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.

Booking for Manitou opens April 1st for the 2024 season!

Brunch Cruise

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 the 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. The first drink is included. Additional beverages may be purchased from the ship’s bar.

When making a reservation please note any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to cater to individual needs!

10 am – 12 pm

$80.00 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.

1 pm - 3 pm & 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

$55.00 (Adult, 13+)

$32.00 (Children, 3 - 12)

(Children 2 and under sail for free! Does not include ice cream but can purchase ice cream for $5)

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 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

October 4th, 5th & 7th | 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm 

$67.00 Adults

$44.00 Children (12 & under)

A Wonderful Sail in the Watershed

Crystal waters and sparkling beaches make Grand Traverse Bay a magical place, but there’s a lot more than magic at work. The Watershed Center (TWC) has tirelessly protected our Bay for three decades. Come hear about their work firsthand aboard Manitou while we sail the very waters they’ve been preserving.

And since no matter where you go, you’re in a watershed, they’ll share some tips you can use to help care for whatever waters you call home. Plus, we’ll be serving the new flavor of TWC-branded Moomers Ice Cream—available exclusively aboard Manitou!

Select Mondays & Tuesdays | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

$67.00 Adults

$44.00 Children (12 & 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 be bringing 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!

Thursday, August 8th | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

$67.00 Adults

$44.00 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.  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. 

June 29th ONLY | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

$67.00 – 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.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 

$55.00 – 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 from

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.

Full dinner, before or after your sail, at Harrington’s By The Bay. You have the option of a 4:30 pm or 8:45 pm dinner reservation.

$95.00

View Sample Menu

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 our vessels for over 30 years! 

View video of the band performing aboard Manitou.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

$75.00 - All tickets

Windjammer Cruises

Join us aboard Manitou for a unique adventure back in time. You will discover the beauty of northern Lake Michigan from the deck of this majestic sailing vessel while enjoying a level of relaxation rarely experienced in today’s frenzied world.

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 15th, 22nd, 29th | 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

October 4th-7th  |  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm 

$55.00 (Adult, 13+)

$32.00 (Children, 3-12)

(Children 2 & under sail for free!)

Fall Evening Sail

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.

September 3rd - 8th |  6 pm - 8 pm 

$55.00 – All tickets

PRIVATE CHARTERS


BOOK ONLINE

 




SAILING CALENDAR




REFUND/RESCHEDULING POLICY


If you made a reservation and need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:

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.

NO-SHOWS:
If you fail to show up or are late arriving at the launch site at the scheduled meeting time, you will be considered a No Show and your cruise ticket is non-refundable.
 
If you have further cancellation-related questions, please contact us at 231-941-2000.


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.