MEET THE FLEET

Watermark Cruises has been serving visitors to the sailing mecca of Annapolis for almost 30 years. The company has two luxury yachts, five tour boats and five water taxis. Except for the water taxis, all Watermark boats offer a full service beverage and snack bar.

The Annapolitan II (left) seats 102 passengers, and is popular with the older and younger crowds. The main deck is enclosed and resembles a diner with its booths and casual dècor. Parents are encouraged to bring activities for the kids on longer cruises, as the booths are perfect for coloring books, cards and puzzles. The open top deck has bench seating. This boat embarks on the popular day-on-the-bay cruises to St. Michael's and Rock Hall.

The Rebecca seats 48 people and is a boat for more adventurous passengers. With its low water line and open deck, you can expect to feel the spray as well as a refreshing breeze on warm summer days. Enjoy the Rebecca's lighthouse tours, trips to St. Michaels or lighthearted pirate cruises.

The Harbor Queen (left) is a classic riverboat and the venue for the Caribbean theme party, music cruises, the Annapolis Harbor and Naval Academy tour and other special events. The biggest of the public tour boats, 250 people can enjoy her decks.

On a more intimate level, The Miss Anne cruises the creeks of Annapolis and also offers the pirate cruise. She seats 24.

The public is also invited to select special events on two luxury yachts—the 95' Catherine Marie and the 67' Cabaret II. Five water taxis also transport passengers to waterfront restaurants on Spa and Back Creeks.

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NARRATED CRUISES

Annapolis by Sea, Day-on-the-Bay Cruises

Watermark offers two full day cruises. Both include free coffee and doughnuts in the morning and a cash beverage and snack service on board.

For 30 years, Watermark has been taking passengers to St. Michaels, a quaint waterfront village on the Eastern Shore. The two-and-half hour cruise delivers you to this historic area where you may spend your three hours at the educational maritime museum (admission included), or decide to shop among the unique boutiques.

On the Eastern Shore, you have to make time to sample the seafood, of course! Be sure to try the Crab Claw or D&D Crab House. For a picnic lunch, locals recommend Taste Gourmet Deli. Whether you cruise over on the Annapolitan II or The Rebecca, Watermark keeps plenty of literature on board to help you chart your own course once you arrive at St. Michaels. The captain and crew are also happy to help you make the most of your time at this captivating village. Be aware that touring St. Michaels does involve a good amount of walking. So if you bring the young kids, be sure to pack the stroller.

Watermark is the only public company that cruises into Rock Hall. Departing the last Friday of the month (from May 28-September 24), passengers will be delighted with this tiny fishing village that's reminiscent of St. Michaels—but 60 years earlier! The cruise includes free trolley rides into town and ample information, coupons and a sample itinerary from the Rock Hall Chamber of Commerce. Again, you can't miss the seafood, so try Waterman's Crab House.It takes two hours to get to Rock Hall, leaving visitors with three hours to enjoy the shops, museums, restaurants and a sandy public beach. A special treat for Watermark passengers; an invitation into local studios to meet and talk with resident artists.

90-Minute Cruises

The 6-mile Severn River cruise features a close up look at Annapolis Harbor, the Naval Academy, and the area's bridges and communities—a great trip for anyone who enjoys history and beautiful homes! Its protected route also promises to be a smooth ride. Next time you cross an immense bridge, imagine seeing it from below. That's what you'll experience as you cruise around and under the Chesapeake Bay Bridges that link Maryland's Eastern and Western shores. Listen to the crew share stories and facts about the bay and you'll walk away with a whole new appreciation of bridge architecture and the crucial importance of environmental protection.

Lighthouses have become increasingly popular! Watermark says that its visitors are begging for a closer look at these guiding lights. If you're a fan, try the Thomas Point Lighthouse cruise. Built in 1875, and now a national historic landmark, Thomas Point was the last lighthouse manned on the Bay. As the most popular 90-minute narrated cruise, it also covers the history of Providence, the Bay Bridge and Tolly Point, as well as the other Chesapeake historic lighthouses.

