BaySail | @jeffcaverlyphoto

Sail Freshwaters

Step aboard BaySail's Appledore schooners in Bay City — two tall ships of nautical splendor with beautiful, billowing white sails — and prepare for a magical experience!

  • Consider Great Lakes 101 sails for a daytime outing, complete with history of the Saginaw River and a light lunch served aboard.
  • Look to Sunset Sails to witness glorious hues while enjoying light snacks. (Have little ones with you? Both Great Lakes 101 and Sunset Sails are family-friendly!)
  • Experience nighttime sailing under the stars, while also enjoying a live presentation by local astronomers and delicious Artigiano charcuterie selections, aboard Celestial Excursions. (Bring your own beverages on board to complete the stargazing experience!)
Boat Tours in Frankenmuth | @michiganaddicts

Float in Frankenmuth

Enjoy a narrated, one-hour tour along the scenic Cass River aboard the 150-passenger Bavarian Belle Riverboat. This iconic, red and white riverboat queen operates from May - October, is wheelchair accessible, has restrooms on-board, and is a must-do while in Frankenmuth!

Or, relax aboard electric-powered, 12-passenger Frankenmuth FunShips as the captain guides you down the Cass River, possibly while you sip and sample local specialties:

  • Book a one-hour Wine and Chocolate River Tour, and enjoy five wines expertly paired with five handmade chocolates, a full pour of your favorite, and a stemless souvenir wine glass. (Sparkling grape juice is an available option, too!)
  • Look to the 1 Hour River Tour or 30 Minute River Tour for relaxing rides through Frankenmuth and the scenic countryside, and consider renting pedal-powered Aqua Cycles if getting right into the water at the right price — just $20 for a crew of four — is what you're after.
Bay City Boat Lines

Cruise the Saginaw River

Board the Princess Wenonah or Islander ferry boats with Bay City Boat Lines to enjoy smooth cruises (and maybe even dance on deck)!

  • On Friday Night Entertainment Cruises, dine on a fully-catered meal, then boogie down to live music. From Country Night to Rock ‘n' Roll, pick your theme and don't forget your dancing shoes!
  • Spend 2 ½ hours on a Saturdays on the Saginaw River Tour, and enjoy a live guide highlighting wildlife, points of interest along the river, and what else to see and do in Bay City.
  • Book your Free Weekday Morning History Tour in advance, because these seats fill quickly! Experience history of the community and Saginaw River with a live guide from 10 a.m. - noon each Monday - Friday during summer.
Johnny Panther Quests

Boat in the Wild

For one-of-a-kind boating enjoyment — amidst 10,000 acres of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge — find yourself aboard a custom-built boat with Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips.

  • Specializing in ecotours, romantic escapes, and even bed & breakfast packages — tours are by reservation, fully customizable, family- and pet-friendly, and 3 - 5 hours on average.
  • Book your "Everglades of Michigan" tour, bring your binoculars, and be prepared for unforgettable wildlife and scenic views.
Whether you'll sail into the sunset or kayak, cruise along a river while sipping wine or dance the night away on deck, one thing is certain: You'll enjoy your time spent on the water here! Dive In Deeper +
Author
Jen W. O'Deay

Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com