Baltimore Harbor Sail: 1.5-Hour History Tour

Sail past the fort where Baltimore held off the British Navy

This 1.5-hour sailing tour of Baltimore Harbor covers the city's maritime history and the War of 1812, with a local guide providing live commentary from the deck. You'll see Fort McHenry National Monument, where the British Navy attacked during the battle that inspired the national anthem. The tour operates with a maximum of 6 people per booking, and you can choose between two boats: the larger Summer Wind, which spreads seating across the deck for couples and privacy, or the smaller Unforgettable, which seats groups in the cockpit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and explore Baltimore Harbor

• Start sail on Baltimore Harbor
• View Battle of Baltimore site

The experience

You start your day with a sail on Baltimore's harbor, moving out onto the water with a local guide who walks you through the city's role in the American experience. The tour centers on the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, when the British Navy tried to capture the city. As you sail, you'll see Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the actual site of that battle: the fort that held and inspired the poem that became the national anthem.

The 1.5-hour tour keeps the group small, capped at 6 people per booking, so the guide can speak directly to everyone on board. You get to choose which boat fits your day: the Summer Wind is the larger vessel with seating spread across the deck, built for couples who want space and privacy. The Unforgettable is smaller with seating in the cockpit, better for families and small groups who want to stay close together. Either way, you're listening to live commentary the whole time, not reading a placard or following a recording.

What’s included

• Local guide providing live commentary on board.
• 1.5-hour sail of Baltimore Harbor with views of Fort McHenry National Monument.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by American Sailing Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Summer Wind if you're a couple looking for privacy and space on the water. Choose the Unforgettable if you're traveling with family or a small group and want everyone close together in the cockpit. The small group size, capped at 6 people, means the guide speaks directly to you the whole time instead of addressing a crowd.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Fort McHenry and why does it matter to this tour?

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is where the British Navy attacked Baltimore during the War of 1812. The fort's successful defense inspired the poem that became the national anthem, and it's the centerpiece of what you'll see from the boat during the sail.

Can I choose which boat I sail on?

Yes. The Summer Wind is larger with seating spread across the deck, good for couples and privacy. The Unforgettable is smaller with seating in the cockpit, better for families and small groups. You pick which one suits your group when you book.

How long is the tour and what's included?

The tour runs 1.5 hours on the water. It includes a local guide and live commentary on board covering Baltimore's maritime history and the War of 1812.

What's the maximum group size?

A maximum of 6 people can book together on this tour, which keeps the group small enough for the guide to speak directly to everyone.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. It is suitable for all other fitness levels, though being on a moving boat and getting on and off requires some mobility.