The Black Dog Tall Ships
The Black Dog Tall Ships
The Black Dog Tall Ships
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The Black Dog Tallships' / Schooner Alabama offers 3 hour afternoon and sunset sails from the island of Martha's Vineyard. Boarding takes place from The Black Dog Wharf in Vineyard Haven. Alabama is a 126' long class "B" tallship. She was built in 1926 and is an authentic piece of US maritime history. Come aboard for a traditional sailing experience. Great for families, couples and sailing enthusiasts. Great sightseeing too !
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
The Black Dog Tall Ships
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
79 reviews
Excellent
60
Very good
7
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Carol M
Vineyard Haven, MA1 contribution
Aug 2021
This is an absolute must when visiting the Vineyard. We did the sunset cruise with our small children (ages 7, 5, and 3) and it was so much fun! Captain Jaime gave an interesting history of the Schooner and the entire crew was helpful, polite and knowledgeable. They had water, cheese and crackers, and a few other snacks available. Everything about a sunset cruise on the Alabama was fantastic! if you're still trying to decide....do it!
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol,
Thanks for listing us as "an absolute must." It means a lot to receive such an outstanding review of your experience aboard the Alabama. I'm really glad it was great ! Until next time....
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyrinda S
Berkeley, CA197 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
I first sailed with the Coastwise Packet Company which later became the Black Dog Tall Ships, back in 1965 on the Shenandoah. I first sailed on the Alabama in 2017. The three Captain Douglases - Bob, Morgan and Jamie - run a professional, safe and engaging operation. They share their passion for and knowledge of local maritime history, as well as their stories on the handling of the ship.
We were fortunate on our 2022 cruise to pass by the Shenandoah, under full sail, at shouting range. We also marveled at the skill of the crew as they guided us to the mooring without an engine.
The crew were superb! Starr, especially, had wonderful stories to tell of her open ocean cruises on the Corwith Cramer.
Highly recommended.
We were fortunate on our 2022 cruise to pass by the Shenandoah, under full sail, at shouting range. We also marveled at the skill of the crew as they guided us to the mooring without an engine.
The crew were superb! Starr, especially, had wonderful stories to tell of her open ocean cruises on the Corwith Cramer.
Highly recommended.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lyrinda,
Many thanks for your kind words and great review of your recent (and past) sails on Alabama. So happy that you enjoyed it again....
Written September 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom H
Aptos, CA23 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
After a wonderful wedding on Saturday our family of 30 plus descended on the Alabama for a Sunset Sail.
The winds were blowing from 20-25 knots that created a great evening sail. The venue allows bringing food and beverages that we warmly embraced!
For an older sailing vessel it provided a great experience for ages 78 to 5 months.
The winds were blowing from 20-25 knots that created a great evening sail. The venue allows bringing food and beverages that we warmly embraced!
For an older sailing vessel it provided a great experience for ages 78 to 5 months.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShipsGalley
Plymouth, MA54 contributions
Jul 2021
This activity was definitely upsold, crew was polite, captain was bored. Capacity of boat is listed at 49, we had 25 aboard and barely had enough place to sit. No wind , so we motored out for 15minutes, raised the sails and drifted for 2 hours, heard 5 minute history of two other sailboats then coiled some rope, ate a few cheese and crackers. Watching grass grow is more exciting, wait isn't that what we did?
Black Dog really misses an opportunity here. Limit capacity to 35, drop the price for adult to $60 (& child to $35 ) or include a customer selected picnic lunch from the BD tavern. Throw in a frameable certificate and BD t-shirt. Lots of inexpensive ways for this to be properly marketed and allow customers to walkaway extolling the sailing. Crew could have sung old shanties or told tales of maritime lore, in event no wind Think out of the box.
I envision them getting out of this business in next 2-3 years (They donated their other sailboat, Shenandoah, to a non-profit.)
Black Dog really misses an opportunity here. Limit capacity to 35, drop the price for adult to $60 (& child to $35 ) or include a customer selected picnic lunch from the BD tavern. Throw in a frameable certificate and BD t-shirt. Lots of inexpensive ways for this to be properly marketed and allow customers to walkaway extolling the sailing. Crew could have sung old shanties or told tales of maritime lore, in event no wind Think out of the box.
