Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City
Traverse City, United States

Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience

Outty Ranking 47 3.5 · 2 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $699

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$699
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.5/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience worth booking?

Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience is a 2-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $699 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
3.5/5 (2)
Duration
2 hours
From
$699 per person

Embark on a captivating 2-hour morning sail that delves into the rich history and enduring connection between the Anishinaabe people and Grand Traverse Bay. Join Tera John, a Knowledge Carrier and Story Keeper from the G

What you get

    About this experience

    Embark on a captivating 2-hour morning sail that delves into the rich history and enduring connection between the Anishinaabe people and Grand Traverse Bay. Join Tera John, a Knowledge Carrier and Story Keeper from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, as your guide aboard the Manitou. Experience the Bay through the eyes of its ancestral residents, learning about its vital role in their lives and culture since time immemorial.

    What's included

    Included

    • Our best trip protection plan included, cancel until 24 hours before your cruise!
    • A Knowledge Carrier and Story Keeper from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
    • English Speaking Guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Snacks
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Carbonated beverages
    • Bottled water

    What you'll see and do

    1. Grand Traverse Bay

      Start your day with an unforgettable 2-hour morning sail that combines history, breathtaking scenery, and a unique perspective of Traverse City. This is more than just a boat ride; it's a captivating historical tour that connects you with Grand Traverse Bay on a whole new level. This is the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of Traverse City in a truly special and engaging way.

      Pass by without stopping

    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

    Plan to arrive at least 30 min early, and be aware of traffic. Park behind Discovery Center Collaborative (13170 S West Bay Shore Dr) across the street from our ticket booth. Please use the pedestrian crossing to get to us! If you are getting dropped off, you can go directly to Discovery Pier.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Plan to arrive at least 30 min early, and be aware of traffic. Park behind Discovery Center Collaborative (13170 S West Bay Shore Dr) across the street from our ticket booth. Please use the pedestrian crossing to get to us! If you are getting dropped off, you can go directly to Discovery Pier.

    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

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • We strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat.
    • Please leave beverages and coolers ashore. We do have a bar aboard with a variety of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
    • 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.

    Photos

    Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 2Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 3Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 4Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 5Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 6Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience in Traverse City, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    0
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    arinb166 · August 2025

    needs to offer more sailing and sites and less lecture

    Sailboat was beautiful and clean. Crew was friendly and helpful. Unfortunately there was very little wind and we sailed very little. The "rich history" was very long (2 hours) and somewhat condescending. The captain and crew were fantastic. If you're looking to sail you might want to choose another experience. If you have kids that don't want to sit through a 2 hour talk you may want to choose another experience.

    Response from the operator: Hi Arin, Thanks for sharing your opinion. The sail you chose to join us for is specifically offered as a way to learn more about the history of our local area, so it sounds like maybe you should join us for one of our other offerings. We appreciate that you enjoyed the boat and crew, and we hope you'll consider coming back for a different offering with us.

    via Tripadvisor

    sheilaaZ7210NZ · July 2025

    3rd Trip on the Tall Ships

    I highly recommend booking a cruise! This was my 3rd cruise with this company. The captain and his crew were incredible- humorous and welcoming! The view is gorgeous no matter the weather or season. My only reason for not giving 5 stars is because the guest presenter did not have a microphone and speaker made available to her. She too, was wonderful and when she spoke near us, we were delighted with her presentation. I recommend ordering the local soda, adult beverages and snacks available on board. The Resiling was perfect! Last piece of advice- tip the crew! They work hard!

    Response from the operator: Hi Sheila, Thanks so much for this review, and it's great to hear you're a repeat sailor with us! We really appreciate all the feedback, including the info that you had trouble hearing Tera. We are looking for ways to amplify her volume, because you're right, she's a wonderful presenter and has fascinating stories to share. We hope to see you back soon, and thanks for the final tip -- our crew appreciates the recognition!

    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
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 47

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)16
    Booking momentum (14% weight)12
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)71
    Local standing (8% weight)34
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at $699 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 2 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience?

    +

    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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience?

    +

    Around 1 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience 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 Nibi Spirit of our Waters Sailing Experience.

    Pick your date