The 7 National Park Sailings Worth the Airfare

1.Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80Our pick

Start with a morning transfer from Marahau to Kaiteriteri, then sail a catamaran along Abel Tasman’s golden coast with an English-speaking skipper. After lunch and a swim at Anchorage Bay, walk 3.5 to 4 hours through native bush and along beaches back to Marahau. Bring food, water, layers, and sturdy shoes.

“Such a fantastic way to experience Abel Tasman, our guide Claudia was great and the sailboat ride was fantastic. I recommend getting lined up to board early so you can get one of the seats out front for the best experience. The hike from the beach our boat dropped us off at back to our car was a moderate hike with a few steep sections, well marked and with multiple beaches to stop at on the way!”

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2.Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

From Kaiteriteri, you take a 30-minute water taxi to Anchorage Bay, walk the easy Pitt Head loop, and reach Te Pukatea Bay for a swim or picnic. At 1:30pm, crew members such as Inky, Claudia, Nik, Frank, or Angela may take you sailing along the coast, with chances to spot fur seals and explore from the boat.

“Fantastic experience! I did the cruise walk and sail with Abel Tasman sail adventures. The day started with a public shuttle to anchorage bay where I had 4 hours to explore. You can do whatever you want and go in your own pace. I did the Pitt head loop track and had lunch at the second bay, took a swim it was great. I returned to anchorage at 1.15 where we got picked up by the boat. Some people were already on board from the morning but in the end we were a very relaxed group of about 15 people. After a short security talk we set sail to barks…”

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3.Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · from $158

Spend six hours sailing from Kaiteriteri through Abel Tasman National Park with an English-speaking skipper. See Split Apple Rock, fur seals, islands, and native birds, then enjoy lunch and free time at Anchorage Beach. The modern catamaran offers relaxed sightseeing or hands-on sailing, with tea and coffee on board.

“This is a very relaxed way to see the coastline while sailing along. We were lucky and had a beautiful day with some breeze so the sails could be out. The guides, Inky and Steph, were great. They were informative and we learned about the islands, coves and the wildlife. There were some good photo opportunities. We stopped for an hour at Anchorage bay for lunch. It is stunning. The lunch was a wrap and some cakes plus an apple. Tea and coffee was available on board throughout the trip. All in all this is a great trip. Be prepared to get wet feet when you board and leave the…”

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4.Nature Reserve Full day sailing to Dia Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $118Top rated

Set sail from Heraklion’s Old Venetian port with a certified crew such as Stephanos, Petros, or Nikos. Spend the day swimming and snorkeling in three Dia Island coves, use the included SUP boards, enjoy a fresh Greek lunch with vegetarian options, and return by sail. Pickup is available near the port, and the boat holds no more than 10 people.

“I can't say enough about how wonderful this trip was. Petros and Aphrodite were a great team. Very accommodating and great sailors. The food was amazing. They were very informative. Of course the snorkeling was fantastic. Beautiful water. Wonderful day.”

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5.Self-Guided Walk & Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · 6 hours · from $88

Walk the Abel Tasman coastal track independently from Marahau to Anchorage, then meet your skipper at 1:15 pm for a 1:30 pm sailing trip to Kaiteriteri. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the walk. Tea, coffee, toilets, and a free transfer back to Marahau are included.

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6.Teide National Park and Dolphins Sailboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 7 hours · from $218

Travel from your Tenerife hotel into Teide National Park, stopping at viewpoints among volcanic scenery before heading south for a three-hour sailboat trip. The boat carries no more than 11 people and includes snacks, drinks, snorkeling, and chances to see dolphins and pilot whales. English and Spanish guides are available.

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7.Ajaccio: Excursion, Sailing Scandola Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 8 hours · from $129

Leave Ajaccio early on a small boat limited to 12 people and cruise Corsica’s west coast to Scandola Nature Reserve, Girolata, the Calanques de Piana, and Capo Rosso. Expect cliffside caves, turquoise-water swim stops, French or Corsican commentary, and two hours in Girolata for a meal or picnic.

“It was a wonderful trip Magnificent rocks formation, swimming in turquoise water ,bay of little village with the bunch of cows on the beach Beautiful nature And very exiting sailing on the small speedy boat”

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