Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a wide range of sailing experiences, anything from a couple of hours sailing the inner Bay of Islands or a day exploring the Bay of Islands though to a to multi-day charters that extend as long as your heart desires. We create custom experiences that meet your specific needs and interests.

Serenity is licensed to carry up to twenty guests with two crew. She is able to 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. On our Private Charters it can also be used to go fishing, drop-offs to snorkelling or diving spots, exploring the coastline up close and even towing guests on a sea-biscuit.

For our Private Charters we have 4 fishing rods available onboard.

Private Charter guests can choose to add-on a 3-person jetski 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 Whitianga and Auckland (excluding the east coast of Great Barrier Island).

Highlights incorporated within these grounds include Karikari Peninsula, Mangonui Harbour, Whangaroa Harbour, 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 can 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 by calling +64 21 178 2328 or emailing info@silverwave.co.nz . We also have a contact form on our Contact page, www.silverwave.co.nz/contact where you can enter your requested dates and a message. 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.

Private Charters: We require a 50% deposit to secure the booking with the balance being due 14 days prior to the charter date.

Shared Cruises: We are not able to confirm bookings until the minimum guest number has been met. Card details are taken at time of booking however no charge will be made to the card until the minimum number is met and the booking confirmed.

Private Charters: Your booking can be cancelled at any time. All payments are final.

Shared Cruises: Your booking can be cancelled at any time. All payments are final from the time that the minimum guest number has been met and the booking confirmed.

If Silver Wave Yacht Charters cancel your booking for any reason all payments will be refunded.

For further details please see our Terms & Conditions in full here: https://www.silverwave.co.nz/terms-conditions

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. On our Private Charters it can also be used to go fishing, drop-offs to snorkelling or diving spots, exploring the coastline up close and even towing guests on a sea-biscuit.

For our Private Charters we have 4 fishing rods available onboard.

Private Charter guests can choose to add-on a 3-person jetski to their charter. This must be booked in advance of the charter.

We also have a number of beach and onboard games such as pétanque, cricket set, cards, connect-4, chess.

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.

This varies greatly between our different offerings as can be seen below:

Private Multi-Day Charters:  If you choose to include a Chef with your Charter then the food is included. If you opt out of this the the responsibility of provisioning lies with the guests. We strongly recommend opting in to include the Chef in order to allow the chance to be completely hands off and truely relax.
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Day & Half Day Charters: The choice is yours to let us cater your special day out or you can simply BYO. If you would like to opt in to include food we have a gourmet dining menu from which you can choose your preferences in advance or if you prefer to graze throughout we can arrange an antipasto grazing platter also. Bar snacks are also always available throughout the charter.

Island Explorer Day Cruise: Your cruise includes freshly baked filled rolls, selection of fruit, snack bars and a sweet treat.Bar snacks are also always available throughout the cruise.

Evening Sundowner Cruise: Your cruise does not include any food however bar snacks are available for purchase throughout the duration of the cruise.
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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 that is available for multi-day charter in the Bay of Islands. Serenity is equipped with a 3.4m rigid inflatable tender complete with 20hp outboard and on Private Charters can also come equipped with a 3-person jetski upon request.

Yes, all of our Day Charters come with a professional Captain and Crew. Our Multi-Day Charter option is the only offering where we provide the option for you 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 for anything larger than 20-35 foot monohulls.

Absolutely! We offer customized itineraries to suit your preferences. Our team will work with you to plan the perfect route and activities.

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 diving, jet skiing, 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