Sail aboard the historic Schooner Alabama off Martha’s Vineyard and experience maritime beauty and history firsthand. Join this memorable day trip for all ages.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Everyone should be in good health; minimal physical effort required for participation.
Wildlife
History
The Alabama has been part of Martha’s Vineyard’s sailing community for decades, representing the classic New England schooner tradition.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes eco-friendly practices, such as minimized waste and marine preservation efforts.
Black Dog Tall Ships
Sail aboard the historic Schooner Alabama off Martha’s Vineyard and experience maritime beauty and history firsthand. Join this memorable day trip for all ages.
Black Dog Tall Ships is a Tisbury, Massachusetts–based sailing operator that runs signature excursions aboard the historic Schooner Alabama.
The company offers a range of public and private sails that showcase Martha’s Vineyard coastal scenery and maritime heritage. Day Sail cruises invite groups to join the crew in raising sails or relax on deck with a glass of wine while cruising Vineyard waters. The Sunset Sail is a three-hour outing tailored for couples and families seeking evening views and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. The Fireworks Cruise / Oak Bluffs departs for a sunset sail and anchors near the Oak Bluffs fireworks display; guests are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets for an unobstructed waterfront perspective.
Black Dog Tall Ships emphasizes accessible, memorable experiences suitable for a wide range of guests and group sizes. The vessel, Schooner Alabama, provides a historic platform for interpreting local seafaring traditions while delivering recreational sailing. Operations are based from Tisbury, making embarkation convenient for visitors staying on Martha’s Vineyard. Bookings typically cover single sails, seasonal events, and special occasion charters, offering flexible options for island visitors and residents. Safety procedures, crew-managed sail handling, and guided onboard routines support guest comfort during each voyage. Advance reservations are recommended during peak island season to secure preferred dates and group arrangements. Black Dog Tall Ships connects island visitors to classic New England sailing through curated daytime, sunset, and fireworks cruises that highlight coastal vistas, maritime history, and relaxed, social time on the water. Ideal for memorable island outings.
Location
Tisbury, MA
Sail from Martha’s Vineyard harbor
Vessel
Schooner Alabama
Historic schooner platform
Sunset Sail
3 hours
Three-hour evening cruise
Tours Offered
3
Day, Sunset, Fireworks cruises
Book a Day Sail, three-hour Sunset Sail, or Oak Bluffs Fireworks Cruise — advance reservations recommended.
Arrive early
Get ahead of the crowds to secure the best spot on the schooner.
Dress for the weather
Bring layered clothing and sun protection for a comfortable experience.
Participate actively
Help raise the sails or handle lines for a more immersive experience.
Bring water and snacks
Stay hydrated and keep energy levels up during the cruise.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun's glare on the water.
Wide-brim hat
Shield your face from sun exposure during the cruise.
Sunblock
Prevent sunburn while enjoying time on deck.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate.