Discovery Cruises

03/24/2025

We are thrilled to once again support this event for the first responders that protect and care for our community -- they are so deserving of a night out.

If you're a first responder register for this event before it is sold out.

Contact Northwest Michigan Peer Network for more information.

A beautiful sunset cruise on the West Bay in Traverse City, MI. Get away from the city lights and join us.

03/05/2025

Perfect for large groups, weddings, or corporate outings from May thru October! The Discovery can accommodate up to 130 guests for the most memorable event in Northern Michigan. Let's plan your next event on West Grand Traverse Bay!

Contact [email protected] to book your private charter while we still have dates available!

Visit discoverycruisestc.com for more information.

03/02/2025

Fun, laughs, great food, and connections! For the third year in a row, we are thrilled to be the venue for the Cruisin' for Community event! We expect a sellout, so grab your tickets now.

In a collaborative effort with a group of local Traverse City businesses, we will host 100 guests for an amazing tour around West Bay with an amazing meal and welcome drink while mingling with others who also care about our community and their neighbors.

This ticketed event raises money thanks to the generous sponsors who underwrite the costs. This means that your money goes DIRECTLY to the organization chosen as beneficiaries. This year, we are supporting .org and .

TICKETS for this amazing “date night” event are live! Grab a friend or two, and get your tickets HERE: https://theclaritycoach.site/c4c2025

Big Thank You to for once again taking the lead on this event!

02/17/2025

We are building our schedule for the 2025 Summer season and could use your help. The past two seasons we have offered a Brunch Cruise featuring a Bagel & Bloody Mary Bar on Saturday mornings from 11:00-12:30pm. Those that particpated loved it!

The question ... what is the best day of the week and time to offer a cruise featuring a Bloody Mary & Bagel Bar?

Are Sundays better than Saturdays? What is the perfect time for a brunch cruise? We would love to hear from you!

Our full public tour schedule for the 2025 season will be posted by April 1 -- we have all of your olf favorite cruises like the Bay Sightseeing and the Champagne Sunset cruise but we are also crafting some exciting new adventures on West Grand Traverse Bay!

02/07/2025

Amazing that they could get so much completed during the winter months!

We are grateful for Walton Contracting, Inc. and Discovery Pier for providing us with a new ticket office beginning this spring! Job well-done, Friends! ❤️

You will be able to purchase tickets for Discovery Cruises online beginning April 1 or visit us in-person beginning May 1, 2025.

Summer's coming! 🌞🚢

12/27/2024

Have you made your summer travel plans yet? According to The Wall Street Journal, Traverse City is one of the “10 Best Places to Go in 2025.” Only three U.S. locations, other than Traverse. City, made the top ten list: Maui, Hawaii, and Macon, Georgia.

"...the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas—the last two fingers of the state’s famous mitt—beckon visitors with bucolic vineyards and pristine shorelines"

Did you know you can see the shore of lower Leelanau Peninsula, Downtown Traverse City, and the lower part of Old Mission Peninsula from the deck of The Discovery? If you are making plans to visit Traverse City, be sure to include a trip around West Grand Traverse Bay with Discovery Cruises !

We are booking groups and charters now for 2025 and will begin taking individual reservations in March so put a reminder on your calendar! Find us at discoverycruisetc.com

Read the full The Wall Street Journal article here: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/best-travel-destinations-vacation-2025-2d947023?st=5xkCM4&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

12/03/2024

At Discovery Cruises of Traverse City we wholeheartedly support the mission of Discovery Pier (our home port) to connect people of all ages, abilities, and financial means to the Great Lakes.

We believe that when people experience our lakes firsthand, they are more likely to develop a sense of stewardship, meaning they feel a responsibility to protect and care for our freshwater resources, as the direct connection to nature often fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of its value and fragility. It is written into our mission and it is the basis of all of our decisions as a company.

If you also believe in supporting a mission to give access for those that otherwise may not have it, please consider a gift to Discovery Pier.

It’s ! On this global day of giving, will you give the gift of a Great Lakes experience? There are kids in our community who won’t experience the Great Lakes without your help. Will you please use the link below to send a gift of any size by midnight tonight to help one child experience the Great Lakes?
discoverypier.org/give

12/01/2024

Your continued support of our small business makes a big difference in our community and to the crew that delivers unique experiences on West Grand Traverse Bay May - October.

