Sunset Sail Salem

(63 reviews)

Had a blast on the Schooner on the 4th. There is some historical information provided and a little…read morebit of story telling without taking away from the scenery. There was a nice breeze on the water on the day I went and we were able to use the sails for pretty much the entire cruise. Capt Mike is great, as is his crew although I forgot their names. I passed on the refreshments as they seemed overpriced based on those around me that did get them, but otherwise it was blast. Been on a handful of cruises in the area, and this is the first one that fired a cannon, so that was a fun experience.

I had mentioned to hubby that I wanted to take a local cruise on a sailing ship. Not too long…read moreafter that, he noticed the ticket booth for Fame right on Pickering Wharf. They were closed, but he noted the website, and we checked it out. Not long after they opened for the season, he went to talk to Melissa at the ticket booth, who told him all about it. We were in! I booked us on a sunset cruise for June 24. We kept watching the weather during the day, and there were showers and downpours even as we ate dinner at Sea Level Oyster Bar. Fortune favored us, however, as the skies cleared just before the 5:00 cruise returned. We boarded with about ten other people, and we set off from the dock right on schedule. The Captain and crew told us about the Fame of Salem and the boatyard where she was built. The views were amazing, and once we got away from the dock, the crew asked for volunteers to help hoist sails! Hubby and I each helped, and the feel of the wind in my hair, as we started to pick up speed was awesome! Another couple on board got engaged during the cannon fire ceremony. It was sooo cool to be a part of that moment with them. Drinks and snacks are available on board, and paying was easy (we used Venmo.) The sunset views were breathtaking. There were great views around the harbor of homes and other boats. We will definitely do this again and are looking into doing a private charter for the end of the season!

Tiki Hut Boats

(19 reviews)

My wonderful son and daughter-in-law(this was their third time) invited us to go on a harbor cruise…read moreon Tiki Hut Boats. We were joined by my daughter and son-in-law. Tiki Hut can take groups of up to six on their boats (they have two). As mentioned in previous reviews they open their calendar in January and they book up for the entire season very quickly(days). Captain Scott and his wife Karen are great business people and excellent hosts. They work together as a well oiled team. They offer light snacks and amazing drinks. The drinks are well thought out with tons of personality!! I'll leave the rest to visitors to experience so as to not cheapen their first experience. Our early afternoon cruise was a lightly choppy day in the harbor but they as great hosts made it the best possible experience we could have. Cruises are 90 minutes in duration.

My friends and I had such a fun time on this Tiki Hut boat ride. I think our captain was Judd and…read morethe bartender, Ashley who made very yummy drinks.

The Salem Ferry

(48 reviews)

Such a beautiful ride! We even unexpectedly saw a Winke whale in the harbour, which was delightful…read more The staff were helpful, the trip was on time, and we were all really happy with our experience there and back. This was a great addition to our time in Boston. Our tour guide in Salem was great and we all really enjoyed his knowledge, even if his insights on sites from the film 'Hocus Pocus' were learned more than experienced. I appreciate his honesty! I could've spent so much more time in this area!

We rode the ferry twice this week while vacationing in the area, round trip from Boston to Salem…read moreand back. Even though you were using the Whale Watch boats this week, it was still wonderful! We had awesome weather and a great time. Reggie, the bar tender was a bit grumpy it seemed and he overcharged us, but we got it fixed. We do want to give a shout out to JOHN, the guy that tied us off upon arrivals! What a hard working young man. He was very pleasant and cordial too!! A great employee on your staff. We wish we could have spent more time talking with him!!

Walsh’s Deep Sea Fishing

(3 reviews)

Great Captain and crew, all very helpful. The boat is…read morespacious and comfortable as well. I will definitely be back.

Can't recommend enough! We were visiting Boston and signed up for a day trip. We had the best time!…read moreCrew is helpful and made the experience unforgettable. We also caught a ton of fish. Will be back again!

Artemis Sailing

The family and I had an amazing time on Artemis sailing with Captain Rick and his wife Deb. What…read morean amazing experience to sail on such a beautiful yacht and with such wonderful people. If you've never sailed or are an experienced sailor, you will truly enjoy this great experience and discover Gloucester and the surrounding area. This sailing yacht is super stable, fast and fun. Make new friends, new experiences and memories! Sail Artemis!

