Sailing out of Traverse City, Michigan, Tall Ship Manitou is a replica of an 1800’s “coasting” cargo schooner, similar to those that sailed the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Specifically designed for passenger service, her hull was constructed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1983 and finished by Vermont carpenters on Lake Champlain. With a 58 passenger capacity, there is plenty of space for sitting and moving around the decks while under sail. Her overall length of 114 feet, beam of 21 feet, and displacement of nearly 100 tons ensures a comfortable, relaxing motion, soothing to both landlubbers and “old salts” alike.
Brunch Cruise (Friday & Saturday)
Spice up your morning with a tasty beverage, a savory home cooked meal and a glorious sail back in time! Greet the day on the bay with a full brunch, prepared right aboard ship on our wood-fired cook stove, and a tasty morning eye opening beverage. Choose from a spicy Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Screwdriver or non-alcoholic option to wash down that delicious fare. First drink is included. Additional beverages may be purchased from the ship’s bar.
10am – 12pm
$80.00 per person
Brunch Cruise (Sunday)
Start up your morning with a savory home cooked meal and a glorious sail back in time! Greet the day on the bay with a full brunch, prepared right aboard ship on our wood-fired cook stove. We have coffee and tea available with this delicious brunch.
NOTE there is no alcohol served on Sunday Brunch Sails.
10am - 12pm
$72 per person
Moomers Ice Cream Sail
Join us for afternoons and bring the whole family out for a glorious sail on the bay and the best ice cream in Northern Michigan…Moomers! VOTED #1 SCOOP OF ICE CREAM IN AMERICA ON “GOOD MORNING AMERICA!” We serve two flavors of ice cream or sorbet for you to enjoy out on the water.
1-3pm & 3:30-5:30
$50.00 (adult)
$30.00 (kids 12 and under)
(Children under 3 sail for free! Does not include ice cream)
Fall Afternoon Sail
Take in the spectacular fall colors on West Grand Traverse Bay aboard the schooner Manitou. Fall is the time to slow down, take a breath and enjoy the scenery as summer comes to an end. There's no better way to do this than aboard Manitou!
October 6th ONLY | 1pm - 3pm
$50.00 (Adult)
$30.00 (Children 3-12)
(Children 2 & under sail for free!)
Nibi: The Spirit of our Waters
Explore the connection the Anishinaabe, Grand Traverse Bay's ancestral residents, have to the Bay. Tera John, a Knowledge Carrier and Storykeeper from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, will be our guide as Manitou sails across the waters that have been a vital resource since time immemorial.
Select Wednesdays | 1pm - 3pm
October 7th, 8th & 9th | 1pm - 3pm
$70 Adults
$50 Children (12 & under)
Showcase of Schooners Special Event
Experience the breathtaking event of a bygone era where local schooners welcome the newest arrival on West Grand Traverse Bay. This event will be Inland Seas debut of their newest vessel Alliance in Traverse City. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular view of schooners under sail while relaxing aboard Manitou.
An added bonus is you get to enjoy the most beautiful and peaceful time of day to be on the water. Relax and allow yourself to be transported to another time as we glide across the bay under the golden rays of the waning sun.
July 1st ONLY | 6:30-8:30pm
$70 – All tickets
Evening Sail
The most beautiful and peaceful time of day to be on the water. Relax and allow yourself to be transported to another time as we glide across the bay under the golden rays of the waning sun.
Passengers are welcome to bring along a simple meal (sandwiches, etc.). DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, NO COOLERS ARE PERMITTED.
6:30pm - 8:30pm
$50 – All tickets
Evening Sail (October 6th-9th)
Take in the Fall colors on West Grand Traverse Bay. This is the most beautiful and peaceful time of day to be on the water. Relax and allow yourself to be transported to another time as we glide across the bay under the golden rays of the waning sun.
Passengers are welcome to bring along a simple meal (sandwiches, etc.). DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, NO COOLERS ARE PERMITTED.
October 6th - 9th | 4pm - 6pm
$50 – All tickets
Dinner & Sail
Dine with our friends at Harrington’s By the Bay before or after your evening sail aboard Manitou!
The package includes:
2-hour evening sail aboard Manitou from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Full dinner, before or after your sail, at Harrington’s By The Bay. You have the option of a 4:30pm or 8:45pm dinner reservation.
$90
Entertainment Nights
MUSIC CRUISE WITH “SONG OF THE LAKES!”
On Wednesdays in July and August join us for a rousing evening of music, featuring the popular group “Song of the Lakes” playing lively jigs, chanteys and ballads of sailing and life on the sea! Song of the Lakes has been performing aboard our vessels for over 30 years!
View video of the band performing aboard Manitou.
$70 - All tickets

FAQs

PRIVATE CHARTERS
SAILING CALENDAR
REFUND/RESCHEDULING POLICY
We accept cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the time of your cruise. Cancellation must be made by phone, NOT email.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the time of your cruise are non-refundable, With reasonable notice we can rebook you to another cruise or issue a gift card for future use. Exceptions will be made if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and have to cancel due to illness. Please call to notify us of this as soon as possible so we can release your tickets and offer someone else the opportunity to sail.
CHECK-IN
FREE PARKING is located in the lot just north of Great Lakes Children’s Museum (13240 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, MI), directly across the street from Greilickville Harbor Park. It’s the first left after the pedestrian crosswalk, if northbound. Please use the DESIGNATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING to walk to our ticket booth on the pier for check-in. Please arrive 30 MINUTES before the sail.
**PLEASE NOTE**: If you have handicap/mobility issues, please call our office for alternate parking directions.
