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Shoreline Boat Tours

Sturgeon Bay & Baileys Harbor Boat Tours

Book a Cruise!

Launching from the Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum, our Sturgeon Bay Tours feature narration integrated with Door County Maritime Museum exhibits.

 

Launching from Baileys Harbor Marina, our Baileys Harbor Tours feature premier on-water viewing of Cana Island Lighthouse. 

 

UPGRADE TO OUR DAY PACKAGES FOR THE BEST VALUE!

In combination with our educational partners, our day packages provide you an immersive and inspiring Door County experience.

 

Each day package includes three exceptional experiences:

 

1. On water: narrated boat tour

2. On land: nature preserve, where the woods meet the water

3. In a museum or educational learning center

Sturgeon Bay Day Package Includes entrance admission fee into the Door County Maritime Museum including the impressive Kress Tower and the historic tug John Purves!

 

 

Baileys Harbor Day Package Includes admission to Cana Island Lighthouse and The Ridges Sanctuary trail system!

Choose Your Location for Boat Tours in Door County

Introducing Friday evening sunset cruises! With beautiful scenery and light narration, it’s the perfect environment to relax and unwind with friends and loved ones.

In Sturgeon Bay, we travel the shipping canal to the USCG Lifesaving Station and North Pierhead Light on Lake Michigan. On our return, we watch the sun slowly fade to the horizon over the bay. 

In Baileys Harbor, we watch both the Cana Island Lighthouse and Baileys Harbor Range Lights come to life as we enjoy the sea breeze and sunset over the water.

What To Expect on our Boat Tours in Door County

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Narration Philosophy

Promote historical preservation and environmental stewardship

 

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Narration Topics

Geology
Cultural History
Navigation
Weather and Climate
Ship Building / Commerce
Life Under Water
Life On Land
Invasive Species

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First Mate Certificate

For learners of all ages!
Complete a fun word game
Learn to tie a bowline knot
Take the Door County Pledge

Educational Partnerships


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A preeminent cultural and educational resource for the preservation and stewardship of regional maritime history.

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1,600-acre nature preserve and land trust in Baileys Harbor listed as a National Natural Landmark, Important Bird Area and Wisconsin State Natural Area.

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115-acre preserve offering experiential learning focused on science, history, and the environment.

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The Door County Historical Society strives to collect, maintain, and share the history and heritage of Door County through preservation, education, and programming. The society operates two interpretive sites: Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park and the Heritage Village at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay.

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Built in 1939, the Door County Historical Museum has been educating locals and visitors alike about the rich history of Door County, Wisconsin for over 80 years. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff, innovative displays and the deepest collection of Door County artifacts in the world, it’s not hard to see why the Museum was named one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Best Small Museums in the Midwest.”

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One of the Midwest’s premier conservation organizations, preserving, maintaining and enhancing lands that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty, open space, and ecological integrity of Door County.

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Dedicated to preserving and enhancing Wisconsin’s most complete state park with the vision of a park for all people—a beautiful and vibrant place where visitors of all interests, backgrounds, and abilities can enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual benefits of the great outdoors.

logoSupporting the preservation, restoration, maintenance, and contemporary use of the historic resources on Plum and Pilot Islands, and conserving and protecting wildlife resources, while providing opportunities for quality wildlife-dependent recreation.

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34 acres of pristine land with hiking trails, wildlife viewing and resident birds of prey, offering a unique combination of environmental and wildlife education.

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Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Best Narrated Boat Tours in Door County, WI
★★★★★

Great and Informative!

We really liked the tour. Very informative and a different viewing perspective because we were on the water. I would recommend this tour!

– Mark G, Google Reviews
Amazing Side of Door County!

We had a fantastic tour on our visit to Door County. We appreciated the notice upfront that tours are dependent on Lake Michigan conditions as well as the guidance on how to prepare for the excursion. The morning of our tour lucked us with perfect weather. The tour itself was beautiful and very informative. The captain and tour guide were friendly and fun. Great outing overall. Highly recommend!

– Carolyn P, Google Reviews
An Outstanding Trip!

Outstanding narrative and beautiful trip. History, lighthouses and shipwrecks. Super fun way to spend a couple of hours learned about Door County History

– Laura K, Google Reviews
Such a great tour!

What a great and unique tour of an area ripe with history. The boat is safe and great for viewing the landmarks that the tour point out. I've been on many tours around USA and Caribbean. Great job guys!

– Andy S, Google Reviews
Fun, Interesting and Knowledgeable!

It was a really great tour over the weekend. Water was very calm and clear so we were able to see a few shipwrecks. Captain and guide were very knowledgeable and make it fun and interesting. You can tell they really enjoy giving the tours.

– Ashlee K, Google Reviews
A Fantastic Trip!

We had a great tour this morning. Being able to see one of our favorite spots to visit in Door County -Cana Island Lighthouse - from the water was a thrill. The captain and guide were excellent and we learned a lot of great new information and history of the area. Shipwrecks, Range lights and lighthouses.. not a better way to spend a morning.

– Brenda S, Google Reviews