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Cruise Annapolis Harbor, Bay
Use your head when visiting Annapolis. Allow time while sightseeing to cruise the harbor and beyond on a head boat—so called because the boats charge by the head rather than a flat charter rate. No visit to this gem of the Chesapeake is complete without discovering its most photogenic side. Nothing quite compares with viewing City Dock, the Historic District, Naval Academy, Bay Bridge, Thomas Point Lighthouse (and all those boats!) from the water.
Have it your way. You can relax and do nothing aboard a large schooner while the captain steers a steady course. Sip champagne on a Sunday brunch cruise. If the spirit moves you, pitch in with the steering and sail handling. Power hungry? Choices abound. Take the water taxi from City Dock to an Eastport restaurant. Hop on a launch and explore Spa Creek with its marinas, live-aboards and handsome homes. Take the ever-popular 40-minute harbor cruise, an extended 90-minute tour or an all-day excursion to Rock Hall or St. Michael's on the Eastern Shore.
Schooner Woodwind I (and Woodwind II)
Whether you're a first timer or a seasoned salt, a cruise aboard the majestic family-owned and -operated 74-foot Woodwind I or Woodwind II is always a pleasure. (For those who love to sail, the Woodwind issues a frequent sailor card. Sail five times and the sixth is on them.) The boats depart from the Marriott Waterfront Hotel May through September for 2-hour cruises, 4 times a day in season. On a recent cruise, I heard Capt. Jen explain how to use the Woodwind's heads (bathrooms). "Two heads are better than one," she quipped before inviting interested passengers to "haul away" (raise the mainsail), "raise the staysail"(on the foremast), take the helm (steer), or assist in tacking (changing direction). Knowledgeable crew members circulate to answer questions and make sure everyone is comfy. The Monday through Thursday Sunset Sails feature entertainment, such as the (in)famous Them Eastport Oyster Boys. The cost is $27 weekdays, $32 weekends and the sunset cruise; $2 discount for seniors; $18 for kids. Soft drinks and snacks are included. There's a cash bar for beer and wine. The Woodwind also operates as a Boat & Breakfast from May to September and can accommodate up to 4 couples. Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 80 Compromise St. 410-263-7837. www.schooner-woodwind.com
Annapolis's own Woodwind II, the 74-foot wooden schooner which docks (with her sister, Woodwind) on Ego Alley behind the Marriott, is featured in the movie, “Wedding Crashers.” The twin schooners, which sail 4 times a day in season, are familiar sights at City Dock and on the Bay.
In the movie, Woodwind II is owned by an eccentric politician (aren't they all?) played by Christopher Walken.
The Liberté
Capt. Chris takes up to 49 passengers on his stately 3-masted schooner for 2-hour Champagne Sails, Sundays from 11am to 1pm, in May, June, September and October. (July and August he sails out of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Poor guy.) Passengers sip bubbly, drink juices and coffee and munch on freshly baked muffins while the captain cruises the harbor area, Severn River and Bay. How civilized! The Liberté is also available for private personalized charters. You'll find it docked behind the Chart House restaurant in Eastport. 222 Severn Ave. 410-263-8234. www.theliberte.com.
Watermark Cruises
 | | Beth Rubin | | The water taxi crosses the harbor to City Dock. |
I wish I had a dollar for every time I've taken the 40-minute cruise on the Harbor Queen. What a delightful way to view the harbor, Naval Academy and Severn River while digesting local folklore and history via the canned commentary. In all but the hottest weather, seating is primo on the top deck. The sun-sensitive and those sporting elaborate 'dos favor the climate-controlled cabin. Passengers may brown bag it and/or buy snacks and drinks onboard. The cruise operates April through October; several times daily May through September, less frequently in April and October. This is a great family outing for not a lot of cash. Buy your tickets an hour or more ahead at the kiosk where City Dock and Susan Campbell Park meet the Bay. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for kids 3-11 and free for tots 2 and under.
If you have the time, I suggest a 90-minute cruise up the Severn River, to the Bay Bridge or to Thomas Point Lighthouse. The last remaining screwpile structure on the Bay is 1.5 miles offshore and closed to visitors. The price for the extended cruise is $16 for adults, $8 for kids 3-11, free 2 and under. All-day cruises: on the 65-foot Annapolitan II or Miss Rebecca (launch) to St. Michael's (admission to the Maritime Museum included) or Annapolitan II to Rock Hall are by advance reservation only.
The water taxi ferries diners, sightseers and boaters between City Dock and Eastport restaurants and marinas (across the harbor) and also to marinas and moorings on Spa Creek and Back Creek. The taxi operates from April through September, with less frequent service between April and mid-May. Young kids who might get antsy on a full-blown cruise enjoy this. The taxi leaves City Dock on the hour and also on demand. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 9:30am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday until 1am. The fair varies according to distance traveled, which usually translates to $2 to $4.50. 410-263-0033 or VHF Ch. 68.
Watermark Cruises depart from City Dock. Call or check the Web site for more information. General information: 410-268-7601. Reservations: 410-268-7601 x104. www.watermarkcruises.com.
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