I envision them getting out of this business in next 2-3 years (They donated their other sailboat, Shenandoah, to a non-profit.)
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ships Galley,
So sorry your experience didn't make you satisfied. Sometimes the wind doesn't cooperate....but I look forward to another time when our crew (and weather) can possibly change your opinion.
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley F
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Couples
Boat is beautiful. Crew was kind and professional. The sailing itself did not meet my expectations. I did the 3hr sunset sail and we just went out of the Vineyard haven harbor to the West Chop lighthouse and then “sailed” there for an hour. There was barely any wind so we just floated in place for an hour. I was expecting to go a further distance and see more sights. The ship itself is fascinating and I enjoyed participating in raising the sails.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So sorry we didn't get enough breeze to give you the conditions that you had hoped for. But you know....you can't control the weather. Hope to see you again on a windier (but not too windy) day.
Written July 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas G
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
Horrible experience on the Alabama sailing trip. We had an 11:30am reservation and I was called at 10:50am to tell me they made a mistake in the booking and our trip was at 11am. I had to take a $20 Uber from Oak Bluffs to make it on time. No apology. Then we arrive and hear all this complaining from staff about the mix up. Once we get on the boat the captain starts yelling at the crew for how the ship wasn’t ready, messed up knots and things out of place. The whole vibe from that point on was tense between crew and captain. Could hear the crew complaining about the captain.
We then basically sailed out of the harbor and turned around. We were also told we would get cheese and crackers. No food was provided. Then we finish this horrible trip and the crew pull out a large silver bucket and make a very loud announcement about tipping the crew! Ludicrous.
I spent $100 for myself and $100 for my 13 year old daughter along with the Uber ride and ferry ride from WH. HUGE disappointment
I live in Falmouth and work on the Vineyard. Will definitely be telling others about this experience
We then basically sailed out of the harbor and turned around. We were also told we would get cheese and crackers. No food was provided. Then we finish this horrible trip and the crew pull out a large silver bucket and make a very loud announcement about tipping the crew! Ludicrous.
I spent $100 for myself and $100 for my 13 year old daughter along with the Uber ride and ferry ride from WH. HUGE disappointment
I live in Falmouth and work on the Vineyard. Will definitely be telling others about this experience
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry that you and your family had a lousy experience. We will address the issues and try to do better going forward.
Written September 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauranyc12
New York City, NY27 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
I provided my feedback to the company with no response, so wanted to be sure to share with others looking for a boat tour.
My husband and I took a trip on the Alabama this summer for a sunset tour. We were surprised to find that after moving just out of the harbor, we stayed in one place for almost 2 hours!
I understand that sailing can depend on the weather, but when I’ve taken sailing tours in the past, the trip operators will use an engine to still provide a good experience.
We were both really disappointed in this experience, and did not feel like $200 was a fair price for a boat tour where we stayed in one place. Please consider taking another tour around MV, potentially reaching out to your hotel for suggestions on motorized or sail boats that will use their motor.
My husband and I took a trip on the Alabama this summer for a sunset tour. We were surprised to find that after moving just out of the harbor, we stayed in one place for almost 2 hours!
I understand that sailing can depend on the weather, but when I’ve taken sailing tours in the past, the trip operators will use an engine to still provide a good experience.
We were both really disappointed in this experience, and did not feel like $200 was a fair price for a boat tour where we stayed in one place. Please consider taking another tour around MV, potentially reaching out to your hotel for suggestions on motorized or sail boats that will use their motor.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justice_Sonia
Westport, MA53 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
Highlight of my vacation! Warmest thanks to Jamie Douglas & Crew. (Quote: “I’ve been on boats since I was zero years old.”) The ideal tour, lovely and relaxing; last night was my best sleep ever. What a way to spend my last night on-Island! It’s a ride like none other, with stories, and all manner of people. Impromptu gatherings are the best, thpugh you can book the whole ship if you care to.
…
A floating gem, this, replete with spur-o’-the-moment “gams” betwixt new friends. A new and joyful take on this island, to skip Coastwise Packet-style out its northeast rim, “borne aloft” by the willing-and-able captain and crew . Even Jamie’s kids put in an onshore appearance, waving i glee at yesterday’s hockey wins.
