Explore one of New Zealand’s best sailing destinations with Great Escape Sailing Adventures, offering Bay of Islands bareboat charter, yacht hire and personalised learn-to-sail experiences from Opua.
Choose from a fleet of easy-to-handle Kiwi-designed yachts and set off on your own sailing adventure, or build your confidence with an experienced instructor before taking the helm yourself.
Based at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua, Great Escape caters for different experience levels, from first-time sailors wanting to learn through to experienced skippers looking for the freedom of a self-sail yacht charter.
Why Choose Great Escape Sailing Adventures?
- Bay of Islands bareboat charters for experienced sailors
- Fleet of 12 Kiwi-designed yachts ranging from 20 to 31 feet
- Yacht options suitable for two to six people
- Based at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua
- Private learn-to-sail experiences with your partner, family or friends
- Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) and International Yacht Training (IYT) accredited
- Sailing adventures available for beginners through to experienced skippers
- Multiple yachts can be chartered for larger groups
Bay of Islands Bareboat Charter
Explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace with a bareboat yacht charter from Great Escape. The fleet of well-maintained Kiwi-designed yachts is easy to handle, fun to sail and ideal for experienced sailors wanting the freedom to create their own Bay of Islands adventure.
Some yachts feature lifting keels, allowing you to explore shallow bays and anchor close to secluded beaches.
- Fleet of 12 yachts ranging from 20 to 31 feet
- Options suitable for groups of two to six people
- Easy-to-handle yachts suitable for small crews
- Charter multiple yachts when travelling with a larger group
Learn to Sail in the Bay of Islands
Build the skills and confidence to safely skipper your own yacht while enjoying a sailing holiday in the Bay of Islands.
Great Escape’s learn-to-sail experiences are private rather than group courses, so you can learn alongside your partner, family or friends with a yacht and instructor to yourselves.
Courses cater for different experience levels and may also lead to internationally recognised qualifications. Great Escape is accredited by Yachting New Zealand (YNZ) and International Yacht Training (IYT).
- Introduction to Sailing (2 days) – Beginner to Intermediate.
- First Voyage (6 days) – Beginner to Intermediate.
- Skill Builder (5 days) – Intermediate.
- Bareboat Skipper (6+ days) – Experienced.
Book Great Escape Sailing Adventures Direct
Plan your own Bay of Islands bareboat charter or learn to sail with Great Escape from the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua.
Book direct with Great Escape for current yacht availability, sailing course dates, charter options and pricing.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard. For more information, availability, pricing and booking please contact us:
Email: sail@greatescape.co.nz
Website: www.greatescape.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 402 7143
Location: Main Wharf, Bay of Islands Marina, Baffin Street, Opua, Northland
Explore Northland & the Bay of Islands
Extend your sailing adventure with more places to stay, activities and things to do throughout the region in our Northland Travel Guide.
Great Escape Sailing Adventures FAQs
What is a bareboat charter?
A bareboat charter allows experienced sailors to hire and skipper their own yacht without a professional skipper onboard, giving you the freedom to explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace.
Where do Great Escape yacht charters depart from?
Great Escape is based at the Main Wharf at Bay of Islands Marina in Opua, Northland.
Do I need sailing experience to hire a yacht?
Experience requirements depend on the type of charter. Great Escape also offers private learn-to-sail programmes for people who want to develop the skills and confidence needed to skipper a yacht.
Can beginners learn to sail with Great Escape?
Yes. Great Escape offers sailing programmes for different experience levels, including options suitable for beginners.
How many people can stay on a Great Escape yacht?
The fleet includes yachts ranging from 20 to 31 feet, with options suitable for groups of two to six people. Larger groups can charter multiple yachts.
Does Great Escape offer recognised sailing qualifications?
Some sailing programmes may lead to recognised qualifications. Great Escape is accredited by Yachting New Zealand and International Yacht Training.
