Pirate Cruise in Pentwater Michigan: Family-Friendly Lake Michigan Adventure
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no strenuous activity required
Overview
Set sail on Lake Michigan with the Pirate Cruise in Pentwater, Michigan—a fun, family-friendly boat trip filled with pirate stories, lake views, and interactive activities. Discover why this is an essential experience for visitors to Pentwater’s harbor.
Pirate Cruise
Ages 3+ • 1 Hour • Up to 15 People
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Set sail on a thrilling treasure hunt around Pentwater Lake and into Lake Michigan! Join the Captain and Crew for a fun-filled hour of adventure, history, and pirate antics. Bring your watergun and prepare for encounters with other pirates while ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all young scallywags!
Ahoy me hearties! Avast ye!
Duration
One Hour
About
Join our Captain and Crew for a cruise around Pentwater Lake and out to Lake Michigan (weather and lake conditions permitting), searching for treasure! Mom and Dad might learn a bit about Pentwater’s history, but this is mostly just a fun ride around the lake. Carouse (I mean cruise) on the lake and call out to the landlubbers you see! All scallywags (minors) must be accompanied by enough adults to keep the carousing safe. Blow me down, the Lake Sturgeon will be the scourge of the lake! Only the Captain and First Mate (docent) are exempt from Walking The Plank!
Parlay with your parents or other trustworthy adults so you don’t miss the boat.
What to Bring
The pirate ship's armory is limited. Bring a watergun if you dare. We often encounter other pirates during our cruise.
Please Note
All passengers age 12 and under must wear a life jacket.
We need at least three paid seats in order to run a cruise. If you have only one or two in your party, and yours is the only reservation, we will work with you to switch to another cruise or refund your fare.
Adventure Tips
Bring Sunscreen and a Hat
Lake Michigan’s reflection intensifies sun exposure during the cruise—protect your skin with SPF and cover.
Arrive Early for Boarding
The harbor can get busy in summer; arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to secure your spot.
Dress in Layers
Lake breezes can be cool even in summer, so layered clothing helps you stay comfortable on deck.
Motion Sickness Preparedness
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider medication or ginger—Lake Michigan waves can sway gently but enough to unsettle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common loons seen along the shoreline
- White-tailed deer found in nearby forested areas
History
Pentwater’s harbor has served as a shipping and fishing port since the late 19th century, blossoming into a summer resort town by the early 1900s.
Conservation
The Pirate Cruise operator follows eco-friendly boating practices to minimize fuel emissions and protect Lake Michigan’s shoreline habitats.
Select participants and date
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from sun exposure on the open water.
summer specific
Wide-Brim Hat
Shields your face and neck from direct sunlight during the cruise.
summer specific
Light Windbreaker
Helps keep warm against cool lake breezes in spring and fall.
spring specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while spending time outdoors on the boat.