Amazing dive operators in a stunning part of the world. I was paired in a small group of four…read moredivers. We did two fantastic dives around the Poor Knights Island marine reserve. I saw 4 different eel species, schools of blue & pink Mao Mao, lots of stingrays (a 1st for me) kelp beds & sea life. I always felt safe and was extremely well looked after: from them setting up my gear for each dive, to hot beverages & soups awaiting out return, to a prepared lunch. First class. I highly recommend.

We booked a snorkel trip to Poor Knight's Islands. The boat left the harbor around 11:00. We…read moresnorkeled over an hour and saw lots of fish, kelp, a stingray, etc. Employees were great with snorkel gear and info. They also provided stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Then we had lunch (awful soggy sandwiches but potato salad, mixed green salad, coleslaw, curry salad and fresh fruit were good). They had plenty of hot and cold drinks. We went in a cave and through an arch. Dozens of dolphins swam along the boat. I didn't use their toilets. There was plenty of space on the top deck to relax and see things. We returned to the harbor at 4:00. Good value. Fun experience.

People in New Zealand -- the West Pacific -- think that water is "really cold" and requires a…read morewetsuit when it is somewhere in the mid 70s F -- but for me -- that's the perfect temperature. Over here in the East Pacific, we have MUCH chillier water. I brought my own snorkel gear, found a nice family who were not leaving any time soon and deposited my stuff near the non-swimming grandfather to watch, though, being NZ, I had little to worry about. Then - I hopped in the water and swam off to circumnavigate Goat Island, solo and without (gasp!) a PFD or lifeguard. I saw heaps of rays and even some reef sharks. The current between the island and the shore is a bit pushy, so I recommend checking the currents and swimming anticlockwise on an ebbing tide. Total swim was about 2200 meters, and very doable for a strong swimmer. If you're not a strong swimmer - bring a SUP or a kayak and have fun!

One of my favourite daytrips out of the city is a visit to Goat Island, in the small town of Leigh…read more Goat Island offers plenty of fine attractions to keep you entertained for the day, and if the weather plays along, then you can have a great day out. We normally pack the cricket kit, the petanque balls, and our snorkeling gear, plus all the normal beach day stuff. The Goat Island area offers good grass areas, an excellent golden beach and if you're not too scared of cold water, great snorkeling. Now others like to scuba, but I love to snorkel, and the fish offer a display of nature at her best. Blue, yellow or silver, they're all gorgeous, and seeing the big predators is worth freezing your bum off.

We were heading out for a snorkel at Goat Island Marine Reserve. Mask - check. Flippers - check…read more Wetsuit? Oops... I could have manned up and just battled the cold, but decided instead to drop in at Goat Island Dive and see if I could hire a wetsuit. Of course I could! They were friendly and efficient. Within minutes I was zipped up and for $15 I had the suit for the day. Little sis started chatting to them about doing her Padi. While I slowly melted in the corner, she was given loads of info and advice about their up-coming courses. She got so excited that she booked then and there. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. If you have any questions about snorkeling or diving before heading to Goat Island, it's a good place to stop.

Goat Island Marine Reserve is an absolute diving mecca, so on a good day up there you'll find many…read morehundreds of people of all ages in wet suits and snorkels checking out/marvelling at the local marine life. While some of these folk are pretty hardcore and have their own stuff, you can bet that a fair chunk of them have hired their gear from Goat Island Dive, a snorkel shop which is set up a few minutes up the road from the reserve itself. They have everything you need for a good day in the water, and are full of helpful tips and hints on where to go and what to do - it couldn't be easier. Apparently they also do guided tours out to the outer Gulf which I'm yet to try - certainly on my list of things to do though!

Perfect spot for all your diving hardware requirements. These guys really know their stuff.read more

What a great way to spend a day out on the water! Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures takes you…read moreout on the water for about 6 hours exploring the Bay of Islands and they are actually licensed to interact with the wild dolphins. For only $120 per person ( from Paihia docks), you board this family run business catamaran and sail out to sea. At lunch time, they drop anchor at one of the islands where you can swim, hike, snorkel or just relax. A BBQ lunch is served on board and then you return to the docks. Tours begin around 9:30 and return to the dock at 3:30. There are only about 20 people on board and the staff goes out of their way to make you more knowledgeable about not only the area, but also the wildlife that you see along the way. On the day I went, the Dolphins were not cooperating so we didn't get to swim with them but that is more the exception than the norm. We did see a shark ( didn't swim with THAT!), a penguin and a variety of local birds. But I have it on good authority that they see Dolphins about 95% of the time and that you actually get into the water with wild Dolphins! How cool is that?? You do need to be a good swimmer if you plan to swim with the Dolphins so you are asked about your swimming level when you board and on some paperwork you fill out. Also, bring a range of clothing as the weather changes quickly out there. For sure you will need a swim suit, towel, sunblock, and a warm jacket like a windbreaker. A hat is probably a good idea too although the winds are strong so being one that stays on your head! All in all a great way to spend the day when you are in the Bay of Islands!

We would highly recommend Carino Sailing. Even though the morning weather did not promise a good…read more5-6 hour sail, Captain Vanessa's knowledge of the Bay of Islands along with her sailing experience, our day turned out to be quite memorable! There was only only one dolphin sited that day and only by our boat! Vanessa and her crew, Rhonda and Phil did a great job making us feel welcome spending the time to sit and casually chat. They were a wealth of information about the bay and its islands along with the marine and bird life. After stopping at bay midway through our sail and short hike, we were treated to delicious bbq lunch. All in all it was a great time making our first trip to New Zealand extra special. Mahalo Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures! Ken & Carolyn, Maui

This is a beautiful and well looked after Holiday Park, in an amazing location, literally right…read morebeside the beach. It is only a short walk and you can find yourself on Pakiri Beach, which is a pretty stunning beach in itself. I've been here a few times for swimming and snorkelling, and the water is usually really clear. We also tried a bit of surfcasting off the beach, but only managed to catch a few small kahawai. You can't ask for a much better location really, and the staff/owners are friendly and accommodating. They have a whole range of cabins to choose from, and plenty of space for tents. One downside is that this place is very expensive, even just for camping. Be prepared to pay a bit extra, especially in peak season when prices skyrocket.