From the owner: Set sail for an unforgettable experience aboard ARTEMIS, a 65-foot high-performance sailing yacht…read moreoffering luxury sailing tours along the stunning coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Meal included. Maximum of 6 guests. Daysails, sunset sails and more. Enjoy 3-hour or 4-hour excursions for 1-6 passengers featuring breathtaking coastal views, smooth sailing, and farm-to-table meals that elevate your journey. Departing from Historic Gloucester, you’ll have the chance to explore ports like Marblehead, Salem, and Beverly, soaking in the beauty of New England’s waters. With 45 years of combined boating experience, Captain Rick & Deb Miles ensure a safe, comfortable, and truly special adventure. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, exploration, or an elevated sailing experience, ARTEMIS is the perfect choice. Contact us today to plan your custom voyage and experience sailing at its finest! Learn more at Artemissails.com

Emma Rose Sailing Charters

(6 reviews)

We had an amazing private sail with our family of 4 on Father's Day. Captain Al was so patient and…read moreinstructive to our kids who are 12 and 9. We brought on our own picnic lunch and beverages. Highly recommend!!

Good time on the Emma Rose. Captain Al was great. Easy pickup and drop off location. Got to check…read moreout some racing while we were out. Plan on going back to get in on the racing.

Atlantic Charters

I took sailing lessons with Atlantic Charters a number of years ago. Captain Alan is a wonderful…read moreteacher. He is very patient and really knows his stuff. I was a bit hesitant on the tiller at first, but after my lessons, I'm now very comfortable and have become an avid sailor. After I learned to sail with Atlantic Charters, we rented sailboats from them before we bought our own boat. We also went on a charter on their Friendship "Resolute" which is a lovely sailboat for small charters (up to 15 people). Capt. Alan shares his love of sailing and knowledge of the waters around Marblehead and Salem. If you've always wanted to learn to sail, this is a great way to get on the water.

From the owner: Currently booking private sailing events for up to 15 people beginning in early Aprilread more

East India Cruise Company

4.0

When I spent the night in Salem, MA years ago one of the things that I did there was take a boat…read moreride with the "East India Cruise Company". It was a very pleasurable experience. Going from Salem to Marblehead and back the waters were quite peaceful. It was interesting to learn that during pre-colonial days Salem had been our 6th largest city and that the coming of the Clipper Ships (deep hulled) did in Salem (Salem is not a deep harbor).

Sail Salem

(5 reviews)

What an incredible program! There are few places out there that invite people to participate in a…read moresport that would otherwise cost a fortune. Plus, the confidence a child can gain from learning how to sail is priceless.

We came here to just rent a boat (no classes) and my experience was pretty good. The staff was…read morevery helpful//friendly and they made it super easy to rent. While we did not have any issues with our boats, there was another boat on the walkie talkie that did, and Sail Salem's staff promptly responded and came out to assist them. While I don't know much about boats, the experience seemed to be good so I would recommend this place!

Dane Street Beach

3.8

(30 reviews)

Great little beach in Beverly. Gorgeous view, not too crowded on a weekday, free parking on the…read morestreet and in a small lot, and even a bathroom! I was here for a few hours on a June Wednesday and really enjoyed it here. There aren't many waves, making Dane Street Brach a great spot for families with young children. Please note, however, that there isn't a lifeguard at this beach. It is pretty rocky here, so definitely recommend water shoes.

For being a small beach, it is quite lovely. There is a beautiful little park where one can enjoy…read morethe shade of the trees and the gentle sea breeze, and plenty of space to settle in. There are some draw backs. The water is only 2-3 feet deep for a good quarter of a mile from the shore, especially at low tide it is a challenge just getting into the water because of all the damn rocks! Otherwise, it's nice being able to go for a swim and yet be a 5 minute walk from downtown Beverly. It seems to be a challenge to find a good place to swim, in Lynn the red algea ruins the beach (but I have heard it is well under control this year) and for something close and quick Dane Street will do.

Castle Rock Park

4.4

(7 reviews)

This place should be on every persons itinerary when you are visiting this area! Castle Rock Park…read morewas just stunning! The cliffs, the water the views were just breathtaking! It's a wonderful place to go just to "soak it all in" and take some really beautiful photos. I honestly wanted to leave this place 5 stars so bad but the only thing was stopping be was the hike down to the beach area. There's no pathway and you have to climb over slippery rocks and be very careful even when wearing the right shoes. If you are physically able to go down there though, it's definitely worth it.

