About this Experience
What you'll do:
Your group boards BAYLIFE, a Catalina 34 MkII sailboat, and sets out on a two-hour private sailing charter across the clear, open waters of Grand Traverse Bay with no other passengers, no schedule to keep, and the entire boat to yourselves.
Take the helm - Anyone in your group who wants to steer gets a real turn at the wheel, with your USCG-licensed captain right beside you.
Swim from the boat - Step through the walkthrough transom and down the swim ladder directly into the bay, with towels, floats, and water toys already on board.
Set your own soundtrack - Connect to the Bluetooth sound system and play your own playlist from departure to dockside.
Lounge on the foredeck - Stretch out on the cushioned pads up front and take in uninterrupted views of the bay as you sail.
Eat, drink, and settle in below - Bring your own food and beverages, and use the full galley below deck, complete with a modern head, salon seating, and all the plates, glasses, ice, and coolers you need.
Whether you're toasting a bachelorette, celebrating an anniversary, or finally getting the group together, this charter gives you two hours on the water that belong entirely to your party.
Why we love it for your group:
Fully private - The whole boat is reserved for your party of up to six, so the vibe stays exactly what you set it to be.
BYOB and fully stocked - Bring whatever food and drinks you want; the crew handles all the plates, utensils, glasses, ice, and coolers.
Licensed captain on every trip - Every charter is helmed by USCG Master Captain Tom Gorsline or Captain Joey Chemello, both with deep experience on Grand Traverse Bay.
Easy boarding and free parking - You board right at Elmwood Township Marina with a complimentary dockside parking permit, so loading coolers and gear is simple.
Flexible for any occasion - Daytime cruise, bachelorette party boat, anniversary sunset sail: the crew tailors the trip to match your group's plans.
About this experience partner:
Traverse City Sailing Charters runs private sailing charters on Grand Traverse West Bay out of Elmwood Township Marina, led personally by USCG Master Captains Tom Gorsline and Joey Chemello on every single trip. The company is known for keeping groups small and the experience genuinely private, with no shared charters and no unfamiliar faces on board. Guests consistently point to the hands-on crew, the BYOB flexibility, and the quality of the boat as the reasons they come back and refer friends.
Additional information:
Each charter accommodates up to 6 guests; additional vessels are available for larger groups of up to 18.
All guests board and disembark at Elmwood Township Marina, 13051 S. West Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684. Free dockside parking is included.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food, snacks, and adult beverages. The crew provides plates, utensils, glasses, ice, and coolers.
Five-hour Power Island excursions are also available and include stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and floating on inflatables.
Book This Experience
Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.
LocationTraverse City, MI
12935 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684, USATraverse City, MI
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will the boat be shared with other guests?
No. Every charter is completely private, so the boat is reserved exclusively for your group.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Each sailboat can accommodate up to 6 guests. For larger groups, additional sailboats can be arranged to accommodate parties of up to 18 guests.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes! You're welcome to bring your own food, snacks, coolers, and alcoholic beverages. The crew provides ice, coolers, plates, utensils, and glassware for your convenience.
Can we swim during the trip?
Absolutely. If you've booked a sailing package that includes a swim stop, you'll have access to a safe swimming area. Floating chairs, an inflatable lounge raft, stand-up paddleboards, and clean towels are provided. The cabin also includes a spacious changing area and a modern restroom.
What happens if it rains or we need to cancel?
If the charter is canceled due to rain or unsafe weather conditions, such as extremely high winds, you'll receive a full refund. If your group's plans change and you need to cancel, contact the team as soon as possible to discuss your options.
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Where do we meet for the charter?
Boarding takes place at Elmwood Township Marina, located at 13051 S. West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 (across from the Speedway gas station on M-22). Free parking is available next to the boat, and parking permits will be provided.
Can I steer the sailboat?
Yes! If you're interested, the captain is happy to let guests take the helm for a few moments and share some basic sailing tips. It's also a fun photo opportunity.
Are there any age restrictions?
Guests of all ages are welcome. Life jackets for both children and adults are available. Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising young children, and infants should be held or secured in an appropriate carrier.
How long are the sailing excursions?
You can choose from 2-hour daytime sails, 2-hour sunset sails, or a 5-hour sailing adventure to nearby Power Island that includes time for swimming and relaxing on the water.
What sailing packages do you offer?
Seasonal charters are available daily from May 15 through October 15 and include: - 2-hour daytime sails - 2-hour sunset sails - 5-hour Power Island sailing and swimming excursions
What happens on the 5-hour Power Island excursion?
The 5-hour charter departs around 12:00 PM and returns around 5:00 PM. You'll sail to nearby Power Island, where you can swim, paddleboard, relax on the inflatable lounge raft, or simply enjoy a full afternoon on the water before sailing back.
