Discovery Cruises

Discovery Cruises Daily tours & charters on the Bay's only floating venue! Visit our website for times and rates.
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Small Business Saturday! Shop local by purchasing a gift certificate for The Discovery. Give the gift of an experience o...
11/25/2023

Small Business Saturday! Shop local by purchasing a gift certificate for The Discovery.

Give the gift of an experience on West Grand Traverse Bay!

Discovery Cruises is a locally owned and operated business and we are proud to serve up locally curated food and beverages to support our community.

Available to purchase on our website then download and print -- quick and easy!

discoverycruisestc.com

We are grateful for our followers and passengers and wish you all a wonderful holiday!
11/23/2023

We are grateful for our followers and passengers and wish you all a wonderful holiday!

With The Discovery put to bed for the winter, we have time to travel and seek out inspiration. Travel is a great way to ...
10/30/2023

With The Discovery put to bed for the winter, we have time to travel and seek out inspiration.

Travel is a great way to get a fresh perspective and uncover new ideas.

Here are some snaps from a recent trip to Paris, France and Lake Garda, Italy.

Would any of these work on West Grand Traverse Bay?

What an awesome season we had! If you were on the Paint Grand Traverse Artist Demo Cruise last June, you may have met Ar...
10/27/2023

What an awesome season we had! If you were on the Paint Grand Traverse Artist Demo Cruise last June, you may have met Artist Kari Ganoung Ruiz Art of Interlaken, New York. Kari started her week painting on Discovery Cruises then she went on to win Best of Show for one of her paintings! Congratulations, !

She is a beautiful person and creates beautiful paintings! Check out her lovely art!

Follow Discovery Cruises to join us on the 2024 Paint Grand Traverse Artist Demo & Cruise! Thanks to !

🌟 Captain's Log, Season One Recap 🚢✨Ahoy, fellow adventurers! As the sun sets on our inaugural season as proud co-owners...
10/22/2023

🌟 Captain's Log, Season One Recap 🚢✨

Ahoy, fellow adventurers! As the sun sets on our inaugural season as proud co-owners of The Discovery, we find ourselves awash in gratitude. What a journey it has been! 🌅⚓

A massive shout-out to our incredible crew – the heart and soul of this seafaring saga. Your dedication and hard work made every wave a triumph and every sunset a memory to cherish. 🙌🌊

To our cherished friends, family, and community, your unwavering support buoyed our spirits and fueled our passion. We couldn't have set sail without you all on board. 🤗❤️

And to our fantastic guests, you transformed ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. Your smiles and laughter were the wind in our sails, keeping The Discovery gracefully cruising West Grand Traverse Bay. 🌈😄

But hold onto your tricorns, mates! The tale doesn't end here. 📜🔮 We're already plotting a course for 2024, and the horizon looks promising! 🚀 Exciting events, breathtaking sunsets, and new discoveries await.

As winter's chill settles in, warm your hearts with anticipation – gift certificates for next summer are now available! 🎁 And keep your spyglasses trained on our online store, where nautical treasures await, from stylish merch to maritime essentials.

By year's end, our 2024 calendar will unfurl, revealing a tapestry of adventures to come. Brace yourselves for fresh surprises and unforgettable events on The Discovery! 🗓️🎉

Fair winds and following seas, dear shipmates. Until we meet again beneath the endless sky, let the countdown to 2024 begin! ⏳⚓

Jennifer, Tawny, and Caroline

Have you experienced the Fall colors from West Grand Traverse Bay? There are only a couple of days left in the season so...
10/20/2023

Have you experienced the Fall colors from West Grand Traverse Bay? There are only a couple of days left in the season so make plans to jump onboard now!

10/19/2023
There are still seats available on our Fall Color Tours now through Sunday, October 22 but then we are done for the seas...
10/19/2023

There are still seats available on our Fall Color Tours now through Sunday, October 22 but then we are done for the season -- book your tour now!

As we close out the season, we want to thank the community by offering a Special Half-Off Tickets and Drinks this Thursd...
10/18/2023

As we close out the season, we want to thank the community by offering a Special Half-Off Tickets and Drinks this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!

Make your reservation online and use discount code: IMALOCAL

There’s nothing like a Grand Traverse Bay sunset from the water. Enjoy the splendor of the Michigan fall colors as the sun sets behind the hills.

