Schooner Manitou - Day Tours
Schooner Manitou - Day Tours
Schooner Manitou - Day Tours
5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
The best way to "Sail YOUR True North" since 1987 and under new ownership since 2023, Traverse Tall Ship Company engages passengers in unique and breathtaking adventures under sail. With trips ranging from two hours up to multiple days, the 114-foot schooner Manitou offers unique ways to explore the Grand Traverse Bay. Manitou is the largest schooner in Michigan, and sails three times daily, has a full bar, and her afternoon sails include a free serving of ice cream!
Traverse City, Michigan
Asian-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, Women-owned
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Schooner Manitou - Day Tours
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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
5.0
1,665 reviews
Excellent
1,450
Very good
146
Average
44
Poor
14
Terrible
11
lawrenceschacht@gmail.com
28 contributions
Jul 2021
A lucky find two weeks ago from a brochure in the motel. Website purchase of our two tickets was easy. For value and convenience we recommend the linked restaurant for dinner: a fixed price 3-course meal with choice of entree, very tasty and walk-in convenient.
Perfect weather for the cruise. Crew (all except the captain were enthusiastic college summer break students) were always helpful and we learned lots of nautical terms. I was one of the 8 volunteers each on port and starboard who got to haul line and raise the main sheet (sail). Others just went along for the ride.
Perfect weather for the cruise. Crew (all except the captain were enthusiastic college summer break students) were always helpful and we learned lots of nautical terms. I was one of the 8 volunteers each on port and starboard who got to haul line and raise the main sheet (sail). Others just went along for the ride.
Written August 11, 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.
W271SVjohns
Fort Wayne, United States2 contributions
Jun 2020
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable 2 hour cruise. The crew was fantastic and the captain spent a great deal of time talking with us and explaining details of the ship and the history of the Traverse City area. We even got to “help” hoist the sails as we began our cruise and to top it off, had the best Moomers ice cream. We were also offered snacks and beverages for a small fee. I would highly recommend this trip and hope to return for another voyage!
Written June 29, 2020
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.
mcgow2012
Athens, GA1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Family
We have 3 young children (ages 3, 4, 5) and wanted to take them on something fun during our trip to Traverse City. I actually called other tour companies first thinking the Manitou would be touristy / dull, but the other companies were crazy expensive. So I called the Manitou and it fit in our budget (less than $200 for 5 people) and seemed like it was worth a try. Our boys LOVED it and I think it was way better during coronavirus than it would have been at other times b/c there were so few people (25?) on the boat due to "social distancing" restrictions. We really had a great time! Also, it was a solid 90 degrees when we left the port and we were afraid we would be burning up and fried the entire time. We did put on plenty of sunscreen and had sunglasses for everyone, but the breeze off of the water was great and we never felt too hot. The ice cream helped too!! Lastly, 2 hours was a perfect amount of time for kids. They really got to experience everything and had a great time.
Written July 27, 2020
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.
Tempesttost
Belleville, MI460 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
We enjoyed our sunset sailing and found the ship beautiful and the captain/crew to be very friendly and professional. The crew did a good job of cleaning the ship before we were allowed onboard and masks were required for entering and exiting the ship (as well as when moving around onboard). Seating was assigned to allow for social distancing and the crew wore masks throughout. Snacks and drinks were sold during the two hour trip and we were offered the opportunity to help raise the sails which was a fun experience. The cruise was a calm, relaxing, fun way to end the day in Traverse City.
Written June 19, 2020
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.
Barbie072021
Lansing, MI1 contribution
Jul 2021
The trip in itself was nice, the weather was perfect, the water was calm, and we had great seats. It was frustrating that we follow the rules as posted on the website and sent in the emails, however, we noticed some people drove right back to the launch area to park whereas we had parked a ways away per the instructions. We also noticed a group brought on coolers with their own adult beverages and nothing was said to them, so that was frustrating because if one group can get away with it, why shouldn't we all be able to do so. It took a while to get drink orders in, and get our order, no time for more. The biggest turn off was at the end when the captain starts lecturing about how we should tip his staff. I'm sorry but after paying over $50 per person and doing the calculation on how many people sailed, it adds up, so maybe he should just consider paying his people better. It was an okay trip, something everybody should do once, but I doubt I'll ever care to do it again, Oh, and one more thing to be aware of, if you buy the boat ride and dinner and you plan to do the evening tour, go eat your dinner first, we were late getting off the boat and by the time we got to the restaurant it was 8.57pm and the restaurant closes at 9:00pm. The tickets say you can go before or after the boat ride, but you won't have time for dinner after if you're on the last sail of the day.
Written July 28, 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.
Donna M
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Our family group of nine had a great time on the “Moomers” afternoon sail. A generous scoop of Ice Cream or pre-order Sorbet was served. A very nice treat as we relaxed on a beautiful day in July.
The crew was friendly, it was fun to see them hoist the sails as we set off. They told us about the history of the Manitou, ships such as this one in the waters, what each sail was. “Spoiler Alert” – the crew asked for volunteers to hoist up a sail as we set out. The crew moved rather quickly about the ship as the captain gave orders to direct sails as we changed directions in the bay. The crew worked the riggings but had time to answer any questions we had. The crew was quite engaging, as our group told a few “Pirate Jokes” and the captain joined in with a few of his own. "Why did the pirate buy an eye patch? Because he couldn’t afford an iPad" - Arrgh!