…
Like no charter I’d seen, this riff on “Sweet Home’ ‘Alabama.‘” Great folks who know and are learning the ship in equal measure. Worth every cent: out for the full three hours, taking in the sights and marveling at the workings of life aboard. Even got to volunteer to help haul up the sails. “Ready on the peak?” “Heave on the throat!” “Make it fast.”
…
This whole routine, unchanged from centuries of “wooden ships and iron men.” Cotton canvas, manila lines, stout wooden decks caulked in bolls and tar, stories or tunes wherever you turned. Ultimate mixer: “Where ya from?” “Those kids got a lot o’ bounce.” “Sounds quite a surprise!” “We’re a small family, too.”
…
Ship out to another era, a unique way of life: Marlinspike Seamanship with salty snacks. You’ll love watching the shore glide by in company with these good-hearted, trustworthy folks. Vets teach the newbies, newbies hustle to learn. It’s all fascinating. Let your light shine in that fresh, clean air, “rocked on the bosom of the deep.”
…
A floating gem, this, replete with spur-o’-the-moment “gams” betwixt new friends. A new and joyful take on this island, to skip Coastwise Packet-style out its northeast rim, “borne aloft” by the willing-and-able captain and crew . Even Jamie’s kids put in an onshore appearance, waving i glee at yesterday’s hockey wins.
…
Like no charter I’d seen, this riff on “Sweet Home’ ‘Alabama.‘” Great folks who know and are learning the ship in equal measure. Worth every cent: out for the full three hours, taking in the sights and marveling at the workings of life aboard. Even got to volunteer to help haul up the sails. “Ready on the peak?” “Heave on the throat!” “Make it fast.”
…
This whole routine, unchanged from centuries of “wooden ships and iron men.” Cotton canvas, manila lines, stout wooden decks caulked in bolls and tar, stories or tunes wherever you turned. Ultimate mixer: “Where ya from?” “Those kids got a lot o’ bounce.” “Sounds quite a surprise!” “We’re a small family, too.”
…
Ship out to another era, a unique way of life: Marlinspike Seamanship with salty snacks. You’ll love watching the shore glide by in company with these good-hearted, trustworthy folks. Vets teach the newbies, newbies hustle to learn. It’s all fascinating. Let your light shine in that fresh, clean air, “rocked on the bosom of the deep.”
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric
Springfield, IL2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This trip is an excellent way to experience Martha’s Vineyard! There were only 12 people onboard so it almost felt like a private charter at a fraction of the price. The crew are so nice, having us all help get the sails up. There is plenty of water and sparkling water on the boat so you can stay hydrated. The Alabama is an old ship. It’s so well-maintained and learning about its history is a bonus. Cannot recommend enough. A great way to spend 3 hours.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric,
I really appreciate your great review. I'm so happy that you had a great sail with us on the Alabama. Many thanks, until next time....
Written August 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KWyman-NH
Hampton, NH10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
The weather was beautiful and a respectable amount of wind, but the cruise was pretty uneventful. It took an hour to get everyone aboard before we actually started moving (thus only 2 hours away from the mooring). The crew of kids were interesting to talk with, the captain was pretty blah. He didn't seem very interested in the cruise at all. We never went past the two lighthouses that mark either side of Vineyard Sound. We sat at the edge of the sound for about an hour doing nothing. People just milled around, talking. Little to no interaction by the captain.
Not sure why they keep emphasizing that it's a "working" ship b/c any tall ship or schooner is going to be. It seems to be their excuse for little formal seating.
The cheese and cracker plate only came out in the last 45 minutes or so of the cruise and saw it once. It's not why we went (and most people brought their own food/drink).
A positive note on the captain: he was very good with the kids working for him, patient, positive and thanked them (one had come aboard to help out even though he wasn't originally on the schedule).
Not sure why they keep emphasizing that it's a "working" ship b/c any tall ship or schooner is going to be. It seems to be their excuse for little formal seating.
The cheese and cracker plate only came out in the last 45 minutes or so of the cruise and saw it once. It's not why we went (and most people brought their own food/drink).
A positive note on the captain: he was very good with the kids working for him, patient, positive and thanked them (one had come aboard to help out even though he wasn't originally on the schedule).
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes. The sunset sail is very popular. Booking for all public sails can be done online at our website.
Written April 20, 2022
Showing results 1-1 of 1