Sip a glass of champagne or your favorite beverage as you and your family and friends make lifetime memories aboard The Discovery.

Book Now discoverycruisestc.com

We don't ever want this feeling to end!
10/18/2023

We don't ever want this feeling to end!

Discovery Cruises in Traverse City, Michigan.

Captain Tawny wants to show you a Grand Traverse Bay Sunset! We still have tickets available during this final week of t...
10/17/2023

Captain Tawny wants to show you a Grand Traverse Bay Sunset! We still have tickets available during this final week of the season! Pick your date:

Thursday, October 19
Friday, October 20
Saturday, October 21

Join us for a 5:30 PM Sunset Tour on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday this week before our season ends!

Bay Sightseeing Tours are available Tuesday - Sunday this week and a Wine Tasting Tour on Wednesday -- that is all!

10/16/2023

Autumn's high winds can sometimes sideline our tours of the bay but a little rain will never stop us! We like to say, "It's always sunny on The Discovery" where you can stay nice and dry inside if you choose!

Don't miss our last few tours of the season! Make your reservation today before it is too late!

Our last tour for 2023 is this Sunday, October 22! Visit discoverycruisestc.com NOW!

10/16/2023

Don't Miss the Boat! The last tour of the season for The Discovery is scheduled for Sunday, October 22 so book your tickets now! Catch those Fall Colors before they LEAVE! 🍁🍂

We have room on our Bay Sightseeing Tours Tuesday through Sunday and our Sunset Tours Wednesday through Saturday. Join us!

Visit discoverycruisestc.com and click Book Now to see the schedule.

📷Thanks to Dennis Kent for this awesome photo!

Daily tours & charters on the Bay's only floating venue! Visit our website for times and rates.

The Bay will be the perfect backdrop paired with wines from Chateau Grand Traverse this Wednesday on The Discovery. Chat...
10/16/2023

The Bay will be the perfect backdrop paired with wines from Chateau Grand Traverse this Wednesday on The Discovery.

Chateau Grand Traverse is a world-class winery on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. At the core, it is a family-owned and operated winery with a colorful and proud winemaking tradition.

Your ticket includes a cruise around West Grand Traverse Bay, light snacks from Grazing By the Bays, and a flight of local wines.

Additional beverages for purchase after all of your pressing wine questions have been answered. We begin boarding at 5:30 and the boat leaves the dock at 6:00 pm.

Tickets are limited so reserve your spot now at discoverycruisestc.com

https://discoverycruisestc.starboardsuite.com/e/wine-tasting-on-the-bay-1100

Wines from Around the World and Our Backyard! Wine Tasting on the Water coming this Wednesday!Join wine experts, Kristy ...
10/01/2023

Wines from Around the World and Our Backyard! Wine Tasting on the Water coming this Wednesday!

Join wine experts, Kristy McClellan and Alaina Leech, from Lake District Wine on The Discovery Sunset Cruise with wines from around the world! We will pour you samples of wine grown right here in Northern Michigan and compare them with similar wines from other parts of the world. Kristy and Alaina will guide you through our unique micro-climate as we cruise along the bay and local vineyards, and compare it with similar cool climates, such as Northern France, Oregon, and Austria.

Buy your tickets and get more details on our website discoverycruisestc.com!

Wines from Around the World and Our Backyard!Join wine experts, Kristy McClellan and Alaina Leech, from Lake District Wi...
09/30/2023

Wines from Around the World and Our Backyard!
Join wine experts, Kristy McClellan and Alaina Leech, from Lake District Wine Co. on The Discovery Sunset Cruise with wines from around the world on October 4! We will pour you samples of wine grown right here in Northern Michigan and compare them with similar wines from other parts of the world. Kristy and Alaina will guide you through our unique micro-climate as we cruise along the bay and local vineyards, and compare it with similar cool climates, such as Northern France, Oregon, and Austria.
We will also have snacks from Grazing By the Bays and additional beverages for purchase after all of your pressing wine questions have been answered. We feature a different local winery each week.

We are always "discovering" new things about Northwestern Michigan College ! Really fortunate to have them in the neighb...
09/25/2023

We are always "discovering" new things about Northwestern Michigan College ! Really fortunate to have them in the neighborhood. Why would you go anywhere else?

