Aboard Manitou, you can lend a hand hoisting sail, take a turn at the helm and steer the schooner yourself, or simply relax and admire the scenery. Whichever way you choose to enjoy the sail, you are free from the pace of things ashore, and welcome to imagine a slower time when sailing was the only way to travel. While you’re aboard, treat yourself to snacks and drinks from our fully stocked refreshment locker.
Sailing out of Traverse City, Michigan, the Schooner Manitou is a replica of an 1800s schooner, similar to those that sailed the Great Lakes. 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.
Sailing Calendar
Mark your calendars - Booking for Manitou opens April 1, 2026
Schooner Manitou Sails
Do you want to get away from it all, cast off the lines, and go explore Grand Traverse Bay’s hidden gem, all in just a single day? We have just the sail for you! We’re combining some of the best aspects of our summer and fall sails into one truly unique experience with our Power Island Picnic Sail.
Join us as we set sail for Power Island on a 7-hour sailing excursion aboard Manitou.
June 15th & 29 | 10 am - 5 pm
September 23rd & 30th | 10 am - 5 pm
$170.00 (Adult, 13+)
$140.00 (Children, 12 and under)
Brunch Cruise
Greet the day on the bay with a full brunch 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. The first drink is included. Additional beverages may be purchased from the ship’s bar.
When making a reservation please note if anyone in your party has a dietary restriction (we can currently only cater to a vegetarian dietary restriction)!
Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
$83.00 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.
Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day
1 pm - 3 pm & 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
$57.00 (Adult, 13+)
$35.00 (Children, 3 - 12)
$5.00 (Infant, 2 and under)
Wings on the Water
Any time hawks and eagles soar above Manitou it makes the sail even more amazing. On this sail, the Skegemog Raptor Center will bring its famous educational birds aboard. In the past few years, we’ve seen more and more raptors along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
Come sail with us and learn why they’ve returned and what it means. If we’re lucky, we’ll see one of the eagles that nest near our dock!
Select Thursdays | 10:00 am - noon
June 25, July 23 & August 20
$57.00 Adults (13 and over)
$35.00 Children (12 & under)
Nibi: The Spirit of our Water
Explore the connection the Anishinaabe, Grand Traverse Bay's ancestral residents, have to the Bay. Tera John, a Knowledge Carrier and Story Keeper 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 Thursdays | 10:00 am - noon
June 18, July 16 & August 13
Friday, October 2 | 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
$57.00 Adults (13 and over)
$35.00 Children (12 & under)
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.
Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$60.00 – 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
Dinner at Harringtons by the Bay at 4:30 pm or 8:45 pm
Memorial Day Weekend - August 31st | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$109.00 - Sail & dinner combo price
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, shanties and ballads of sailing and life on the sea! Song of the Lakes has been performing aboard for over 30 years!
View video of the band performing aboard Manitou.
Select Wednesdays | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$81.00 - All tickets
Showcase of Sail Special Event
Experience the breathtaking event of a bygone era where local schooners and sailing yachts alike come together and sail West Grand Traverse Bay. 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.
TBD June 28th ONLY | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$60.00 – All tickets
Wine Tasting Sail
Come and enjoy a relaxing evening cruise while tasting the best of one of our local wineries, cideries, brewries or distilleries. This tasting event aboard the Schooner Manitou features 5 different tastes from local establishments. What better way to enjoy the evening than with the scenic beauty of sailing on Grand Traverse Bay and the rich flavors of local beverages?
Select Tuesdays | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Black Star Farms | July 7
Iron Fish Distillery | July 11
Left Foot Charley | July 21
Mawby Sparkling Winery | July 28
Tandem Cider | August 4
Lake District Wine Shop | August 11
TBD | August 18
Black Star Farms | August 25
$73.00 – All tickets
Fall Flavor 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!
September 9th, 10th & 20th| 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm
October 3rd & 4th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm
$55.00 (Adult, 13+)
$37.00 (Children, 3-12)
$5.00 (Infant, 2 and under)
Fall Evening Sail
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.
September 19th & 20th | 6 pm - 8 pm
$60.00 – All tickets
FAQs
PRIVATE CHARTERS
REFUND/RESCHEDULING POLICY
We accept cancellations up to 72 hours prior to the time of your cruise. Cancellation must be made by phone, NOT email.
Cancellations within 72 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. 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 Dockside Party Store (13418 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.
