Thunder Bay Private Catamaran ADVENTURES
Rent the catamaran and enjoy a new perspective on the uniqueness of the harbour. Hire your own captain* or choose from a selection or approved knowledgeable captains and crew, they will bring you up close and personal with the true essence of the Port of Thunder Bay.
Sharing facts about the history of the region and stories of yesteryear, the 90 minute Harbour Tour shows sides of Thunder Bay rarely experienced.
Trips of 4 to 6 hours are perfect for travelling out to and around the Welcome Islands, or up the shoreline towards Silver Harbour, Amethyst Harbour and Caribou Island.
Trips of or 9.5 hours are for groups of up to 16 person and can head out to the Sleeping Giant, or Spar Island for hiking, swimming exploring by shuttle RHIB, kayaks or SUPs. Ask Chef Jenn to cater.
* Until full certification by Transport Canada the SV Welcome is considered a bareboat rental. This means it can only be used as a recreational vessel. In simple terms, alcohol can only be consumed while at the dock or at anchor, you charter and hire an insured approved captain, either with our suggestions or on your own.
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Departures: All day from as early as 8:00 AM
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Starting at $1295 for a 105 minute tour with up to 12 guests, then tiered pricing to 32 guests and as long as 9.5 hours
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Duration: 90 mins to 9.5 hrs
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Capacity: Maximum 32 persons
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Unlicensed: BYOB
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After September 1st due to staffing bookings by request only
What a great experience! From calling to ask about our options to showing up and being greeted with a smile, to the breathtaking tour and information that our captain told us about the area! It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Leanne was our captain and a fun and talented sailor. I would recommend this company to everyone.
Tour Highlights
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The views are outstanding, and our onboard guides will entertain you with facts and history about the Thunder Bay harbour and Lake Superior. Massive grain elevators, miles of break-wall, lighthouses, seagoing vessels and of course the Sleeping Giant.
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Local craft beer or fine wine is available from our liquor licensed vessels. Preorder a cheese tray and it will be served during the tour. (Welcome catamaran is not licensed so currently it is BYOB - vessel must be anchored or docked if you intend to consume)
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Enjoy our catamaran, the "Welcome", as you gain a fresh perspective of the City of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior.
Capacity and
Departure Times
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Departure times: 08h00 and on depending on your choice of tour.
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To a maximum 32 persons, trip length and destination determines capacity. IE extended trips over 4 hours are limited to 16 passengers, overnights to 8. Some exceptions apply. If in doubt please ask.
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Walk-on bookings: NO. these tours must be prebooked.
Ready to Book?
All bookings are private group only.
13% HST and 5% Crew Service fee not included.
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105 MIN
Up to 12 persons, $1295,
Up to 18, $1545,
Up to 24, $1845,
Up to 32, $2245. -
2.5 Hours
Up to 16 Persons, $1795,
Up to 24, $2095,
Up to 32, $2395. -
4 Hours
Up to 16, $2795,
Up to 24, $3195,
Up to 32, $3395. -
6 Hours
Up to 16, $3995,
Up to 24, $4995,
Up to 32, $5595. -
9.5 Hours
9.5 Hours up to 16 persons, $5695.
Take me to the dedicated booking page -
$5 Pet, collected cash at the dock.
One very well behaved dog on a leash.
Amenities & Facilities
- Bicycle storage/parking
- Sanitized Personal Floatation Devices
- Onboard Restrooms
- Bilingual Services (by request)
- Children
- Personal Bluetooth speaker/music
- Decorations
- Dogs (with prior captain consent)
- Smoking of any kind
- Vaping/ e-cigarettes
- Cannabis use
- Bringing your own alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Snacks
If you have booked a public tour:
We have water if needed.
If you are on a private tour:
Then most snacks are allowed. But remember you are on a boat, the wind blows everything about, and the heeling sailboat spills things easily. For a short 90-100 min sailing tour around the harbour we actually suggest consuming something before or after the tour but we are not strict on this suggestion. For longer tours – pack something nice, we’ll make a stop or two to give you time to enjoy your snacks. Remember the boats, Frodo and the Journeyer, are licensed and as such you may not bring outside alcohol. That we are strict on – it’s Ontario law.
Parking and Pre-Tour Tips
Parking and Pre-Tour Tips for Your Sail Superior Experience:
1. Parking Locations: Avoid parking at the pier ends where “Authorised Boater Parking Only” signs are placed; those spots are for boat owners. Instead, consider parking options like:
- Across from the skate park
- Near Bight Restaurant
- Around the Delta hotel area
- In the boat launch area, right then left first exit in the Pearl St roundabout.
2. Arrival Time: Arrive and get ready to board 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
3. Be Prepared: We recommend using the restroom before your charter. Restrooms are located in the water park building. Note that they might not be generally open before 12 pm.
By following these tips, you’ll have a smooth and enjoyable start to your sailing tour with Sail Superior.
