CHEBOYGAN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Chasing Giants: A 3‑Hour High‑Speed Pursuit of Great Lakes Freighters from Mackinaw City
Board OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker fast offshore boat, and spend three hours chasing and photographing Great Lakes freighters in the Straits of Mackinac — this guide orients you to the route, what to expect, and who the cruise suits.
Chasing Giants: A 3‑Hour High‑Speed Pursuit of Great Lakes Freighters from Mackinaw City.
From Mackinaw City you climb aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore fast boat, and head into the Straits of Mackinac to close with towering Great Lakes freighters. The experience is a focused, three‑hour outing: pursue the ships where they run, sail beneath the Mackinac Bridge and push as far as 20 miles offshore to get the shots and the perspective that make this one of Pappy’s Tours’ most requested cruises.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up Close with Great Lakes Freighters
The core draw is getting close to massive freighters as they transit the Straits of Mackinac: an opportunity to photograph and witness lake shipping in action from a fast, maneuverable platform.
Sail Under the Mackinac Bridge
The cruise includes a passage beneath the Mackinac Bridge, adding a dramatic framing element for photos and a close encounter with the straits’ most iconic structure.
Fast Offshore Ride Aboard OLIVE
You travel aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore fast boat run by Pappy’s Tours, designed to get you where the freighters are hiding—inshore or up to 20 miles out—during this highly requested outing.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
The pace is immediate: meet in Mackinaw City, climb aboard a nimble 24‑foot Parker, and set off into the Straits to follow the freighters. The route is flexible—you may head east or west depending on where the ships are running—and the captain will take you under the Mackinac Bridge and as far as 20 miles offshore to place you within photographic range.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise is best for — and the main age restriction to note.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a three‑hour boat tour aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore fast boat.
Meeting and boarding take place in Mackinaw City.
No specific gear requirements are listed in the supplied information.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Freighter Chasing Cruise?
The cruise lasts three hours.
Where do I meet for the cruise?
The meeting and boarding location is Mackinaw City.
What boat will we be on?
You board OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore fast boat operated by Pappy’s Tours.
How close will we get to the freighters?
The cruise is designed to get you up close to Great Lakes freighters as they traverse the Straits of Mackinac.
Is there a minimum age to join?
Yes—the outing has a minimum age of 12.
Will we go under the Mackinac Bridge?
Yes—the cruise includes a sail under the Mackinac Bridge for additional photo opportunities.
How far offshore might we go?
The trip may take you as far as 20 miles offshore to find freighters in action.