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Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

Recommended by 95% of travelers
Traverse City, USA
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Arthur_S ·
Sep 2025
Great sunset cruise, food, and the spirits were fantastic. Matter of fact the whole event was fantastic. The captain Nate and first mate Kate were so attentive and pretty good sailors too.
· Karen_B ·
Sep 2025
Such a wonderful sailing experience with our captain Nate and his first mate Kate. Everything from the drinks to the snacks were wonderful. Nate did a great job explaining the history of the 63’ Wind Dancer schooner. It was a memory that will stay with us forever. I highly recommend this cruise!

Overview

Enjoy seeing sunset over the water, with a drink in your hand, on this group sightseeing cruise. Set sail for incredible views over Traverse City, Michigan, and listen to the captain and crew tell you all about the schooner you’re sitting on. Sample local food like raclette cheese with crackers, and fudge, while you sit back, relax, and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Complimentary drinks including wine, beer, and cocktails
  • See the city from a whole new vantage point on the water
  • Snap photos of sunset from onboard a schooner
  • Enjoy insightful commentary as you travel

What's Included

  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Includes wine tasting, local beer, cider, and Wind Dancer signature cocktails by TC Whiskey. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
  • Snacks
    Snacks made from some of Traverse City's favorite makers.
  • Dinner
    Local cheese and crackers, elevated charcuterie board, award winning Great Lakes Potato Chips, and Murdick's fudge for dessert. PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE VEGETARIAN OPTION.
  • Rain gear
  • Beach towels
  • Non-skid footwear for boating

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

    We respectfully request that guests not bring additional alcoholic beverages. Free parking is available at the check-in kiosk, which is located at The Delamar Resort, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Arrive around half an hour before your departure time to listen to a welcome briefing from the second mate. Then climb aboard the Wind Dancer for your 2.5-hour sunset sailing adventure. Start your journey with your choice of wine, beer, a cocktail, or a soft drink, accompanied by snacks produced right in Traverse City.

Next, indulge on a picnic dinner of locally sourced fare (vegetarian options are available with advanced notice). When you're done with your meal, you can hang out on deck taking in sunset views or spend some time exploring the boat's salon below the deck as you listen to onboard commentary from the crew. Topics of discussion range from the history and ecology of the Great Lakes and the surrounding regions to the ins and outs of sailing. After the sunset, head back to shore.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Please contact us directly if you need a vegetarian or gluten-free option
  • Please contact us directly if you have a service animal
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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

Larry_T
When in Traverse City, please take this adventure. The crew was fabulous and very professional. We met other very nice people also, and the atmosphere was relaxing. The food and drinks were very good and were perfect for this evening. Even those it was a cloudy evening, we actually did see a beautiful sunset. We highly recommend this!!

Reviews

4.8
based on 226 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Relaxing Cruise on Traverse Bay

Kathy_O, Oct 2025
The cruise itself on the sailboat is relaxing and is a nice trip around Traverse Bay. The crew members were very personable and we were lucky enough to have great people in our group. The drinks were delicious and plentiful. Do not come hungry however. The food consists of a small container of crackers, cheeses, nuts and dried cranberries, and some meat logs and slices of lunchmeat. They also give a bag of chips. While the food was not what we were expecting, the rest of the experience was. I recommend this experience, but suggest a snack before and a meal after.

Great Sailing in Traverse

Lula_W, Oct 2025
Marc and Nate were great hosts! We were pampered with excellent service by skilled sailors. The weather was fabulous and the lit dinner and drinks were just right for the sunset experience! Would recommend!

A memorable sailing experience for our 30th wedding Anniversary

Emily_H, Oct 2025
Captain Nate was very knowledgeable of the vessel and the area! The men on the boat helped put up the sails up which was fun to see! Very nice experience! Would definitely recommend!!

Great time for a moderate price

Richard_B, Sep 2025
It most relaxing. It gives you a wonderful time to see the Traverse bay and enjoy good company and conversation. The crew is terrific, they give you service and friendship. The captain is very informative and the crew makes you feel at home. I will recommend this cruise to all my friends

Sip & Sail Cruise

Karen_B, Sep 2025
Such a wonderful sailing experience with our captain Nate and his first mate Kate. Everything from the drinks to the snacks were wonderful. Nate did a great job explaining the history of the 63’ Wind Dancer schooner. It was a memory that will stay with us forever. I highly recommend this cruise!

A Grand Experience

Arthur_S, Sep 2025
Great sunset cruise, food, and the spirits were fantastic. Matter of fact the whole event was fantastic. The captain Nate and first mate Kate were so attentive and pretty good sailors too.

A wonderful experience...

Diana_P, Sep 2025
A wonderful experience with an exceptional crew! They made sure everyone was comfortable and were very personable. Great for anyone who loves boating and the sunset.

Fabulous evening

Pamela_S, Sep 2025
Crew is attentive, friendly, knowledgeable. They served a fun charcuterie meal of local specialties. Lovely boat

Beautiful cruising vessel!

John_H, Sep 2025
The Wind Dancer is a beauty and seaworthy vessel, manned by an expert and friendly captain and mate. They let me hoist and douse the sails, and take the helm for most of the sunset cruise. I was in heaven. I’d sailed for many years, but not recently. Being on such a beautiful schooner was truly the highlight of the vacation in Traverse City.

