Capture stunning images of historic tall ships sailing through Sturgeon Bay on a 3-hour photography cruise. Join Shoreline Boat Tours for an up-close maritime adventure you won’t forget.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical fitness is required; participants should be able to board boats safely and stand for periods while photographing.
Wildlife
History
Sturgeon Bay has long been a critical shipbuilding and maritime hub, with a rich heritage reflected in the Parade of Sail event and its tall ships.
Conservation
Shoreline Boat Tours follows environmentally responsible boating practices, supporting efforts to protect the bay’s water quality and marine habitats.
Shoreline Boat Tours
Capture stunning images of historic tall ships sailing through Sturgeon Bay on a 3-hour photography cruise. Join Shoreline Boat Tours for an up-close maritime adventure you won’t forget.
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 Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
Photography opportunities are plentiful on this cruise, so come prepared to keep shooting throughout the tour without running out of power or storage.
Dress in Layers
Weather on the water can change quickly, so wear layers to stay comfortable during the cruise, especially in the early morning or evening.
Use a Polarizing Filter
To reduce glare from the water and enhance the contrast of sails and sky, bring a polarizing filter for your camera lens.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures a smooth boarding experience and a good spot on deck for photos.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Capture high-quality images of the tall ships and scenic surroundings on the water.
Polarizing Filter
Helps reduce water glare and improve image clarity during bright daylight.
Layered Clothing
Keeps you comfortable by adapting to changing temperatures on the open water.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain and wind during unpredictable spring weather.
spring