TourTruth score 8.2 out of 10
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Salem Historic Schooner Sailing Cruise 1 hr 40 min
TourTruth score 8.7 out of 10
Very goodTop 5% in Salem
73 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score
- Salem
- 1 hr 40 min
- Updated November 4, 2026
Sail Salem Sound aboard a replica privateer schooner, with coastal views, hands-on sailing, and stories of the region’s maritime past.
About this tour
Set sail from downtown Salem aboard a full-scale replica of the Fame, a privateer schooner modeled on a vessel that went to sea during the War of 1812. This Salem historic schooner sailing cruise pairs open-water views with stories from the region’s seafaring past.
Departing from Pickering Wharf Marina, the 1-hour, 40-minute voyage glides across Salem Sound, where you can spot forts, lighthouses, and handsome waterfront homes. Take part by helping raise the sails or trying the tiller, or simply settle in and enjoy the view. Drinks, including rum punch, and snacks are available for purchase onboard; outside alcohol is not allowed.
As you sail, hear about the pirates, privateers, merchant ships, and warships that shaped the area’s maritime history. The Fame’s namesake captured more than 20 prizes before it was lost in the Bay of Fundy in 1814. Choose this Salem historic schooner sailing cruise for a relaxed outing with a vivid connection to the coast’s past. Book your sailing and experience Salem from the water.
Highlights
- Sail aboard a replica of an 1812 privateer schooner
- Admire Salem Sound’s forts, lighthouses, and waterfront homes
- Help raise the sails or take the tiller
- Relax on deck with a rum punch or another drink
- Hear stories of pirates, privateers, and Salem’s maritime past
What's included
Included
- Sailing ticket
- Alcohol available for purchase onboard
Ratings on each provider
The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.
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View on GetYourGuideGetYourGuide
4.85 / 5 · 73 reviews
What reviewers mention
Themes that come up most in this tour's reviews.
Often praised
Important information
- Arrive with extra time for traffic and parking, especially on weekends and in October
- Missed departures are not refundable
- Outside alcohol is not permitted; drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard
- Bring your own food if desired; coolers are not allowed
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- The vessel is not wheelchair accessible; boarding requires walking up and down a marina ramp and climbing five steps
- Children under 5 years are not permitted
- People with mobility impairments or vertigo should not participate
- Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe shoes are recommended
- Meet at Pickering Wharf Marina, 86 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
Frequently asked questions
Where does the cruise depart?
The schooner departs from Pickering Wharf Marina at 86 Wharf Street in downtown Salem.
How long is the sailing cruise?
The cruise lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
No. The schooner is licensed, and outside alcohol is not permitted. Drinks are available for purchase onboard.
Is the schooner wheelchair accessible?
No. Boarding requires walking on a marina ramp and climbing five steps.
What happens if I miss the boat?
Missed departures are not refundable.
How this score is calculated
This score is based on one provider. GetYourGuide rates it 4.85 from 73 reviews. We place that rating among all GetYourGuide ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.
How the score works and rating distribution in Salem
- Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
- Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
- Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
- The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 8.7. Top 5% in Salem means it ranks in the top 5% of tours in Salem by this score.
Provider rating distribution in Salem
How many tours in Salem have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.
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- GetYourGuide
- Viator
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