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Sailing on Historic Schooner Yacht in Salem, MA

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Salem, USA
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Theresa_H ·
Oct 2025
Great crew, fun ride. Staff was super knowledgeable. I felt safe on the boat. Love the hot apple cider and wish they had medium sized shirts.
· Eleanor_W ·
Oct 2025
Where to start?!? The crew was amazing and sooo knowledgeable. The ride was just interactive enough while also being so relaxing. It was a great way to get out on the water, learn a little something and relax! 11/10!!

Overview

Set sail at along the Massachusetts' North Shore, during your visit to Salem. Board the historic schooner yacht What and If and drift along the coastline, taking in the sights of Salem. Relax on the deck or take a turn at the wheel of this beautifully restored classic sailing yacht, which was built in 1939 by General George Patton. Soft drinks and bottled water are provided, and a cash bar is available on board.
  • Sailing trip aboard a classic schooner yacht in Salem
  • Ideal for couples or travelers celebrating a special occasion
  • Unobstructed views of Salem's coastline from a boat on the bay
  • Choose from multiple departure times to best suit your schedule

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Full Bar available for purchase onboard!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 10 Blaney St, Salem, MA 01970, USA

    The When And If is docked at 10 Blaney Street in Salem, MA. Most days there is ample parking at the dock but just in case, we recommend arriving atlas 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure enough time to find parking.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Sunset Sail Salem

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

2

Salem

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Marblehead (Pass By)

Misery Islands (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Gangway may have steep inclines varying with the tide, take care when heading down to the ship
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Jennifer_P
I have been on many boats in my life and this was truly one of the best experiences. The Malabar was stunning, the crew was amazing, and the views around the Salem harbour were spectacular. The history of the vessel was fascinating and Captain Seth answered everyones questions with such knowledge and passion. Not to mention the dark and stormies they made us were really delicious. This was the perfect way to spend my husband and my anniversary. I would 10/10 reccomend this experience.

Reviews

4.9
based on 172 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Sailing in Salem

Theresa_H, Oct 2025
Great crew, fun ride. Staff was super knowledgeable. I felt safe on the boat. Love the hot apple cider and wish they had medium sized shirts.

A Splendid Day!

Krista_E, Oct 2025
Riding a schooner is a MUST if you come to New England! You can get a tiny feel of what travel was like in colonial days. Being something new to me I was a little nervous about the experience in the beginning, but having the opportunity to help hoist the sail was just what I needed to get my mind off my silly fears. Kos and Kate were such knowledgeable crew ladies and talked to each one of us, pointing out different light houses along the way. My husband and I, both were so very grateful for this unique opportunity.

Friendly, Amazing

Estefania_M, Oct 2025
Very nice and relaxing experience! The crew were very helpful and welcoming! A very romantic setting for couples as well.

Amazing Experience

Max_H, Oct 2025
My husband and I had the most fun not only relaxing on the sail boat, but also participating with lifting the sails and just being a part of the crew. We will do this again when we are back in the area. The crew was fantastic too!!

Where shall I start?!? 11/10 vibes

Eleanor_W, Oct 2025
Where to start?!? The crew was amazing and sooo knowledgeable. The ride was just interactive enough while also being so relaxing. It was a great way to get out on the water, learn a little something and relax! 11/10!!

Amazing experience on the water

Karen_M, Oct 2025
The crew is extremely knowledgeable and answers all your questions and is excited to tell you about the history of the beautiful vessel. This is an absolutely must do when in Salem

The schooner trip was...

DEB_R, Oct 2025
The schooner trip was enjoyable. It was fun and relaxing. Crew was knowledgeable and friendly and happy to engage.

Relaxing sail

Carol_W, Sep 2025
Relaxing cruise around the harbor. We took the sunset version and there were beautiful views. Small historic schooner, friendly crew. Makeshift bar on board, no real bathrooms and only accessible if you climb down a ladder and back up again so keep that in mind. Can get a bit chilly even in September so bring a jacket. If you have mobility issues this is not the cruise to book. Otherwise if you want a small boat experience where you are allowed to help (only if you want to) with some of the sailing tasks on board this will be right up your alley.

It was so much fun! A...

Chrissy_S, Sep 2025
It was so much fun! A great way to spend a nice day in the bay! Definitely recommend this a must do!

No show and no contact

Amy_W, Sep 2025
I really hate to write this review because others seemed to have a better experience. I booked on Viator a couple of months ago. I showed up at the harbor early and waited. There was no boat, no other people waiting. I double checked the address, I was in the right spot. Two minutes before the event was to start, I popped into the Salem Ferry building. She confirmed I was in the right place but that she didn't see the ship. I called the number through Viator, went straight to voicemail. I sent two messages to the operator via Viator and never got a response. Filed for a full refund through Viator and it was approved. I still have no explanation as to what happened. Very disappointing.

The Malabar is Yar!