OK, Castle Rock Park is cute! We found it on a whim while driving. Its a teeny tiny park, with…read moremaybe 2 benches and a nice view of the water. You'll see a very casual sign nestled between two houses (one is the castle-like private estate the park is named for). To be honest, I was more enthralled with the castle-like home, but alas, it's a private residence and very exclusive, so you can only see a tiny bit of it. It's hard for a coastal park to blow me away because I have some wonderful ones where I live. But, if you're trying to catch some water views while in Marblehead, you should stop by. I noticed a couple climbing down the rocks and foraging the shoreline, but I can't speak to if that is safe or recommended. There's free street parking and it would be a cool place to take a picnic. When we visited, it was totally quiet and private feeling.

Dead Horse Beach

(4 reviews)

Sometimes this beach could be a little crowded. It has a lot of seashells though it is clean daily…read more You gotta get there early parking is across the street. He'll enjoy yourself. Please keep clean.

This beach is picture perfect with views overlooking Salem harbor to Beverly. It also is right in…read morefront of the tennis courts in large field which is part of Salem Willows. It is walkable distance to all of Salem Willows parking amusement and food including restaurants. This is a public beach free of charge. Make sure you bring your own towel chair and sunscreen. I would also advise some type of water sandal it is a bit rocky once you get into the water. Again awesome little beach come check it out

Tomo's Tackle

(26 reviews)

Ordered a Triple cross rod and it got lost during transit! They refunded my money back with no…read morehassle and asked me if the rod ever does make it to my location in the future may you please call us and let us know. I told them no problem and I'll pay for it when it comes in. It took a month and finally the rod made it! I called and paid for it Our transaction was based on trust and I appreciated that they would've accepted the lost to satisfy a customer! This is a great business ran by trust worthy people! Took the rod out today and landed a fish Super stoked! Mahalo tomo'sTackle

Outstanding Customer Service -- Saved Christmas!…read more I cannot say enough great things about Tomo's Tackle and their incredible customer service. We ordered a fishing rod for our son for Christmas--he's a teenager who absolutely loves fishing and spent weeks researching the exact rod he wanted. Unfortunately, the rod arrived damaged due to shipping, and we were heartbroken. From the moment I reached out, Tomo's Tackle was responsive, kind, and incredibly accommodating. They immediately reviewed the photos, offered a full store credit, walked us through comparable options, and even went the extra mile to order the exact same rod from their supplier when it wasn't in stock--at no additional cost to us. They were patient, communicative, and genuinely cared about making things right. Thanks to their efforts, our son will still be getting the rod he worked so hard to pick out, and that truly meant the world to us. They didn't just fix a problem--they saved Christmas for a fishing-obsessed kid and a very grateful parent. If you're looking for a tackle shop that stands behind their products and treats customers like family, Tomo's Tackle is it. We will absolutely be repeat customers and happily recommend them to anyone. Thank you again, Tomo's Tackle!

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Brian W.

0

9

0

7 years ago

Imagine if you like, it's 1928. The day is late in May and the sun glistens in the blue Salem sky. You stop by the Hawthorne Hotel bar for a drink. There is a raucous group conversing at the bar. You step up to order and drink and they ask you, "What is most important in writing, honesty or skill?" You notice for the first time, the group consists of Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald (bear with me. This will all make sense shortly). You all drink too much and wrestle with questions of art and philosophy until Fitzgerald looks at the wall clock and says they have to get to the dock for their sailing excursion. They invite you to attend and you accept. Your party approaches the marina on Wharf Street and you see a beautiful Friendship Sloop tied to the dock. A handsome young couple are preparing her for your trip. Eric and Amelia welcome you aboard with their comfortable, easy way. You shove off and your captain, Eric informs you they can taylor the trip to your party. They could take you on an easy cruise around the harbor with drinks and clever conversation, or they could fill the sails and heel the craft onto her side and slice through the water as if you're racing for the America's Cup, or anything in between. It's up to you. The wind is strong and the sun is bright and of course Hemingway calls for sailing by the seat of your pants. Sure enough before very long, Captain Eric and Amelia have you and your party gliding across the water, the boat leaning hard in the strong following wind. They bring her at top speed out to Manchester by the Sea then turn for the thrilling run into the wind, back to the harbor. The crew are experts and at one point dip the port rail low enough to scoop up a big gulp of sea water that drains out of the cockpit before you travel another fifty feet. You tack back and forth all the way into Salem Harbor where your expert crew finally docks you and your literary party, still laughing and talking, back in the marina. I tell this story because Eric and Amelia gave my wife and I just this kind of ride. Of course they asked us what we wanted the experience to be like and we told them, "Hey, worst case scenario, the boat tips and we get a little wet." Of course there was never, never a chance of us taking a dip but Eric and Amelia gave us what we asked for and more. I felt like we were in a Hemingway novel. They ran with the boat leaning all the way out to Manchester by the Sea and back again. We did, in fact get to dip the rails a couple times which was thrilling. Eric and Amelia are bright and interesting. They were wonderful people and incredible sailors. The boat is gorgeous. There were drinks if we liked. And the trip was perfect. If anyone tells you nothing is perfect, you tell them our trip with Sunset Sail Salem was perfect. Would you like to be a character in one of those incredible novels of the 1920's? Take a cruise with Eric and Amelia and you can be. read more