I would highly suggest this for Families or anyone. You will enjoy it. Wear a light jacket, long sleeved shirt or purchase one at the ticket office. They are really neat.
The crew was friendly, it was fun to see them hoist the sails as we set off. They told us about the history of the Manitou, ships such as this one in the waters, what each sail was. “Spoiler Alert” – the crew asked for volunteers to hoist up a sail as we set out. The crew moved rather quickly about the ship as the captain gave orders to direct sails as we changed directions in the bay. The crew worked the riggings but had time to answer any questions we had. The crew was quite engaging, as our group told a few “Pirate Jokes” and the captain joined in with a few of his own. "Why did the pirate buy an eye patch? Because he couldn’t afford an iPad" - Arrgh!
I would highly suggest this for Families or anyone. You will enjoy it. Wear a light jacket, long sleeved shirt or purchase one at the ticket office. They are really neat.
Written July 21, 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.
Lisa K
Portage, IN44 contributions
Sep 2021
My husband and I and another couple of our friends enjoyed a four-day cruise around the Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan aboard the Tall Ship Manitou in late September 2021. There were 22 passengers total and we met some interesting people. There was never a lack of conversation and stories to hear or tell. The theme for the trip was Michigan's Haunted Lighthouse, a book written by Dianna Stampfler, who in the evenings provided wonderful insights into Michigan's lighthouse history and ghosts as well as female lighthouse keepers. The captain, Jamie, and the whole crew were gracious and attentive. We got to try our hands at raising and lowering the sails, piloting the ship, and experience how much work it takes to sail a ship that size. The cook, Lexi, was phenomenal! She prepared wonderful meals on a wood burning stove in the galley and every dish was a treat. The weather was fantastic for late in September and we enjoyed calm winds and sunny days. As part of the trip we toured the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, hiked on Power Island, had a sea shanty sing-a-long one night with the captain who played the mandolin, and explored shops at Suttons Bay. For a first time sailing experience we couldn't have asked for a better time. It was a great adventure!
Written October 15, 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.
Laura M
1 contribution
Jun 2021
We went on the Father’s Day Bruch cruise. It was a wonderful experience. Check in was easy, the food was amazing, the crew was fantastic, friendly, engaged in conversation with the passengers and answered everyone’s questions. Captain Lily was very informative about the ship and the history of schooners. The views were beautiful. We would highly recommend taking a Tall Ship sail when in the Traverse City area.
Written June 22, 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.
Deb L
Cleveland, OH42 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We went on sunset sail on Aug 10 with large group of 14 adults and 3 kids. There were 7 young adults in our party. They brought beverages on board in a bag. Captain Lilly told them they could not bring beverages on board. However she was very nasty about it and even threatened to throw their bag overboard. Lilly did not realize at first we were all together. My sons also brought water on board but were able to keep their water while sitting with me. I did not appreciate her attitude at all - for most of the cruise, Captain Lilly was looking at her phone. This was such a contrast to glowing reviews for Captain Brett from prior Tall Ship sunset sails who was incredible with ALL passengers for the entire sunset cruise. Choose your captains wisely!!
Written August 13, 2020
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.
Normajean1937
Erie, MI348 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Had a great time with the Manitou crew yesterday morning. We had beautiful weather & the two hour sail flew by. The crew assigned the seating for the passengers and did a great job spacing each group out around the ship. This is probably the best time to go because their limiting the amount of guests. Masks were required when boarding and while walking around ship and when disembarking. The bar tender did a great job mixing the drinks and a crew member brought them to you. 1 drink was complimentary. Would recommend that you try Chef Lexi’s muffins they were very good. $50 pp. Remember to tip the crew generously they work hard to give a great experience.
Written August 22, 2020
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.
milleba2018
Grand Ledge, Michigan
How much does the day tour cost? Do you have an evening sail that includes dinner? Price please.
Written June 27, 2018
schoonermanitou
Traverse City, Michigan
Please see our website for up-to-date prices. We do offer a dinner package, but the only meal we serve on the boat is brunch.
Written July 5, 2024
For the bed and breakfast which includes the sail. After the sail are we able to head into town for the evening and take in some of the activities? Thinking of coming this weekend.
Written June 26, 2018
I would call the authority that oversees and manages the tall ship ManitOu and Ask them because they would be the best resource. But I’m going to imagine that after the evening sale they would be likely to allow you to go into town and visit a restaurant or at night club.
Ask them because they would be the best resource. But I’m going to imagine that after the evening sale they would be likely to allow you to go into town and visit a restaurant or at night club. Unbelievably great tour, very relaxing and a heck of a lot of fun!
Written June 27, 2018
Hello there,
Alcohol, of staff preference, is aboard and only purchasable while at sail. It is requested you not bring your own alcohol. Best.
Written August 17, 2017
Are there any discounts for this anywhere?
Written July 28, 2016
If you look upTravel Key, they offer a discount on the Noon Cruise.
Written July 29, 2016
schoonermanitou
Traverse City, Michigan
Yes, we have a wheelchair-accessible dock and the main deck spaces are wheelchair-accessible.
Written July 5, 2024
schoonermanitou
Traverse City, Michigan
Yes, Manitou is accessible! We have a wheelchair lift to access the deck.
Written July 30, 2024
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