Patriot Cruises
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A St. Michaels tradition since 1969, Patriot Cruises takes passengers for an exploration of the Miles River on a 65-foot, USCG-inspected vessel built to resemble a traditional Chesapeake Bay steamboat. With its signature Narrated Historical Cruises and numerous specialty cruises, PATRIOT offers a memorable experience for all ages with on-board amenities that include a beverage and snack bar, indoor air-conditioned spaces, an upper outdoor deck, and bathrooms.
During its season from April-November, PATRIOT departs from St. Michaels harbor at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Free parking is available in CBMM’s lot. Our cruises sometimes sell out. We recommend you reserve your tickets ahead of time.
CBMM members save $6 per ticket on all cruises. For online purchases, simply log into your membership account and the discount will be automatically applied.
Everyone can save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance online. Buy a combo ticket to enjoy CBMM general admission and a cruise aboard PATRIOT. These tickets can be purchased in advance online or in-person at Patriot Cruises Ticketing at CBMM’s South Entrance or Welcome Center.
Click here to learn more about our Patriot Cruises offerings and pricing.
Historic Workboat Experience Cruises
CBMM MEMBERS CLICK HERE FOR CRUISE CALENDAR
NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE FOR CALENDAR TO BUY COMBO TICKET FOR GENERAL ADMISSION & CRUISE
Our experienced captains will guide you on a 1-hour narrated voyage exploring the history, ecology, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay. Try your hand at the traditional tools and techniques used to harvest crabs and oysters aboard a historic workboat in CBMM’s floating fleet on an authentic Chesapeake adventure!
Historic Workboat Experience Cruises are available on most weekends and holiday Mondays from May 15 through Nov. 8.
The cost for two-day general admission plus a Historic Workboat Experience Cruise is $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, $27 for college students (17+), $16 for children (6-17), $5 for children (5 & under), $26 for retired military, $10 for active military. CBMM members can book a Historic Workboat Experience Cruise here at a cost of $10 for adults, $8 for children (6-17), and $5 for children (5 & under). Tickets for these cruises are available in advance or upon entrance at the Welcome Center.
This program is supported by CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.
Log Canoe Spectator Cruises
Enjoy a river cruise to watch the log canoe races on the Miles River aboard one of the vessels in CBMM’s historic floating fleet. Log canoe races are a quintessential Chesapeake pastime, and a log canoe charter provides an up close and exciting look at the action. Amateur photographers, sailing aficionados, or wooden boat enthusiasts will all find something to enjoy on a CBMM log canoe charter!
This year, CBMM will offer ticketed, two-hour cruises aboard Old Point and Dory Boat on Miles River racing weekends. CBMM members save 20% on these cruises!
How it Works: Guests can book a ticket to cruise aboard a floating fleet vessel for a designated 2-hour time frame. These cruises are limited to six passengers, including children, per Coast Guard regulations. A USCG Licensed Captain will be at the helm to get you up close to the regatta action. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks.
Use the links below to select your date, time, and vessel!
MRYC Governor’s Cup, July 25-26
MRYC Labor Day Series, Sept. 12-13
Higgins, Commodore, & Bartlett Cups, Sept. 19-20
Evening Historic Vessel Cruises
Step aboard one of CBMM’s historic vessels and discover the beauty of the Miles River from the water.
With our evening cruises aboard 1909 crab dredger Old Point and 1955 skipjack Rosie Parks, you’re invited to relax and soak in the Chesapeake scenery and maritime history.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a special night out, these individually ticketed, six-passenger cruises offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks and settle in for a Chesapeake evening to remember!
These cruises begin at 5pm, departing from our waterfront. The 90-minute Old Point cruises are on most Thursdays, July 16-Oct. 29, while the two-hour Rosie Parks cruises run most Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 28.
Buy your tickets now by using the links below or searching our online ticketing portal. CBMM members save 20% on both offerings. Combo tickets are available for a cruise and CBMM general admission.
This program is supported by CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.
Crabbing the Miles River
Late summer is the most bountiful time of the year for crabbing on the Miles River. This year, we are pleased to offer morning crabbing on a historic vessel with our knowledgeable volunteer crew.
Join us to watch the sunrise over the often-placid waters of the Miles River while experiencing what it’s like to work the water through catch-and-release crabbing. Space is limited to six participants for this program—Don’t wait to reserve your spot!
Crabbing the Miles River is being offered on Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Sept. 11, Sept. 18, and Sept. 25. The cost is $80, with a 20% discount for CBMM members.
This program is supported by CBMM’s Regional Folklife Center under the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council.
Paddling Programs
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful morning adventure or a memorable evening experience, our paddling programs offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of our unique Chesapeake landscape from a new perspective. Join our experienced kayak guides for these paddles launching from our waterfront!
Bring your own vessel or rent one from us. (Single and double kayaks are available for rent.) Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome!
The cost is $32 without rental and $48 with rental for CBMM members.
Morning Paddles
Offered on select Saturdays from 8-11am, our Morning Paddles are designed to beat the heat and showcase the Miles River at its most peaceful. As you glide along, keep your eye out for birds and other wildlife, which may include jellyfish, turtles, snakes, and cownose rays.
Full Moon Paddles
Join us for Full Moon Paddles in July, August, and September to experience a magical evening on the Miles River. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, you’ll experience the river in a whole new light. Take in the peaceful waters and scenic views as you paddle beneath the glow of the moon. Don’t forget to bring your camera!