Bay Explorer Ltd

Categories: Bay of Plenty
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Bay Explorer Ltd

Bay Explorer offers you the premium wildlife and adventure experience in the Bay of Plenty. We’ve heard many times that it’s the BEST DAY EVER.

Departure is from the Strand Tauranga City at 8:00am, returning 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

You will explore the aquatic world of seasonal marine wildlife; dolphins, seals, penguins, fish, and occasional whale encounters. The regular dolphin encounters can range from a few animals to hundreds.

It’s a great way to spend an amazing day.

You are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

You can choose to explore even more at the islands. Optional activities include swimming, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).

Your experienced Captain and BEST DAY EVER crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge on marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe. Books and references are on board to enhance your experience.

Don’t miss this premier Bay of Plenty island and wildlife adventure


Includes:

A full day cruise on our spacious boat with 360° outdoor views from the largest open-air wildlife watching sun deck.
Watch seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks and orca.
Enjoy an Island stopover and kayak, stand-up paddle board or swim. Water sport training and lifejackets for all ages.
Free communal onboard BBQ facilities for lunch (BYO food for cooking on the BBQ or bring your own packed lunch).
Cold beer and chilled regional wine from our licenced bar (Eftpos available).
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Our friendly, professional BEST DAY EVER Crew.

How much does it cost?

Costs start at $65 for children and $150 for adults for a full day’s activity. Extra rates are charged for transportation with options from Rotorua and Mt Maunganui. We offer a 10% group discount for groups of 10 or more and special educational rates are also available. For value for money, the BEST DAY EVER is hard to beat.


The following items are recommended:

A water/drink bottle
A warm jacket (bring an extra layer or two so you can layer up or layer down according to the weather)
Eftpos card or cash (we have a licenced bar onboard, plus a range of snacks)
Your own lunch (either a packed lunch or bring food for cooking on our free communal onboard BBQ)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera (check that your camera is charged; we do have a 230v power charger on board as a back-up)
Binoculars if you have them (we have a pair on board but if you have your own please bring them).
Swimming gear is optional (and recommended) in summer
Wetsuits and snorkelling gear if you are proficient

Note that extra items can be left on the boat while you participate in our water sports.

Can we go swimming at the island?

During the summer, if conditions permit, there will be a chance for a swim out at the island. You are welcome to bring your swimming gear on board and jump in for a dip when we anchor the boat.

How do you find marine mammals?

With over 20 years experience and research undertaken, our crew are experienced and knowledgeable. Finding marine mammals in the Bay of Plenty is a study of the food chain, and requires an understanding of tidal flows and current movements.

Most importantly, finding wildlife relies on a keen eye and an ability to keep focused on the water; it requires concentration as there is nothing really to focus on the sea and 360° viewing with an infinity of water, but a trained eye can pick up the slightest movement up to a 2km away. Finding the local seabirds and schooling fish can be the gateway to finding dolphins on our safari. It requires an understanding of tidal flows and current movements to find fish and birds. Often you must rely on your own instinct from many encounters in past days. Sometimes we receive information from other vessels out in the Bay who have spotted animals on their own travels.

Is there a maximum age limit or physical ability requirement?

The cruise does not call for a certain amount of physical ability – you can simply sit back and relax and enjoy all that you can see.
(please inform crew however if you have any special medical or physical needs). Please note that the optional water sport activities will require you to enter the water via an inflatable craft. Our preferred method involves stepping from the vessel onto an inflatable boat and then onto a standup paddle board SUP or onto a kayak. To get back on board, you will need to climb up a ladder up the side of the boat. However – as mentioned – if you require a more passive experience simply stay onboard and relax and observe the beautiful bay, have lunch or snacks and a drink from the licenced bar.

Couple on Bow

Couple on Bow

Kayaking with orca

Kayaking with orca

Seal

Seal

Jumping off boat

Jumping off boat

Dolphins on bow

Dolphins on bow

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

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Contact

Bay Explorer Ltd
the Strand Wharf in Tauranga City.
Tauranga
New Zealand
3110
New Zealand
021605968
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