Wind Dancer
Signature Sailing Tours
Sit back, relax and sail across the brilliant blue water of the Grand Traverse Bay each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Overview
Get ready for a beautiful day. As a Wind Dancer guest, you’ll not only be treated to great sailing, you’ll also get to taste food and drink from around the region as you learn about points of interest from our crew.
Once welcomed on board by the captain and crew, you will kick back and relax and leave the sailing to us. Photo-worthy opportunities abound from the dock to the middle of the bay as you let the captain and crew pamper you with locally crafted beverages and farm-to-fork fare.
You'll be talking about this sail for a long time and creating memories to brighten your winter days. Every day offers up unique skies and breezes that tantalize the senses.
What’s included
2.5-hour sail
on Grand Traverse Bay
Local wine, beer and soda
Farm-to-fork
Artisan meal
Departure
times
Wednesday through Saturday early afternoons and evenings. Click “Book now” for specific departure times.
Minimum
Age
16
Tour
Duration
Two & one half hours
Maximum Group Size
18
More than 100 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor
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Gorgeous sailboat and sunset cruise
“There's nothing like a beautiful sunset cruise on Wind Dancer. The farm to table food, local wine and friendly service from the crew was perfect! We loved all the historical info about Traverse City from the Captain. Thanks for a wonderful sail!”
- Terri K, Glenview, Illinois October 2021
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Surreal Weather, Confident Captain, Crew, and Owner, Good Food and Drinks, Great Company!
“The Traverse City and surrounding areas are wonderful places to vacation. Our lifelong couple friends suggested we try the Wind Dancer Sunset Cruise while there for our annual vacation together. It was a wonderful experience. Will keep the memory alive of the joy we all felt during the cruise. Tawny played music we loved, which only added to the enjoyment. Still humming the Bee Gees! We even made some new friends and traded stories. You will feel very safe with Captain Dan too!”
- Beenmanyplaces, West Virginia, September 2021
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Spectacular Experience - Don't Miss It
“Wind Dancer Traverse City Charters is a must-do activity. Only 1 year in business and these people know how to do things right, from the staff, to the food, to the ship. Thanks for the great memories and experience!”
- Jim, September 2021
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Sailing in Grand Style!
“Fabulous evening! Boarded as strangers and left as friends! Would highly recommend this to anyone on your next trip to Traverse City!”
- George, September 2021
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Another Must Do!
“It was an amazing experience. We definitely met wonderful new people and left as family. The food was DELICIOUS! The Wind Dancer company is excellent; we did two excursions with them this past weekend.” - Marcia J, September 2021
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Great time afloat
“One of the best sailboat cruises I've been on. The boat was magnificent and the crew was outstanding. Food was served in a very novel way, but the selection of local products was excellent.”
-adarion, Kutztown, Pennsylvania, Sep 2021
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Relax while sailing in Traverse City
“This was a wonderful, laid back sailing experience. The crew was professional and attentive. They made this more about personal experiences on the waters and not just a history lesson with interactions with the guest. ”
- JimandTim, Illinois12 Sep 2021
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This is a must do when visiting Traverse City
“An amazing experience all around! The food was scrumptious: a choice of vegan, vegetarian and traditional fare, local and organic, an aesthetically pleasing presentation, generous portions and truly a delight for the palette. The crew was nothing short of gracious, accommodating and passionate about sailing the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. I highly recommend this cruise to anyone wishing to experience the beautiful and healing waters of this magical place. Thank you to Tawny and the crew aboard the Wind Dancer for an extraordinary evening.”
- Susan, September 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the adventure for those 16 years and older? Can I bring younger children?
Life is hectic and creating a mature passenger-only environment is part of the opportunity to relax and kick back a bit. Should you wish to include children under 16, please consider chartering Delamar, our luxurious 6 passenger pontoon, or perhaps you could plan a private Wind Dancer sail. We hate to disappoint! 😊
What is your cancellation policy?
Our charters will only be canceled due to extreme weather conditions. If there is light rain in the forecast, for example, you will want to bring rain gear. We try to make the call for our tours at least one hour in advance of departure. Rest assured, if we need to cancel because safety is an issue, you will have the opportunity to reschedule or get your money back. Should you wish to cancel for any reason, you must do so with a 24-hour advanced notice in order to receive a refund.
How accessible is the boat?
Guests must be able to step across a 10-inch gap between the dock and the boat to board Wind Dancer. Once aboard there is one 2-foot step up to padded bench seating and 5 stairs down to the salon and restroom. No physical activity is required.
What kind of food can we expect?
Only the best. Most of our food is locally sourced from farms and businesses here in Traverse City, Leelanau County, and Grand Traverse County. You can expect locally grown and crafted fresh fruit, jerkey, chips, and a delicious picnic lunch prepared by the chefs at Artisan, one of Traverse City's best restaurants. We also offer dessert from one of our local food artisans and an open bar stocked with locally crafted beer, wine, champagne, cider, and spirits are included in the price of your ticket. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
What should I bring?
Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate to the occasion you are celebrating. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a great idea as there is no shade on the upper deck of the boat. As the boat moves through the water, the position of the sails do offer some occasional shade.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available at the Delamar Hotel.
What happens if I'm late?
The tour will leave promptly at the designated time. Please prepare for traffic delays during festival and peak summer months to ensure a smooth arrival.
How do I tip the crew at the end of the trip?
Typically, cash tips are given to the guide directly at the end of the tour. You may also Venmo tips to @WindDancerTeam using the confirmation #231-883-1413. The suggested tip rate is anywhere from 15-20%.
Meet captain Jason
Captain Jason Lombardi fell in love with sailing as a youngster and has nurtured the love of boats and water his entire life.
Jason earned his captain's license in 2010 with US Captains Training. He captained the tall ship Champion for two seasons and a popular catamaran called Nauti-Cat the past several summers.
He’s spent time in different ports and marinas from Saint Clair to the Mackinac Straits and west to Lake Michigan. Jason is keenly interested in inspiring others to follow their dreams.
Meet captain Dan
Daniel learned to sail when he was sixteen and he lived aboard a 26 ft sloop living on anchor moving around West Grand Traverse Bay. He sailed to the gulf to sell his boat and fulfilled his lifelong dream and promise to his mother to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2018.
Daniel served as shipwright and crew for Inland Seas aboard schooner Utopia, where he absorbed as much knowledge about the art of sailing schooners and skills of the shipwright as he could.
His other interests include long, wandering sails in the middle of the night aboard his Alberg 30 sailboat, playing the piano, and watching weather systems develop.
$149 - $249
(gratuity not included)
Per person
This is a 2.5-hour sail that leaves from The Delamar hotel. Local food and beverages are included. For ages 16 and up.