Frequently asked questions
We now sail from Saugatuck, just up the coast. These answers are about sailing with us there.
Do you still sail from South Haven?
No. We sailed from South Haven from 2010 to 2023, and we now sail Serenity, Saugatuck’s only tall ship, about 18 minutes away by car. You can read our story.
Where do you sail from, and how do I get there?
From South Haven, it’s about 18 minutes by car. Our dock is at 219 N Union St, Douglas, MI 49406. Douglas is Saugatuck’s sister city, so your map may say Douglas. Look for Tower Marina, just off Blue Star Highway, between the red lighthouse and the Red Dock Cafe. Parking is free in the large lot next to the dock. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Get directions.
How do I book?
Book online on the Sailing Saugatuck schedule. Public sails sell individual tickets, so you don’t need to book the whole boat. Our most popular sails usually sell out about two weeks ahead, so book early, especially for groups of four or more. Dates, times and prices change, so the schedule is the best place to check. Book a sail.
When do you sail, and how long is a sail?
Generally Memorial Day to early October, depending on the weather. Public sails are two hours. We start with a cruise down the Kalamazoo River and then head out onto Lake Michigan to set sail.
What should I bring, and what’s on board?
A sweater or light jacket, since it can be cooler on the water, and your own beer or wine and snacks. There’s a cooler on board, plus soft drinks and water. We don’t provide or sell alcohol, and it’s beer and wine only, please. There’s a small bathroom on board, called the head, down a ladder-style staircase.
Marijuana and THC products of any kind aren’t allowed on board. Even though they’re legal in Michigan, our sails fall under U.S. Coast Guard rules for passenger vessels. Smoking and vaping aren’t permitted either.
Can I bring kids?
Yes, ages 4 and up on public sails; children under 4 aren’t allowed, for safety reasons. Children 4 to 6 must wear a life vest: bring your own Coast Guard-certified Type II vest or use one of ours.
What if the weather is bad, or I need to cancel?
Lake conditions change, so the captain decides day to day and will be in touch on the day of your sail if conditions look too rough. We may still sail in light rain, but never if the forecast looks dangerous. We’re flexible about it: depending on the day, that might mean a new date or a river cruise at half price. If we cancel, your card is refunded in full automatically.
If you can’t make a public sail or want to reschedule, please let us know at least five days ahead. No-shows can’t be refunded. The current policy is always on the Sailing Saugatuck FAQ.
Can I charter the whole boat?
Yes. Have Serenity to yourselves for a wedding or elopement, a reunion, a birthday, a family outing or a company event, with room for up to 24 guests. Private charter details.
What else is there to do in Saugatuck?
The crew writes about the area on the Sailing Saugatuck Captain’s Blog, with guides to the hand-cranked chain ferry, Mount Baldhead, Saugatuck Dunes State Park and local breweries. Read the Captain’s Blog.
