From the vast freshwater expanse of the Big Lake to the scenic Kalamazoo River, there’s nothing like experiencing the unsalted waves of Saugatuck/Douglas by boat. And while public excursions can be wonderful—sometimes you just want to set your own course and drift along to your own schedule. Whether you’re angling for the thrill of sportfishing, looking for a family-friendly excursion, or just interested in sharing the sunset on deck with your significant other, a private charter is a perfect way to enjoy time on the water.

Sailing Excursions

Experience the windswept waters of Lake Michigan on a sailboat manned by a local captain who can give you insider tips on area hotspots and maybe even a few pointers on how to rig a sail. Onboard the sailboat Drifter, a Nonsuch 324, Captain Mort of Sweetwater Sailing will steer a course down the Kalamazoo River to the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan, where you’ll encounter delightful views of the beach and dunes. Choose between a 2-hour or 3-hour cruise for up to 6 people.

Sailing Saugatuck offers a 2-hour private afternoon sail or sunset cruise for up to 24 guests on the Schooner Serenity, Saugatuck's only authentic tall ship. Here, you can sit back and simply enjoy the cruise and stunning views of the Lake Michigan shoreline or take a more active approach by giving the crew a hand with hauling the lines or even taking control of the helm. New for 2021, Sailing Saugatuck also offers private charters for up to 6 passengers on their classic 1960s wooden yacht, Tamerlane, for a two-hour voyage.

Enjoy a 3-hour private excursion for up to 6 passengers with Sailing On Desire. Lounge about on the deck, take the wheel and steer, or even try your hand at raising the sails on the 41-foot Morgan sailboat, Desire. Get swept away with incredible scenery that begins on Kalamazoo Lake, winds through the Kalamazoo River, and then into Lake Michigan. 

In addition to a standard 3-hour sailing charter, SeaSun Sailing also offers a 5-hour private Sail and Beach Day experience for up to 6 passengers on their 46-foot Jeanneau sailboat. This adventure includes a cruise down the Kalamazoo River, a 2-hour sail on the Big Lake, and then the opportunity to anchor up along the shore and take a dingy to the beach for a couple hours of beachcombing and picnicking.

Boating Trips

Schedule a private boating adventure aboard the Flying Dutchman with up to 24 of your closest friends and family members through the TFD Adventure Co. The Flying Dutchman is a unique catamaran pontoon boat with premium amenities including a sound system, handmade bar tops, and a bathroom, making it ideal for bachelor and bachelorette parties, large family and friend gatherings, and corporate events.

Up to 6 passengers can enjoy a 3+-hour excursion with Captain Amie on the Saugy Dollar, a 30’ center console Cobia. This versatile boat has a floor in the bow that can be raised to be a table or a sunbathing platform, depending on how you would like to spend your day. Boating trips are entirely personalized to your preferences, whether that’s taking a sunset cruise, stopping to enjoy a picnic on the beach, or cooling off with a dip in the deep waters of Lake Michigan.

If a luxury cruise is more your style, consider spending the day with Yacht Boat Charters. Charter a 2-hour cruise all the way up to a 7-hour cruise aboard BOAT, a 55-foot Chris Craft Roamer motor yacht that comfortably entertains up to 30 passengers. Relax in the main salon with its fabulous panoramic views or experience the breathtaking views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan from above deck for an unforgettable experience.   

Charter Fishing

Whether you’re a first-time fisherman or a seasoned angler, you’ll love sportfishing with Best Chance Too Charters, where you’ll fish for King and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout on board the boats Best Chance or the Best Chance Too. Captain Dave Engel and Captain Bill Bale of Best Chance Too are the winningest Salmon and Trout tournament fishing team on Lake Michigan. A 36-foot Tiara yacht, the Best Chance Too is equipped with all the latest sportfishing equipment available today. With limit catches recorded 78% of the time, your chances are excellent for a memorable fishing experience. Captain Hunter Engel, who carries on the family fisherman tradition, leads The Best Chance, a 30-foot Sea Ray that also features all the best fishing equipment to enhance your fishing experience.