Learn about the health of the Great Lakes through our public science sails. Each sail is two hours in length (except the Great Lakes Discovery sail which is three hours). Sail dates, times, and pricing for these science adventures can be found on our FareHarbor page. To ensure passengers receive their full sail time and we stay on schedule, the ship leaves at stated departure times and cannot be held for late arrivals. Arrive 20−30 minutes before the scheduled start of the trip.
Great Lakes Discovery
Are you curious what lies beneath the surface of the Great Lakes? Have you ever wondered what means to be a scientist, sailor, or steward of the Great Lakes? Join us on a Great Lakes Discovery sail for a three-hour, hands-on adventure aboard the 77-foot schooner Inland Seas to find out!
Throughout this adventure you’ll act as a scientist by collecting fish, plankton, and organisms from the bottom of the lake using REAL scientific equipment. You’ll also get to try your hand at some on board water chemistry and learn how scientists monitor the health of the Great Lakes. During your sail you’ll help raise the sails and even try your hand at steering the ship!
This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Under the Microscope
We all know that fish live in the Great Lakes, but what do they eat? Large fish eat small fish, but what do the smallest of fish consume? This two-hour program will explore the micro-organisms and insects that are key players at the bottom of the Great Lakes food web.
During this sail you’ll help deploy REAL scientific collection equipment as we sample plankton and benthic (lake bottom) organisms from the bay. You’ll also have the opportunity to play the role of schooner sailor as you help raise the sails and steer the ship.
This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes.
Fishes of Lake Michigan
Have you ever wondered what fish species live in the Great Lakes? Are you curious how researchers collect and identify the fish that live here? Do you want to touch or hold a real fish? This two-hour program will introduce you to the fish that thrive in Lake Michigan.
During this sail you’ll help deploy REAL scientific equipment to collect fish from the bay and play the role of a citizen scientist by identifying and documenting the fish that are caught. All of our fish counts are reported to the Michigan DNR, so you’ll be making a real contribution to fish species monitoring. We’ll also bring along a community fish expert to answer any of your fish-related questions. You’ll also have the opportunity to play the role of schooner sailor as you help raise the sails and steer the ship.
This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes.
Steady the Ship
Raise the anchor! Hoist the sails! On this two-hour sailing adventure, you’ll play the part of a schooner sailor as you explore the history of sailing on the Great Lakes.
Sailing was the Early European settlers’ preferred mode of water transportation which helped facilitate not only travel between places but also the trading of goods. Today, sailing remains a popular recreational activity among Great Lakes visitors. Not only will you have the opportunity to hoist the sails and steer the ship, but you’ll also learn how sails work, what keeps the ship afloat, and why the ship moves the way it does.
This program is appropriate for learners of all ages, so bring along your family and friends and we’re sure everyone will learn something new and feel more connected to the Great Lakes.
