Experience Vermilion Like Never Before
COVID-19 UPDATE
Your Safety is our #1 Priority!
We’ve always kept the boat clean, but due to COVID-19 we’ve amped up our cleaning procedures to keep you safe. There’s an hour scheduled in between tours to give us plenty of time to fully sanitize everything. We sanitize all seating areas, hand rails, and dock rails with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Your safety and comfort is our #1 priority!
Take a tour on the M/V Mystic Belle!
The M/V Mystic Belle is a 28’ flat-bottomed river barge that operates out of Parsons Marina. The Mystic Belle is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel and exceeds all safety requirements. The captains of the Mystic Belle are all U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains and have over 150 years of collective experience navigating on the Vermilion River and Lake Erie. Your safety is our #1 priority!
On a tour aboard the Mystic Belle, you’ll experience Vermilion like never before. Throughout the one-hour narrated cruises, you’ll see the maritime industry in Vermilion in action and learn about its storied history. You’ll see and learn about the natural wildlife that call our beautiful shores home, from seagulls, ducks, and herons to maybe even some fish and turtles (if they’re not feeling shy). You’ll also have the exclusive chance to see some of Vermilion’s most beautiful waterfront homes.
Please see schedule, pricing, and FAQs below for more information!
Tours are offered Memorial Day through Labor Day at the following times:
Tuesday - Sunday
2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunset Cruises
Friday and Saturday Nights (weather permitting)
* Call for more information *
Special Events and Private Cruises
We’d love to host your next special event or private cruise! We’ve done everything from school field trips, family reunions, and work outings to rehearsal dinners, bachelor/bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and birthday cruises. Give us a call to book an unforgettable experience (440) 315-1907.
Reservations are strongly suggested as tours fill up quick! Call to reserve your spot today!
Pricing
$20
Adults
Ages 17 - 59
$10
Children Ages 3 - 16
Children under 3 years old are free!
$15
Seniors
Ages 60 +
$15
Military
Thank you for your service!
Meet Our Captains!
Capt. Don
Capt. Don has sailed on the Vermilion River and Lake Erie since… well, we won’t go there! A mariner through and through, Capt. Don has over 60 years of experience and has been a USCG Licensed Captain for over 22 years! Capt. Don loves sharing his passion for Vermilion’s unique history as he’s lived it first-hand.
Capt. Christy
Incredibly experienced herself, Capt. Christy grew up right here on the River. An avid sailor and mariner, she’s been a USCG Licensed Captain for 20 years and loves to share her passion for the water to anyone that’ll listen! Capt. Christy usually has her BFF Bailey (the Golden Retriever) nearby!
Capt. Tyler
Capt. Tyler has been around the marina and the Mystic Belle his entire life. After many hours serving as a Mate aboard the Mystic Belle, Capt. Tyler has been a USCG licensed captain for over four years!
Capt. Cliff
Just as experienced as Capt. Christy (minus 12 minutes because he’s the younger twin), Capt. Cliff was a USCG Licensed Captain for 18 years - but he he worked on and ran boats most of his life. Capt. Cliff loved to give tours with his favorite first mate (his wife) Alicia.
Captain Cliff passed in 2021 and while his presence still guides marina operations here today - we like to think that he’s running one heck of a fishing charter/tour up in Heaven.
FAQs
How can I make a reservation?
Give us a call at (440) 315-1907 to make your party’s reservation.
How do I pay?
You’ll pay on the boat at the time of departure. Cash is strongly preferred, but we’ll accept credit card payment as well.
Is there a minimum passenger count for a tour?
Yes. Due to the price of marine diesel and as part of an effort to minimize unnecessary carbon emissions, we require a minimum of 6 paying passengers to depart for a tour.
What if the weather is bad?
We try our best to control the weather here, but it doesn’t always work. As avid sailors and experienced captains, we always keep an eye on the sky. We won’t depart if inclement weather is on the horizon and we’ll work with you to reschedule your reservation at a later date. Since we don’t accept payment until we leave the dock anyways, there’s no worries.
Do I need a lifejacket?
Nope! Part of our Coast Guard safety inspection includes ensuring we have enough safety equipment for everyone on board. LIfejackets are located underneath your seat and are readily accessible in case of an emergency. We also have children’s lifejackets aboard, and extras of all to spare - just in case. The seating area is fully covered with railings on all sides. We just ask that you keep all body parts within that railing during the entire duration of the ride.
Will I get seasick?
Everyone’s different, but the chances of getting sick aboard the M/V Mystic Belle are very slim compared to other boats. The boat’s design as a flat-bottomed river barge means it’s incredibly stable and doesn’t rock and roll along our tour route. For the most part, it just feels like you’re on a slow-moving hay ride - except you’re on the water! Win, win!
Can I bring snacks/drinks?
Absolutely! You do you. No food or drinks are served aboard but you are more than willing to bring your own. Alcohol is permitted as long as it’s not a disrupting factor to the other guests on the tour.
What are some other items to bring?
Though the boat has a canopy, it’s always a good idea to bring sun protection as the shade comes and goes throughout the tour. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and secure hats are always a plus. A light jacket in the early spring/late fall can also be a great item to bring along! We also recommend bringing a camera (or your smartphone) to take pictures! There are plenty #InstaWorthy moments.
Any other questions?
Give us a call! Sharing our love of the Vermilion River and Lake Erie is one of our passions. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have and get you out on the water!
