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Spend a peaceful two hours sailing Suttons Bay’s Great Lakes waters under a pristine night sky guided by an expert astronomer. Discover constellations and lake tranquility beyond city limits.
Spend a peaceful two hours sailing Suttons Bay’s Great Lakes waters under a pristine night sky guided by an expert astronomer. Discover constellations and lake tranquility beyond city limits.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Inland Seas Education Association · Suttons Bay, Michigan
easy.
2 hours.
Light physical activity; passengers should be comfortable sitting or standing for extended periods
No, this is a guided sail suitable for beginners and non-sailors.
No, guests may bring their own beverages, but alcoholic drinks are subject to policy.
Trips may be rescheduled or canceled for safety if conditions are unsafe or visibility is poor.
Guests should verify age restrictions directly with the operator, but generally suitable for older children.
The vessel has partial shelter, but guests should prepare for open-air conditions.
Sails are typically limited to small groups to maintain an intimate atmosphere and safe sailing.
Suttons Bay has been a hub for Great Lakes commerce and navigation since the 19th century, with maritime traditions still alive today.
The operator emphasizes low-impact sailing and educates guests on protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem from light and water pollution.
Inland Seas Education Association provides immersive Great Lakes education through hands-on sailing trips, STEM programs, and group lodging. Operating historic tall ships including the 105' schooner Alliance and the 77' schooner Inland Seas, the organization delivers public sails, schoolship science expeditions, night sky cruises, and watershed exploration programs that connect participants with lake ecology. Programs offered include Schoolship registration aboard both Alliance and Inland Seas, four-hour student research cruises where learners collect and analyze aquatic samples, and fisheries netting sails that support Michigan DNR research. The ROV Engineer and Explore program guides students to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles, blending engineering practice with marine stewardship. Public experiences include Night Sail events in Traverse City and Suttons Bay and Schooner Showcase sails that place guests among majestic tall ships on Grand Traverse Bay. For residential groups, dormitory lodging at the Capt. Thomas M. Kelly Biological Station accommodates up to 12 guests in a quiet Suttons Bay setting. The organization emphasizes curriculum-aligned lessons, certified instructors, and partnerships with regional researchers to ensure educational rigor and safety. By combining authentic sailing with hands-on science, Inland Seas Education Association fosters environmental stewardship, inspires future scientists and mariners, and offers repeatable programs tailored to school groups, families, and adult learners. Participants can expect professional crew, clearly defined learning objectives, and opportunities to contribute real data to regional research efforts.
Book with Inland Seas Education Association