Bruce Anchor Cruises
Bruce Anchor Cruises
4.5
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Our extremely unique and modern glass bottom vessels depart Tobermory on a regular schedule. Our tours operate during the spring, summer, and fall! Passengers are given an opportunity to view two 19th century shipwrecks, The Sweepstakes and The City of Grand Rapids, resting just a few feet below the surface. Following the shipwreck viewing, guests will pass by Big Tub Light House (1885). From there we cruise around Flowerpot Island passengers for a view of the magical scenery. This scenery includes the historic Flowerpot Light station, the light keeper’s homes, the Flowerpot rock formations and more. If you are planning to hike the island, we dock at Beachy Cove to allow allow passengers to disembark and explore the island on foot for a couple of hours. Stay Aboard cruises are also available.
Bruce Anchor Cruises
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
360 reviews
Excellent
222
Very good
79
Average
34
Poor
12
Terrible
13
sarahleclair
Toronto, Canada75 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
The cruise and tour was very nice. Expensive but all the other companies are the same price and I think this boat was much nicer compacted to the other companies. We did the stay aboard and we are glad we didn’t get off to go on flower pot island. I was expecting flower pot to be more exciting but there was really only one big rock to look at and nothing else. The boat went over one of the shipwrecks which was awesome being able to see it through the glass bottom. They are pet friendly and offer free parking as well. The staff were all very nice but the man who booked us 30 min before departure told us only 15 people were booked however that wasn’t the case as it was about 75 people on board. I recommend sitting downstairs because you can’t see anything on the top deck as everyone stands up and blocks the view. The boat was noisy but comfortable. Wouldn’t do it again but it was a nice hour on the water.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's an adventure, that's for sure!
Hiking Flowerpot Island offers a few more activities and sights to see.
We hope you were able to capture many incredible photographs of what nature has to offer here in Tobermory. Its breathtaking - and serene!
Thank you for sailing with us at Bruce Anchor Cruises!
Written June 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Happy Camper
8 contributions
Aug 2020
My partner and I did the Flowerpot Island tour, which included a boat ride to Flowerpot Island from Tobermory and a tour of one Shipwrecked Boat near some residential cottages.
The boat tour was fantastic - it was kind of light on information about the area, but just viewing the water and islands was stunning. Even if there was no information from the tour guide given, I would still highly recommend this tour.
Masks are mandatory on the entire boat ride; you will also have your temperature measured and be given hand sanitizer before entering the boats. I really respected that the company was doing this.
Be prepared, however, there are some very congested foot traffic areas on flowerpot island (i.e. you may need to wear a mask because there are so many people around).
There are outhouses on the island: make sure you bring hand sanitizer. There is not opportunity to purchase food or water on the island: make sure you bring snacks. Also, the island is beautiful to swim from, but all of the swimming areas are covered with rocks; I recommend bring swimming shoes or flip flops to wear while in the water.
The boat tour was fantastic - it was kind of light on information about the area, but just viewing the water and islands was stunning. Even if there was no information from the tour guide given, I would still highly recommend this tour.
Masks are mandatory on the entire boat ride; you will also have your temperature measured and be given hand sanitizer before entering the boats. I really respected that the company was doing this.
Be prepared, however, there are some very congested foot traffic areas on flowerpot island (i.e. you may need to wear a mask because there are so many people around).
There are outhouses on the island: make sure you bring hand sanitizer. There is not opportunity to purchase food or water on the island: make sure you bring snacks. Also, the island is beautiful to swim from, but all of the swimming areas are covered with rocks; I recommend bring swimming shoes or flip flops to wear while in the water.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for spending time with us at Bruce Anchor Cruises this summer. The views from here are stunning - we agree!
It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your time on the Island. We hope you had the chance to take some amazing photographs and make many wonderful memories!
Written October 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laura v
11 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The boat ride was absolutely worth it, the kids and I really enjoyed seeing the sunken ships and views on the way to flower pot island. The staff was amazing and it all seemed pretty organized. The only thing the kids were a bummed about was we arrived early so they could get good seats, but when the boat arrived it was already almost full with a tour group (I guess they make an additional stop) and didn't get to sit all together. They did let you get up and move about the ship once at the sunken ships so they weren't too upset in the end. I would recommend the Eclipse on the way to flower pot island/for the tour. View was great from the top and cool from the glass bottom, but recommend getting a spot at the top and walking down to the bottom when they stop.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharmistha N
London, Canada3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
I wouldn’t recommend taking Bruce anchor cruises, rather I would suggest taking blue heron cruises. They are cordial, will provide shuttle to and back from the dock to the parking lot.
