Whistling Man Schooner Company
Whistling Man Schooner Company
5
Historical & Heritage Tours • Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Boat Rentals
Read more
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
Sailing cruises on Lake Champlain aboard two beautiful, wooden-rigged sloops: the Friend Ship and Wild Rose. Cruises are two hours and are BYO food and drink. Experienced crew members create a safe and entertaining sailing experience with their wealth of knowledge about the area and Lake Champlain history. Capacity is limited to 6-12 guests per ship which creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, not to mention picturesque views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. Sailing on Lake Champlain is the perfect way to reconnect with friends, family, and the outdoors. Sunset and daytime cruise options are available for public or private charters mid-May through mid-October. Bookings are accepted online and over the phone year-round. Friend Ship and Wild Rose are classic sailing sloops featuring bronze hardware, intricate rigging, and rich, highly detailed woodwork reminiscent of a time gone by. Lake Champlain is exceptional sailing territory for these historic ships.
Burlington, Vermont
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Whistling Man Schooner Company
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(99 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
988 reviews
Excellent
951
Very good
31
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Ccdsbuds
New Windsor, NY4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had the most wonderful time on a classic sloop called Friend Ship yesterday sailing with Diddy and Yeo out of Burlington, VT. After a quick, but thorough safety talk, we set sail on what the Captain called a “Goldilocks”day with perfect wind conditions. Diddy and Yeo worked seamlessly together to give us the smoothest sail we have ever experienced. The 2 hr trip was filled with interesting facts and lore about Lake Champlain and the surrounding area. We ate our lunch and then enjoyed putting our feet in the water as we explored the lake. If you plan on visiting the Burlington area, we highly recommend making a reservation online. We got one of the last time slots available for the week we visited so reserve early and don’t miss out. It was definitely a highlight of our vacation and we will be back next year.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kgoody813
Leesburg, VA54 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I booked this experience well before our trip to Burlington, based solely on the many rave reviews here; I owe it to the owner to post my own, too.
We booked a private sunset sail aboard the Wild Rose as a gift to our college age son. We don’t sail, so this was a total surprise to him and a treat for all of us. We all had a fantastic time from the moment we stepped on the dock.
Our crew, Capt. Diddy and Deckie Eddy, were so welcoming as both incredibly capable sailors, but also as hosts. We had a beautiful evening on the lake. Once out of the harbor, my 13 year old peppered them with questions and my 19 year old took it all in. When Diddy offered to let him steer, his eyes lit up. For two hours, they perfectly matched what we wanted in the activity. They delighted us with stories and “lake legends,” some lake humor, and even taught some physics and history, too! Their personalities were a perfect complement for the experience- allowing the water, sails, and sunset their rightful places as the stars, but completing the sail with their knowledge. I say they “matched” what we wanted because I imagine some groups prefer limited interaction, or seek a more insular vibe (wedding shower or proposal). I have no doubt these pros can accommodate anyone and any group!
Special shoutout to this kind, inclusive, woman-owned, small business for kicking off our vacation the best possible way!
We booked a private sunset sail aboard the Wild Rose as a gift to our college age son. We don’t sail, so this was a total surprise to him and a treat for all of us. We all had a fantastic time from the moment we stepped on the dock.
Our crew, Capt. Diddy and Deckie Eddy, were so welcoming as both incredibly capable sailors, but also as hosts. We had a beautiful evening on the lake. Once out of the harbor, my 13 year old peppered them with questions and my 19 year old took it all in. When Diddy offered to let him steer, his eyes lit up. For two hours, they perfectly matched what we wanted in the activity. They delighted us with stories and “lake legends,” some lake humor, and even taught some physics and history, too! Their personalities were a perfect complement for the experience- allowing the water, sails, and sunset their rightful places as the stars, but completing the sail with their knowledge. I say they “matched” what we wanted because I imagine some groups prefer limited interaction, or seek a more insular vibe (wedding shower or proposal). I have no doubt these pros can accommodate anyone and any group!
Special shoutout to this kind, inclusive, woman-owned, small business for kicking off our vacation the best possible way!
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maureen Underhill
9 contributions
Jul 2022
My husband and I were invited by our son and his fiancée to join them on a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain last Friday, July 15, 2022. Even though we got there only minutes before departure, Captain Obie was very friendly and welcoming. There were only 6 passengers (our group and a couple on their honeymoon), the captain and first mate. Getting everyone on board, orienting us to safety protocol, and leaving the harbor were done quickly and efficiently. Once we were underway, Trish, the first mate set up a small table in the cockpit area and served us the pizza and wine we brought aboard. The boat was comfortable and there was plenty of room for all the passengers. My son and his fiancée moved to sit on the deck area to watch the sunset.
