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.

We have two luxury sailing catamarans, Serenity, is licensed to carry up to twenty guests for day charters while Cool Change will accomodate up to forty guests. Of course for larger events both yachts can be chartered together increasing the day capacity to 60 guests across both yachts.

For multi-day stays, Serenity can sleep up to nine persons (including crew) overnight. Serenity is equipped with four double berth staterooms each with a private ensuite. If all four of Serenity's staterooms are full the skipper will sleep on the couch in the saloon. Cool Change can sleep seven (including crew) in three double berth staterooms and a single berth stateroom. Two of the double berth staterooms have a private ensuite each while the other two staterooms share an ensuite.

Each of our yachts come equipped with four stand-up paddleboards, these are great fun, a great workout, and the best way to explore the coastline independently while we are at anchor. 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 plenty of snorkelling masks, snorkels and fins including a range of sizes of fins.

Serenity is equipped with a 3.4m rigid inflatable tender that 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. Cool Change has a 3.7m rigid inflatable tender equipped with a 15hp outboard.

We have a range of fishing rods and tackle available. Please let us know if you are interested in fishing so we can be sure to bring the rods. You are also always welcome to bring your own fishing gear 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 Cape Runaway near the eastern tip of the North Island.

This area encompasses plenty of popular and some stunning lesser known cruising destinations such as 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, Mercury Islands, Alderman Islands and White Island.

No, prior sailing experience is not required. Our professional captain and chef 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 the major credit cards for online bookings. If you prefer to pay via invoice please email us and we will send you an invoice. Please note that bookings made at short notice may require a credit card payment.

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 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

Cool Change is fully equipped for comfort offering:
• Three double staterooms and one single berth stateroom. Two of the double staterooms have private ensuites while the other two staterooms share an ensuite
• Indoor and outdoor dining spaces
• Spacious saloon with ample seating and panoramic views out the windows
• Large fully equipped galley with modern appliances
• Sound system in the cockpit and saloon. A portable speaker is utilised for the foredeck.
• Full-size fridge and chest freezer
• Gas hob, oven, and microwave
• 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. Surcharges apply for BYO alcohol.

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. Many of our destinations are wildlife sanctuaries where pets are prohibited from stepping ashore.

Silver Wave Yacht Charters offer two yachts Serenity and Cool Change, these two yachts are the Bay of Islands most luxurious and comfortable sailing yachts available for charter. Serenity boasts the highest overnight guest capacity of any charter boat in the Bay of Islands while the unique design of Cool Change provides sailing enthusiasts an exhilarating and truly memorable sailing experience.

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, both Serenity and Cool Change are fully insured and we comply with all safety regulations.

Activities include swimming, snorkelling, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and exploring local attractions. We can also arrange for special activities such as SCUBA diving, jet skiing, efoiling, and shore excursions such as wine tastings and guided bush walks 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