40-Minute Cruises

Shorter cruises are popular for families and school groups. Be aware that school groups are frequent passengers mid-week March through June, so you may want to consider cruising after 3 pm. The Spa Creek tour cruises through the residential areas of Old Annapolis to the headwaters of Spa Creek and along the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. The Annapolis Harbor and Naval Academy Tour is a teacher's favorite, but everyone is invited! For anyone who thinks that Annapolis is just the Naval Academy, this tour is a good overview of the city's history since the 17th century as well as what the area currently has to offer. Not a history buff? Soak in the extraordinary views of the historic Annapolis Harbor, the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Severn River and the Bay Bridge.

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THEMED CRUISES

Lighthouse Dreams

Watermark is also introducing two new cruises this season. The Bay Lighthouses Tour is for those that can't get enough of these beacons. You'll pass under the twin spans of the Bay Bridges and Sandy Point Shoal, Baltimore Harbor and Thomas Point lighthouses. While the nearly three-hour cruise is not narrated, there is abundant information on board.

Ahoy Matey!

Especially for the young and young at heart, the company is offering the Pirates of the Chesapeake cruise. "Fun with a message" is the best way to describe this hour-long cruise that presents an interactive history of piracy on the Bay, complete with a treasure hunt and ecological lesson. Cliff Long, an anthropologist and historical interpreter, portrays Pirate Captain Billy Baye. Along with his sidekick, Grumpy Stumpy the Pirate Crab, Long dresses in 18th century finery and plays music instruments—just like those used during colonial times. Piquing everyone's imagination, Long allows kids to discover the treasure in his imaginary chest—the Bay itself. This one is sure to be a favorite of anyone who loves a good story!

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TAXI SERVICE

Water Taxis

Watermark's water taxi service is a wonderful way to see the other side of the bay. What's more, their water taxis connect you to one of Annapolis' best-kept secrets: Ken's Outback Porch! A premier caterer, Ken's Outback Porch opens its doors to diners during the summer season. Ask the water taxi driver to deliver you for breakfast or dinner, served Wednesday through Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:30 p.m. Be sure to try the pear-stuffed french toast! And it's no surprise that crab cakes are another favorite.

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SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Charters, group tours, field trips, weddings, corporate functions, birthday parties—Watermark does it all! Call 410-268-7601 for a quote.

Something Special

Watermark offers you a chance to see Independence Day fireworks, Blue Angels demonstrations and Wednesday night sailboat races like you've never seen them before. Regional and national musicians also perform on board The Harbor Queen. Performers are listed online, and have included such acts as the Pie Tasters, Tom Principata and Deanna Bogart. (Note: Because all special events fill up very quickly, reservations are accepted and highly recommended.)

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GENERAL INFO /PARKING

Get on Board:

All tours board and return to the Annapolis city dock, located in historic downtown Annapolis. The ticket booth opens by 10:30 am daily.

If you're driving, use the City Dock parking lot. These spaces have parking meters with a two-hour maximum. If you need to park for more than two hours, use the Noah Hillman parking garage. Access the Hillman garage from Duke of Gloucester Street or Main Street. Turn left on Main Street at the base of Green Street and the garage will be on your left. Handicapped parking is available at Annapolis City Dock—with a four-hour maximum. If you don't want to drive to or park downtown, use the Navy/Marine Corps Stadium parking and shuttle.

Shuttle Information:

Annapolis Transit offers stadium/downtown shuttles. Visitors can use the free shuttles from the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Rowe Boulevard just off Route 50. The State Shuttle is best for quick commuting while the Navy Blue Shuttle takes a longer and slower route serving the Visitors Gate at the Naval Academy and also Main Street, King George St. and the medical offices, shops and restaurants of West Annapolis. State Shuttles operate weekdays 5:30 am to 8 pm (until 10:00 pm on Mondays during May through September).

Trolleys arrive and depart every five minutes during rush hours and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times. Navy Blue Shuttles operate seven days a week in May through September. They depart the stadium on the hour and half-hour, going downtown to the Naval Academy, up Main St. and out to West Annapolis.

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MAP

Click here for a map of area surrounding Watermark Cruises