Reviews for Private Sunset Sailing Charter on Grand Traverse Bay

Thank you so so much Captain Tom!!! I really wanted to do an engagement photo shoot on a sailboat and Captain Tom worked incredibly well with my photographer Kristina Sobel to make it look incredible!! We did the two hour sunset cruise and along with many pictures, the cruise itself was so much fun. Made us feel so welcome and they were so much fun to talk to and hang out with for the duration. 10/10 recommend!!

We had a great time with Captain Tom and his first mate, Teagan! The communication prior to our charter was excellent. We knew exactly where to go and what time to meet. Sailing around the bay was so beautiful and relaxing. Captain Tom answered all 200+ questions my dad asked him about sailing, his boat, and the local homes around the bay.

Captain Tom took us out on his 34' vessel. My wife had purchased this as a birthday present and let me tell you, by the end of the voyage my jaws ached from smiling so much. He and his first mate, Tegan, were so professional. He even let me take the wheel for a good bit and guided me through a few maneuvers. If there were more than 5 stars for a rating I'd give them! -Pastor Derek

We had the best sunset cruise with Captain Tom and Captain Joey! They both were extremely professional, knowledgeable, accommodating, and most important...fun! Thank you Tom and Joey for sharing your stories and sailing experiences with us! We highly recommend this sunset cruise and Traverse City Sailing Charter!

We had an absolutely unforgettable first ever, sailing experience yesterday in Traverse City aboard Bay Life! From the moment we stepped onto the boat, Captain Tom and First Mate Joey made us feel welcome, safe and completely at ease. The boat was beautiful-clean, well maintained, and perfectly equipped for a relaxing cruise on the water. Captain Tom’s knowledge of the area and expertise combined with his and Joey’s skills, kept the energy light, fun and engaging the entire time. They went to great measures to ensure our comfort in every capacity. Whether we were taking in the stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, learning a bit about sailing, or just enjoying the peace of guiding across the water, every moment was memorable. The crew struck the perfect balance between professionalism and personal connection-it truly felt like we were sailing with friends. If you’re visiting Traverse City and looking for a unique and unforgettable way to experience the bay, look no further than a sailing adventure aboard Bay Life. We can’t recommend this enough!! This was the highlight of our summer!!! Thank you, Captain Tom & First Mate Joey, for an amazing adventure. We WILL be back!!!

We booked a sailing charter for my bachelorette party and Captain Tom and his stepson Zach made it an amazing experience. The boat was well maintained, very clean and felt super safe. Communication was easy and clear and Captain Tom was flexible with some changes to our timeline. He was very accommodating and repeatedly told us the boat was "yours for the day" and to make ourselves at home. We also appreciated that Captain Tom was happy to chitchat and answer questions but also did a great job of giving us space. We had a fantastic time and the staff helped make this a special day for me! I highly recommend this charter and hope I get to go again someday!

We had the most incredible time with captain Tom and his first mate, Zach. We booked a sunset charter to celebrate an anniversary, and Tom and Zach went above and beyond for us. The weather was spotty all day and they were communicative 24+ hours ahead of time with a backup plan if needed. The weather ended up being beautiful and it was one of the best sails of our life. The sunset was incredible, the conversation was interesting, and they were accommodating to any request we had. We will be back soon to sail with Tom, and we will be bringing friends and family. I cannot recommend them enough!

Captain Tom and his daughter did our charter at sunset this summer. That family’s level of chill is absolutely contagious. Nice boat, clean, and well maintained. He just loves sailing and was a joy to converse with. Took us to a good swimming spot, gave us some history of the area through the years, but not through a megaphone to you and 300 other people like some other attractions in the area. It was just my family enjoying a peaceful and quiet evening on the water. Definitely a ‘bucket list’ evening that I didn’t even know was on my bucket list until I experienced it. Thank You Tom!

Captain Joey took such good care of us. He was super safe and knowledgeable and loaded us up on recommendations for things to do around Traverse City. I highly recommend the sunset cruise!

The sunset cruise was absolutely amazing!! Our Captain, Joey, was informative, interesting, and made us feel very safe!! We couldn't have enjoyed it more!! We really appreciated he & Teaghan making our cruise and visit to this charming town extra special!! If you go on a cruise with them, you will not be disappointed!!

Tom Gorsline and his first crew-mate Jess were the epitome of professional, but also incredibly easygoing. Sailing on the BAYLIFE to Power Island was a lovely experience. I highly recommend Tom for taking private boat tours in Traverse City!

Went for an amazing sail with Captain Tom and Captain Joey. A beautiful boat, and a beautiful sail. They shared lots of sailing knowledge and stories about Traverse City. By far the best sailing experience we have ever had. Highly recommend.

Incredible time and great hosts! Would definitely do it again!

Amazing day with captain Tom! Perfect way to spend a day with our crew of six on power island.

Excellent time on a beautiful sailboat! Tom and Jess we’re really great! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