901 S. Bond Street, Suite 100, 21231; 410-342-6960
Docked at the Broadway Pier in Fell’s Point, the Black-Eyed Susan is a turn-of-the-century style paddle wheel-driven riverboat and the largest passenger vessel that cruises Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Black-Eyed Susan can be ideal for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions, such as graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries. Numerous public events are also offered during the summer and fall months and may include a combination of jazz concerts as well as sunset dinner and Sunday brunch cruises.
Henderson’s Wharf Marina, 1001 Fell Street, 21231; 410-342-2004
Departing from Fell’s Point, Captain Don Marani will take small groups or families with a maximum of six passengers out on Lady Luck, a 46-foot bay-built boat, for partial or full-day fishing or crabbing trips. The boat includes an interior table, outside canopy, large fishing area, and a private head (bathroom). Children are welcome.
1425 Key Highway, Suite 110, 21230; 410-727-0722
Located on the south side of the Inner Harbor along Key Highway, the Downtown Sailing Center is a nonprofit outreach organization making sailing accessible to everyone, regardless of age, income, or ability. The DSC offers a wide range of sailing programs to include accessible sailing; adult recreational sailing, racing, and cruising; and a variety of sailing lessons. During the summer, children 8–16 years old can join the Juniors Day Camp where Baltimore-area children learn teamwork, concentration, and self-confidence as they embark on a hands-on sailing experience in the Inner Harbor. Using the U.S. Sailing curriculum, junior sailors participate in land- and water-based instruction with U.S. Sailing certified instructors, while they may sail to the Francis Scott Key Bridge, play boat tag, or race with their peers. At the week’s end, junior sailors will have the opportunity to test their skills and independence on an Australian Access Dinghy while being closely monitored by instructors.
410-563-3901 or 800-658-8947
From Harborplace to Canton, the familiar blue and white water taxis transport tourists and local residents alike to various points throughout the harbor. The service operates three to four boats each day ranging from 26–84 passengers and can be compared to a bus line on the water; however, the water taxis are recreational, and while operating at regular 15-minutes intervals from April through October, the departure times vary. Tide Point is an “on call” landing with less traffic that requires parties to call for a pickup, and the Fort McHenry landing only operates in season. Weather permitting, the water taxis run throughout the winter, transforming the boats into a cozy setting with plastic covering and heat. An all-day unlimited ticket costs $9 per adult and $4 per child. Frequent Floater annual passes are also available for $80 per person or $75 for two or more. Check the website for a list of landings, a printable routing map, and the water taxi schedule that provides start and end times by season.
2700 Lighthouse Point, Suite 905, 21224; 410-342-3110
Located on the Canton waterfront, Getaway Sailing offers a variety of options for adult sailing instruction, corporate sailing and team building events, social events, charters and rentals, and adventure cruises. The Getaway Sailing also offers four club membership levels designed for sailors at different levels. Each membership allows unlimited boat use at specific membership levels, a full season of Friday night social sailing events, and a 10% discount on courses and charters. Children 8–16 years old may join the Canton Sailing Camp in the summer where they will learn nautical vocabulary and practical application as they experience sailing big boats used for overnight excursions. Children 12 and up may opt to eat and sleep on board during the Chesapeake Bay Cruising Camp, a five-day, four-night camp on a sail boat that travels the Chesapeake Bay.
1801 S. Clinton Street, Suite 250, 21224; 410-539-1151
The Pride of Baltimore II is a reproduction of an 1812-era Baltimore Clipper privateer. The Pride of Baltimore’s mission is to educate the public on Maryland’s maritime history, tradition, and commerce. The Pride of Baltimore is the world’s most traveled tall ship and is a visual representative of American history and entrepreneurship in every port it visits. Come aboard the Pride of Baltimore for day sails and overnight excursions. Or be a part of a “guest crew”––be assigned to watch the sea and rotate duties just as the professional crew does. You can take the wheel, pull a line, and shout “heave-ho,” as you live the life of a traditional sailor. Call for more information and application packages about sail training, sailing, or dockside events and receptions. Children ages 7 and up are welcome when supervised by an adult.
410-327-8378
Children marvel at the sight of the pirate ship Fearless that docks in Fell’s Point. Once aboard, imagination spirals as they are dressed in authentic pirate garb—complete with tattoos and facial hair—and they learn to talk, sing, and dance like a real pirate. While sailing the treacherous waters of the Inner Harbor, kids will also man cannons, get wet, spray enemies, and guard treasure during the hour-long adventure. Every Wednesday and Friday morning, Urban Pirates also offers free weekly story times that include songs and games followed by a discounted sailing adventure at 11:30 a.m. Visit the Urban Pirates website for season schedules, ticket prices, cruise times, and birthday packages.