As a business we are pleased to support our fellow small local businesses by serving Cheese , Pretzels from Workshop Brewing Company , Great Lakes Potato Chip , Doug Murdick's Fudge, dips from Natural Northern Foods , crackers from Shorties, and a large selection of beer, wine, and spirits that are locally produced ( Traverse City Whiskey Co. Bonobo Winery Short's Brewing Company MAWBY Winery Mammoth Distilling and more!)

Have you cruised on The Discovery? If so, post a photo of your trip below and we will send you a discount code good for a future purchase as a thank you!

Ticket sales will be available in March but in the meantime you can purchase Gift Certificates for any amount over $50 or book your private charter. Visit our website discoverycruisestc.com or give us a call to place your order.

11/30/2024

Looking for that perfect gift? A gift certificate to ride The Discovery fits all sizes (and ages). Gift certificates are available starting at $50 and can be purchased online or by phone.

Perfect for grandparents, friends, teachers, colleagues, and anyone on your list!

Shop from home and support a local small business!

Book a trip with Discovery Cruises!

11/10/2024

Zonta Club of Traverse City Festival of Trees Special! Last day to purchase a $50 Gift Certificate for a cruise on The Discovery and get a $100 value! ⛴️

That is a 2 for 1 Special! Buy a ticket for a Daily Signature Tour and get a second one for free!

You can purchase online or in person at the Festival of Trees at the Grand Traverse Mall before 4pm on Sunday, November 10!

Great Christmas Gift idea!

The Holiday Spirit rings strong today as guess who is expected Festival of Trees Presented by the Zonta Club of Traverse City Today, SUN 12-4 Grand Traverse Mall!!

Come Shop For A Cause while the kiddos or young at heart can visit and take pictures with our special guests from the North Pole and create a special holiday craft!

Heartfelt Thank Yous to our Tall Tree gallery hosts: Come out today to VOTE!

Dream Team Traverse City. CC Jewelers Old Town Playhouse GTA Children's Garden Discovery Cruises Tom's Food Markets Women's Resource Center Thrift Shop. Grand Traverse Industries TC Nourish Morse Moving & Storage The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan Premier Floral Design & Gift Emporium
Challenge Island, Babicas Perogis, Waters Edge Gymnastics, and Leelanau Pottery Co.

11/07/2024

We got a sneak peak into the elves workshop and there are so many silent auction items that will make great Christmas gifts! Make plans to attend ...

Zonta Club of Traverse City is a local and international organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. We envision a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

11/05/2024

Our friends on the other side of Leelanau Peninsula need everyone's support! This would be very sad for all.

"North Manitou is scheduled to close for 2025 and possibly longer while a new dock is built, and island village water and electric systems...."

The impending closure of North and South Manitou islands during a multi-year infrastructure project at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore may spell the end for a 107-year-old Michigan ferry service [Manitou Island Transit]."

107-year Manitou Island Transit service can’t survive extended closure, say owners.

11/05/2024

May thru October we have the most incredible crew but it doesn't end there! When we said " hey, bring your glue gun and creativity" -- they showed up with the same enthusiasm!

Please come to the Zonta Club of Traverse City Festival of Trees November 8-10 at Grand Traverse Mall !

Can you guess the theme of our tree?

Remember to vote!!

10/26/2024

When you can't get out on a boat tour, enjoy this scenic drive that goes right past Discovery Pier !

In the Spring, Summer, or Fall you can begin or end this tour with a ride on The Discovery! ⛴️

Thank you Awesome Mitten for this suggestion!

10/21/2024

The Discovery will be crossing under the Mighty Mac in about 5 minutes! Check out the live cam...

West Michigan Live Camera: Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Mackinaw City Live Video Courtesy of 9&10 News Click the below thumbnails to launch the live video stream

10/21/2024

And that's a wrap for the 2024 season! Our Bay Sightseeing Tour on Sunday, October 21 was the last one of the season and if you were on it I think you would agree it was a home run! The weather, the guests, the fall colors, the crew -- splendid!

Today we have a small crew of three ( Captain Jack Muhleck, Marc McCombs, and Brian Plamondon ) making the long 11-12 hour trek to Mackinac Marine Services in St. Ignace where The Discovery will be hauled out and tucked away for the winter.

We are incredibly grateful to the guests that cruised with us, the friends that supported us, our Pier partners at Discovery Pier, but especially our amazing crew! They work long hours in all types of weather and deliver 5-star service with a smile everyday!

Although the boat is out of the water we are still answering the phones everyday to book groups and private charters, sell gift certificates, and t-shirts. We will have our Daily Signature Cruise calendar open April 1 -- follow us to keep up-to-date!

With Gratitude,

Jennifer, Tawny, & Caroline