Cruise the York River on a 1.5-hour tall-ship day sail
1.5 Hours
1.5-hr sailing cruise
Explore Yorktown from the water on a daytime sightseeing sail aboard the Tall Ship Alliance II. Lend a hand with the sails or relax on deck as the crew points out sights and shares local history at the start.
Sails run from April through the beginning of November. Please do not bring outside alcohol, coolers, or personal food and beverages (personal water bottles are ok). Arrive at least 10 minutes before sail time.
No refunds except for weather cancellations (Captain decides). No-shows are charged full price. No refunds if you are late and miss the ship.
Arrive at the ship at least 10 minutes before sail time. Boarding begins promptly 10 minutes before the sail.
Wear flat-soled shoes and avoid heels or platforms. Bring a jacket in cooler months because it can feel cooler on the water than on land.
Do not bring personal foods or beverages. Personal water bottles are OK to stay hydrated, but no alcohol. Virginia law also prohibits consuming outside alcohol aboard.
Riverwalk Landing Pier
Sailing with this crew is consistently described as a highlight of visiting the Yorktown area. The captains and staff earn overwhelming praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely engaging. Passengers appreciate the historical narration that brings the York River and surrounding area to life, with crew members like Darby getting specific shoutouts for their storytelling abilities. The fleet includes schooners like the Alliance II and Serenity, offering everything from pirate-themed adventures for kids to romantic sunset cruises. The experience strikes a nice balance between relaxation and activity. Many guests mention getting hands-on opportunities to help raise sails, spotting dolphins, and enjoying the surprisingly comfortable conditions even on hot days thanks to shade from the sails. Light snacks are available at reasonable prices. Repeat visitors note that quality has remained excellent even through ownership changes, with families returning year after year for different cruise options. Whether you're looking for educational value, a special celebration, or simply a beautiful way to spend an afternoon on the water, the crew makes sure everyone has a memorable time.
This was a very pleasant cruise. We had perfect weather with beautiful views. There was an accompanying narration which provided som history of the area.
Sarah Kaskocsak
October 7, 2025
This was a very pleasant cruise. We had perfect weather with beautiful views. There was an accompanying narration which provided som history of the area.
Sarah Kaskocsak
October 7, 2025