Bruce anchor did not provide shuttle service (even though they have shuttles) and we were drenched in the rain waking back from the dock to the parking lot. We asked if the flower pot island has food stores, they lied to us that they do, when no food stores are open there due to covid. The lady we spoke to was arrogant when we asked if we could change our tickets. They may have certain policies but we expect proper behaviour.
Also, the vending machines (two) at the dock were out of order. Very very poor service. I have travelled to various places in Canada and taken cruises. None were as bad as them.
Bruce anchor did not provide shuttle service (even though they have shuttles) and we were drenched in the rain waking back from the dock to the parking lot. We asked if the flower pot island has food stores, they lied to us that they do, when no food stores are open there due to covid. The lady we spoke to was arrogant when we asked if we could change our tickets. They may have certain policies but we expect proper behaviour.
Also, the vending machines (two) at the dock were out of order. Very very poor service. I have travelled to various places in Canada and taken cruises. None were as bad as them.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shuttle buses are available each day for guests. If shuttles are required, please let our ticket office know in advance.
At no time has Flowerpot Island ever had food stores. Information about the island is available on our website and we have links directly guests directly to Parks Canada information as well. We always suggest that guests take all food and water required while they are on the island as there are no places to make purchases while out there. It is not a commercialized island. It is owned and operated by Parks Canada.
Our vessels can fill quickly. It's not always possible to reschedule a seat for another sailing that day, or the next day due to demand. We sail rain or shine.
We hope you enjoyed the views, had a chance to take beautiful photographs and made special memories with your friends and family.
Thank you for choosing Bruce Anchor Cruises.
Written August 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connector733421
24 contributions
Aug 2020
I was excited to get to see the shipwrecks when booking and boarding the boat. However the glass bottom makes up around 20% of the ship's bottom and there are no chairs around the glass. The boat still had quite a few people on it with masks required. I was hoping they would allow people time to look through the glass. They drove over it, and spun the boat allowing people to see from the sides. However I was seated at the front so I couldn't see anything and the boat ride back didn't pass over it again.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viewing the shipwrecks through the glass bottoms is a unique viewing experience, and we always encourage our passengers to view the wrecks over the sides of our vessels - it is simply outstanding.
Thank you for sailing with us at Bruce Anchor Cruises. We hope that you thoroughly enjoyed your time on Flowerpot Island and captured many great photographic memories.
Written October 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele G-W
London, Canada588 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
This was our last thing planned during our stay in Tobermory. We were booked to do the boat and explore Flower Pot Island but it got cancelled because of high winds so we rebooked the stay on tour the following day.
The tour didn't meet my expectations. The glass bottom is hard to see out of. Your better off looking out the windows or from the top of the boat. It happens so quick if you arent in the right spot you'll miss it like much of the boat did for the 2nd shipwreck.
The trip to the island was okay. Lots of different islands to see and Flower Pot Island looks beautiful. We hope to get back to hike it but unfortunately time didn't allow for it.
The tour didn't meet my expectations. The glass bottom is hard to see out of. Your better off looking out the windows or from the top of the boat. It happens so quick if you arent in the right spot you'll miss it like much of the boat did for the 2nd shipwreck.
The trip to the island was okay. Lots of different islands to see and Flower Pot Island looks beautiful. We hope to get back to hike it but unfortunately time didn't allow for it.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The weather can definitely cause a few disruptions in our sailing schedule, so it's great to hear that you were able to catch a stay aboard tour. Although it doesn't allow for hiking on Flowerpot Island, it certainly offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful landscapes here on the Bruce Peninsula.
We hope that you are able to join us again next season - hiking Flowerpot Island is an outstanding experience.
Thank you for choosing Bruce Anchor Cruises!
Written October 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Randa T
Mississauga, Canada52 contributions
Aug 2021
We took the Bruce Anchor cruise to Flowerpot Island. The glass viewing area of the glass bottom boat is small which surprised everyone taking the boat though apparently, they say so on the website! A few days before our trip, it was forecasting that it will rain on the morning of our cruise but were easily able to rebook for the afternoon two days before. You can make changes up to 24 hrs before. There are two choices, sail to the flowerpot island with no stops and an option to get off on the island to explore and go back on 2 hrs. We chose the option to get off and explore. They sail to the shipwrecks and go around 360 to give you a good view. You can also see from the railing. The sailing time is quite long and they point out the other islands and the flowerpot islands as they sail near them. Once there, there are 3 trails, an easy trail, a moderate, and a hard trail. The easy one which everyone takes is about 30 minutes one way and lets you see the flowerpot islands. At the end of the trail is the lighthouse house. We relaxed on the rocking chairs enjoying the view before we headed back. We were done with an hour to spare and waited to go back.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful to have this review - such detail and it outlines an exciting experience.
