Sailing Schoolship Adventure in Suttons Bay, Michigan
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; moderate mobility needed for moving about the ship deck safely.
Overview
Sail aboard a historic schooner and become a Great Lakes scientist for the day with Inland Seas Education Association's Schoolship program in Suttons Bay. Learn, explore, and protect the environment in this hands-on outdoor adventure.
Schoolship Registration - Inland Seas
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of sailing aboard a tall ship schooner with Inland Seas Education Association's Schoolship programs. Students become scientists for the day, engaging in hands-on activities that explore the ecology of the Great Lakes. This unique adventure fosters environmental stewardship while providing unforgettable learning moments on the water.
About
Inland Seas Education Association's Schoolship programs are four-hour experiences aboard tall ship schooners in Northern Michigan. When you bring your class onboard the schooner, your students will gain unique insight into the basic ecology of the Great Lakes. Students become scientists for the day and assist seasoned volunteer instructors with the collection and analysis of Great Lakes samples, including fish, plankton, and organisms that live along the bottom (benthos). This hands-on experience increases awareness of the Great Lakes and the development of stewards.
Our Schoolship programs are suitable for students of all ages. Schooner Inland Seas sails from Suttons Bay and can accommodate up to 32 passengers. Programs offered aboard Inland Seas include NextGen - Microplastics, NextGen - Seamanship, and Diving Deeper. For complete descriptions of our program offerings, click here.
The total cost of a Schoolship experience is $825. A $100 non-refundable deposit will reserve your Schoolship date. The remaining balance of your sail will be due 30 days prior to your sail date.
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Weather on the water can change quickly, so layering helps keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Bring waterproof footwear
Non-slip, waterproof shoes are recommended to safely move around the wet deck.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin while preserving the Great Lakes ecosystem with environmentally friendly sun protection.
Listen carefully to crew instructions
Following safety and activity procedures ensures an engaging and safe adventure on deck.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Great Blue Heron
- Lake Sturgeon
History
Suttons Bay has long been an important site for maritime trade and fishing, and Inland Seas continues this legacy through education and conservation.
Conservation
Inland Seas Education Association actively promotes sustainable practices to protect Great Lakes water quality and educate the next generation about preserving freshwater ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Traverse City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Non-slip waterproof shoes
Protects your feet and prevents slips on the wet deck.
Layered clothing
Keep warm or cool by adjusting layers according to weather conditions.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste during your adventure.
Sun protection (hat and reef-safe sunscreen)
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays while supporting local ecosystems.
summer specific