Salem Privateer Schooner Sailing: Top-Rated Tour
4.9
456 Ratings
Salem
Experience the thrill of sailing on the top-rated Salem Privateer Schooner, FAME. Raise the sails, steer the boat, and explore the rich maritime history of Salem. Book your adventure now!
Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Salem - Historic Salem Sound

— the waters around Salem, Marblehead, and Beverly, Massachusetts

— where pirates, privateers, East Indiamen and men of war have been making history for 400 years.

What's Included
  • On-board restrooms available
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Every year, FAME ranks as the top boat in Salem and among the most popular attractions in town, according to TripAdvisor. Experience the unique charm that Salem has to offer beyond its witchcraft tales!

FAME is an authentic re-creation of a privateer schooner that participated in the War of 1812, seizing more than 20 enemy vessels! Our sailing schedule is up to five voyages daily from May to October, setting sail from Pickering Wharf Marina located in central Salem.

While aboard our conventional gaff-rigged schooner, you’ll have opportunities to hoist the sails and possibly navigate the boat. As we sail across Salem Sound, we’ll discuss the fishermen, merchants, and privateer who significantly contributed to Salem’s, Massachusetts’, and indeed, the young United States’ history.

It’s a captivating hands-on experience suitable for all age groups. However, if you prefer a laid-back journey, feel free to kick back, enjoy a drink, and absorb the sight as we navigate around Salem’s, Beverly’s, and Marblehead’s historical forts and lighthouses.

Please note that this is NOT a guided tour!

  • Children under five are not allowed.
  • At the farthest point of our sail, we may be 45 minutes from the dock — and from medical services!
Location
Nu Aeon
Wharf Street
"86 Wharf St" is a fictional address, but will get you close to our ticket booth in front of FINZ. Traffic and parking are challenging on weekends, and that goes TRIPLE for October! Allow extra time! No-shows will not receive a refund.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(456 Ratings)
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Elias_r
Nov 1, 2023
Fun! - 2nd year taking the sale in October, always a pleasure. Staff is great and knowledgeable. Will definitely continue the tradition.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_j
Oct 30, 2023
Sailing tour in Salem Sound - The captain and crew were very sweet! We all had a great time even though it was drizzling. A must experience!
Review provided by Viator
Erika_l
Oct 29, 2023
Wonderful tour - What an amazing experience! The sunset was absolutely stunning and the folks on the boat were very friendly and welcoming. We are happy to add this tour into one of our yearly “must do” tours in Salem.
Review provided by Viator
Amber_b
Oct 26, 2023
Absolutely beautiful! - We had the best time!! The crew was so nice and helpful. They brought us blankets and hot cider with rum. The sunset was beautiful and I got proposed to during the cruise.
Review provided by Viator
J9296tgjeanf
Oct 24, 2023
Perfect sunset cruise - Lovely sunset cruise! The captain and crew are very knowledgeable and engaging. A great addition to our trip to Salem!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tammys61
Oct 24, 2023
Sunset Sailing Fun! - We so enjoyed this sunset sailing cruise! Captain and crew were awesome and very attentive and interactive with all the passengers. Do keep in mind though, that this is a real live sailboat, so the Captain and small crew are working while trying to entertain the passengers! The scenery was beautiful, so you could just sit back and relax! And who doesn't love the blast of a cannon while on the open sea?! That little event was loads of fun! If you do take the sunset cruise, be sure to plan for the lower temperatures once the sun is going down. There were some blankets on board as well to help. In our opinion, this is a great trip to take!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alyssagh838ja
Oct 24, 2023
A fulfilling experience - I really enjoyed this tour! We dedicated a day of our trip in Salem to everything Pirates and this was the perfect way to close out the day. After spending some time at the Real Pirates Museum and learning about key historic figures, this tour really put everything we learned into perspective. We stopped by Finz right after the tour (which is right next to the dock you depart from) and watched the sun set as we enjoyed our food. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in getting a taste of a Pirate's life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christy_m
Oct 22, 2023
Great Memory - The whole experience was so much fun, a nice change of pace from the typical Salem activities, would definitely recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Throwinchains
Oct 20, 2023
Hoist the mainsail! - We had a great time. We even got to hoist the mainsail and steer with the rudder! The Captain and crew were very knowledgeable and friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture39625778309
Oct 20, 2023
Best evening on a schooner!!! - Best trip ever! Our captain and crew were FANTASTIC!! Very informative and everyone got to be involved if you wanted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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