Jennifer_P, Sep 2025
I have been on many boats in my life and this was truly one of the best experiences. The Malabar was stunning, the crew was amazing, and the views around the Salem harbour were spectacular. The history of the vessel was fascinating and Captain Seth answered everyones questions with such knowledge and passion. Not to mention the dark and stormies they made us were really delicious. This was the perfect way to spend my husband and my anniversary. I would 10/10 reccomend this experience.

Must do activity!

Alesha_F, Aug 2025
Be prepared to hoist the sales! So cool that we got to help! The crew members were super friendly, the ride was great!

Excellent atmosphere. ...

Faith_H, Aug 2025
Excellent atmosphere. The staff was amazing. I brought a 69 year old man and they couldn't have been any nicer. They not only explained everything about the ship but allowed him to raise the sails and even steer the ship..... it was Excellent and Iook forward to doing again witht a bigger group for friends... Thank you......

Fun evening excursion for the whole family

Michael_Z, Jul 2025
This was a fun sailing experience and 2 hours was the right amount of time for an excursion at the end of a long tourist vacation day. The sunset view from the boat was really beautiful. The crew was fun and it was a nice touch allowing guests to raise the 4 sails. My daughter and I raised one together and she thought it was awesome.

Great relaxing experience!

Jeffrey_J, Jul 2025
Booked last minute so I didn’t know what to expect. Reviews were spot on! Wonderful crew and wonderful experience. Will definitely be back.

Uncaring company

Pamela_P, Jul 2025
Make sure you ask for a refund or rescheduling if threatening weather is predicted. There was a severe thunderstorm watch and I asked the captain of the weather was ok. He said he, we are going south of it. Well the entire cruise the crew was watching weather and we didn’t go far. We went to Marblehead then came back to the harbor. We hovered in the harbor…that is NOT cruising! As we were ending the cruise, lightning bolts filled the sky. I was scared! Not safe in stormy weather. This company needs to think of its passengers!

So glad we did this!

Anita_M, Jun 2025
A fun and different experience. Friendly yet professional and funny crew. Beautiful views and peaceful time to enjoy my husbands company while on our northeast coast road trip for our honeymoon

Fantastic experience

Miriam_R, Jun 2025
100% recommend. The view is amazing. We went pretty far, getting to see a lot of coast line. It was late October and nippy- so bring a jacket. I brought a beanie( Floridian).

Don't miss this

Victoria_T, Oct 2024
The crew was amazing, we made great new friends, and we would did again the next time we're in town. Definitely don't miss this experience!

Great Little harbor cruise

Kristen_K, Sep 2024
Went on a girls trip to Salem. My friend really wanted to do a boat cruise, and this one was great. The staff was friendly, attentive and gave us the history of the boat. Open bar was a plus.

Awesome experience

Robert_D, Sep 2024
Crew was great. Beautiful night and a beautiful boat. Had a gin and tonic and helped with the sails. Would highly recommend

Breathtaking views and great company!

Crystallynn_M, Sep 2024
My fiancé and I had such a wonderful time. Everything was perfect. The entire crew were absolutely wonderful. They were so informative, friendly, and made the experience a very memorable one. The schooner was very well taken care of. They provided non alcoholic beverages and also had a bar available as well. They made us feel right at home. Would highly recommend!

Relaxing ride watching...

Cheryl_R, Sep 2024
Relaxing ride watching the sun set. The captain and crew were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We would this again.

Wonderful

Rachael_A, Sep 2024
Had a wonderful time! The crew was excellent and the drinks were perfect. Loved the scenic views and boat history!

Amazing experience

Linda_W, Aug 2024
Great adventure. Crew was knowledgeable and willing to explain how the ship worked. Guests were encouraged to help lift the sails and explore the ship. We had passengers from grandma to a toddler and everyone had a great time. Definitely recommend this tour to everyone. Our trip was Thursday so we got to watch the weekly sailboat races too.

Perfect Sunday Adventure

Karen_P, Aug 2024
The Captain and crew were knowledgeable, welcoming and entertaining What a wonderful way to spend a gorgeous day on the water learning about this beautiful vessel and the goal of sailing it around the world!!

Amazing view

Blair_H, Aug 2024
My first time sailing and this was a great experience, perfect weather. The crew is very knowledgeable of the boat history. Was great to hear the engine be turned off and just let the wind take over.

Amazing day sail trip!

Katie_G, Aug 2024
The trip was SO much fun! Had a great time sailing and talking to the knowledgeable crew and captain! Highly recommend!

Excellent trip for a beautiful day

Joanne_L, Aug 2024
Thesis was in such great condition and the care and attention the crew provided to it and the passengers was phenomenal.

Sunset cruise

karen_r, Jul 2024
Awesome . Amazing crew and views! file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/a6/06/BAFE19BB-80A2-4CFE-B079-8984E62E4E29/IMG_0617.heic file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/a6/06/BAFE19BB-80A2-4CFE-B079-8984E62E4E29/IMG_0617.heic
Likely to Sell Out

From $55.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 40 days in advance.