Schooner Sails and Boat Cruises Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

If you’re seeking a maritime adventure along the beautiful Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, you’re in for a treat! The stunning coastline and waterways of the Byway, offers a plethora of boat tours and schooner experiences, and boat cruises that will leave you with unforgettable memories. In this post, we will explore some of the best options available!

Schooner Adventure

Address: 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930

The Schooner Adventure, based in Gloucester, is a legendary vessel that has been sailing the seas since 1926. This historic schooner offers various cruises, including sunset sails and day trips, providing passengers with a chance to experience the thrill of traditional sailing while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Essex coastline. Their mission is to restore and preserve the Schooner Adventure for the future generations, and enable the Schooner Adventure to serve as a community resource for educational programming focusing on maritime, cultural, and environmental issues

Schooner Ardelle

Address: 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930

Step aboard the Schooner Ardelle, a true gem of Gloucester’s maritime heritage. The authentic, traditionally built, Gloucester Schooner out of Gloucester’s historic working waterfront is an elegant vessel that offers a range of sailing adventures, including public sails, private charters, and special events. With its spacious deck and knowledgeable crew, the Schooner Ardelle guarantees an interactive and educational experience that will please guests of all ages.

Schooner Fame

Address: 86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA 01970

For history enthusiasts, the Schooner Fame in Salem is an excellent choice. This replica of a War of 1812 privateer schooner offers engaging tours that delve into the region’s rich maritime history. Get ready to hoist the sails on this top-rated replica of the 1812 privateer Fame, one of Salem’s premier activities. They also offer a sunset sail where you can watch the twilight spread across the waters of Salem Sound. Book a tour with Schooner Fame today!

Essex River Cruises

Address: 35 Dodge Street, Essex, MA 01929

Essex River Cruises & Charters, based in historic Essex, Massachusetts, has been running narrated sightseeing tours, private charters, tidal beach clambakes, and more for over 20 years. On board the Essex River Queen I and Essex River Queen II, you may escape to the pristine natural beauty of the Essex River. You’ll cruise past incredible views of lovely salt marshes with rich, unique wildlife surrounded by superb restaurants, antique stores, operating museums, and cultural sites. Join us on a cruise to discover the region’s legend and history.

Essex Heritage Boat Tours

Address: 10 Blaney Street, Salem MA 01970

Essex Heritage Boat Tours in Salem offers a variety of captivating tours exploring the region’s cultural and ecological heritage. From lighthouse tours to bird-watching excursions, each tour is designed to provide a unique and enriching experience. Set sail with knowledgeable guides who will share intriguing stories and insights about the area’s fascinating history.

You have the option to book a Misery Island boat tour, where you get off for 2 hours and explore the trails, shoreline, coves, and more. You also have the option to book a Bakers Island Lighthouse tour, where you will have the chance to explore the natural landscape, learn about the history of the light station, and relax on the island setting. Check out these tours and other options on the Essex Heritage website.

Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours

Address: Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950

Venturing further along the Byway, you’ll find Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours in Newburyport. Embark on a memorable cruise through Newburyport Harbor, where you can witness stunning views of the coastline, spot seals lounging on nearby sandbars, and learn about the local maritime heritage from the informative guides. There are plenty of historic and wildlife tours you can go on, find one you like and plan a trip with someone!

As you plan your visit to the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway, consider adding one or more of these remarkable schooner sails and boat cruises to your itinerary. If you enjoyed the historical aspect of these cruises, you would love our blog on the most historic houses along the Byway. Let us know what you think!