Our 2010 schedule will begin with our Bird watching Cruises the last week of April and run through the 2nd week of October.
Our scheduled dates and times are subject to change so check the schedule often.
"For the General Public we run every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from early June through the 2nd Saturday in October, weather permitting.
We also have weekday departures for our Dinner Cruise on dates we have tour groups scheduled and a limited number of General Public seats are usually availabe on those dates also. Call for weekday seating availability."
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Call 517-579-3182 or 989-254-7710
Dinner Cruise Trips will be departing from both East Tawas and Caseville this summer.
East Tawas Departures will be from the East Tawas State Dock and tickets may be purchased there at Dockside office.
Caseville Departures will be from Hoy’s Saginaw Bay Marina located at 6591 Harbor Street.
Guests should arrive at least 40 minutes before Departure to purchase tickets and obtain boarding passes. The entire cruise experience lasts 5 1/2 to six hours. Tickets for this Dining adventure are *79.00 per person
It begins with a relaxing cruise across Saginaw Bay to Big Charity Island to dine at a lighthouse built in 1857. Complimentary soft drinks, coffee, bottled water & appetizers are provided during the 45 minute boat ride to the Island. You may bring your own adult beverages if you wish. We provide the coolers, ice, & glasses aboard the vessel for your convenience. Upon arrival at Charity Island you are greeted by your hosts, Bob and Karen Wiltse, the islands only residents.
The Wiltse's share their island home and their unique story with their guests who arrive thoughout the summer on the ferryboat "Shirley Ann". Upon arrival there is a short 8-9 minute walk along a forested trail to the island Lighthouse where guests are treated to a lively and entertaining history presentation that touches on the unique archeological site located on Charity Island and includes a memorable and moving story of one of the Island's lightkeepers from years past who worked the night a winter gale drove the wooden passenger ship Oconto onto a reef just offshore of Charity Island in December of 1885.
Dinner is promptly served after the history presentation.
While dining, chances are you will observe sailboats and freighters as they make their way to distant ports and as you enjoy the warm breezes, for a moment, you may be transported back in time as you envision the watchful eyes of Lightkeepers from years past peering out from Charity Island over Saginaw Bay. This will be a truly unique dining experience.
Dinner includes a choice of lightly breaded Great Lakes Perch or Sautéed Tenderloin Beef Tips served with Michigan Baby red potatoes simmered in a special broth with fresh dill and Oriental style Green Beans, (cooked in fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, & honey) and rolls baked fresh during the history presentation..
After dinner, guests are treated to a tour of the lightkeepers home by Karen Wiltse and will have time to take pictures of rare & endangered plants, visit the island gift shop or just sit and relax on the porch of the lightkeepers home and enjoy the view and ambiance of this unique island setting. When the ship's bell is rung it is time to get back to the boat.
Hot coffee and desert are served on the return trip that is timed to catch the sunset halfway back to port.
*Prices subject to change.
Smaller groups may be booked at any time.
Please call for pricing and availability:
517-579-3182 or 989-254-7710
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