Unwind like a local
Enjoy the Grand Traverse Bay safely with a 5-Star captain!
Bring your food & beverages
Hike and swim Power Island.
Boating experience not required.
Don’t leave your Up North vacation feeling like you never fully relaxed.
While pontoon rentals abound, they often leave you playing captain, guessing where to go and stressing over how to safely dock and anchor the vessel - making it difficult to relax and enjoy precious time on the West Bay.
Leave the driving to us!
Bring Your Own Food & Beverage
Feel free to bring your favorite food and beverages, including alcohol. Our 5-star captain will provide a large cooler with ice to keep everything chilled, so you can enjoy a personalized picnic while cruising Grand Traverse Bay.
Explore Power Island
Walk along the beach or even swim a bit on a brief visit to Power Island. Some guests choose to upgrade to a 4-hour island adventure to ensure time for a relaxing picnic and deeper exploration of the historic island’s many trails.
Make Life-Long Memories
Be fully present with your friends and loved ones as you boat about the West Grand Traverse Bay, making memories that will last a lifetime.
How it works
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Book Your Experience
Don’t worry if your plans change - you can cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
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Meet Us at the Delamar 30 Minutes Before Your Departure
Parking is free and you’ll have access to the hotel lobby prior to our departure.
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Come Aboard
Enjoy an unparalleled adventure, making special memories with friends and family.
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Don’t Miss a Trip to Power Island
Captain John took us out to Power Island and told great stories about the area. We had a blast and learned a lot! Views were amazing and the water was perfect. Definitely jump off the dock!
- Nicole W, August 2023
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Awesome time
“Captain John was great – fun, informative, accommodating and very skilled in boating. He gave us a tour of the bay (loved the tiki bar stop!) and then took us to Power Island at our request so we could sit at a picnic table to enjoy the bottle of wine and snacks we brought with us. The pontoon boat was very comfortable – lots of room for the 4 of us. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hours and will definitely be requesting another boat trip with Captain John the next time we are in Traverse City during the summer!”
- ChicagoAlleyCat, Aug 2023
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Beautiful Lake!
“We did the pontoon ride with Captain John!! perfect view of the lake and the beautiful, luxurious homes. Great conversation and gave excellent advice as to what we were going to do after our ride. We saw a Bald Eagle flying around the lake. What an awesome experience highly recommend to anybody and we will definitely be back!!”
- Jennifer B, Aug 2023
Meet Captain John
5-Star-Rated Captain John Smith is a talented entrepreneur and sailor who grew up in Traverse City. John's commitment to safety and his love of the water are the perfect combination for relaxation and making life long memories. John has restored his own boats and sailed a variety of watercraft on the Grand Traverse Bay. His attention to detail is unparalleled and almost equal to his desire to help people fall in love with the bay.
Guided Pontoon Experiences
2-Hr Guided Pontoon Charter
Charter a luxury pontoon from the Delamar with an experienced captain for up to six guests
4-Hr Guided Pontoon Charter
Charter a luxury pontoon from the Delamar with an experienced captain for up to six guests
Airshow on the Bay Guided Pontoon Charter
Charter a luxury pontoon from the Delamar with an experienced captain for up to six guests
Charter a luxury pontoon from the Delamar with an experienced captain for up to six guests
Goo Goo Dolls
Guided Pontoon Charter
Charter a luxury pontoon from the Delamar with an experienced captain for up to six guests
Cherry Fest Fireworks Finale Guided Pontoon Charter
FAQs
Can I bring food and drink on the boat?
Yes! Please bring your own cups, plates, silverware and paper products (no glassware is allowed on the boat). Remember to bring a corkscrew if you plan on popping the cork on your favorite wine! We have the cooler. You bring the ice.
Can we book more than one time slot?
Yes! Should you wish to schedule a time longer than 2 hours, please contact us by calling 231-492-0059. We can create a fully customizable tour for you!
When do I check in?
Check-in time begins 30 minutes prior to the scheduled charter time.
Where can I park?
Parking is available near the check-in kiosk, which is located at The Delamar Resort, 615 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI.
What should I bring?
Please bring rain gear, beach towel, water toys, and appropriate non-skid footwear for boating. Ice for any beverages, including alcohol, and food that you would like to bring aboard.
Will we be able to swim from the boat?
There may be an opportunity to swim, weather and wind permitting.
What happens if it rains?
If the captain makes an inclement weather call, you will get a full refund or an opportunity to re-book. If not, a 24-hour cancellation policy is required.
Is the boat handicapped accessible?
The dock is designed in such a way that passengers must be able to board themselves by stepping down on the boat.
How do I tip the captain at the end of the trip?
Typically, cash tips are given to the captain at the end of the tour. The suggested tip rate is anywhere from 15-20%.