How long is the cruise?

Typical sailings last about 90 minutes; check the booking page for exact start and end times.

Does a portion of my ticket go to lighthouse restoration?

Yes — a portion of ticket sales supports the Save Our Light Campaign for Muskegon lighthouse preservation.

Is the cruise suitable for children and seniors?

Yes. The pace is gentle and family-friendly, but passengers with limited mobility should check boarding accommodations with the operator.

Can I bring food or drink on board?

Policies vary by operator; small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are often allowed but confirm when you book.

What happens in bad weather?

Sailings may be canceled or rescheduled for safety in high winds or storms; you’ll be notified by the booking provider with refund or rebooking options.

Pet policies vary; service animals are generally permitted, but check the operator’s rules for non-service pets before booking.

Save Our Lighthouse Cruise on the Aquastar in Muskegon, MI

Sailing out of Muskegon aboard the Aquastar is less a boat ride than a front-row seat to the raw edges of Lake Michigan and a civic cause you can join. The Specialty Cruise—Save Our Lighthouse Cruise pairs a relaxed, ninety-minute loop past Muskegon’s pier and historic lighthouse with informed commentary about local maritime history; a portion of every ticket supports the Save Our Light Campaign to preserve the light for future visitors. From the water the pierhead light reads clearly against wide sky: painted steel and concrete built to resist ice and storm, its silhouette marked by ladders, catwalks, and the squat lantern room that once guided freighters into the harbor. This cruise excels because it compresses so many local stories into a short trip. You’ll pass the breakwater, where waves drum and foam, and skirt shallow shoals where migrating waterfowl bulk up in spring. Natural features stand out — the low sand dunes that give way to scrub oak, the sharp contrast between the harbor’s ironwork and the soft gradient of lake color, and the occasional band of ice in early spring that clacks against pilings. Crew narration points out construction details on the lighthouse, explains why the light matters to commercial shipping, and explains how local volunteers work to restore metalwork and lantern glass. Why book it? For photographers the angle from the Aquastar is unmatched: a lighthouse framed by open water and sky, reflections at golden hour, and dramatic cloud lines when a front moves through. Families appreciate the easy pace and accessible boarding, while history-minded travelers will value the on-board context about Great Lakes commerce and coastal life. The cruise also offers civic satisfaction; your fare helps fund maintenance that would otherwise fall to weather and time. Plan to arrive early to walk the Muskegon waterfront before departure, check wind and water conditions, and bring layered clothing—the lake can be ten degrees colder than shore. The experience is especially rewarding at sunset or during spring migration, when birds and light make the pierhead come alive. Whether you care about lighthouses, local history, or simply a clean, restorative hour on the water, the Save Our Lighthouse Cruise on the Aquastar offers an accessible, purposeful way into Muskegon’s maritime landscape. Onboard you’ll find covered seating, steady speeds that suit conversation and photography, and crew members happy to answer questions about restoration timelines and how donations are used. The trip is family-friendly and accessible to most mobility levels, though those who use wheelchairs should check boarding specifics with the operator. The cruise operates primarily in warmer months but offers select shoulder-season sailings that highlight migrating birds and colder-weather light; exact schedule is on the booking link. Check availability online.

About AQUASTAR

AQUASTAR is a passenger cruise operator offering scheduled and private cruises on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. The company operates themed public cruises—Mariachi Cruise, Flip Flop Parrot Head Cruise, Afternoon Cruise, Sunset Cruise—and hosts community events such as the Reading Caravan Fundraiser and bespoke Private Event charters. AQUASTAR focuses on curated onboard experiences that combine scenic lake passages, live music performances, and food and beverage service from a full bar.

Trips commonly feature sunset viewing, seasonal live entertainment (for example, Mariachi Almann on the Mariachi Cruise and Two Dudes in Flip Flops on the Parrot Head Cruise), event-specific raffles and giveaways, and opportunities to meet community guests such as sports team members during fundraising cruises. Public cruises typically last approximately two hours for scheduled sunset and themed runs; private charters are arranged for celebrations including weddings, reunions, and birthdays.

AQUASTAR highlights local landmarks along Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake and encourages early arrival and warm clothing for evening sails. Onboard amenities include a cash bar or full bar depending on the cruise, packaged food and drink service, and event staff for ticketed fundraisers and private bookings. The operator supports community causes through special-occasion raffles and charity partnerships on select cruises.

Passengers choose AQUASTAR for scenic water views, themed entertainment, and flexible private event options in West Michigan waterways. Reservations are recommended to secure preferred sailing dates and seating. Staff follows local safety guidelines and guests may book tickets online, by phone, or at the dock prior to departure;

Save Our Lighthouse Cruise on the Aquastar in Muskegon, MI

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