Frequently Asked Questions

We specialise in private sailing experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in a half-day excursion, a full-day adventure, a sunset cruise or a multi-day voyage, we can customise the itinerary to suit your needs. Our offerings include exploring the Bay of Islands, visiting secluded beaches, engaging in water activities, or simply relaxing on board.

Our luxury catamaran, Serenity, is licensed to carry up to twenty guests for day charters. For overnight stays, she can sleep up to nine persons (including crew) overnight. Sleeping arrangements onboard comprise of four double berth staterooms, each with a private ensuite, and one in the saloon.

We have four stand-up paddleboards onboard, these are great fun, a great workout, and the best way to explore the coastline. If you prefer not to stand up, kneeling or sitting is also an option. If you choose to sit we can clip a seat on top providing you with back support. The paddle is then able to be converted so that it can be used as a kayak paddle arrangement.

We have enough snorkelling masks, snorkels and fins for all guests onboard. We have a range of sizes of fins.

Our 3.4m rigid inflatable tender is equipped with a 20hp outboard engine. The tender can be used as a means for getting ashore, pickups/drop-offs at snorkelling or diving spots, exploring the coastline up close and even towing a child on a sea-biscuit.

We have a range of fishing rods and tackle available onboard. You are also always welcome to bring your own along too.

Guests can choose to add-on SCUBA dives, a 3-person jetski or an eFoil to their charter. This must be booked in advance of the charter.

We have an expansive cruising grounds extending from North Cape at the top of New Zealand and extending south through to Whitianga and Auckland (excluding the east coast of Great Barrier Island).

Highlights within these grounds include Karikari Peninsula, Mangonui Harbour, Whangaroa Harbour, Cavalli Islands, Bay of Islands, Tutukaka, Poor Knights Islands, Whangarei Harbour, Kawau Island, Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula and the Mercury Islands.

No, prior sailing experience is not required. Our professional captain and crew manage everything. Should you wish to get involved in the sailing however let us know and we will happily show you the ropes.

You are able to book directly from our website, simply click Book Now in the top right corner to be directed to our booking page. Once here simply follow the prompts.
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Alternatively, you can contact us here with your enquiry. Please also let us know if you have any specific requests or require clarification on anything.

We accept payment via bank transfer and major credit cards.

We require a 50% deposit to secure the booking, the balance is due 14 days prior to the charter date.

Special Events require payment in full at time of booking.

Please see clauses 4 and 5 of our Terms & Conditions here.

Serenity is fully equipped for comfort and style, offering:
• Four double staterooms, each with private ensuites
• Indoor and outdoor dining spaces
• Multiple lounging areas
• Flybridge helm station with panoramic views
• Fully equipped galley with modern appliances
• Four-zone sound system
• Five independent heat pumps for climate control
• Full-size fridge/freezer with ice maker and water dispenser
• Gas hob, oven, and microwave
• Smart TV and Wi-Fi
• 140-litre/hour watermaker

Serenity is equipped with modern amenities, including four spacious staterooms with private ensuite, indoor and outdoor dining, multiple lounging areas, flybridge helm station, galley, four-zone sound system, five independent heat pumps, large fridge/ freezer with ice maker and water dispenser, microwave, gas hob and oven, smart TV, Wi-Fi, 140 litre/ hour watermaker.

The base charter fee does not include food, this is an optional extra. If you opt to include food we will provide you with a menu to select from in advance of your charter.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. However, we recommend utilising our services for a hassle-free experience.

We recommend that you bring swimwear, towel (not required for Multi-Day Charters), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, layered clothing and footwear if you intend to go for a walk.

Pets are not allowed onboard unless prior approval has been obtained from Silver Wave Yacht Charters in advance.

Silver Wave Yacht Charters offer "Serenity", the Bay of Islands most luxurious and comfortable sailing yacht. She also boasts the highest overnight guest capacity of any sailing catamaran charter boat in the Bay of Islands. Serenity is equipped with a 3.4m rigid inflatable tender complete with 20hp outboard and can also come equipped with a 3-person jetski upon request.

Yes, all of our Day Charters come with a professional captain and crew. On our Multi-Day Charters you have the option to choose if you would like to sail with captain only or captain and chef.

No, we do not offer bareboat charters. There are currently no bareboat operators in the Bay of Islands offering anything larger than 20-31 foot monohulls.

Absolutely! We offer customised itineraries to suit your preferences. Our team will work with you to plan the perfect route and activities. We can provide an indication of what this would look like in advance however the final itinerary will be confirmed once onboard to take advantage of the prevailing weather conditions throughout your charter.

Yes, Serenity is fully insured and we comply with all safety regulations.

Activities include swimming, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring local attractions. We can also arrange for special activities such as SCUBA diving, jet skiing, efoiling, and shore excursions just let us know what it is that you would be interested in or ask us for recommendations.

The safety of our guests is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we will work with you to reschedule your charter or provide a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.

Our crew is always available to assist you. For additional support, you can contact us on +64 21 178 2328 or info@silverwave.co.nz