Obie gave us an informal tour of parts of the lake, and answered all our questions about the lake, sailing, and Vermont. We enjoyed talking with her and Trish, both very professional, capable and personable women. We were very impressed with them, the beautiful boat, the cruise, and the Lake Champlain. Our evening was magical. I highly recommend this company and the sunset cruise.
Obie gave us an informal tour of parts of the lake, and answered all our questions about the lake, sailing, and Vermont. We enjoyed talking with her and Trish, both very professional, capable and personable women. We were very impressed with them, the beautiful boat, the cruise, and the Lake Champlain. Our evening was magical. I highly recommend this company and the sunset cruise.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill M
Franklin, OH6 contributions
Jul 2022
We booked an afternoon sailboat ride on Lake Champlain. The weather was gorgeous and the crew was amazing. We motored out to Juniper Island where we were able to catch a breeze and sailed around the island and back towards Burlington. The cruise was for 2 hours.
The crew (Ditty? - Owner and her mate Eddy) had lots of stories about the shipwrecks in the lake. There are 300 confirmed wrecks on the lake's floor.
They told us the story of how Juniper island was purchased for $5,000 and is it's own territory.
There is also an island in the lake that supposedly got its name from the British who tried to sink it. :)
This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. It would be better for the sunset cruise.
The crew (Ditty? - Owner and her mate Eddy) had lots of stories about the shipwrecks in the lake. There are 300 confirmed wrecks on the lake's floor.
They told us the story of how Juniper island was purchased for $5,000 and is it's own territory.
There is also an island in the lake that supposedly got its name from the British who tried to sink it. :)
This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. It would be better for the sunset cruise.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan K
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I was a solo among six people… A couple, a family and their young son, and myself. Obie, the captain, and Laszlo, the first mate, made everyone comfortable. The other craft had a large party including a lot of small children. Both on a sunset cruise, we were having fun & could hear everyone on the other boat having fun. Definitely bring extra layers because lake Champlain can get windy. The temperature drops when you get away from shore, much more than you might expect. Even if you’re wearing a pajama shirt underneath, make sure you take this trip!
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ken s
pgh38 contributions
Jul 2022
While in Vermont on vacation, I sailed on the Friendship sunset cruise on July 10 2022. Capt. Cory and Treasure went out of their way to make it quite literally the high point of my trip. The narration and "pun"-ishing banter was priceless. I have some mobility issues with my knees,and they were really helpful assisting me in getting on and off the vessel. Due to the small size of both the boat and our tour group,conversation came easy and part of the fun was getting to know each other. The beauty of the lake at sunset will captivate you. If I'm ever in the area again,I will absolutely take a repeat cruise,and if any of my friends are planning to visit the area,I will strongly recommend Whistling Man.
PS. Special thanks to my fellow passenger "J" who,because of my knee problems,was nice enough to take my phone and get me some photos from a vantage point that I could have never gotten to. The cruise happened to be on my Birthday,which was also my last night in Vermont. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend both of them.
PS. Special thanks to my fellow passenger "J" who,because of my knee problems,was nice enough to take my phone and get me some photos from a vantage point that I could have never gotten to. The cruise happened to be on my Birthday,which was also my last night in Vermont. I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend both of them.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul P
2 contributions
Jul 2022
Our family cruised on the Friend Ship. Cory & OB provided a wonderful experience, their stories about the history of the Schooner, Lake Champlain & Burlington were entertaining and informative. I would highly recommend sailing with Whistling Man Schooner if you visit the area.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dphoto5
Baldwinsville, NY76 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Whether you are from out of town or a local, I highly recommend a sail with Whistling Man Schooner Co. It will be a wonderful memory to have!
We sailed aboard The Friendship for the 6:45pm Sunset Cruise. Check in was organized. The boat was very clean. Staff were professional.
We had Captain Cory and Lazlo. Captain Cory was a lot of fun and very informative. He told us stories about the lake, shipwrecks and the area.
As suggested, we brought wine and snacks. They provided us with cups, utensils & paper products which was really nice.
What a perfect evening! The lake was like glass. It was cloudy. However, after the sun set, the sky looked like it was on fire!
I highly recommend you take your special someone, family or friends and book your sail now!
We sailed aboard The Friendship for the 6:45pm Sunset Cruise. Check in was organized. The boat was very clean. Staff were professional.
We had Captain Cory and Lazlo. Captain Cory was a lot of fun and very informative. He told us stories about the lake, shipwrecks and the area.
As suggested, we brought wine and snacks. They provided us with cups, utensils & paper products which was really nice.
What a perfect evening! The lake was like glass. It was cloudy. However, after the sun set, the sky looked like it was on fire!
I highly recommend you take your special someone, family or friends and book your sail now!
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RSangiovanni
Davie, FL214 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We sailed on the Wild Rose with Captain “Bubba” at the end of June.
