| Compass Charters - Boating in the Marlborough Sounds Compass Charters provides self - drive and skippered boating holidays on their fleet of yachts, launches, runabouts and catamarans. All trips can be adjusted to the requirements of our clients in length or focus. Diving or fishing trips, just cruising, admiring wildlife and scenery, hike a few tracks or just relax and enjoy. A few possibilities are described below. Our vessels sleep seven to twelve guests overnight. In the packages below the vessels will not be crowded unless clients add guests themselves for the additional charge. Let's go Sailing
Enjoy a 3 day sailing trip on one of our wel-equipped keelers or sailing Cats. Your Boating Holiday
Example of a three day trip in the magical Marlborough Sounds on one of Compass Charters Yachts & Launches. The trip can be adjusted to your interests and requirements. If you are an experienced boatie you can drive yourself or one of our profesional skipperes could guide you through these waterways. Why not learn to sail while you are out there enjoying the scenery, wildlife and sunshine. Day 1
Arrive at Compass Charters base, finalise details and board your vessel in the marina. Your groceries you ordered are already on the boat. After a familiarisation covering, vessel operation, safety, weather, etc and cruising area, throw the ropes and off you go. Visit the tame fish in Double Cove and explore the shoreline. Day 2
Cruise towards the outer Queen Charlotte Sound. Have a look in Ruakaka Bay near the salmon farm for the seals or some dolphins and continue sailing North. Approach Ship’s Cove and make our way to the beach to find out all about the history of Captain Cook and maybe hike a short track to the waterfall. Board the vessel again and take up the mooring in Cook’s Cove and enjoy the evening with a BBQ on deck. Day 3
We go for an exiting sail or try our luck at some fishing. Some of the crew might like to hike part of the Queen Charlotte Track or visit Motuara Island. This Island is a bird sanctuary and the short hike towards the top will be rewarded with splendid views and the continuous calls of the Bellbirds, robins and other native wildlife. After boarding again we will make way to Furneaux lodge in Endeavour Inlet and go ashore to dine at the resort. Day 4
Depending on your requirements, we can see how to spend this last day of your charter. Cruise towards East Bay and visit the Gannet colony. You could enjoy lunch and a swim in Puriri Bay. Hook up some blue cod or chasing a school of Kowhai, enjoy a rainforrest walk or visit the old whaling station site. There are plenty of possibilities. Finally we will have to cruise back to Waikawa Marina to conclude this great boating holiday. There Compass Charters will get you to your accommodation or help you on your way to your next destination. Let's go Fishing
Enjoy a fishing trip in the Sounds with Compass Charters. Have a go yourselves or take our skippers' who know where to go, and how to have a great time. Go for a day or a few days longer.
Scuba dive options are also available. (Seafood, Wreck of "Mikhail Lermontov" etc) Let's go Cruising
The options here are a 3 day boating holiday on one of our Motor Launches or combine a 6 meter waterski vessel with accommodation ashore, in the Sounds at one of the Resorts or in Waikawa Marina. Accommodation will be in a Resort or luxury motel unit.
The Motor launch options are devided in two groups. For larger groups functions or team-building exercises we can provide amazing day trips on our catamarans. If the 'Cats' are required for longer charters we could find for an additional charge accommodation for part or all of the guests ashore. Gourmet lunch and beverages can all be arranged. This would be ideal for family reunions or conferences. Cruising Options: Self-drive
It is possible to hire most of our vessels 'bareboat' if the skipper / crew has enough boating experience. The experience the skipper has will have to be obtained on a vessel similar then the vessel chartered. Skippered
If your party does not have the experience, or you might just want to sit back and relax, while one of our professional skippers shows you around the Sounds. Our skipper will not mind helping out everywhere or to teach you some boating skills. Also host(ess), divemaster, etc can be arranged. Cruise & Learn
Are you a bit rusty in the nautical department, not enough experience, or getting used to larger boats? Then this is the option for you. We will teach you all you need at the start of your charter as part of your charter time. You will be able to enjoy the rest of your charter with yourself behind the wheel… Relocation
If you are a bit short on time and like to cover a large area. It is possible at some times to leave the vessel at Portage in Pelorus Sound. Alternatively you can leave from Portage. Relocating your charter vessel has to be booked in advance. Our booking schedule might make it sometimes impossible. This option is taken often because sailing / motoring the vessel back to the Queen Charlotte will be another days charter. Runabout
Our runabouts have only enclosed limits but Huntsman is available with a registered trailer. So you could tow these vessels to the other parts of the survey area. If you do want the vessel on a trailer please specify when booking. Restrictions:
Compass Charters has the right to put a limit to your cruising area. The reasons for this can be the length of your charter, your vessel or your level of experience. Of course we will notify you about this before the start of your charter. Also the weather can limit the area you originally set out to discover. The number of people allowed onboard the vessel during charter will be equal to the maximum number given in the information. Only in some circumstances this can be different.
**As the prices for the above options vary, dependent on seasons and requirements, please contact the "Lets Go Team" and they will be more than happy to assist you with a price for your tailored package.
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