Cruises: Salem Harbor, Massachusetts
- Visitors can take a romantic sunset cruise in Salem Harbor.harbor sunset image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com
Salem, Massachusetts is known for the Salem Witch Trials, the House of Seven Gables and many other famous attractions. Apart from all the history to be discovered in the city of Salem, the Salem Harbor offers more for visitors to explore. Cruises from the harbor are available by motor boat, sailboat or schooner for an afternoon, an evening or longer. - Mahi Mahi Cruises and Charters offer daily cruises and private charters from Salem Willows Park Pier. The company operates from the middle of May through the weekend of Halloween. The 50-foot motor powered boat is U.S. Coast Guard certified for 47 passengers. The Conch Shell Bar and Grill sells food and beverages during each cruise. As many as six daily public cruises are offered to places such as Marblehead, The Misery Islands and Manchester-By-The-Sea. Passengers will have the opportunity to see naval forts, historic lighthouses and plenty of sea life on the 60- or 90-minute cruise. Some of the daily cruises are narrated, providing information about the history of Salem Sound and more. Mahi Mahi offers lunch cruises and cocktail cruises with music. Private, customized charters are available for special occasions. A large restroom is available on board. Discounts are offered to schools and other nonprofit groups, senior adults and college students. Special cruises are scheduled throughout the season for holidays such as July 4th and Halloween.
- Blue Mermaid Sailing Charters are customized trips for four to six passengers, departing from Hawthorn Cove Marina. Sailing cruises are offered for four hours, eight hours or overnight up to a full week. A maximum of four passengers can be accommodated for overnight trips. A five-hour sunset cruise is also available. The sailboat, "Gusto" features three cabins, showers and restrooms. Passengers can choose to participate in the sailing or relax and enjoy cruising by Salem and Marblehead. Some of the ports of call for overnight trips include Gloucester, Boston Harbor, Plymouth and Rockport.
- Pennant Enterprises offers cruises on the 70-foot replica of the "Fame," a fishing schooner that became a privateer during the War of 1812. Departing from Pickering Wharf Marina as many as three times a day, cruises on the Fame are about an hour and forty five minutes long. Passengers will learn about pirates, privateers and the fishing trade while the Fame sails past islands, waterfront estates and lighthouses. Operating from Memorial Day through Halloween, private charters and catering services are also available. The Fame can accommodate a maximum of 40 passengers. Discounts are offered for senior adults and groups of 10 or more. Passengers are encouraged to wear boat shoes, sandals or sneakers and to bring along a windbreaker or sweatshirt. Sunglasses, sunscreen and cameras are also suggested. Beer, wine, sodas and snacks are available for purchase on board. The restroom is located below deck. Sail training is offered for adults and Schooner Camp is an opportunity for kids between the ages of 8 and 14 to learn about sailing.
