TRAVERSE CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two-Hour Sails from Traverse City — Morning Calm to Afternoon Wind
A 2-hour sailing outing on Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan with complimentary drinks and optional swims; this guide explains timing, gear and what to expect on Sunshine Charters' Daily Sailing Trip.
Two-Hour Sails from Traverse City — Morning Calm to Afternoon Wind.
Set out from the Traverse City region for a concise, two-hour taste of northern Michigan sailing — typically visiting both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan — with options to swim, complimentary cold drinks onboard, and distinct morning versus afternoon conditions that shape what you’ll experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dual-lake Cruising — Charlevoix to Lake Michigan
The trip typically visits both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, offering a mix of sheltered water and open-lake sailing for varied scenery and sailing conditions.
Morning Calm, Afternoon Power
Morning sails tend to be light and family-friendly; afternoons are usually the best time for stronger wind and a more energized sail — choose your departure to match the kind of day you want.
Cold Drinks and a Swim Option
Sunshine Charters provides ice-cold pop and water onboard; passengers are welcome to bring food and additional beverages, and both morning and afternoon sails commonly include chances to swim or ‘drag’ behind the boat.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like
Two hours aboard feels like a deliberate pause from shore: morning departures offer gentler breeze and a softer horizon for families and casual swimmers, while afternoon trips deliver livelier wind and broader sightseeing before you head back to shore — all complemented by complimentary drinks and a relaxed, social onboard atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits best — and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunscreen, swimsuit and towel, camera, jacket or sweatshirt, and any snacks or lunch you want — the operator provides ice-cold pop and water.
Complimentary cold pop and water are provided; guests are welcome to bring additional food and beverages aboard.
Plan for sun and wind: a swimsuit for optional swimming, plus a jacket or sweatshirt for cooler breezes off the lake.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sailing trip?
The outing is two hours long.
When does the sailing season run?
The season typically begins in early June and lasts through Labor Day.
Can passengers swim during the trip?
Yes — both morning and afternoon sails may include opportunities to swim; afternoon trips specifically note that passengers may swim or 'drag' on lines behind the boat.
What are the rates for adults and children?
Adults (ages 13+) are $35 (rising to $40 after July 1); children ages 12 and under are $25.
Are food and drinks allowed onboard?
Yes — Sunshine Charters provides ice-cold pop and water, and guests are welcome to bring any food or additional beverages.
Should I choose a morning or afternoon sail?
Choose morning for lighter winds and a family-friendly pace; choose afternoon for stronger winds and more active sailing conditions.