We picked up some wine from Burlington Bay market just a short walk away and brought it with us to have while we were sailing. It was nice that they allowed us to do so, and convenient that they had cups and corkscrew available on the boat.
There was barely any wind so it was not the best day for sailing, but Captain “Bubba” made the best of it. He shared with us a lot of great info; everything from Lake Champlain, Lone Rock point, the Adirondack mountains, and the history of the Wild Rose to restaurant and attraction recommendations.
He was also kind enough to let our 9 year old daughter steer the boat for a little while. It truly made her day, and she went home thinking she was Moana! lol
We would highly recommend sailing
with them and we plan to use them again on our next trip to Burlington next year.
We picked up some wine from Burlington Bay market just a short walk away and brought it with us to have while we were sailing. It was nice that they allowed us to do so, and convenient that they had cups and corkscrew available on the boat.
There was barely any wind so it was not the best day for sailing, but Captain “Bubba” made the best of it. He shared with us a lot of great info; everything from Lake Champlain, Lone Rock point, the Adirondack mountains, and the history of the Wild Rose to restaurant and attraction recommendations.
He was also kind enough to let our 9 year old daughter steer the boat for a little while. It truly made her day, and she went home thinking she was Moana! lol
We would highly recommend sailing
with them and we plan to use them again on our next trip to Burlington next year.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travelingfamily4Ma
MA704 contributions
Jul 2021
We went on a 4:15 cruise on a Sunday night in July. We made our reservation a few weeks in advance and were lucky to get the last 3 seats available. We had a concern with seasickness and we’re quickly answered that it wouldn’t be a problem and they were right! The boat left right on time and pulled into the dock at 6:15 on the dot. Bubba and Trisha were our crew and were so nice and friendly. They had great stories and kept our group entertained. It was a very calm night and a nice relaxing sail. I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants to get out on the water, learn a little about the lake and area, and just have a fun time!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard M
Pittsburgh, PA43 contributions
Do you have overnight rentals?
WhistlingMan
Burlington, VT
Hello and thanks for your inquiry. No, we do not offer overnight charters. Our typical cruise duration is 2 hours, although we have done longer cruises (up to 4 hours) by request.
Best of luck in your excursion search!
Capt. Hannah
mmcnana
Chino, CA2 contributions
About to make reservations but can’t decide. Sunset or daylight. We’ll be there in mid October.
Mike S
Morris Plains, NJ2 contributions
I do not know the weather patterns that well. We did sunset and loved it. I would check weather / temperature patterns and also sunset time. Ours was 7 to 9 due to daylight savings time. Just be prepared with a jacket or sweatshirt. Out sail was very warm.
Merykein F
Orlando2 contributions
How much is the cost?
WhistlingMan
Burlington, VT
Daytime cruises are $50 per person and sunset cruises are $55 per person. More pricing information can be found on our website!
Thanks for your interest!
David U
Northampton, MA4 contributions
Hi -- we hope to book soon! Just wondering:
Can alcohol be brought aboard by passengers? Any specific rules/restrictions in that area?
How bad does the rain or wind has to be to cancel a trip? Do you cancel/refund if it's raining at all?
Thanks!
WhistlingMan
Burlington, VT
Sorry, I'm joining the answers so late, but as you've heard from previous guests: there are no restrictions on alcohol. We have wine glasses and corkscrews and bottle openers, and if we must, we'll saber the darn bottle to get it open! In the event of bad weather (either rain or strong winds) we try to give as much notice as possible about cancellation. We refund 100% if we have to cancel. We hope to see you aboard. -Mathias
melscats
East Hampton, CT98 contributions
In the event of rain on the day of scheduled sailing--do you still sail or is there the possibility of refund if the schooner is canceled. Thanks
WhistlingMan
Burlington, VT
If I have to cancel because of rain or strong winds, then I refund your charges 100%. No sense in getting charged for something you can't experience. Hope to see you aboard. -Mathias
Beverly312
Ballston Spa, NY11 contributions
What is the sailing schedule? We are 2 couples anticipating being in Burlington July 23-24 to celebrate 2 birthdays
MDubilier
Burlington, VT1 contribution
I'm so sorry that I'm only seeing this message now. If you have not booked yet through the webpage, then please give me a call and I can help do one with you on the phone. -Mathias
idaWINTER
Austin, TX8 contributions
We are in Burlington Oct 2 - Oct 9th. Please let me know the cruise times that week, and fees. There will be 4 adults.
MDubilier
Burlington, VT1 contribution
Ahoy! Our sailing schedule for the two-hour tours that week is 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and the sunset tour is 4:30 p.m. Fares are $50 per passenger. Please visit our website to make a reservation or if I can answer more questions, please call 802-825-7245. Kind regards, Capt. Mathias