What to Wear for a 90-Minute Sailing Tour with Sail Superior
What to Wear for a 90-Minute Sailing Tour with Sail Superior:
1. Sunglasses & Hat: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare off the water.
2. Non-Slip Shoes: Put on comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction to stay steady on the boat’s deck.
3. Windbreaker: Bring a light windbreaker or jacket and a sweater/hoodie fleece. Even if it’s warm, the wind can make it feel much cooler on the water. Most days long pants, jeans are preferred. Some people even like to bring a woolly hat.
Remember, the weather can change fast, so these essentials will keep you comfortable during your short sailing tour with Sail Superior.
Footwear.
On the Catamaran, no heeled shoes, shoes that leave marks. You will be asked to remove inappropriate footwear before boarding. If in doubt bring some soft Croc type shoes, clean white soled runners. Going barefoot is fine but can be chilly.
On the Sailboat, most shoes except heeled shoes are ok.
On the Zodiac, runners/ hiking shoes and most anything except heels. You may be going ashore, it’s good to have trail shoes.
Drinking alcohol on our boats
ALCOHOL & DRINKING on a vessel. Our monohull Frodo is licensed, and as such we are bound by the law in regards to monitoring your intake and service. If you are coming from a pre drinking function and are intoxicated you will not be allowed to board, this only relates to those in your party that are visibly intoxicated and not the entire group. We will deny service on board to anyone who is becoming intoxicated. We will insure that you have a designated DD or someone who is picking you up afterwards. It is our Duty to keep you safe. If your tour is cancelled due to any conflict with the above laws and policies you will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. Boating is a great place to have a drink, it is a dangerous place to be intoxicated. If you think you or your party will drink excessively we kindly ask you not to book a tour with us.
Can We Bring Our Own Alcohol?
Since our boats are fully liquor licensed, personal alcohol is not allowed. There is a selection of wines, local craft beers, and ciders onboard. Should you desire something specific, simply let our captains know and we’ll do our best to arrange for it to be on the tour (at additional cost). All tours will be outfitted with servers as well as customized plans for cash and open bar services.
Catamaran tours: This is boat is not licensed and is a bareboat charter. Consumption of alcohol is only legal while the boat is at the dock or at anchor. Guests may bring their own alcohol. Strong spirits and red wine is not allowed. Remember the crew are there to keep you safe. If you think you or any of your party intends to drink to excess we kindly ask you to not book a tour with us.
Boating is a great place to have a drink or two; it is an extremely dangerous place to be intoxicated.
The Superior Rocket is not licensed and no alcohol will be permitted.
Are There Age Restrictions?
Sailing charters are an adventure for all; from the young to the young at heart. For anyone under 2 years of age we ask that you bring a PFD (personal flotation device) along and know that they’ll be seated with you for the duration of the tour. If you don’t have one, we will supply one upon arrival. Anyone 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult and will be supplied with a sanitized PFD upon arrival.
With private Zodiac tours, similar rules apply. Everyone is welcome with special considerations taken by the crew to maintain a safe, comfortable and exciting environment. Those under 2 will be asked to come with a properly fitted PFD while the rest of the group will be supplied with one upon arrival. The route and intensity of the ride will remain at the Captain’s discretion to ensure safety for all.
On mixed or non private Zodiac tours we do limit the age and size of children, and may even recommend some adults take a pass. This is because the ride is advertised as a thrill speed ride and we will be heading out into the lake to meet any conditions that arise. Customers are expecting this and we cannot safety take small children into these conditions.
*Zodiac trips may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with serious neck or back pain. Let us know at the time of booking and we’ll help you find the perfect tour to experience this great lake! Trips up the Kaministiqua river are generally very relaxed and can be enjoyed by everyone.
What Happens If It Rains?
Part of the wonder of the Lake is its ever changing conditions; the weather is no exception. Unless there is substantial thunder and lightning just prior to the tour and a ‘Small Craft Advisory’ issued by Environment Canada, everything will remain as scheduled. Be sure to monitor the weather prior to the tour and bring appropriate attire to stay as comfortable as possible. Our captains have the final say and will reach out to you in the case of a postponed tour.
If it starts to rain mid tour, we have covered spaces to shelter you, come in and let the captain and crew brave the weather. Some of the best photographs and images are when the weather puts on a show.
Can I Smoke and/or Participate in Recreational Drugs on Tour?
To maintain the safety and awareness of everyone onboard, no smoking/vaping or recreational drug use of any kind is permitted when on the vessels, or on any of the adjacent docks or waiting areas. Failure to follow this rule will cause the immediate end of your tour and return to the dock. Any fares will be forfeit.
Booking Terms and Conditions
See our complete Booking and Refund Policy.
Activity Level Breakdown
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Thunder Bay Private Catamaran Tours
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Ontario Signature Experience
Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce
2017 Northern Ontario Industry Leader
2020 Northern Ontario Tourism Awards
World Travel & Tourism Council Safe Travels
Lake Superior Magazine, Best of the Lake