From the outset, our adventure on 'She's a Lady' promised to be extraordinary, and Captain David did not disappoint. His warm welcome and evident skill as a skipper instantly put us at ease, setting the stage for a remarkable day.
The weather was an ally in our journey, offering us clear skies and a gentle breeze that made sailing a dream. Our family enjoyed swimming in the crystal-clear waters, an invigorating start to our day. The kayaks provided a fun and independent exploration opportunity, adding to our adventure.
A magical moment was when we sailed to a secluded beach. The solitude and beauty of having a beach all to ourselves was surreal. It felt like a secret gem, discovered thanks to Captain David’s expert knowledge of the area.
Lunch was exceptional - a delicious feast that seemed to be curated to match the day’s splendid atmosphere. Every detail of our comfort and enjoyment was meticulously planned.
In the afternoon, the sailing experience was sublime. 'She's a Lady' glided elegantly over the waves, encapsulating the essence of freedom and exploration. The views and sensations of sailing are incomparable, a true feast for the senses.
Adding to the day’s excitement, we were thrilled to spot small penguins and stingrays in their natural habitat. These encounters were a delightful surprise, enhancing our connection with the sea and its wonders.
In summary, our day with Captain David was nothing short of magical. His combination of friendliness and professionalism, the beauty of the voyage, and the unexpected wildlife encounters made it an unparalleled family experience. We wholeheartedly recommend a trip with Captain David to anyone seeking a unique and enriching sailing adventure. A heartfelt thank you to Captain David for a day filled with...
Read moreFor me, personally, the best way to see what the Bay of Islands is about, if you would like to ... have an authentic and safe sailing experience on a beautiful classic Kiwi-designed boat, go out with an enthusiastic skipper who loves to share his local knowledge about marine life, history, and much more, enjoy a stopover on one of the beautiful islands (picked by the wise skipper considering the present wind and weather conditions on the day), be treated to a super yummy and healthy picnic lunch on the island stopover (honestly one of the best sandwiches I ever had, they even care for GF people and provide a drink and loads of fresh fruits and cookies), enjoy a day with a small group and you'll get the chance to assist with steering the boat and getting onto the ropes, have the choice to get to know other people and families from all ages and around the world or rather enjoy the trip just to yourself (the boat is big enough to have some privacy).
I won't include point 7 "To get the chance to see marine wildlife like Blue Penguins, Seals, Dolphins or even Orcas" as this is naturally not in the operators hand whether you will be as lucky as us on our trip (we had an amazing encounter with dolphins who loved to play with the boat). But be sure that this family-owned and operated little company is always giving a lot more than 100% to make sure that your sailing adventure will be a memory for your life while offering a very affordable activity in the beautiful...
Read moreDave and his lovely boat provided the best family fun we have had in ages! The boat was perfect for our 6 adults and 5 kids from 9months to eleven years old. Dave was so knowledgeable about the Bay of Islands, and passionate about sailing and safety on the water.
We stopped at the most picturesque beach with white sand, clear water and a stunning (but very steep) hiking trail that gave views of all the islands. We felt like we were in Fiji!
The kids got to explore rock pools, kayak out to caves and float above huge stingray! The also loved sailing the boat home and belong with ropes and steering the ship!
Dave made the perfect healthy lunch which even all the picky eaters loved.
I would recommend this boat above all the others in the Bay mainly due to Dave’s amazing hospitality and friendly spirit. His love for the boat and the sea is so evident and it was just so much fun to be out on the water with him. Thanks for having us! Will def be back for a...
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