Schooner Fame Sailing Tour
Salem, USA
Schooner Fame Sailing Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Salem, USA
- 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)
- Offered in: English
Overview
Embark on an interactive sailing excursion off the coast of Salem on a replica historic privateer schooner. Great for families and anyone who gets bored easily, this adventure keeps you engaged by offering opportunities to help with tasks such as raising the sails and steering the boat. Plus, the crew shares stories about the history of Salem and the role played by privateers.
- Experience a historic sailing adventure and learn about the area’s storied past
- Take part in activities or relax and enjoy the sights
- Choose from multiple daily start times to suit your schedule
- Depart from the conveniently located Pickering Wharf Marina in downtown Salem
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 571 reviews
Corey_B, Jan 2026
I wanted to like it because it was the most expensive "excursion" or tour I had booked while visiting Salem, but it was a huge letdown and was not the thing to do solo. It was essentially a booze cruise and had very tight and close places to sit. Taking a seat on the cooler was not a wise idea, as I kept having to stand. The cannon shot was the best part, but I wish the guides had provided more details about the history along the coastline.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
It’s very unusual for us to get a two-star review. I’m sorry you did not have a good time. But if you came alone on a sold -out weekend sunset cruise in October, and sat on the drink cooler, I can understand how you might feel left out of the fun! There’s less of a focus on history on the sunset trips, and I think you would have enjoyed an earlier trip much more. The day sails are also less expensive. Finally, if you were sitting on the cooler that means you were right next to the captain. A simple question from you would have unleashed a torrent of local history, as all our captains are locals and extremely knowledgeable! It makes me sad when people have any sort of issue or complaint with our trips, but don’t speak up until it’s too late for us to do anything. We very much want all our guests to have a great time and to learn something.
Gail_D, Nov 2025
Dress very warm, and have their camera for the sunset pictures. Beverages, and chips for sale. The history of the boat and harbor very interesting.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you! Yes, it gets cool here in the fall, and sunset sails *even during the summer months* can get unexpectedly cool!
Morgan_F, Oct 2025
Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Knowledgeable. Great views. Drinks and snacks for purchase
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Glad you enjoyed your sail :)
Nikky_L, Oct 2025
The people who ran the Fame and the event were friendly, knowledgeable, and personable. Very much enjoyed that it was a smaller group on board and it was a nice trip. If you choose, you can help hoist the sails and participate or you can just enjoy the ride!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you! Would love to know what we could have done to earn a fifth star!
Alma_S, Oct 2025
Just a fabulous time!!!! An amazing experience you MUST enjoy if you visit Salem. Awesome drinks, and friendly crew aboard.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you, Alma :)
Bonnie_M, Oct 2025
Ship is amazing, crew is awesome. We had a blast. Would highly recommend taking this tour. A fun day in the harbor
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you, Bonnie :)
Susanna_P, Oct 2025
Spectacular boat - crew was great and weather unbelievable. Not too crowded and they offered snacks and drinks for additional cost.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
What a nice stretch of weather we've enjoyed :) Thanks for sailing!
Cynthia_R, Sep 2025
Well worth the price of admission. The crew was great. We had a beautiful day for our trip. The captain shared some interesting facts about the area, the type of ship and its history, and the ship we sailed on and its history. We were able to help raise the sails and one person even was able to steer the ship. It was a really relaxing and enjoyable excursion. A+
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you! We do charge less than other schooners — trying to keep it affordable for families and seniors.
Janice_L, Aug 2025
The crew was very engaging. They knew so much about the history of the area. They were also super accommodating to my 84 year old Mom. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks, Janice! Hope your mom enjoyed her sail!
Kelly_D, Aug 2025
We had a beautiful day, perfect weather for sailing. The crew was awesome and we had a really nice time. Some people helped to raise the sails and even steer the boat. Shooting the cannon was exciting!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thanks for sailing, Kelly! Glad you enjoyed it!
Jack_M, Aug 2025
The crew was great, had everything we needed for an enjoyable cruise. Highly recommended for adults and children. May do it again when we go back.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
We'll be here!
Erika_G, Aug 2025
Absolutely recommend - the captain and crew were not only fun and engaging, but they were very kind and entertaining.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you, Erika!
Melissa_E, Aug 2025
It was a nice ride around the boats and the island. My daughter helped raise the sails while we sipped our drinks. Then she also got to steer for awhile.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for sailing with us, Melissa :)
Brenda_D, Aug 2025
It was a great experience. The captain and crew asked for volunteers to hoist the sails, steer the ship and at the end, fold the flag. It does get cold in the evening, so a sweatshirt is advisable, however they do provide blankets.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thanks for the kind words, Brenda. I'd love to know what we could have done to earn five stars.
