Evening Sunset Tall Ships Photography Tour

Enjoy an Evening Photography Cruise That Blends Maritime Elegance With the Beauty of Golden Hour Lighting

Capture the Magic of Tall Ships Under Sail in the Golden Light of a Door County Evening. Timed to follow the final tall ship departures of the day, our Evening Sunset Photography Tours provide a peaceful, two-hour cruise that blends maritime elegance with the beauty of golden hour lighting.

As the ships ply the waters of Sturgeon Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph silhouetted sails, vivid skies, and glowing water reflections—making this a perfect tour for photographers, maritime enthusiasts, and anyone seeking that end-of-day magic.

Whether you’re after moody silhouettes or the warmth of sunset on sails, this tour offers an unforgettable way to close out your day on the water.

Please Note: This is not a ride aboard a tall ship. Tickets for sailing excursions on the tall ships must be purchased separately through Destination Sturgeon Bay. Our tour is designed to follow and photograph the tall ships as they sail out, providing premium viewing and photography access from a comfortable, stable powerboat. Exact ship assignments and departure timing may vary due to wind, weather, and event logistics.

This year’s Parade of Sail marks the return of the tall ships to Sturgeon Bay for the first time in six years, presented in partnership with the acclaimed Tall Ships America organization. These vessels—Liberty Clipper, Pride of Baltimore II, Utopia, and When and If—represent a rich tradition of maritime heritage, each with its own fascinating story and timeless silhouette:

• Liberty Clipper – A 125-foot schooner modeled after 19th-century American merchant vessels, the Liberty Clipper hails from Boston and sails as a charter and educational vessel along the East Coast.
• Pride of Baltimore II – A striking reproduction of an 1812-era topsail schooner, Pride represents a key part of U.S. maritime history. She was built to honor the original Pride of Baltimore, which was tragically lost at sea.
• When and If – Commissioned in 1939 by General George S. Patton, this sleek schooner was named for Patton’s dream of sailing “when the war is over and if I live through it.” Restored to her original beauty, she’s now a living piece of history.
• Utopia – Built locally by Peterson Builders Inc., this elegant yacht was the personal boat of the Peterson Family and has traveled the world. Since leaving Sturgeon Bay it has been used for sail training and educational programming.