Power Island Picnic Sail Aboard Manitou

Do you want to get away from it all, cast off the lines, and go explore Grand Traverse Bay’s hidden gem, all in just a single day? We have just the sail for you! We’re combining some of the best aspects of our summer and fall sails into one truly unique experience with our Power Island Picnic Sail.

What to expect?

Check in at 9:30 am, board our flagship Manitou after a quick safety briefing, and leave all your cares on the dock when we depart Discovery Pier at 10 am.

Once clear of the dock, guests are invited to help hoist Manitou’s sails. Once the sails are set, coffee and pastries will be served on deck in the open air as Manitou sails to Power Island – you can enjoy the food and the view at the same time. 

As we journey North and get away from town, you can sit back and take in the beauty of West Grand Traverse Bay and the serenity on the boat away from it all, or get involved with sailing the vessel, assisting the crew with the lines, or even taking a turn at the wheel if conditions allow.

When Manitou arrives at Power Island, the crew will ferry you to shore for the next stage of the day: exploring your own Power Island adventure. Will you stroll through Power Island’s towering forests, explore along miles of pristine beaches, or simply soak in the unique views of the Bay and Traverse City? Whatever you choose, you’ll do it all with a delicious, packed lunch in hand, crafted by Chef Grey on Manitou’s wood stove. 

After your adventure ashore, the crew will provide ferry service back to Manitou, and we will start back to Traverse City, with appetizers served aboard. Although your day at Power Island will end by 5 pm at our dock, the memories will last much longer! 

What is included?

• 7.5 hours of adventure and escape, 4-5 hrs of sailing, and 2-3 hrs of independent island adventure

• Expert captain and crew on a beautiful traditional schooner

• Entry fee for the county park, a small boat to transport you back and forth

• Morning snack (coffee and pastries)

• Packed lunch to take on your adventure

• Appetizers on the ship 

• Additional light snacks, drinks, and alcohol are available for purchase

What should I bring?

• Temperatures on the water and in the shade on Power Island can be cooler than expected. We recommend bringing layers, especially a jacket.

• It can also be hotter than expected, and you will be in the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• We recommend bringing a water bottle and some combination of comfortable shoes that can get wet. Strap sandals (Tevas, Chacos, Keens) work well, as do Crocs! 

• If you want to swim, bring your suit, your own towel, and something dry to wear on the sail home. 

• Feel free to bring extra snacks or drinks, but we have to ask you not to bring your own alcohol, due to the requirements of our liquor license. 

• Please be mindful of what valuables you bring and wear.

• A sense of adventure!