THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail on Grand Traverse Bay with Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters. From day sails to sunset cruises, experience Traverse City’s vibrant waters firsthand with skilled local captains.
Set sail on Grand Traverse Bay with Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters. From day sails to sunset cruises, experience Traverse City’s vibrant waters firsthand with skilled local captains.
Traverse City, Michigan, is a gateway to freshwater sailing adventures on the glassy waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters LLC delivers an authentic, locally-rooted way to engage with this stunning region’s maritime spirit. Their diverse fleet and variety of experiences—from Two Hour Day Sails to Sunset Cruises—offer a hands-on connection to the bay’s unique geography, history, and natural allure.
Grand Traverse Bay is known for its deep blue waters, sheltered arms, and scenic limestone bluffs along the shoreline. The bay’s dynamic winds and calm stretches provide ideal conditions for sailing newcomers and seasoned sailors alike. Seaside Sailing’s custom-designed excursions tailor each trip to match skill level and interest, from learning steering and sail trim to relaxing as the sun dips below the horizon.
Captain Gerry, praised for his patient instruction and wealth of local knowledge, brings the history of Traverse City’s maritime roots to life. His stories trace back to the bay’s logging and shipping heritage, while his passion for safety makes every trip seamless and comfortable. The intimate experience often includes stops around Power Island, where limestone formations meet dense forest and quiet beaches.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters LLC · Traverse City, Michigan
Specialty events like the Fireworks Excursion and Airshow Excursion provide spectacular ways to see Traverse City’s celebrations from the water, while the Marriage Excursion offers an unconventional but unforgettable setting for weddings or anniversaries. Guests consistently highlight the personal touches—local chocolates, wine from nearby vineyards, and Captain Gerry’s songs—that transform a day sail into a memorable chapter of their visit.
Whether you’re chasing a breezy afternoon cruise or a meaningful moment on the bay, Seaside Sailing Excursions anchors an essential part of Traverse City’s outdoor experience, marrying hands-on sailing pleasures with the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
easy.
2–4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required; mostly seated or light movement on deck.
No prior sailing experience is needed; Captain Gerry provides instruction suited to your comfort level.
Guests may bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks; some charters offer local wine or treats onboard.
Trips may be rescheduled or refunded in the event of unsafe weather conditions to ensure guest safety.
Yes, Seaside Sailing Excursions specializes in custom-designed voyages including weddings and special events.
Group sizes vary, but most charters comfortably accommodate small groups for a personalized experience.
Yes, ample parking is available near the marina or launch area in Traverse City.
Traverse City’s sailing history dates back to the mid-1800s when the bay supported the regional lumber and shipping industries.
Seaside Sailing Excursions practices low-impact boating to preserve water quality and protects sensitive coastal habitats.
Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters LLC operates premier private charters from Traverse City, Michigan, offering curated sailing experiences aboard the well-maintained sailing vessel Impulse. With a focus on safety, hospitality, and memorable moments, the company runs a variety of excursions including fireworks and airshow views, Power Island day trips, two-hour day sails, sunset sails, custom-designed private charters, and intimate boat weddings officiated by Captain Ger. Captain Ger brings more than 50 years of sailing and charter experience, combining professional seamanship with personable service. As a licensed captain and clergy, Ger officiates marriage ceremonies on board and provides all-inclusive options tailored to couples, families, and small groups. The Impulse is described as a luxurious, comfortable Catalina C-310 equipped for picnics, swimming stops, and relaxed coastal cruising. Seaside Sailing emphasizes transparent booking, clear pre-trip communication, and a relaxed, guest-focused atmosphere. Trips allow guests to bring favorite snacks and drinks while the crew handles navigation, safety briefings, and route planning. Experiences cater to families, couples, proposal celebrations, LGBTQIA-friendly ceremonies, and travelers seeking a private vantage point for local events such as fireworks and airshows. Local knowledge of Grand Traverse Bay and years of repeat clientele contribute to the company’s reputation for reliability. Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters LLC presents a trustworthy option for guests seeking personalized, small-group sailing excursions anchored in experience, safety, and memorable service. The Impulse is regularly maintained, equipped with required safety gear, and every trip begins with a passenger safety briefing and clear emergency procedures and inspections.
Traverse City, Michigan, is a gateway to freshwater sailing adventures on the glassy waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Seaside Sailing Excursions & Charity Charters LLC delivers an authentic, locally-rooted way to engage with this stunning region’s maritime spirit. Their diverse fleet and variety of experiences—from Two Hour Day Sails to Sunset Cruises—offer a hands-on connection to the bay’s unique geography, history, and natural allure.
Grand Traverse Bay is known for its deep blue waters, sheltered arms, and scenic limestone bluffs along the shoreline. The bay’s dynamic winds and calm stretches provide ideal conditions for sailing newcomers and seasoned sailors alike. Seaside Sailing’s custom-designed excursions tailor each trip to match skill level and interest, from learning steering and sail trim to relaxing as the sun dips below the horizon.
Captain Gerry, praised for his patient instruction and wealth of local knowledge, brings the history of Traverse City’s maritime roots to life. His stories trace back to the bay’s logging and shipping heritage, while his passion for safety makes every trip seamless and comfortable. The intimate experience often includes stops around Power Island, where limestone formations meet dense forest and quiet beaches.
Specialty events like the Fireworks Excursion and Airshow Excursion provide spectacular ways to see Traverse City’s celebrations from the water, while the Marriage Excursion offers an unconventional but unforgettable setting for weddings or anniversaries. Guests consistently highlight the personal touches—local chocolates, wine from nearby vineyards, and Captain Gerry’s songs—that transform a day sail into a memorable chapter of their visit.
Whether you’re chasing a breezy afternoon cruise or a meaningful moment on the bay, Seaside Sailing Excursions anchors an essential part of Traverse City’s outdoor experience, marrying hands-on sailing pleasures with the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.