Andyspr2022
Feb 5, 2024
Great snorkeling experience and boat trip through the Bay of Islands - Fabulous trip with Tammy (skipper of 20+ years experience) and Scott (snorkelling lead) - they are the owners and their personal touch made a real difference. Powerful boat took us to two excellent spots and we were provided with high quality wetsuits, fins, masks and snorkels. Scott explained where we were and what we might expect to see. We saw many different fish close up and it was a great experience and a fabulous way to see the Bay of Islands from the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alana
Jan 3, 2024
Excellent trip to do in the Bay of Islands - Bay of Islands Snorkelling is an experience you don’t want to miss! My family and I had the best time exploring the underwater world of the beautiful Bay of Islands. The fish life is spectacular and very up-close and personal, and you can almost see each individual fish’s personality. Tammy and Scott are brilliant knowledgeable hosts who made us feel welcome and comfortable throughout the trip. I’ve been visiting the Bay of Islands for over 30 years, and this was my family’s first snorkelling trip. I highly recommend it and would definitely do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adrianf2072
Dec 18, 2023
Amazing first time snorkelling - It was my first time snorkeling and it couldn't have been better! Tammy explained everything really well (how to properly put on the mask, how to kick with the fins, also the psychological aspects of putting your face in the water, etc). She also told us lots of interesting stuff about the Bay of Islands and the snorkeling spot(historical facts, why we're snorkeling in this particular place, which kind of fish to see,...). The snorkeling itself was great fun and I can definitely recommend to everyone. We got a hot shower and hot soup after the snorkeling. Afterwards we went to another beautiful island, where you can get food and drinks at a Café. I highly recommend going up the hill to soak in the gorgeous views over the whole Bay of Islands. Thanks for the great day Tammy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bodfest
Dec 10, 2023
Snorkelling Deep water cove - A fab day snorkelling at deep water cove with Tammy and Scott. They are both so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sea life which made the experience even better. We saw a massive puffer fish and a beautiful eagle ray just chilling on the sea bed. There was so much sea life there, you didn’t know where to look. If you’re going to go snorkelling in the Bay of Islands, you must choose them. You will not be disappointed. Once again, thank you Tammy and Scott
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vickyhq6187pm
Jul 5, 2023
Best in the Bay of Islands! - After living in the Bay of Islands for 20 years, being on the water a lot, sailing and diving, and snorkeling - this tour was outstanding. Tammy and Scott showed us the most spectacular sea life, we dropped anchor on the reef, the fishlife, enjoying the interaction with the staff and us whilst in the water, so we had an amazing interactive experience with them. The boat itself is awesome - very comfortable, with all the amenities you need, it is set up perfectly for its use - easy access into the water and from the water back onto the boat, no clambering needed with the submersible swim platform easy to use. The equipment is in great condition - wetsuits and snorkel, mask, and fins, Scott and Tammy were amazing professional hosts, sharing information and personal titbits, drawing on their many years working in the tourism industry on the water in the Bay of Islands! It really was a great touch to have the hot shower after our snorkelling tour and hot soup is just perfect! The boat and all the equipment is in pristine condition! I highly recommend this tour and will be going again and will take friends and family with me! Thanks, Tammy and Scott you really have a fabulous product - I rate it best in the Bay.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Resort65401993500
Jun 18, 2023
Go see the amazing Deep water Cove reserve! - Thanks Tammy and Scott - what a memorable day and a fantastic experience! This was a very professionally run operation with a real sense of getting into the 'local knowledge' . Playing with Tammy's 'sea puppies' and watching the crayfish nurseries that Scott knew just where to find, was a real treat. Whether you are new to snorkelling or have a bit more free diving experience - the structure of this trip works really well. The rahui has meant this is truly a stunning dive spot in the bay and this is an awesome way to experience it, with a super comfy boat for the trip, and a lovely friendly relaxed atmosphere created by the team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I2158eolizs
Mar 28, 2023
BOI snorkle tour - Amazing Tour. Local guides were a couple that was professional and enthusiastic about sharing New Zealand marine life. Equipment (scuba mask, fins and wetsuit) were all new, top end quality. The tour was special because we got to feed the tropical fish a sea urchin from our hand and they all swarmed around us to feed. They go above and beyond- After the tour, the guide heard my husband and I talking about our dinner reservations at Russell and they offered to taxi us from Paihia to Russell in their boat just because they are nice people. 100% do this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen
Mar 27, 2023
A fun day on the water - We had a great day with Tammy and Scott. We saw plenty of fish. Scott was in the water with us the entire time and showed us how to feed sea urchins to the fish.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X2901okmicheled
Mar 27, 2023
Fabulous snorkeling in Bay of Islands! - Tammy and Scott are the real deal! My two sisters and I had an amazing day of snorkeling with them. They are both very knowledgeable about the area, the history and the culture. We saw and swam with beautiful fish and, upon our return to the boat, were greeted with warm soup! I high recommend this small group outing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela382
Feb 21, 2023
Fabulous snorkelling, highly recommend! - Tammy and Scott could not have done more to make our trip so enjoyable. It was a small group which allowed them to spend time with everyone individually. Someone who had never been snorkelling was guided and help to ensure she was confident in the water. Tammy has lots of local knowledge from years on the water. We were picked up at Pahia, visited two snorkelling spots, saw plenty of fish and had an island stop on the way back. A fabulous trip thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
October 2024
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