Pacing
Choosing Your Pace
Each itinerary comes in three paces. Choose the one that matches your crew's comfort level and how much sailing vs. exploring you want to do.
Short Days
Relaxed hops, close to home base.
Great for first-timers or families.
Great for first-timers or families.
Moderate Days
More ground covered, more variety.
A good balance of sailing and exploring.
A good balance of sailing and exploring.
Spirited Days
Longer passages, more ambitious destinations.
Best for experienced crews.
Best for experienced crews.
A Word on Itinerary Planning
These itineraries are suggestions drawn from years of experience on these waters. Weather, wind, and sea state will affect your float plan. All times shown are point-to-point estimates — actual sailing time will vary. Always use prudent judgment, check conditions before leaving the bay, and call us anytime if you're uncertain. We're always happy to help.
3 Days
Three-Day Itineraries
Perfect for a long weekend. Both routes stay within Grand Traverse Bay — easily manageable for newer crews while offering great destinations and anchorages.
Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Traverse City | Northport | Charlevoix |
| Day 2 | Suttons Bay | Suttons Bay | Suttons Bay |
| Day 3 | Return to base | Return to base | Return to base |
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Power Island | Omena Harbor | Old Mission Harbor |
| Day 2 | Omena Harbor | Power Island | Omena Harbor |
| Day 3 | Return to base | Return to base | Return to base |
5 Days
Five-Day Itineraries
Our most popular charter length. Enough time to reach Charlevoix or Beaver Island on a spirited pace, while shorter days keep you well within Grand Traverse Bay.
Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Suttons Bay | Northport | Northport |
| Day 2 | Northport | Charlevoix | Beaver Island |
| Day 3 | Leland | Elk Rapids | Harbor Springs |
| Day 4 | Petoskey | Suttons Bay | Suttons Bay |
| Day 5 | Bay Harbor | Return to base | Return to base |
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Power Island | Omena Bay | Northport Bay |
| Day 2 | Omena Harbor | Northport Bay | Beaver Island |
| Day 3 | Old Mission Harbor | Old Mission Bay | Harbor Springs |
| Day 4 | Northport Bay | Power Island | Northport |
| Day 5 | Return to base | Return to base | Return to base |
7 Days
Seven-Day Itineraries
A full week opens up Beaver Island, the Straits of Mackinac, and the possibility of reaching Mackinaw City or St. Ignace on a spirited pace. Allow extra time for weather windows when heading north.
Harbor Hopping
Anchorage Isolation
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Traverse City | Northport | Charlevoix |
| Day 2 | Suttons Bay | Charlevoix | Beaver Island |
| Day 3 | Northport | Beaver Island | Mackinaw City |
| Day 4 | Elk Rapids | Petoskey | St. Ignace |
| Day 5 | Charlevoix | Bay Harbor | Harbor Springs |
| Day 6 | Bowers Harbor | Suttons Bay | Suttons Bay |
| Day 7 | Return to base | Return to base | Return to base |
| ● Short Days | ● Moderate Days | ● Spirited Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Power Island | Omena Bay | Northport Bay |
| Day 2 | Omena Bay | Old Mission Harbor | South Manitou |
| Day 3 | Northport Bay | South Manitou | Cathead Bay |
| Day 4 | Old Mission Harbor | Cathead Bay | High Island |
| Day 5 | Suttons Bay anchorage | Fox Islands | Garden Island |
| Day 6 | Bowers Harbor | Northport Bay | Omena Bay |
| Day 7 | Return to base | Return to base | Return to base |
Miles
Port Distance Reference
Point-to-point straight-line distances for reference only. Actual sailing distances will vary with wind, course, and route.
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
Petoskey20 mi
From Leland
Mackinac Island83 mi
Charlevoix30 mi
Beaver Island53 mi
Washington Island59 mi
South Manitou16 mi
From Beaver Island
Mackinac Island45 mi
From Grand Traverse Light
Washington Island65 mi
From Harbor Springs
Mackinac Island56 mi
From Petoskey
Beaver Island34 mi
A note on these itineraries: These are suggestions based on years of local knowledge. Weather conditions, sea state, and your crew's comfort level will all affect your actual float plan. Prudent seamanship should always come first. Call us anytime at +1 231 941 0535 if you have questions about conditions or routing.