Discover the beauty of West Grand Traverse Bay with a private noon cruise in Traverse City. Perfect for relaxing, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting, this experience offers a peaceful escape on the water.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical activity required; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Nauti Cat has been operating in Traverse City for over 20 years, offering intimate and personalized boat experiences along Lake Michigan's waters.
Conservation
Nauti Cat emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including responsible wildlife viewing and minimizing environmental impact during cruises.
Nauti Cat
Discover the beauty of West Grand Traverse Bay with a private noon cruise in Traverse City. Perfect for relaxing, sightseeing, and wildlife spotting, this experience offers a peaceful escape on the water.
Nauti Cat is a Traverse City, Michigan catamaran operator offering a diverse lineup of public and private cruises on West Grand Traverse Bay. Operating the large Nauti-Cat catamaran, the company specializes in short recreational sails, themed events, and family-friendly outings.
Public departures include the Happy Hour Cruise featuring sailing participation and the Shot-Ski, the family-focused Kids Cruise where children can raise sails and steer, and the Champagne Sunset Cruise with complimentary champagne while sailing past homes on Old Mission Peninsula. Daytime options include Noon and Early Noon Cruises ideal for sunbathing and relaxed sailing, with speeds up to 14 knots noted on some departures. Special event sails range from the Fireworks Cruise and National Cherry Festival Air Show viewing to live entertainment nights such as Dixon's Violin and burlesque variety shows aboard the largest catamaran.
Amenities on board commonly include nets for lounging, a full cash bar on daytime sails, and crew-led sailing activities that engage guests of all ages. Departure and route details focus on West Grand Traverse Bay and sights along Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Nauti Cat attracts both locals and visitors seeking memorable waterborne experiences in Traverse City. Safety-conscious operations and themed programming make the Nauti-Cat a reliable choice for groups, families, and visitors seeking sightseeing, sunset views, or event-based cruises on Grand Traverse Bay. Scheduled departures operate throughout the summer season with options for private charters and special-event bookings tailored to group size and occasion available upon advance reservation today.
Location
Traverse City
Operates on West Grand Traverse Bay
Tours Offered
10 Tours
Public and special-event sails
Trip Durations
1.5–2 hours
Short excursions and sunset sails
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Curated local tourism listing
Book family sails, champagne sunset cruises, or special-event viewings on West Grand Traverse Bay — limited seats available.
Arrive Early for the best seats
Get to the dock at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to secure optimal seating and settle in comfortably.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers or a light jacket, especially if you plan to stay on deck during the cruise, as temperatures can vary midday.
Bring a camera or binoculars
Capture scenic views and wildlife sightings; binoculars also enhance your chances of spotting distant birds or marine animals.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen
Enjoy the outdoor experience comfortably by protecting yourself from sun exposure and keeping water nearby.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UV rays while spending extended time on the deck.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keep prepared for cooler breezes, especially around midday or in fall and winter.
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities from the boat.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your cruise to ensure a comfortable experience.