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Sail Nova Scotia's Magical Inland Sea
We offer private sailing tours on the Bras d'Or Lake and around the stunning Atlantic coastline of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our tours are designed to give you the best possible experience in the area and emphasize a hands-on approach - including the opportunity to steer the boat and handle the sails. Captain and crew are on hand to ensure that you have a great time and a safe and memorable experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventure-filled tour, we have something for you.
Come and sail away with us on the most magical journey of a lifetime!
Sailing Tours in Nova Scotia
Full Day Private Sailing Charter
Captain Greg offers you a daysailing adventure you will never forget. With over 50 years of sailing experience and a well-found yacht, you'll sail the Bras d'Or Lake in comfort, safety, and style.
We chart a course for your day's sailing adventure based on sea conditions and your preferences. Guests are encouraged to take the helm and handle the sail - with instruction and advice from the Captain as needed. Glide on the wind through island-studded St. Peter's Inlet to the Bras d'Or Lake – where you'll find eagles, hawks, and cormorants overhead; great blue herons and deer along the shore, and plenty of fish - and a few mammals in the sea. Anchor for a swim and lunch in a private cove…. then head out on the Bras d'Or for some invigorating open water sailing!
Half Day Private Sailing Charter
Cape Breton Sailing Charters offers a memorable half-day private sailing charter experience for visitors to beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. With a fully licensed and experienced captain, guests can enjoy a personalized sailing tour of the scenic Bras d'Or Lakes. The tour can be customized according to the guests' preferences, whether it's a peaceful and leisurely sail or a more adventurous journey – including hands-on sailing and a lesson if you wish. This charter accommodates up to six guests, making it perfect for couples or small groups who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Breton Island in an intimate and exclusive setting.
During the half-day private sailing charter, guests can expect to see stunning landscapes and wildlife, including bald eagles and seals, great blue herons and deer along the shore. The captain will provide information on the history and culture of the area, adding depth and context to the sailing experience. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family excursion, or a fun outing with friends, Cape Breton Sailing Charters' half-day private sailing charter offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the natural wonders of this picturesque island.
Sunset Private Sailing Charter
Enjoy a 3 hour scenic cruise while the sun sets over island-studded St. Peter’s Inlet on the Bras d’Or Lake. Depending on winds which are often light in the evening, this may be a sailing and/or motor cruise. Guests are welcome to steer the boat, handle the sail or just kick back and relax.
Bras d’Or Lake Crossing
This is a hands-on sailing experience on Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand encounter in the pristine UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere, from sea level. Please contact us by email to check availability and schedule a phone chat if desired.
Sail the Ocean and the Inland Sea
The magical Bras d’Or Lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the historic St. Peter's Canal. This is Where the Ocean Meets the Inland Sea. Enjoy a hands-on sailing experience on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will live aboard like a sailor in port, at the very welcoming and well-equipped St. Peter’s Lions Marina.
2 days sailing, 2 nights on board the yacht at St. Peter’s Marina
Private party up to 4 people. $2,250 + HST. Add up to 2 day-sailing guests (extra $ per person).
Circumnavigate Isle Madame
Take a private sailing cruise from St. Peter's, via the historic tidal lock Canal out to the Atlantic Ocean, and around Isle Madame. Two ports of call on Isle Madame. Hotels and all meals included. This is a hands-on sailing adventure departing and returning to St. Peter’s. Features: a circumnavigation of Isle Madame in the Atlantic waters of St. Peter’s Bay, Lennox Passage and Chedabucto Bay. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand sea-level experience in the pristine coastal waters of southern Cape Breton.
The itinerary can be custom-tailored to your preferences, and considering wind and weather conditions. We have options for sailing in open-ocean, closer coastal waters and protected passages in this area.
Gift Card
Our gift cards are are a great way to show someone you care – give the gift of an authentic sailing experience. Whether you're looking for something to do with your family, or want to treat a friend or loved one to a relaxing trip away from the ordinary, Cape Breton Sailing Charters in Nova Scotia offers a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lake and Ocean Coast.