Contrary to popular belief, the oceans aren’t the only bodies of water on Earth hiding a few mysteries. According to the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), only about 15 percent of the cumulative lake floor in the Great Lakes has ever been mapped in significant detail. “Though many maps of the...

Even on a boat Grandview Catering knocks it outta the park!
09/25/2023

Even on a boat Grandview Catering knocks it outta the park!

Where will your next party be? ⛴
On the water with Discovery Cruises? Let us handle the food!

Check out this beautiful drone shot taken by Dennis Kent as we were leaving Discovery Center & Pier. Wow! How much do yo...
09/15/2023

Check out this beautiful drone shot taken by Dennis Kent as we were leaving Discovery Center & Pier. Wow! How much do you love this? 😍 We are speechless!

Big thanks, Dennis Kent, for making this big girl look super hot! 🔥 Think its time to update our profile pic?

We love collaborating with Discovery Center & Pier  and Northwestern Michigan College !
09/13/2023

We love collaborating with Discovery Center & Pier and Northwestern Michigan College !

Today is our first Discovering Careers in Marine Technology Program for the fall! We are excited to host these field trips for local high school classes so they can learn more about marine technology.

We know that not every class can participate in a field trip which is why we provide the opportunity for individuals to sign up and join us on September 30! There's still lots of space available in this program! Join us and staff from Northwestern Michigan College's Marine Technology Department aboard Discovery Cruises' tour boat. Register today at discoverygreatlakes.org/discovering-careers

Enjoy an evening with winemaker Bryan Ulbrich from Left Foot Charley Winery aboard The Discovery. As we cruise along Lak...
09/11/2023

Enjoy an evening with winemaker Bryan Ulbrich from Left Foot Charley Winery aboard The Discovery. As we cruise along Lake Michigan's beautiful West Bay, you will see the vineyards where the wine in your glass was grown on Traverse City's Old Mission Peninsula. Sip on Left Foot Charley's wines, nibble on locally crafted appetizers, and soak in the sunset for a perfect evening in Northern Michigan.

Don't miss the boat! Register on discoverycruisestc.com today!

Cruisin' for Community /SOLD OUT participants had a great time and made contributions to 3 organizations in the Traverse...
09/11/2023

Cruisin' for Community /SOLD OUT participants had a great time and made contributions to 3 organizations in the Traverse City area.

We may have to put this one on repeat!

Some of the team recently took an evening cruise on the double decker boat. We were there to support a few local nonprofits. These are folks that define our wonderful community. We suggest you check out the boat and explore ! They’d love your support as would and

Don't miss this BBB event! Bagels & Bloodies on the Bay! Enjoy Traverse City's Bubbie’s Bagels  with a schmear and a Blo...
09/07/2023

Don't miss this BBB event! Bagels & Bloodies on the Bay!

Enjoy Traverse City's Bubbie’s Bagels with a schmear and a Bloody Mary Bar with all the fixings!

Bubbie's uses old-school techniques and the highest quality ingredients to create bagels the way they used to be. They start with a sourdough base, then ferment them for over two days allowing them to develop maximum flavor. The bagels are boiled, rather than steamed, before being baked to develop that chewy interior and crispy crust that bagels are known for.

Top your Bloody Mary with any of our creative toppings from and spice it up to your liking. Or choose a Mimosa and just graze at the Bloody Mary garnishes!

Adult and Senior ticket prices include one bagel and one Bloody Mary or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice and unlimited toppings!

Register in advance on our website to secure your spot!

www.discoverycruisestc.com

WE ARE CLOSED TODAY! In celebration of a beautiful summer and all the many hours our staff worked, we are giving them a ...
09/04/2023

WE ARE CLOSED TODAY! In celebration of a beautiful summer and all the many hours our staff worked, we are giving them a day off to enjoy with their family and friends before we start our new fall schedule.

We are grateful for our employees, our passengers, and the support of the Traverse City community this summer! Let's celebrate!

There is still time to join us on an Indian Summer or Fall Color Tour cruise! Go to our website to book your next adventure on The Discovery!

Visit discoverycruisestc.com

Our first Bagel & Bloody Mary Bar was a success! Bagels from Bubbie’s Bagels + Brownwood Acres pickled garnishes = YUM! ...
08/27/2023

Our first Bagel & Bloody Mary Bar was a success! Bagels from Bubbie’s Bagels + Brownwood Acres pickled garnishes = YUM! 😍

Don't miss next Saturday's BBB event! Buy your ticket now!

