Set sail on a 2-hour scenic cruise through Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Discover historic shipwrecks, lighthouses, and more while enjoying fun family activities and expert storytelling.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, requires only the ability to board the boat.
Wildlife
History
Sturgeon Bay has a rich maritime history, once serving as a critical shipping and shipbuilding hub in Door County.
Conservation
This cruise supports local educational groups dedicated to preserving Door County's waterways and maritime heritage.
Shoreline Boat Tours
Set sail on a 2-hour scenic cruise through Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Discover historic shipwrecks, lighthouses, and more while enjoying fun family activities and expert storytelling.
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.
Arrive Early for the Best Seating
Get to the dock at least 15 minutes before departure to choose a comfortable seat with optimal views.
Dress in Layers
Lake breezes can be cool and unpredictable, so bring layered clothing for changing weather conditions.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning lighthouses, shipwrecks, and scenic vistas throughout the cruise.
Wear Sunscreen and a Hat
Protect yourself from sun exposure on the open water, especially during summer months.
Layered Clothing
Allows you to stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate on the water.
Sun Hat
Keeps you shaded and protected from strong sun during the cruise.
summer
Binoculars
Great for getting a closer look at distant lighthouses and wildlife.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the 2-hour scenic cruise.