Sail a tall ship on the York River with historic sights and chances to spot wildlife
1.5 Hours
Set sail aboard the tall ship Alliance II for a 1.5-hour daytime cruise on the York River. Take in 300 years of history as the crew points out landmarks and wildlife along the way.
Trips run from April through the beginning of November. Arrive at least 10 minutes before sail time and wear flat-soled shoes; bring a jacket in cooler months. No outside alcohol or coolers; snacks and drinks are sold on board, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcohol.
No refunds except for weather cancellations; trips run rain or shine. The captain decides on weather cancellations. If canceled for weather, you may be rescheduled or refunded. No-shows are charged in full, and there are no refunds if you are late and miss the ship.
Riverwalk Landing Pier
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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.
There is nothing like sharing a picnic on a pirate ship. We gad such a great experience aboard the Alliance Schooner. A special thank you to the captain and his staff for helping to make our trip very memorable and enjoyable. We have done all of the different trips with them over the years and I can definitely say we have never been disappointed. Why go anywhere else when we can vacation in our own backyard. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown has so much to offer. Thank you again for making this day special.
June Yuiska
September 4, 2025
There is nothing like sharing a picnic on a pirate ship. We gad such a great experience aboard the Alliance Schooner. A special thank you to the captain and his staff for helping to make our trip very memorable and enjoyable. We have done all of the different trips with them over the years and I can definitely say we have never been disappointed. Why go anywhere else when we can vacation in our own backyard. Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown has so much to offer. Thank you again for making this day special.
June Yuiska
September 4, 2025