Privateer Schooner Sailing Tour in Salem Sound

Overview

FAME is annually the #1-rated boat in Salem and one of the top-rated activities in the entire town, per TripAdvisor. Don't miss the very best of what Salem has to offer! There's more to our town than witches!

FAME is a full-scale replica of a privateer schooner from the War of 1812 that captured over 20 prizes! We sail up to five times a day between May and October from Pickering Wharf Marina in downtown Salem.

On board our traditional gaff-rigged schooner, you'll get a chance to raise the sails and even steer the boat as we sail Salem Sound and talk about the fisherman, traders, and privateers that played such a central role in the saga of Salem, of Massachusetts, and of the young United States.

This is a great hands-on adventure for all ages — but you can also just sit back and enjoy a beverage and take it all in as we cruise past the historic forts and lighthouses of Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead.

City: Salem

Thu 26 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 26 Dec

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Restroom on board

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

What To Expect

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (393)

A B

Jul 2016

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Salem, MA. My husband and I both had a wonderful time on Fame. The captain and crew were very friendly, very helpful and informative. We were warned before hand that there may not be enough wind to sail but since we were only in town for another night Captain Mike took us and two other women out. We were lucky enough to be able to sail out. What an experience! It was so peaceful and smooth. I loved it! The captain provided a lot of information and was very entertaining to listen to. Was amazed how loud the cannon was. It was an experience I will always remember. If you are in the area you have to sail on the Fame!

pegeth13

May 2016

This was to be the highlight of our second honeymoon and it did not disappoint. What a wonderful trip. We were out for about 2 hours. You motor out of the harbor and then volunteers can come and help hoist the sails. I did not do this because of a bad knee, but later I got to steer the ship. I was so thrilled that I did not run aground and was able to keep us on course. I had a great time. There were also opportunities to take down the sails, and fold the flag after they took it down. There are snacks on board (they discourage you bringing food on the ship) but everything is so reasonably priced. There was water, sodas, beer , wine, and a rum drink and snacks. After we were out on the water a while, the captain told us the history of the boat and what privateering was like in the war of 1812. They even shot off a cannon. It was a little cannon. I found out it's purpose was not to put a whole in the side of the ship but to put a whole in someone else's sail. Lots of history, lots of sailing , lots of fun. If you get a chance, go. It was awesome. There is something peaceful and relaxing about being on the water.

Response from Host

May 2016

Thank you :) Come back and sail with us again!

endorphin18

May 2016

I took the 12PM tour ... the captain and his 2 shipmates gave us an enjoyable 90 minute ride into Salem harbor, showed us the coastal sites of Marblehead and Beverly, and also gave us a short history of the Fame vessel. They had extra jackets on board so they're prepared if the wind/cold picks up while you're on the water. To make history come alive a bit more, they fired off a small 15 inch cannon mounted to the side of the boat.

Response from Host

May 2016

Glad you enjoyed the trip! Come back and sail with us again!