Why choose us?
Explore Cape Breton and its incredible natural beauty
This is a hands-on sailing experience for guests who want that, or a leisurely, captained sailing tour through some of North America's most pristine salt and brackish waters. Learn to sail or renew old skills on a well-found boat with an experienced captain in one of the world's most desirable sailing destinations. Our dedicated and experienced crew will show you the highlights of the lake, the island and her coastline while you relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Fun
We offer a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and experience levels. Get a chance to sail the boat, steer the boat, help plan the course to sail, handle the sail. Guidance from Captain and crew...
We offer a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and experience levels. Get a chance to sail the boat, steer the boat, help plan the course to sail, handle the sail. Guidance from Captain and crew to help you learn. Or just kick-back and relax for a quiet cruise through pristine waters.
Adventurous
We want our guests to get the most out of their trips, so we make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in every sailing tour we offer. You'll be sailing in waters that the Mi'k...
We want our guests to get the most out of their trips, so we make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in every sailing tour we offer. You'll be sailing in waters that the Mi'kmaq have paddled for 10,000 years, and were explored by the first European settlers 500 years ago.
Hands-on
Everyone who comes on our sailing charters in Cape Breton should feel like they're part of the action. Each guest has the opportunity to steer the boat, handle the sails and help with navigation.
Everyone who comes on our sailing charters in Cape Breton should feel like they're part of the action. Each guest has the opportunity to steer the boat, handle the sails and help with navigation.
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island is part of the province of Nova Scotia. Situated off the north-east coast she is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Cape Breton is crowned with majestic Highlands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and is graced by the Bras d'Or Lake, North America's largest inland sea. These are world-famous cruising waters, amidst a pristine natural environment and a rich history of indigenous Mi'kmaq people and European settlers, whose descendants are eager to share their culture and music with visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Your adventure begins at our dock adjacent to the lakeside end of the historic St. Peter's Canal, where you'll meet your captain and board the yacht.
This is the site of North America's oldest operating tidal lock canal, established in 1869. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with Cape Breton's magical inland sea... the Bras d'Or Lake.
We get a wide variety of weather conditions in Cape Breton, and all are a bit exaggerated when you're out on the water. We recommend that sailing guests bring the following:
-short sleeve shirt and short pants in warm sunny weather
-a sweater/fleece, wind/rain proof jacket, long pants for cool weather
-hat and sunglasses, and sunblock
-non-skid, non-marking shoes for safety (deck shoes are ideal)
-pack your gear in a soft bag for easy stowage on the boat
Canadian Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) are provided for all guests... and you may bring your own PFD if you wish. We have a good set of binoculars on board, and the captain is always happy to take pictures for you with his camera or yours.
Please feel free to bring any other small items that will help enhance your enjoyment and memories of the day:
-still or video camera
-binoculars
-a bathing suit and towel
-you can expect good cell phone/data connection during parts of your daysail.
To some extent – yes. These are private tours for your party and we can customize for you. Sometimes we will have to on your day, because the weather isn’t always ideal and we'll want to stay in protected waters to keep the trip enjoyable. We are always happy to, in advance, discuss options or specific destinations you'd like to see, or things you like to do on your half or full-day sail, or a multi-day cruise, and we'll tailor your itinerary accordingly.
Our icebox is stocked with water, sodas and juice boxes. These cold drinks are included in the price of your sailing charter. We do not provide alcoholic beverages but you may bring your own. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments if you wish. We can keep them cold in our fridge. We can also cater your take-aboard lunch, please see 'What about food?' below, for the menu. You can order in advance for tasty local lunches aboard.
Enjoy a catered picnic prepared by local restaurant Louie's Cosy Corner. Download a PDF of our Sailors Picnic menu here. See instructions for placing your order directly with Louie's, at least 24 hrs in advance please. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks aboard. Nearby our dock, Foodland Grocery, B&E Convenience, and several take-out shops offer a variety of food choices.