2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout in Traverse City
Traverse City, United States

2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout

Outty Ranking 56 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $425

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$425
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout worth booking?

2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout is a 2-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $425 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
2 hours
From
$425 per person

What makes this tour truly unique is the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing on the stunning Grand Traverse Bay aboard the luxurious Sail Yacht Scout, all within an intimate, private setting for up to 6 peopl

What you get

    About this experience

    What makes this tour truly unique is the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing on the stunning Grand Traverse Bay aboard the luxurious Sail Yacht Scout, all within an intimate, private setting for up to 6 people. Unlike crowded tours, this is your chance to customize your adventure. Whether you want to relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery, or actively participate in sailing this magnificent yacht, the choice is yours. Learn the ropes, take the helm, and feel the wind in your hair as you explore the bay, all while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages. Plus, you have the freedom to bring your own favorite drinks and refreshments to make the experience perfectly tailored to your taste. This isn't just a boat tour; it's your own personalized sailing adventure.

    What's included

    Included

    • Complimentary soft drinks and snacks
    • English Speaking Guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Grand Traverse Bay

      Join us for a relaxing and engaging cruise on the beautiful Scout, offering stunning views of Traverse City's waterfront! We'll sail the lower West Grand Traverse Bay, providing a perfect vantage point to admire iconic landmarks like the historic Park Place Hotel and the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, complete with its impressive 224-foot training vessel, the State of Michigan. Whether you prefer to sit back and soak in the scenery or get hands-on with the sailing, this cruise is designed for you. Feel free to help raise the sails and even take a turn at the helm – a fantastic photo opportunity! Our friendly captain and crew are always happy to share their knowledge and answer your questions in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. To enhance your experience, we offer complimentary soft drinks and snacks throughout the cruise.

      120 minutes here

    2. Traverse City

      Experience a unique vantage of the city skyline from the water.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Enjoy the view of Old Mission Peninsula from the water.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Traverse City

    The parking lot is across the road from CenterPointe Marina. Use the pedestrian tunnel to go under the road to the marina. When you leave the tunnel into a parking lot, walk straight ahead to the building and continue to your left. There is a white tent where your captain will meet you.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The parking lot is across the road from CenterPointe Marina. Use the pedestrian tunnel to go under the road to the marina. When you leave the tunnel into a parking lot, walk straight ahead to the building and continue to your left. There is a white tent where your captain will meet you.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Schooner Manitou - Day Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • We strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat.
    • Feel free to bring additional snacks and beverages. Please don't bring any hard-sided coolers on board, we don't have the room to stow them.
    • All passengers should wear rubber soft-soled sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals.
    • Even at the height of summer it’s usually cooler on the water. We recommend having a jacket or sweater with you.
    • While there is no age limit for the sails, all attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    Photos

    2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout in Traverse City, photo 22 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout in Traverse City, photo 32 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout in Traverse City, photo 42 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout in Traverse City, photo 5

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    joycesT966UT · July 2026

    Fun family day on the Scout

    My family of 6 went out on the Scout with Captain Mark. It was the highlight of our trip to Michigan. Captain Mark was knowledgeable and friendly. We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting the Traverse City area

    Response from the operator: Hi Joyce, thanks so much for joining us and we are so glad to hear that we are on the highlight reel for your trip. We strive to be a peak summer experience for all of our passengers, and it's great to hear that Scout hit the spot for your family. We hope you'll be back on the water with us again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    A9878XTchristopherl · August 2025

    Perfect

    Great time!! Mark was a great Captain and host. Very knowledgeable on the boats, culture and geography of the area. My Son and Daughter in Law had a blast. Unforgettable experience

    Response from the operator: We are so glad to hear that Captain Mark was able to check all the boxes for your party, and we hope you'll be back for another sail adventure with us soon.

    via Tripadvisor

    Karen_H · August 2025

    Exceptionable afternoon sail

    Absolutely relaxing with beautiful scenery. Captain Mark was extremely knowledgeable cordial, and professional. Answered all our many questions. Really liked fact it was just the 6 of us and Mark. A beautiful sailboat. Would highly recommend!

    via Viator

    edwardcM9719AB · July 2025

    My wife and I took this tour for our 33rd anniversary and it was excellent. Our captain, Mark; was very kind and friendly. He shared some history with us about the area and was very knowledgeable. My wife has stage four cancer and is very weak and Mark made sure we were comfortable and helped her on and off safely. Very caring and genuine. The tour itself was very nice! Very peaceful and comfortable. Was a perfect day and we got plenty of great pics for the memories. I highly recommend Mark and Scout for a part of everyone’s visit to Travers City! Thanks again Mark!

    Response from the operator: Hi Edward, thank you so much for choosing us for what sounds like a very special event, and we are glad to hear that Captain Mark was able to make it so memorable for you. Sailing on Scout is perfect for that kind of thing, since it's just you and our professional captain, and we appreciate the chance to facilitate a lovely evening for you and your wife. Thank you for this amazing review!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)28
    Booking momentum (14% weight)18
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Traverse City.

    How much does 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout cost?

    +

    Prices start at $425 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Traverse City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Traverse City is not rushed.

    Is 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Traverse City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Traverse City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Traverse City and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Traverse City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Traverse City?

    +

    Traverse City pairs Old Mission and Leelanau winery tours with Sleeping Bear Dunes trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Grand Traverse Bay and fall colour drives. On Outty we rank every Traverse City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine Tour on Old Mission - ICE COLD AC, 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Traverse City?

    +

    June to October, with peak colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Traverse City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 2 Hour Private Afternoon Cruise Aboard Scout.

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