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Trip Planning

Suggested Itineraries

Sample routes for 3, 5, and 7-day charters — organized by pace. These are starting points, not fixed plans. Weather and wind always have the final say.

Choosing Your Pace

● Short Days

Relaxed hops, close to home base. Great for first-timers or families.

● Moderate Days

More ground covered, more variety. A good balance of sailing and exploring.

● Spirited Days

Longer passages, more ambitious destinations. Best for experienced crews.

A Word on Itinerary Planning

These are suggestions drawn from years of experience on these waters. Weather, wind, and sea state will affect your float plan. Always use prudent judgment, check conditions before leaving the bay, and call us anytime if you're uncertain.

3-Day Itineraries

Perfect for a long weekend. Both routes stay within Grand Traverse Bay.

Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Traverse CityNorthportCharlevoix
Day 2Suttons BaySuttons BaySuttons Bay
Day 3Return to baseReturn to baseReturn to base
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Power IslandOmena HarborOld Mission Harbor
Day 2Omena HarborPower IslandOmena Harbor
Day 3Return to baseReturn to baseReturn to base

5-Day Itineraries

Our most popular charter length. Enough time to reach Charlevoix or Beaver Island on a spirited pace.

Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Suttons BayNorthportNorthport
Day 2NorthportCharlevoixBeaver Island
Day 3LelandElk RapidsHarbor Springs
Day 4PetoskeySuttons BaySuttons Bay
Day 5Bay HarborReturn to baseReturn to base
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Power IslandOmena BayNorthport Bay
Day 2Omena HarborNorthport BayBeaver Island
Day 3Old Mission HarborOld Mission BayHarbor Springs
Day 4Northport BayPower IslandNorthport
Day 5Return to baseReturn to baseReturn to base

7-Day Itineraries

A full week opens up Beaver Island, the Straits, and Mackinac on a spirited pace.

Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Traverse CityNorthportCharlevoix
Day 2Suttons BayCharlevoixBeaver Island
Day 3NorthportBeaver IslandMackinaw City
Day 4Elk RapidsPetoskeySt. Ignace
Day 5CharlevoixBay HarborHarbor Springs
Day 6Bowers HarborSuttons BaySuttons Bay
Day 7Return to baseReturn to baseReturn to base
● Short Days● Moderate Days● Spirited Days
Day 1Power IslandOmena BayNorthport Bay
Day 2Omena BayOld Mission HarborSouth Manitou
Day 3Northport BaySouth ManitouCathead Bay
Day 4Old Mission HarborCathead BayHigh Island
Day 5Suttons Bay anchorageFox IslandsGarden Island
Day 6Bowers HarborNorthport BayOmena Bay
Day 7Return to baseReturn to baseReturn to base

Port Distance Reference

Point-to-point straight-line distances for reference only. Actual sailing distances will vary.

Mileage Reference Chart

Straight-line nautical miles — not for navigational purposes

From Traverse City
Suttons Bay18 mi
Northport24 mi
Leland50 mi
Charlevoix44 mi
Harbor Springs59 mi
Beaver Island60 mi
Mackinac Island97 mi
From Suttons Bay
Northport13 mi
Charlevoix32 mi
Beaver Island56 mi
From Northport
Mackinac Island77 mi
Charlevoix23 mi
Harbor Springs38 mi
Leland30 mi
Beaver Island41 mi
Petoskey39 mi
South Manitou41 mi
From Charlevoix
Beaver Island31 mi
Mackinac Island59 mi
Harbor Springs17 mi
Petoskey17 mi
From Leland
Mackinac Island83 mi
Charlevoix30 mi
Beaver Island53 mi
Washington Island59 mi
South Manitou16 mi
From Beaver Island
Mackinac Island45 mi
From Harbor Springs
Mackinac Island56 mi
From Petoskey
Beaver Island34 mi
Planning Questions?

Call us anytime at 231.941.0535 — we're always happy to help with routing, conditions, and trip planning.