Traverse City Sailing Cruise: Grand Traverse Bay for 6
Two hours on the water: raise the sails, steer the yacht, watch the city skyline and Old Mission Peninsula recede behind you.
A private 2-hour sailing cruise on Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City aboard Scout, a yacht that holds up to 6 people. You can sit back and watch the scenery—the historic Park Place Hotel, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and its 224-foot training vessel—or take an active role, helping raise the sails and steering the boat yourself. Complimentary soft drinks and snacks are included; you're welcome to bring your own refreshments as well. The captain and crew answer questions in a casual, welcoming way, and the whole experience is tailored to what your group wants the afternoon to be.
2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Private afternoon sailing cruise
- Board the Sail Yacht Scout
- Sail on West Grand Traverse Bay
- View Traverse City waterfront landmarks
- See city skyline from the water
- Enjoy views of Old Mission Peninsula
- Participate in sailing activities
- Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks
The Experience
Scout leaves from Traverse City and sails the lower West Grand Traverse Bay, where the water opens up enough to see the city's waterfront landmarks without the noise of a larger tour group. The boat holds up to 6 people, which means no strangers crowding the deck and no schedule built around anyone else's pace. You decide whether the day is about relaxing in the wind or learning to sail: the captain will hand you the wheel if you want it, and there's room to help raise the sails and feel how the boat responds. It's a genuine photo moment, and the crew expects the questions.
Complimentary soft drinks and snacks come aboard, and you're free to bring additional food and drinks of your own—just leave the hard-sided coolers at home, as there's no room to stow them. Bring a jacket or sweater even in summer; the bay stays cool. Rubber-soled sneakers or sandals are required, and sunscreen and a hat are strongly recommended. The captain speaks English and moves at a conversational pace, so there's no rushing through the details or the views.
What’s included
- Complimentary soft drinks and snacks throughout the 2-hour cruise.
- English-speaking captain and crew.
- private access to Scout for your group of up to 6 people.
- the option to help raise the sails and take the helm yourself.
Operated by Schooner Manitou - Day Tours
Is this one for you?The captain speaks English and keeps the pace conversational, so anyone in your group can follow the details and the landmarks without strain. If your group wants to stay hands-off and simply watch the bay unfold, that works just as well—the day is built around what you choose to do, not around a fixed itinerary everyone has to keep up with.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
Can I actually help sail the boat, or is it just watching?
Scout's captain invites you to participate as much as you want: help raise the sails, take a turn at the helm, and learn how the boat handles. It's not required—you can sit back and watch instead—but the option is there and the crew welcomes it.
What landmarks will we see from the water?
The cruise sails past the historic Park Place Hotel on Traverse City's waterfront, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, and its 224-foot training vessel, the State of Michigan. You'll also see Old Mission Peninsula from the water and experience the city skyline from a vantage point you don't get from shore.
What's included in the price, and can I bring my own food and drinks?
Complimentary soft drinks and snacks are provided. You're welcome to bring additional snacks and beverages of your own to customize the experience, but hard-sided coolers won't fit on board.
How many people can come on this cruise?
Scout accommodates up to 6 people, keeping the group small and private. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear rubber-soled sneakers, tennis shoes, or sandals. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and plan on a jacket or sweater—the bay is cooler than the city, even in summer. Service animals are allowed on board.
Traverse City Sailing Cruise: Grand Traverse Bay for 6
2h · EN
from US$ 425 per group
★★★★★★★★★★5.006 reviews
