Soo Locks Tours & Events - 2025 Get ready for double the freighter-watching fun!
The Original Soo Locks Boat Tours is thrilled to announce two Boatnerd Cruises for 2025, thanks to the passion and collaboration of dedicated enthusiasts like David Kaye, Mike Mishler of Lincat Photography, Andrea Guerriero from DRE Designs - Great Lake Marine Products, Roger LeLievre ("Know Your Ships"), and many others. We heard your requests for more events like this along with a spring cruise, and we're delivering!
Boatnerd Cruises - Mark your calendars:
• Spring Boatnerd Cruise: Saturday, May 17th, 2025 Departure 4:30 pm
• Fall Boatnerd Cruise: Saturday, September 27th, 2025 Departure 4:30 pm
Our mission? To celebrate the world of Great Lakes freighters, promoting our maritime heritage, and inspiring future generations in the marine industry. We'll set sail on planned routes offering prime views of these majestic vessels, perfect for photographers and enthusiasts alike. Even if we end up with one or two freighters, where better to connect with fellow Boatnerds and Ship Junkies than cruising the Soo Locks and St. Mary's River?
The growing passion for freighter watching has fostered a vibrant community. The 2022 acquisition of the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours was purchased by Interlake Maritime Services, a family of companies which includes The Interlake Steamship Company, has created a perfect partnership for events like this. Our unique location in Sault, Michigan, offers fun and dynamic experiences for our community, Boatnerds, Ship Junkies, Interlake fans, and future freighter enthusiasts! We love to have fun and hope to see you on board!
Join us for an interactive and engaging 2 ½ to 3-hour tour! Light appetizers, pizza, and soft drinks will be provided courtesy of our sponsors. There will be games, exciting prizes, and giveaways. Don’t miss out on this exciting experience, bring a friend along and let’s create some wonderful memories together!
A Special Cruise at a Great Price!
Adults $26, Kids $8
How to Become a Boatnerd or Ship Junkie
Embrace your passion for Great Lakes freighters by becoming a boatnerd or ship junkie! Start by learning about different types of ships and their histories. Spend time at popular ship-watching locations like the Soo Locks and St. Mary's River, where you can track and photograph passing vessels. Attend events and cruises, such as our Spring and Fall Boatnerd Cruises, to immerse yourself in the vibrant community. Whether you're a seasoned ship watcher or just starting out, there's always something new to discover in the world of Great Lakes freighters. Set sail on your ship-spotting journey with us!
Becoming a "boatnerd or ship junkie" is all about embracing your passion for ships and maritime activities, especially those on the Great Lakes. Here are some steps to get you started:
- Join the Community: Engage with other Boatnerds by joining social media groups or local clubs. This will help you connect with like-minded enthusiasts and share your experiences. Consider joining Facebook groups like Interlake Steamship Company, DRE-Designs-Great Lakes Marine Products, Ship Junkies - Lakes Locks & Rivers (LL&R), Fans Of Know Your Ships, and Shipping of the Lake Superior Region.
- Track and Photograph Ships: Use binoculars, cameras, and notebooks to track and document the ships you see. Many boatnerds enjoy photographing ships and sharing their pictures online. Apps like Marine Traffic can help you track ship movements in real-time.
- Learn About Ships: There is one book that will help and is probably in every pilot house on the Great Lakes. That book is Know Your Ships. It's a great way to learn about all the different ships out there! During our Boatnerd Tour, you will have the opportunity to purchase the Know Your Ship book, magazines, and have them signed by Roger LeLievre, along with Andrea Guerriero from DRE-DESIGNS Great Lakes Marine Products offering some her amazing products and materials.
- Attend Events: Participate in maritime events. These gatherings often include tours, lectures, and other activities that deepen your knowledge and appreciation of maritime culture. Consider visiting the Soo Locks Visitors Center, which hosts events and lectures throughout the year.
Special thanks to Northern Elevations! Thank you for sharing this exciterating vidoe with all of us!
Don't worry, it's not that hard to be a Boatnerd or Ship Junkie! You don't need to do all these things. If you just love seeing these amazing Great Lakes freighters, you're already on your way to being a Freighter Freak! LOL Just the joy of watching these majestic vessels glide through the water is what truly makes you part of this passionate community. So, whether you're snapping photos, tracking ships on apps like Marine Traffic, or simply enjoying the view from your favorite spot, you're already embracing the spirit of a true boatnerd. Welcome aboard!
Keep following our Event & News Feed or Facebook for more exciting things to come! We hope to see you soon!
We want to thank all our sponsors! Interlake Steamship Company, Cultured Pop, Island Books & Crafts, DRE - Designs, Ship Junkies Group, and other local sponsors! We also want to thank everyone from our 2024 Fall Boatnerd Cruise. You all have been wonderful, and we had an amazing time together. We look forward to the 2025 season!
Come join us!
For more amazing moments from our Boatnerd tours, be sure to check out our photo gallery filled with fun stunning photos capturing the excitement of our adventures. Come join the fun with us as we set sail for the 2025 season on one of our Boatnerd Cruises!
We would love to have you on board!
#Boatnerd #boatnerdcruises #Maritimenews #GreatLakesTravel #ExploreTheNorth #ShipSpotting #ShipLovers #Saultevents #Soolocks #Soolocksboattours #saultstemarie
Not affiliated with Boatnerd Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping.