Bellingham Bay Harbor History Cruise
If you haven't explored Bellingham by water, THIS CRUISE IS A MUST!
Where did Bellingham begin? What were those four towns that used to be here? Who were some of the early characters in local history? How has the bay changed and how do we use the exciting and vital resource today? These are but a few of the questions answered in the popular Bellingham Bay History Cruises.
The two hour and thirty minute sunset cruise is a great way for old timers and newcomers alike to learn more about the place they live and see the sites on the bay. The Bellingham Bay History Cruise is also a wonderful way to introduce your summer visitors to the beautiful place we live. The tour takes a close-up view of parks, businesses, industry and neighborhoods from the water. It travels down waterways, past shipyards, historic points of interest, fishing activities and the work and pleasure boats, freighters and tugboats that are in the harbor. Harbor seals and water birds are regularly seen. The trip makes a memorable evening.
Cruise tour guide is Richard Vanderway, Curator of Education at the Whatcom Museum for nearly 30 years. He ties his knowledge of local history with the up-to-date facts about bay activities on the evening of the cruise. His narrative of history, trivia and current events makes cruise guests feel they are becoming experts on their community and have new understanding of the place they live or are visiting.
Bellingham Bay History Cruise guests travel on board the 110-foot Puget Sound tour boat Island Caper and leave from Squalicum Harbor near downtown Bellingham. Squalicum Harbor is the Port of Bellingham's boat haven for almost 1500 fishing and pleasure boats. The Island Caper has inside seating for over 100 passengers plus a covered upper deck viewing area. It has two main deck onboard restrooms with household toilets and many more amenities. See the Island Caper page for more information about this fine vessel.
We are proud to join with the highly awarded and respected Whatcom Museum of History and Art to offer these sunset cruises on Bellingham Bay. Bellingham Bay History Cruises are a cooperative venture between the Whatcom Museum of History and Art and Island Mariner Cruises to promote community building and as a fundraiser for the Whatcom Museum.
Schedule and Costs
*** Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as cruises often sell out ***
Dates for 2009:
- Thursday, June 25th
- Thursday, July 2nd
- Thursday, July 9th
- Thursday, July 16th
- Thursday, July 23rd
- Thursday, July 30th
- Thursday, August 4th
- Thursday, August 6th
- Thursday, August 11th
- Thursday, August 13th
The cost is $25 per person for people of all ages.
Museum members pay only $20.00 per person.
Tickets may be purchased by calling:
Whatcom Museum: (360) 676-6981 or
Island Mariner: (360) 734-8866 or Toll-Free 1-877-734-8866
How to Prepare
The calm, protected waters around the San Juan Islands offer excellent boating throughout the year. However, the wise boater is always prepared. Wear sensible, non-slip shoes, and bring a sweater, wind breaker, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and suntan lotion. And you won't want to forget your camera and binoculars.
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