Anne F.

0

1

0

3 years ago

This was my first time on a schooner and it won't be my last. The crew and captain were courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to engage with all the passengers to make sure they were comfortable. I highly recommend this cruise. It was a wonderful and great experience. I learned the names of the islands and about their history. It was fascinating to go below deck to see the kitchen and the sleeping quarters. read more

Derick J.

0

1

0

9 years ago

Hadn't been on sailboat charter before and wasn't sure what to expect...spoiler: loved it. Would definitely do again. Great change in pace and good way to break up the day after walking around the downtown. We brought our own drinks and cruised around the harbor. Captain Eric was a treat; knowledgeable of the area and local history and made it feel like the boat was ours. read more

Barbara V.

23

1

9 years ago

Sailing on Wenonah in the North shore of Salem Harbor is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights and the sounds of this incredibly lovely area. Captain Eric enhances the sail with his stories and knowledge about the area's history and ecology, two of my main interests. Shall plan to do it again next year. Sally Feldman read more

Jim B.

29

2

1

9 years ago

I've actually had the opportunity to go out on two cruises with Eric (so far) and can't say enough good things about my experience. It's such a great way to spend time with the family, friends, or that special someone in your life. Definitely recommend booking a trip in advance, they fill up fast!! read more

Sue S.

0

3

0

9 years ago

What a great experience. We had a great time and Captain Eric answered any and all of our questions! He's extremely knowledgeable about the area. We highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn about sailing or just want a wonderful experience. Thanks Captain and your beautiful "vessel" Winona! read more

Loretta W.

80

2

7 years ago

Fabulous.. just fabulous. Perfect day out on the water seeing Manchester by the sea from the water, the islands the ospreys.... it was 80 on shore and best day for an amazing sail. Will be back for a day charter to the islands as that sounds wonderful. read more

Alexa T.

0

1

9 years ago

Hands down the BEST sail experience! Eric is awesome and knows his vessel Most definitely planning on spending some more time out on the water with Sunset Sail!!! Thank you so much for the memorable experience! read more

Callan S.

2

5

1

9 years ago

Winona was a beautiful boat and there was nothing like seeing Salem from the water. The Captain, Eric, was so engaging and made for an unforgettable experience! One we will be back for soon! read more

Greg H.

0

1

0

9 years ago

Great time! We spent a few hours walking around Salem then hopped right on our charter for an evening cruise. Eric made the whole thing really easy! I'm excited to do it again. read more

Morgan M.

0

2

0

10 months ago

My mom and I had a wonderful boat ride on the 2hr sunset sail on the When and If. The crew and other passengers were so friendly! Definitely a must-do while in Salem. read more

Cassie A.

0

2

0

9 years ago

We had an amazing time on the water with Eric! It was a gorgeous night on the water. Our 18 month old toddler enjoyed the trip as well! We will definitely go again. read more

Nancy T.

0

2

0

9 years ago

Fun, relaxing and interesting sail with Capt. Eric on Wenonah. Great outing with 4 other friends. Highly recommend this!

Jamil S.

0

1

0

8 years ago

One of the best experience I have had in a while. The view was beautiful and Eric was such a great captain/host.

Darwin R.

0

4

1

7 years ago

Great experience, Captain and mate were awesome and very hospitable. We had a great time and would do it again.

Marc J.

329

13

3

3 years ago

Absolutely the best charter available in Salem, you will not be disappointed!!!

Phil L.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Great day for a sail and some Bloody Mary's! Thanks for everything!

Sam W.

217

1

0

9 years ago

Great time! Definitely recommend

Sunset Sail Salem - sailing - Updated August 2026

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