Enjoy Sightseeing Tours in Lake Ohia, Northland

Frequently Asked Questions: • What is included in your fare? 2 ½ hour Explore the Bay Expedition: - Freshly brewed coffee, tea or hot chocolate served throughout the expedition - Light refreshments and snacks for morning/afternoon tea - Informative talk from our knowledgeable crew 4 hour Island Activity Expedition: - Freshly brewed coffee, tea or hot chocolate served throughout the expedition - Light refreshments and snacks for morning/ afternoon tea - Full length wetsuits, floatation devices and swimming aids - All snorkelling gear and tuition - Use of paddle boards - Informative walk on island destination. • How many passengers can you take? - Albatross V can carry up to 26 passengers. • What can I expect to pay extra for? - Additional beverages are available for purchase on board such as soft drinks and bottled water. • Is there a minimum number of people required for an expedition to run? - Albatross V Expeditions operates with a minimum booking of ten passengers. • What is the water temperature? - Thanks to tropical currents travelling down from the equator, typical water temperatures are 20–22°C in summer and 15–16 ° C in winter. Full wetsuits are provided and will keep you snug! • What age applies for a child rate? - Our child rate applies to children aged 4 to 12. Under 4’s are infants. It is parents responsibility to supervise their children if they decide to swim. Our crew reserves the right to ask for proof of age on board the vessel. • When is the peak season? - The peak season for The Bay of Islands is December to late-February as well as most warm weekends and public holidays. • Do you offer flotation aids and tuition for nervous snorkelers? - We have noodles and life vests on board to assist with flotation as well as helpful, experienced crew in the water offering tuition/help for unsure swimmers and snorkelers. Wetsuits are great for flotation also and are provided to each guest. • A few of the people in our group won't be snorkelling or swimming - are there other activities they can enjoy? - Our 4 hr Island Activity Expedition is focused around the natural environment which offers swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and sightseeing activities. There are land based activities for those not going in the water such as walks on the island, paddle boarding, relaxing on the beach or simply watching the activities from the boat with a hot drink. • I am pregnant, will I still be able to participate in the activities? - Yes, our expeditions cater for everyone and our crew are always near to ensure you will have a safe, fun and relaxing experience. • What can we expect on our 2 ½ hour Explore The Bay Expedition? - Once you have boarded the vessel you will be introduced to the vessels facilities and explained the safety information, we will cruise out around the bay where you will experience the breathtaking beauty. Once underway the crew will provide informative information of the local area. A morning or afternoon tea will be served during the expedition consisting of light refreshments including hot drinks and a snack selection. • What can we expect on our 4 hr Island Activity Expedition? - Once you have boarded the vessel, you will be introduced to the vessels facilities and explained the safety information; we will then head out to an island where you can partake in any of the activities on offer. Once underway the crew will present an informative demonstration on how to use the equipment available. After arriving at our destination a snorkelling orientation briefing will be conducted including information about the marine life you may encounter. - You may choose to paddleboard, go ashore and explore or have a guided snorkelling tour which are offered in small groups and each activity is conducted in a relaxed and safe environment, allowing you enough time to familiarise yourself with the environment. After a refreshing snack or hot beverage you will be invited to explore the environment at your own pace. A morning or afternoon tea will be served during the expedition consisting of light refreshments including hot drinks and a snack selection. Prior to disembarking, guests are given time to change out of wetsuits and enjoy a hot drink. • When do your expeditions depart? We operate 2 tours per day from Russell Wharf. - Albatross V 8.30 am Offering a 2 ½ hour Explore the Bay Expedition. - Albatross V 11.30 am. Offering a 4 hr activity based island exploration expedition focusing on low impact, relaxed and informative activities such as snorkelling, paddle boarding, swimming, walking ashore, relaxing on the beach. • What should we bring with us? 2 ½ hour Explore the Bay Expedition: - Hat, sunscreen, camera, cash for payment of fare or snacks and beverages. 4 hour Island Activity Expedition:  - Swim, suit, towel, hat, sunscreen, cash for payment of fare or snacks or additional beverages. • Do you have toilet facilities on board the vessel? - Yes, Albatross V has a marine pump toilet. • Is the vessel wheelchair accessible? - Yes