A Scenic Tobermory Cruise Across Georgian Bay
Your journey begins at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, overlooking the Big Tub lighthouse and the Fathom Five Marine Park, where you’ll board one of Bruce Anchor’s modern glass-bottom boats.
As the vessel departs, you’ll cruise across the striking, clear waters of Georgian Bay, passing rugged limestone cliffs and forested shorelines that define the Bruce Peninsula. This relaxed crossing sets the tone for a day rooted in exploration and natural beauty.
Glass-Bottom View of Big Tub Harbour Shipwreck
A highlight of this Flowerpot Island cruise from Tobermory is the opportunity to view two of the area’s most famous shipwrecks from above. In the calm, shallow waters of Big Tub Harbour, you’ll see :
- The Sweepstakes (1885)
- The City of Grand Rapids (1907)
Thanks to Tobermory’s exceptional water clarity, the Sweepstakes is visible through the glass-bottom viewing panels, and both shipwrecks are visible right over the side of the boat. This portion of the tour connects naturally with Bruce Anchor’s broader Tobermory shipwrecks experience, offering insight into the region’s maritime history without requiring diving or snorkelling.
Arriving at Flowerpot Island
After leaving Big Tub Harbour, the cruise continues to Flowerpot Island, one of the most recognizable destinations within Fathom Five National Marine Park. Guests disembark at Beachy Cove, the island’s designated drop-off point.
Once ashore, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Popular activities on the island include:
- A short hike to the famous flowerpot rock formations
- Visiting the historic Light Station and interpretive displays
- Exploring a cave, forest trails, and scenic viewpoints
- Enjoying a picnic or shoreline swim on warm days
Because Flowerpot Island is protected by Parks Canada, all guests 18 and over who disembark must have a Parks Canada pass, which is added during the reservation process.
Book between June 19th and September 7th, 2026, and take advantage of the free Canada Strong Pass, offered through Parks Canada.
Drop-Off Tours are designed to balance scenic cruising with meaningful time on the island. After your visit, you’ll be picked up from Beachy Cove at your pre-booked return time and brought back to Tobermory.
- Cruise time to the island is approximately 50 minutes
- Return cruise time is approximately 20 minutes
- Total experience includes scenic cruising, island time, and boarding and disembarking
Who This Tour Is Best For
This Drop-Off Tour is well-suited for travellers who:
- Want to step foot on Flowerpot Island
- Plan to hike, explore, or spend extended time ashore
- Are travelling with family or small groups
- Want a balance of sightseeing and free time
- Are looking for a classic Tobermory cruise with shipwreck viewing
Bruce Anchor Cruises offers a variety of cruise options to suit your travel plans, including a 1-hour stopover at Flower Pot Island, a 6-hour stopover, and overnight camping transportation when booked through Parks Canada.
Why Choose Bruce Anchor Cruises
Bruce Anchor has been family-owned and operated since 1989 and is known for professionalism, safety, and environmental responsibility.
- A modern glass-bottom fleet, including the low-emission Eclipse
- UV-protected canopies and top open viewing decks
- Onboard washrooms
- Experienced captains and crew with deep knowledge
- Daily departures throughout the season (weather dependent)
- Operations conducted within Fathom Five National Marine Park
Every cruise is designed to be informative, comfortable, and respectful of the surrounding marine environment.
Plan Ahead and Book With Confidence
Drop-Off Tours run every day throughout the season (weather and water level dependent), but sailings often fill quickly during peak season. Advance booking is strongly recommended on Saturdays and Sundays.
For details on payment methods, convenient 24-hour cancellation policies, weather policies, and sailing conditions, please review our Terms and Conditions before booking.
Don’t miss out! Book a cruise and experience Flowerpot Island the way it was meant to be explored.
Book a Cruise
Other Information:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This payment must be made on a credit card, we cannot accept Visa Debit, or prepaid credit cards. Reservations are not complete until we have processed the deposit.
Bruce Anchor Cruises reserves the right to cancel at any time without notice due to inclement weather conditions including, but not limited to, strong winds and/or thunderstorms. As well, all sailing schedules are subject to change or cancellations without notice due to circumstances related to crew and captain availability, as well as instances where vessels require unscheduled repairs, may occur. In the event of cancellation, pre-purchased tickets will be refunded in full.
Boat tickets must be paid in full at the time of reservation by Visa or Mastercard. Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit will decline and are not accepted forms of payment. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to departure time in order to receive a refund. Any cancellations made within twenty-four hours of the purchased sailing will not receive a refund.
Cancellations and modifications can be done online, up to two days prior to departure. After that, all cancellations and modifications must be done by phone: 519-596-2555 option 1.
Refunds will not be issued to passengers who miss their sailing. All sailings must follow a strict schedule.
For more information regarding bookings, please visit here.