Madison_V, Jul 2025
Amazing time! We get to hoist the sails and had a nice relaxing boat ride. It was so much fun to see the cannon be set off!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Glad you enjoyed it :)
Kari_P, Jul 2025
Great experience! The crew of the schooner Fame of Salem were excellent, friendly, helpful & knowledgeable! Highly recommend!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you, we're very proud of our crew :)
Suzanne_B, Jul 2025
We had a glorious day being on the sailboat and Captain Mike and his crew made the experience relaxing and fun. It is more enjoyable experiencing a new venture when those who do this as a living seem to enjoy their jobs and sharing their knowledge with the guests. Thank you for a wonderful adventure.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks for sailing, Suzanne. Yes, we really do love our work :)
Colleen_D, Jul 2025
Beautiful boat and a kind friendly crew. My daughter and I loved the sunset sail. Would do it again and again.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Colleen, we would be delighted to sail with you again whenever you're ready :)
Arnost_C, Jul 2025
It was awesome! Beautiful day and smooth sailing! Captain was great and his mates were as well! Truly a wonderful experience !
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for sailing with us!!!
Kimberly_R, Jul 2025
The sunset cruise was amazing! The captain was knowledgeable and the crew worked smoothly. Take a jacket for the sunset cruise! Definitely worth your time!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thanks for sailing, Kimberly!
Diane_C, Jul 2025
The boat ride was very nice, but disappointed that there wasn’t much information. There was a little about the boat, but expected more about the history of Salem.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Wow, Diane, that does not sound like us at all. Are you sure you were on FAME and not another vessel? I searched for "Diane" in our booking manifests going back to the beginning of the season, and found nobody of that name.
Jessica_H, Jul 2025
Beautiful! The staff are amazing and knowledgeable. The sunset didn’t cooperate for our sunset sail but it was still magnificent
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you! Yes, the sea and sky can be beautiful, even when it's cloudy!
Christy_R, Jul 2025
Sailing was the highlight of our Salem trip. The staff on the ship are fantastic. It was fun to see them interact with the kids on board. I didn’t want to return to the dock..
Response from Host, Jul 2025
We could have kept going all the way to Portugal :)
Vic_H, Jul 2025
Great Captain and crew! We had a perfect day on the water with just the right wind in our sails. You can help raise the sails if you like or just sit and sip a beverage.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
What a lovely evening it was! Thanks for sailing!
Laura_S, Jun 2025
Was an amazing experience and the crew was fabulous! Great for families or groups of any kind. A great way to enjoy the shores of Salem. Would love to go again.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thanks for sailing, Laura!
Alexandra_E, Oct 2024
My son and I enjoyed every minute. The ship was amazing, but the crew was the cherry on top. They were so nice and accommodating. We had the very last trip of the 2024 season, and they sent off an extra cannon shot. The crew was very knowledgeable not only about the ship, but of the history of the area. We totally recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you! What a beautiful Halloween sail it was!
Marsha_F, Oct 2024
What an amazing time! Nice & friendly crew. Lots of information. And a cannon! Snacks & drinks available too.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Appreciate you!!!
Shelly_R, Oct 2024
The crew so nice, let you steer schooner and very informative. Had a great time today! Definitely recommend this excursion.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks for sailing, Shelly!
Susan_E, Oct 2024
From the beginning we felt welcomed and safe on this wonderful sailboat. The crew was very friendly and knowledgable and lots of fun. The warm cider, with or without whiskey added, was delicious and, because it was a chilly night, it warmed us inside while the blankets they had for us kept us warm on the outside. We were so lucky to have the most gorgeous sunset, and the hoisting of the sails (by volunteer guests) as well as the firing of the cannon was added entertainment. I wouldn't hesitate to book this wonderful sail. 5 STARS!!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you, Susan!
Janice_W, Oct 2024
We had a great experience on the sailing tour. Perfect weather and very relaxing. A great way to see the coast and beautiful homes.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks, Janice!
Attractions in Salem, USA
- Pickering Wharf Tours & Tickets
- Salem Witch Museum Tours & Tickets
- House of the Seven Gables Tours & Tickets
- Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) Tours & Tickets
- Salem Witch Trials Memorial Tours & Tickets
- Bewitched Statue Tours & Tickets
- Custom House Tours & Tickets
- Old Burying Point (Charter Street Cemetery) Tours & Tickets