You asked and we heard you! Starting this Saturday we will be serving up Bagels & Bloody Marys on the Bay! Enjoy Travers...
08/22/2023

You asked and we heard you! Starting this Saturday we will be serving up Bagels & Bloody Marys on the Bay!

Enjoy Traverse City's Bubbie's Bagels with a schmear and a Bloody Mary Bar with all the fixings!

Top your Bloody Mary with any of our creative toppings and spice it up to your liking or choose a Mimso and just graze at the Bloody Mary bar.

Adult and Senior ticket prices include one bagel and one Bloody Mary or non-alcoholic beverage of your choice and unlimited toppings!

Your first drink is included and comes in a souvenir glass. Additional beverages may be purchased from the ship’s bar.

Visit our website to reserve your spot today!

During our Bay Sightseeing Tours we share stories about the history of the area. For a deeper dive follow Traverse Area ...
08/22/2023

During our Bay Sightseeing Tours we share stories about the history of the area. For a deeper dive follow Traverse Area Historical Society . This photo shows the Ooen Space with a ship in the background-- reminds us a little of our boat The Discovery.

https://www.facebook.com/100064303465065/posts/689561719863937/?mibextid=9R9pXO

An interesting black and white scanned image to hold you over the weekend.

The ship we see is identified as The Alpena. It is just leaving the Hannah and Lay Coal Dock, after unloading a delivery of coal. The Hannah and Lay Coal Dock was located at the intersection of N. Union and Bay/Barker Streets (It was Bay Street going West from this intersection, Barker Street the short distance it went East). Today, it is a part of the northernmost section of our Open Space.

Near the right edge, on the horizon, we can make out Government Island #10/Hog Island/Marion Island/Ford Island - whichever it was at the time of this photo. Unfortunately, we are not given the date of this photo.

Donald Piche talking about the upcoming Cruisin' for Community  event with Vic McCarthy on WTCM Radio and The Ron Jolly ...
08/22/2023

Donald Piche talking about the upcoming Cruisin' for Community event with Vic McCarthy on WTCM Radio and The Ron Jolly Show -- better sign up soon!

Wine Tasting on the Water? Why not! Every Wednesday? Yes, Please! 🥂Next week we will be launching a new Fall Series call...
08/19/2023

Wine Tasting on the Water? Why not! Every Wednesday? Yes, Please! 🥂

Next week we will be launching a new Fall Series called Wine Tasting Wednesdays.

Experience the best of our area during a wine tasting offered by a different local winery expert each Wednesday. As we cruise the bay, the beautiful backdrop will serve as the perfect pairing for their wine selection.

We will also have snacks from Grazing By The Bays plus additional beverages for purchase after all of your pressing wine questions have been answered.

August 23 - Chateau Grand Traverse
August 30 - Mari Vineyard
Sept 6 - Bonobo Winery
September 13 - Left Foot Charlie's
Sept 20 Brengman Brothers
Oct 4 Lake District Wines
Oct 11 Bos Wines

Tickets are $68 and include your 2-hour cruise plus a flight of 5-6 wines, a light appetizer, thoughts from a wine expert, and the commanderies of good company.

We are so excited to partner with Discovery Center & Pier and Northwestern Michigan College to introduce students to the...
08/17/2023

We are so excited to partner with Discovery Center & Pier and Northwestern Michigan College to introduce students to the Marine Technology program at NMC!

High school students can come onboard and take an underwater remote operating vehicle for a test drive -- sign up today!

HEY HIGH SCHOOLERS! Are you interested in technology? Are you curious how you can turn your passion into a career? Sign up for our FREE Discovering Careers in Marine Technology Program in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College on September 30! Visit discoverygreatlakes.org/discovering-careers

Did you know ... we are proud to serve many local products onboard!Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls & Chicago Style Pizza  Dou...
07/29/2023

Did you know ... we are proud to serve many local products onboard!

Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls & Chicago Style Pizza
Doug Murdicks Fudge
Deerings Jerky
Great Lakes Chips
Northwoods Soda & Syrup Co.
Short's Brewing Company
Omena Applesauce
ERG Energy Bars
Mammoth Distilling

Come Taste The Local Difference !

Address

13170 S West Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City, MI
49684

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