Sailing on the Bay

Scott_R, Aug 2025
Dan was such a great captain. He was very personable and knowledgeable about the Grand Travers Bay and its history. He’s got great and interesting stories as well around his travels. First Mate Kate was really nice , warm, and welcoming. She made sure we all had drinks and snacks and made great conversations of her adventures as well.

Excellent sunset sail...

Ben_C, Aug 2025
Excellent sunset sail with drinks and snacks. Beautiful views. The captain and first mate were superb! A must do if you are in the area!

Sunset Sail Wind Dancer Review

Heather_T, Jul 2025
Nate was fantastic! The crew in general were amazing. Wonderful service. Very relaxing & fun activity for the family. This has our recommendation.

Fabulous Fun!

KayLee_C, Jul 2025
It was so relaxing. It was perfect and so much fun! Capt Nate and crew made the experience with amaz8ng cocktails , coversation and experience.

The staff and...

Marissa_E, Jul 2025
The staff and accommodations were superb! It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. The drinks and food did not disappoint. Beautiful sunset was a bonus to the overall ambiance of the evening.

This was a unique...

Gavin_R, Jul 2025
This was a unique experience and wonderful way to see TVC and the surrounding area. Our guides were friendly, engaging, knowledgeable, and made the evening so much fun.

Sunset Cruise

James_H, Jul 2025
Wonderful trip and excellent service. Knowledgeable and friendly crew made this a great experience!!

Wonderful tour. We were...

Lori_G, Jul 2025
Wonderful tour. We were very well taken care of by the crew. The trip was relaxing and beautiful. The drinks and food were all from local sources which was fun. Very enjoyable.

Genuinely one of the best...

Deborah_F, Jul 2025
Genuinely one of the best tours we’ve ever done. Captain Nate and his crew were absolutely lovely, kept the drinks flowing while also sharing unique and interesting facts about the boat and the bay! Cannot recommend this tour enough.

A perfect evening!

Larry_T, Jun 2025
When in Traverse City, please take this adventure. The crew was fabulous and very professional. We met other very nice people also, and the atmosphere was relaxing. The food and drinks were very good and were perfect for this evening. Even those it was a cloudy evening, we actually did see a beautiful sunset. We highly recommend this!!

Beautiful Lake Michigan sunset

Kristina_H, Jun 2025
Great experience! I’d do it again on a return visit. Captains Dan & Nate (also owners) were terrific and Mate Kate so gracious. The sunset was spectacular as were the drinks, tasty Charcuterie and fudge.

Captain Nate and Kate...

Rebecca_C, Jun 2025
Captain Nate and Kate were amazing! We got to experience Traverse City from the bay in a beautiful way! They timed up the ride with the sunset perfectly. Local foods and drinks were incredible. We didn’t want it to be over!

Great time!

Tricia_C, May 2025
It was beautiful. Make sure to bring extra layers. It's very cold on the water. It was a great experience.

Fall Sunset Cruise

Wallace_W, Sep 2024
It was a gorgeous evening and the temperature was a comfortable 70 degrees with warm winds coming from the North. The crew working the ship were professional and hospitable making the experience very enjoyable. Thank you Captain Nate, Erica and John for a fantastic sunset cruise.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

So glad you joined us! Capt Nate and team love what they do. We had a good night for sailing! Thank you!

Enjoyed the cruise!

David_W, Sep 2024
Crused with my wife and enjoyed every minute. Crew was very accomodating and worked hard to make sure everyone had a good time.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

David, we loved having you aboard. What an awesome evening it was!

Would do again

Jennifer_H, Sep 2024
Great evening! Good local tastes which were very nice! Such a nice touch!! Menu of drinks were a great variety!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Hi Jennifer, thank you for appreciating the details that go into creating our experience. We're happy to hear you enjoyed it.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Kristin_R, Sep 2024
The staff were capable and very friendly and gave great customer service! Nate, Chris and Paige. The food and drinks were delicious and unique and the entire experience was Top Notch! The sailing experience was something I've never done before and it was great! It was a perfect night out,warm weather and calm seas! I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting or stopping by Traverse City!

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thank you for your kind words, Kristin. We've worked hard to curate our experience to make it special for all. We're glad you got good weather as well!

Awesome sunset sail! Crew...

AnnaChristina_G, Sep 2024
Awesome sunset sail! Crew was fantastic! Views stunning, comfortable and all around super experience.

Awesome

Dark_K, Aug 2024
The crew was very nice and friendly. Crew very knowledgeable about Traverse City.👍👍👍👍. Can’t wait to come back

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Thanks for booking with us, we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Great Sailing

Mary_K, Aug 2024
Lovely smooth sailing with beautiful calm weather. Food was great and Captains Nate, John and Chris were great!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! We loved having you aboard!

Nice sunset but not worth the price.

Sarah_B, Aug 2024
The crew were very knowledgeable. The sailing vessel was nice. However, we just sailed a short way and we could have viewed the sunset from the hotel. It was a nice experience but not worth the price.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Oh no, major bummer! We are so sorry that you found the experience lacking. It is one of the most beautiful places in the country! We pride ourselves on offering excellent service and local beverages and fare on Wind Dancer. It is an elevated and unique experience that one cannot have on land. Thank you though for the compliments for the crew and boat. Wishing you the best.

From $229.00

per person

-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 23 days in advance.

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