Sunset Sail from Traverse City: Wine, Food & Bay Views
Watch the sunset from the water while the crew pours wine and passes cheese
A 2.5-hour sunset sail on the schooner Wind Dancer in Grand Traverse Bay, departing from downtown Traverse City with a live captain and crew who share the area's history. You board at The Delamar Resort kiosk, receive complimentary wine, cocktails, local beer and cider, and eat locally sourced charcuterie and snacks as the light fades over the water. Children from age 14 are welcome.
The Experience
You arrive 30 minutes before departure at the check-in kiosk at The Delamar Resort on Front Street, where free parking is waiting. The 2nd Mate greets you about ten minutes before you board Wind Dancer, walking you through the elegant schooner and pointing out how she moves. Once under way, the captain and crew teach you about the vessel and the history of the Grand Traverse Bay area—the lands, the people, the water itself—while you settle into the rhythm of the sail.
Around the one-hour mark, food arrives: locally sourced cheese and crackers, an elevated charcuterie board, award-winning Great Lakes Potato Chips, and Murdick's fudge for dessert. The beverage menu runs through wine, local cider, TC Whiskey cocktails, local beer, soda and water—all complimentary. The crew keeps the glasses full as the sky changes color, and by the end of the 2.5 hours you are watching the sun drop into the water from a place most visitors never reach.
Bring a sweater or rain gear and non-skid footwear for the deck; the weather can shift fast on the water, and tours reschedule if conditions turn. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you contact the operator ahead of time. Service animals are welcome aboard.
What’s included
- Wine tasting, local beer, cider, and Wind Dancer signature cocktails by TC Whiskey, plus non-alcoholic options.
- locally sourced cheese and crackers, elevated charcuterie board, award-winning Great Lakes Potato Chips, and Murdick's fudge.
- a live English-speaking captain and crew who share stories about Grand Traverse Bay's history and teach you about the schooner.
Operated by The Wind Dancer Experience
Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying downtown or without a car—the kiosk is walkable on Front Street and the sail departs from there, keeping your evening to one fixed 2.5-hour window with food and drinks included.
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Top questions
What time does the sunset sail leave Traverse City?
Wind Dancer departs from The Delamar Resort kiosk at 615 E. Front Street; you check in 30 minutes before departure and board about 10 minutes later. The sail lasts 2.5 hours, so timing depends on the sunset that day.
What food and drinks are included on the sail?
The sail includes wine, local cider, TC Whiskey cocktails, local beer, soda and water; food consists of locally sourced cheese and crackers, an elevated charcuterie board, award-winning Great Lakes Potato Chips, and Murdick's fudge for dessert. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available by contacting the operator in advance.
Can I bring my own alcohol on the sail?
Wind Dancer respectfully requests that guests not bring additional alcoholic beverages; all wine, beer, cider and cocktails are provided complimentary.
Is there parking at the departure point?
Free parking is available at the check-in kiosk located at The Delamar Resort, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City. Public transportation options are also nearby if you prefer not to drive.
What should I wear for the sunset sail?
Bring a sweater or rain gear and non-skid footwear for boating; the weather on the water can shift, and conditions on the deck require shoes with grip. Tours reschedule if inclement weather makes sailing unsafe.
Can children sail on Wind Dancer?
Children are welcome from age 14 and up. Service animals are also allowed aboard.
Sunset Sail from Traverse City: Wine, Food & Bay Views
2h 30m · EN
from US$ 229 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.81249 reviews
