2026 Boatnerd Cruises – The Ultimate Freighter‑Watching Experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Three Specialty Cruises for Spring, Summer & Fall
If you’re planning a trip to Sault Ste. Marie or exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there’s no experience quite like a Boatnerd Cruise with the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours. These specialty cruises bring you up close to Great Lakes freighters, through the world‑iconic Soo Locks, and along the scenic St. Marys River at sunset—making them one of the top things to do in Sault Ste. Marie for ship lovers, families, photographers, and travelers.
For 2026, we’re thrilled to offer our biggest Boatnerd lineup ever with three unique cruises designed for freighter fans, Ship Junkies, and curious visitors alike:
- Spring Boatnerd Cruise – May 23, 2026 – 4:30 PM
- Summer July Boatnerd Cruise – July 17, 2026 – 7:30 PM
- Fall Boatnerd Cruise – September 26, 2026 – 5:00 PM
You can check out all our Themed Cruises here: Themed Cruises & Events - Original Soo Locks Boat Tours
These 2½ to 3hr cruises are the perfect freighter‑watching adventure for anyone visiting the Soo or the Upper Peninsula.
What Is a Boatnerd Cruise?
A Boatnerd Cruise is not your ordinary boat tour—it’s a full maritime experience for anyone who loves Great Lakes ships, 1,000‑footers, tugboats, pilots, locks, and everything in between.
Whether you’re a long‑time Boatnerd or you simply love watching big ships pass through the Soo Locks, this cruise puts you right in the action with:
- Up‑close ship viewing—just yards away
- Sunset & evening cruising on the St. Marys River
- Games, giveaways, & maritime trivia
- Light appetizers, pizza, desserts, and soft drinks
- Topside viewing for incredible photography
- Heated cabins for cooler evenings
- Special guest appearances
- Affordable family pricing: Adults $28 • Kids $8
All sponsored by the Interlake Steamship Company and Domino’s Pizza—helping us keep this event fun, accessible, and perfect for families visiting Northern Michigan.
Why This Cruise Is a Must‑Do for Visitors to Sault Ste. Marie
If you're searching for things to do in Sault Ste. Marie, family activities in the Upper Peninsula, or the best place to watch freighters, a Boatnerd Cruise checks every box:
⭐ The BEST place to see Great Lakes freighters up close
You’ll be right on the St. Marys River, near one of the busiest ship channels in the world. Seeing a 1,000‑footer from just a few yards away is unforgettable.
⭐ A top-rated Upper Peninsula activity
Perfect for families, photographers, nature lovers, retirees, and curious travelers.
⭐ Soo Locks sunset views
Evening light, long summer days, and fall colors make every cruise unique.
⭐ Local maritime storytelling
Learn about the Soo Locks, shipping routes, Great Lakes history, and the freighters themselves.
⭐ A fun community atmosphere
Perfect for Photographers & Ship Watchers
Our cruises are designed with waterfront vantage points and slow passes along key ship‑watching locations. Photographers love the:
- unobstructed angles
- golden-hour light
- close-up ship details
- sunset colors
- lock operations
- famous 1,000‑footer encounters
It’s one of the BEST freighter‑photography experiences in Michigan.
Special Guests for 2026
While guests vary per cruise, recurring favorites include:
- Roger LeLievre, author of Know Your Ships
- Andrea Guerriero, DRE DESIGNS - Great Lakes Marine Products
- Members of the Ship Junkies - Lakes, Locks & Rivers (LL&R)
- Local maritime storytellers and historians
Meet the people behind Great Lakes maritime culture, buy Know Your Ships, grab merchandise, or get your books signed!
• Dates: June 17 – August 31 (Wednesdays & Fridays)
• Time: See our Schedule Page for Times & Updates
• Length: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Pricing: Adults starting at $60; Children $35
• Bus & Group: Discounts & More Dates Available
• Minimum to operate: Dinner Cruises require a minimum of 20 paying guests to sail
A Boatnerd Cruise AND a Beautiful Sunset Cruise
Our Boatnerd Cruises aren’t just about ship spotting — they’re also perfectly timed as sunset cruises on the St. Marys River. Each 2026 cruise is scheduled during the most stunning part of the evening, giving guests the chance to enjoy both freighter watching and a gorgeous Upper Peninsula sunset in one unforgettable experience.
As we travel along the river and through the Soo Locks, you’ll enjoy:
- Warm, colorful evening skies
- Light reflecting off the water and the sides of passing freighters
- Peaceful sunset views are perfect for photography
- Comfortable topside seating with fresh evening air
- That golden-hour glow that makes every moment magical
This is more than a ship‑watching event.
It’s a sunset freighter‑chasing adventure — a relaxing, scenic, and exciting way to enjoy the natural beauty of Sault Ste. Marie while getting incredibly close to Great Lakes freighters.
Whether you’re here for the ships, the sunset, or both, this specialty cruise delivers one of the most memorable evening experiences in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
A Quick Boatnerd Note
Freighter traffic varies—we may see one ship or several—but it’s extremely rare not to see any. And even if we don’t?
Where else would a bunch of Boatnerds rather be than on a boat full of other Boatnerds?
Plus, yes… we might accidentally turn it into a Three Hour Tour. LOL.
Reserve Your Spot for the 2026 Boatnerd Cruises
These events fill quickly every year—especially with summer tourism, peak freighter season, and U.P. visitors looking for unique experiences.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, summer vacation, Pure Michigan road trip, or a full U.P. adventure, this cruise belongs on your list of must‑do activities.
Bring a friend. Bring your camera.
Bring your inner Boatnerd.
We’d love to have you on board!