What an amazing experience! I booked the course for my husband and I for his gift for our 25th... read more
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Great Escape
Baffin Street | A Pier, Bay of Islands Marina, Opua 0200, New Zealand
Open today: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Review Highlights
“First class experience!”
CandJ1412
, Tauranga, New Zealand
“Breathtaking views - Best holiday ever”
Such a great experience! From dealing with the team at booking throughout the whole holiday. The... read more
Adventure60926136504
Jsp1958
Whitianga, New Zealand
219
What a great way to learn to sail...
Review of Great Escape
via mobile Date of experience: March 2020
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Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Day Trips
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65 - 70 of 216 reviews
notsurewherehomeis
Pleasanton, California
136
This is our eighth year chartering from Great Escape. Bill and Julie took over the business two years ago and are going from strength to strength. This year we were back on our favorite 31 foot Raven "Liaison" for four days. She has had a thorough overhaul in the last twelve months, including a new engine, much of the interior, and a fresh coat of paint. Similar upgrades are happening throughout the fleet, so you can count on a well cared for vessel on the water, as well a friendly, warm, efficient welcome on land. Top notch!
Date of experience: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecily C
London, United Kingdom
1110
via mobile
The two day learn to sail a yacht course with Julie and Great Escapes was superb. Very good, clear, thorough teaching but with a sense of fun and joy, in a beautiful beautiful place.
Date of experience: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreatEscapeSailing, Owner at Great Escape, responded to this reviewResponded 29 February 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. We're so glad you had fun, learnt something and enjoyed our beautiful Bay of Islands. We'd love to have you back sailing with us again in the future.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
antonhappel
Gouda, The Netherlands
1
via mobile 
Hiring a sailing boat in the bay of islands is really great ! The raven31 is a lively fast and seaworthy boat. The water was 23 deg or more , nice days of sailing, swimming hiking and anchoring in picturesque spots
Date of experience: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreatEscapeSailing, Owner at Great Escape, responded to this reviewResponded 14 March 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us, it is appreciated. We're very glad you enjoyed sailing the Raven 31, they are a fun boat. We are also happy you enjoyed our beautiful Bay of Islands, we think it is a pretty special place. We look forward to having you come back to sail with us again.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
TumblingMalteaser89
Leeds, United Kingdom
2746
via mobile
Great escape were an awesome company to charter a yacht. Julie and Bill were incredibly welcoming and helpful. The boat, Davidson 20, was perfect. The trip was perfect length allowing us to see all the harder to reach beaches and coves. Great value too.
Thanks guys!
Date of experience: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreatEscapeSailing, Owner at Great Escape, responded to this reviewResponded 16 February 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. So glad you enjoyed your time aboard your Davidson 20, they are great fun, good value boats, ideal for exploring the sheltered waters in the Bay of Islands. We hope you come sailing with us again sometime.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Lisa M
2
We rented both a small motor boat (Mac420) for a day and later bareboat chartered a sailboat for a day (Davidson 20'). The service from Bill and Julie was excellent - very easy to book, answered any questions by email and were even more friendly in person! Gave good instructions on the boats and the area for touring. Both boats were basic but do the job for a day out on the water. The Mac420 is a bumpy ride when the waves/winds pick up (a bit small for rough days) and wouldn't suggest more than 2 adults. The Davidson 20 was a nice basic sailboat. Perfect for a couple like us and would be fine for a couple of adults and 2 kids maybe. All in all, we were happy with the service, the knowledge and the boats. We really enjoyed our days our on the water in the Bay of Islands!
Date of experience: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GreatEscapeSailing, Owner at Great Escape, responded to this reviewResponded 10 February 2020
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review for us, it is very much appreciated. We're glad you had a couple of lovely days out on the water and enjoyed your time in our beautiful Bay of Islands. Hope to see you here again.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC