You’re on a Boat!

Two ways to explore Grand Traverse Bay

By Abby McKiernan | June 7, 2025

With over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the clearest freshwater in the world, it’s no surprise that getting out on the bay is a summer tradition in Traverse City. But how you choose to experience the water can vary just as much as the lake itself—calm one minute, lively the next.

Whether you’re drawn to the quiet elegance of a schooner sail or prefer a festive, two-deck cruise with music and a full bar, there’s something for every kind of lake day. Two of the area’s boat companies—Wind Dancer Sailing Tours and Discovery Cruises—offer memorable ways to take in the views, connect with local culture, and enjoy the water.

From island adventures and educational sails to themed evening cruises and festival-week fireworks, here’s a closer look at what each offers and how they blend tourism, community connection, and Great Lakes stewardship with every sail.

Wind Dancer Sailing Tours

For those who want to experience Grand Traverse Bay like a local—not just look at it from shore—Wind Dancer Sailing Tours offers more than just a ride. With a fleet that includes a classic 63-foot schooner and private pontoon options, their trips are designed to immerse guests in the culture, flavors, and rhythms of the region. It’s less of a sightseeing cruise and more of a choose-your-own-adventure on the water.

Sailing tours remain at the heart of Wind Dancer’s identity. Departing from Clinch Marina, the schooner is perfect for those drawn to wind-powered travel. With space for 24 guests and a wide-open deck, it’s a peaceful, small-group experience that prioritizes comfort, conversation, and unobstructed views.

“Once the sails are up and the engine is off, you experience nothing but the sense of a calm and stress-free moment,” says Captain Nate Berkebile. “It really makes you appreciate the beauty of the moment when the wind is powering you.”

But the company doesn’t stop there. Their Island Adventures offer a rare local favorite: a private charter to Power Island, just off the coast of Bowers Harbor. Once there, guests can swim, hike, picnic, and explore a place only accessible by watercraft.

They also offer private charters for families, wedding parties, or friend groups looking for a more personal outing. During the National Cherry Festival, Wind Dancer creates festival-centric cruises that allow guests to enjoy the fireworks, airshows, and waterfront celebrations from the best floating seats in town.

Each trip is led by a certified captain and supported by a small, seasoned crew. Captain Chris Buday is a retired Navy Commander, Captain Michele Derouin has spent decades navigating tall ships in the Great Lakes, Captain Nate Berkebile is a marine scientist by training, and Chris Alters is focused on all things hospitality and guest relations.

“Personally, I’ve loved the difficulties that my team and I have overcome to get to this moment in such a tight timeframe,” says Berkebile. “It all leads to an enjoyable experience for the guests aboard the vessel. Seeing somebody enjoy the cool breeze and sunshine on their face really makes me enjoy this type of business.”

Education and community involvement are also important to the Wind Dancer crew. The team regularly partners with local schools, nonprofits, and conservation groups to offer ecology-focused sails that highlight issues like water quality, invasive species, and watershed protection. These sails are designed to inspire connection to the Great Lakes through hands-on learning and conversation.

Wind Dancer Offerings Include
Sailing Charters – Daytime, sunset, and occasional specialty sails
Pontoon Charters – Laid-back, customizable outings
Island Adventures – Private day trips to Power Island
Private Group Charters – Weddings, reunions, corporate retreats
Cherry Festival Cruises – Unique festival-week experiences on the water

Discovery Cruises

Before The Discovery ever set sail on Grand Traverse Bay, its story was already rooted in the water. One of its co-owners, Captain Tawny Hammond, had previously launched Wind Dancer Sailing Tours—later passing the helm to former Discovery employee Marc McCombs. With Wind Dancer in capable hands, Hammond turned her focus to a new kind of cruising experience.

Together with co-founders Jennifer Szunko and Caroline Oosterhouse, she saw an opportunity not just to purchase a boat, but to build a fresh venture centered on sharing her love of the water with a new community.

The three women relaunched The Discovery in 2022, transforming it into a locally owned tour boat with room for connection, education, and joy. Their mission: to create inclusive, enriching, and awe-inspiring experiences on the water for guests of all ages and abilities.

“We’ve had locals who’ve lived here for 80 years say it was their first time out on the bay,” says Jennifer Szunko, who oversees the boat’s day-to-day operations. “That’s exactly why we’re here—to help more people experience the water that makes this region so special.”

The Discovery itself is a 65-foot, two-level vessel with spacious indoor cabins and open-air decks at the bow and stern. It’s fully accessible and can accommodate up to 149 guests, with flexible seating, restrooms, and a full bar on board. From sunseekers to guests with mobility needs, the boat is designed to welcome everyone.

Led by a professional crew—including Captain Jack Muhleck, who started as a summer deckhand and worked his way up to a U.S. Coast Guard license—Discovery Cruises prioritizes safety, hospitality, and approachability. The atmosphere is relaxed, but every detail is intentional.

But The Discovery offers more than a tour—it’s a floating classroom, a community gathering space, and a platform for lake stewardship. As a certified Michigan Clean Marina partner, the company incorporates sustainability into every level of operation, from local sourcing to responsible fueling and waste practices. Cruises often include light interpretive programming on local ecology, maritime history, and the cultural significance of Grand Traverse Bay.

“We believe people want to protect what they can touch, see, feel, and experience,” says Szunko. “The Discovery helps people do just that.”

Cruise Options Include
Daily Sightseeing Cruises – Afternoon and evening departures
Sunset Cruises – Peaceful, golden-hour views of the bay
Wine Down Wednesdays – Midweek cruises featuring local wine
Bagels & Bloodys on the Bay – Sunday cruises with your favorite brunch fixings
Air Show Cruises – During the National Cherry Festival
Fireworks Cruises – 4th of July and festival-week highlights
Private Charters – Weddings, reunions, business outings, and more

Photo courtesy of Discovery Cruises