An Evening on Charity Island

One of the great experiences of being in the Upper Thumb is a chance to get out on the Saginaw Bay. On most days there is a cool breeze from the southwest and a light chop that makes for delightful cruising along the shore or out to the Charity Islands.  This year we have a new excursion boat operating out of the Caseville Municipal Harbor and up at Port Austin. The 50 foot “Lady of the Lake” will have variety of trips and special themed sunset cruises.

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​Sunset on the Bay

​On Mondays and Tuesdays “The Lady” will host a gentle two and a half hour narrated sunset cruise out of Caseville.  Departing the docks at approximately 8:00 pm and returning after sunset at 10:30 pm. This offers guest an ideal after dinner activity to enjoy the Bay as it typically settles down for the evening.

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Evening on Saginaw Bay from Port Austin

​On Wednesdays the Lady of the Lake moves up to Port Austin. Leaving the docks at about 8:30 pm for a two and a half hour narrated history and sightseeing cruise. The excursion will get you out to the picturesque Port Austin Reef Light that was built in 1878 and has been in the process of being beautifully restored. The Lady then heads east to the landmark Burnt Cabin Point and the area’s iconic Turnip Rock. This large limestone outcropping has been called one of the most amazing rock formations in America by the Cable News Netwok, CNN.

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Cruise to Charity Island

​On the weekends, (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Memorial Day through September) the Lady of the Lake departs from the Caseville Municipal Harbor mid-afternoon* for its signature Charity Island Dinner Cruise.  Guest enjoy a one-hour trip out to the remote island enjoying views that can only be experienced out on Saginaw Bay. As we near the island you will clearly see both shores of this magnificent bay. The trip includes pop and water onboard and guests are welcome to bring their own coolers for the boat ride.   

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​Boarding is the Beginning of the Charity Island Adventure

​Your adventure begins in Caseville harbor. You pay when you arrive to board and yourr dinner orders are taken of either Tenderloin Steak Tips or Lake Perch. Captain Tom will give introductions, tell you about the Lady of the Lake and what to expect on the trip ahead.
 
Once underway, there is an appetizer of cheese and crackers on the trip to the island. Upon arrival, the Lady motors the last ¼ mile into the cozy marina basin and docks. You disembark on the island and walk or ride ¼ mile to the outdoor screened and covered pavilion where dinner is served. Look for your name or your group name on one of the assigned tables.

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Arriving on the Island

​Before dinner, there is a wine sampling and a cash bar available. There is complimentary iced tea, lemonade, and bottled water. While dinner is being prepared in an outdoor kitchen, there is an interesting history presentation about Charity Island Lighthouse and related maritime history.
The evening commences with a delicious evening dinner consisting of:
o   Red-skinned potatoes marinated in a special broth, cooked with fresh dill and butter
o   Cabbage, carrot, onion salad we prepare in a large wok
o   Steak Tips or Lake Perch
o   Freshly baked French bread prepared on the Island

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​Excursion Costs and Considerations

​The cost of this all-inclusive dinner cruise is $98 for adults, ½ price for children ages 3-12, and children under three are free. Boarding begins at approximately 3:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 1:00 pm on Sundays.  Departure times vary because of sunset times. The total trip is between five and a half to six hours in duration. The trip needs to have a minimum of 25 passengers to schedule an excursion. Weather is a factor and may affect the schedule

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For Booking or More Information

Call, text or email Explorer Charters Cruise Lines at
Captain Tom 989-550-1234 (cell)
Denise   989-856-3182 (cell)
Email:  tomsden@comcast.net
Website:  http://www.explorercharters.com/
Facebook:  Explorer Charters-cruise lines, Charity Island Dinner Cruises​

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