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 59 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.
- Chartering Manitou
- Daysails
- Floating Bed and Breakfast
- Manitou Scheduling & Tickets
- Manitou’s Frequently Asked Questions
- Windjammer Multi-day Cruises
Sailing Calendar
My wife, 13 year old son and I took a 2 hour evening sail on the Tall Ship Manitou. It was a beautiful August evening on the bay with a good wind. The staff were friendly and professional, and the experience was the highlight of our one-week vacation. It was thrilling to watch the crew raise the sails and to feel them catch the wind and pull this beautiful vessel through the water, tacking up the bay and then returning with full sail. The crew served a picnic meal which was fresh and tasty and provided a gluten free option. A three-person folk group called “Song of the Lakes” performed songs of the sea. We enjoyed their musicianship, harmony and humor. It was a perfect evening. I would recommend it strongly.
Sailing out of Traverse City, Michigan, Manitou offers a Noon Sail, Afternoon Moomers Ice Cream Sail, Evening Sail, and our popular “Floating Bed and Breakfast” Package. Each adventure is two hours in length. Manitou also offers multi-day Windjammer cruises in September. Specially catered meals are included on the Evening Sail.
With over 3,000 square feet of sail, this stately vessel has plied the waters of West Grand Traverse Bay since 1991 and continues to be the most unique attraction in the entire area. Manitou meets or exceeds all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment, and electronics for vessels in passenger service. The U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain has many years of experience, and together with a capable crew, you can rest assured of being in good hands.
More Scenes from Sailing the Manitou