Set sail on a 2-hour photography cruise in Sturgeon Bay capturing stunning tall ships like the Liberty Clipper. Enjoy wide views, expert insights, and scenic beauty on this one-of-a-kind maritime photo adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Low physical fitness required; mostly seated with light movement on the boat.
Wildlife
History
Sturgeon Bay has been a vital shipbuilding and shipping hub since the 19th century, with tall ships representing its rich maritime heritage.
Conservation
Shoreline Boat Tours practices eco-friendly boating to minimize impact on lake ecosystems and promote clean waterways.
Shoreline Boat Tours
Set sail on a 2-hour photography cruise in Sturgeon Bay capturing stunning tall ships like the Liberty Clipper. Enjoy wide views, expert insights, and scenic beauty on this one-of-a-kind maritime photo adventure.
Shoreline Boat Tours, based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, operates a diverse set of narrated and photography-focused boat cruises and private charters. The company offers specialized tall-ship photography cruises, scenic cruises of Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor, a working-waterfront history tour, and fully customizable private charters that can include catering or live music.
Narration and historical visuals accompany the Sturgeon Bay Scenic Cruise and the Working Waterfront tour, while photography-focused trips provide wide-open viewing for capturing tall ships such as Liberty Clipper and Pride of Baltimore II. Parade of Sail photography cruises offer extended time on the water to photograph multiple historic vessels during sail events. Private charters allow guests to choose route, narration style, and onboard experiences like becoming an honorary First Mate, and Baileys Harbor charters focus on shipwrecks, lighthouses, and coastal scenery.
Tours range from 90 minutes to three hours, with many signature cruises lasting two hours. Family-friendly activities and support for local educational partners are part of program descriptions. Boat-based access to historic ships, lighthouses, and shipwreck sites provides unique photographic and interpretive opportunities. Shoreline Boat Tours emphasizes customizable experiences, outdoor viewing, and expert narration tailored to each cruise. All trip summaries describe factual routes, durations, and onboard options; prospective guests can choose between public cruises and private charters to match interests, photography goals, or family outings on the water. Detailed booking information, exact schedules, accessibility details, and current pricing are available through Shoreline Boat Tours' official reservation channels and third-party partners where listed for planning purposes.
Location
Sturgeon Bay, WI
Based in Sturgeon Bay
Tours Offered
8 distinct tours
Photography, scenic, history, private
Duration Range
90–180+ min
Short to extended cruise options
Private Charters
Customizable
Catering, music, route choices
Book a photography cruise, scenic tour, or private charter to explore historic tall ships, lighthouses, and Door County shoreline.
Bring a Zoom Lens
A zoom lens helps capture detailed close-ups of the tall ships from a distance without disturbing the experience.
Dress in Layers
Lake Michigan breezes can be cool even on warm days; layering ensures comfort during the cruise.
Arrive Early to Secure Seating
Arriving 15-20 minutes before departure increases your chances of getting a good spot for unobstructed photography.
Use Polarizing Filters
A polarizer reduces glare from water and enhances sky and sail colors, improving photo quality.
Camera with Zoom Lens
Captures detailed images from a distance, essential for photographing ships on the water.
Polarizing Filter
Reduces water glare and enhances colors in your photos.
Windbreaker Jacket
Protects against cool breezes common during spring cruises.
spring
Sunscreen
Prevents sunburn due to extended exposure on the open water.
summer