Turn your Traverse City vacation into a big, beautiful, blue adventure with these public and private sailing cruises on Grand Traverse Bay.
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Compass Rose Sailing Co.
Moored in West Bay, Traverse City’s largest private sailing yacht, the Althea, is a classic two-masted yawl with more than six decades behind her. Now owned by Captain Brett Derr, the Althea is moored at Discovery Pier, welcoming guests of Compass Rose Sailing Co. aboard for charter trips. Sails begin at 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Two- or three-hour outings are available, or book an extended custom sail for a special occasion. Up to six passengers can spread out on deck and use the cabin below. Bring along snacks and beverages or ask about catering for your trip.
Traverse Tall Ship Company
Traverse Tall Ship Company offers excursions on the Manitou, a replica of an 1800s cargo schooner, similar to those that sailed the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. (If you’re on shore, watch for it in the bay—it’s cool just to see it glide by!) Consider the two-hour brunch cruise or the Moomers Ice Cream Sail. Or, book the classic yacht Scout for a luxurious private cruise for up to six people. You can choose between two-hour or six-hour sails and even book a romantic overnight stay.
Nauti-Cat Cruises
You can see the Nauti-Cat from a distance with almost 1,000 square feet of sail propelling her across West Grand Traverse Bay, and because she’s a catamaran, the ship is able to slice through the water with great stability. There’s a cruise for everyone, including during the fireworks shows at National Cherry Festival (it’s the only venue in town that lets you see the show directly above your head) and burlesque shows for ages 21-plus. There’s a cash bar on board and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks.
Want to sail your own boat? Great Lakes Sailing Co. has a sailing school and a charter fleet. You can cruise the harbors of both Grand Traverse Bays, or if you’ve got a few extra days, go up to Beaver Island, Little Traverse Bay, The Straits or the Les Cheneaux Islands. If you’d prefer to have a licensed USCG captain on board, they can help coordinate that, too.
Inland Seas Education Association
Docked in Suttons Bay, the 77-foot schooner Inland Seas is a schoolship, offering educational (and fun) experiences for kids and adults. The Inland Seas Education Association hosts a variety of science-themed day cruises that let you hoist the sails, steer the ship and use real scientific equipment to help collect and study fish, microorganisms and water health.