Viewing the shipwrecks through the glass bottom is definitely cool - but viewing over the sides of our vessels gives an incredible perspective of the size of the wrecks! So neat!
Thank you so much for sailing with us! We hope to see you again one day!
Written August 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CanadianBarb2014
Caledon, Canada31 contributions
Jul 2020
We knew ahead of time the boat ride was not going over the ship wrecks, so we were quite happy with the direct trip, with a much smaller crowd. Even though the weather was a bit rainy and overcast, the geography of the island was the main attraction. We were glad we had brought an easy lunch and extra water.
This is a worthwhile way to spend several hours
This is a worthwhile way to spend several hours
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is such a great review - and thank you for sharing it with us!
We hope that you and your family are safe and healthy. Enjoy your summer!
Written August 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jordyn T
Brockville, Canada86 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Pretty decent experience with Bruce Anchor, I think I would go with Blue Heron next time just because the boats seem bigger. We had the Explorer and it’s fine but not super comfortable and difficult to see just because of the way the seats face. It was cool seeing the shipwrecks , the glass bottom was neat but you could better see over the sides. Flowerpot Island was really pretty, we did the full loop hike and it has its challenging moments. We overheard an older more “unfit” couple talking about how they also did the hike and it almost killed them lol but we found it manageable, definitely some uphill and stairs! Unfortunately as some people have mentioned, the caves and museum are closed. We were disappointed about the caves. The bathrooms are open but absolutely disgusting and I’m fairy tolerant around that kind of thing. Overall, I believe everything was worth the money.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback! We would definitely recommend taking a tour on the Tobermory Evolution the next time you visit. It's one of the the largest glass bottom sightseeing passenger vessels, part of Bruce Anchor Cruises' fleet, in Tobermory. It has two levels, an open air deck on top and a covered deck down below. It offers an incredible tour!
Glad to hear you were able to take in all that Flowerpot Island had to offer during COVID-19. It's an incredible place to explore.
Thanks for sailing with Bruce Anchor Cruises!
Written October 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric Douville
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
Today, I drove about 45 minutes to get to this boat cruise to get the news that the all trips were cancelled for the day at 12:35 on June 30 2022. Since we were not informed, we did not get a chance to re-book for a later time in the next few days. Plus the lady providing the excuses told me I should have had a message or an email stating that sailing was cancelled for the day. I did get this message at 4:09 pm yesterday:
———-
Good Afternoon Eric,
Are you already in town? Come pick up your tickets tonight and avoid the lineups tomorrow!
For your convenience, you can collect tickets at our 10 Hay Bay Road location and our 61 Front Street location until 8:00 pm
As a bonus, if you pick up your ticket at our office on 61 Front Street you can enjoy Tobermory's finest sunset view as well!
See you soon!
———
No decency from the front desk, the lady just told me I could go now, while I was waiting for a confirmation that my credit card would be reimbursed within 5 to 10 business days.
———-
Good Afternoon Eric,
Are you already in town? Come pick up your tickets tonight and avoid the lineups tomorrow!
For your convenience, you can collect tickets at our 10 Hay Bay Road location and our 61 Front Street location until 8:00 pm
As a bonus, if you pick up your ticket at our office on 61 Front Street you can enjoy Tobermory's finest sunset view as well!
See you soon!
———
No decency from the front desk, the lady just told me I could go now, while I was waiting for a confirmation that my credit card would be reimbursed within 5 to 10 business days.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback.
Safety of passengers and crew is our #1 priority - always. Leading up to the Canada Day long weekend we had unexpected and unscheduled maintenance needs arise, forcing us to cancel some of our sailings. We are deeply apologetic to those affected by these cancellations, and hope that everyone affected understands just how difficult this situation was for all of our staff. We appreciate your patience with us and can assure you that this type of event is rare here at Bruce Anchor Cruises.
An opportunity to reschedule is always made available to those who are affected by cancellations.
We hope that you made many fabulous memories during your trip to Tobermory - and wish you the best summer!
Written July 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yes, how long to get to flower pot island..can we snorkel when tneir..should we book before going on ju,y 30..thanks linda
Written April 14, 2019
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
If you are booking a drop off tour to explore the island and swim/snorkel there, the length of your adventure is variable. When booking your drop off tour you will have to select a departure time from Tobermory and a return time from Flowerpot Island. The length of your cruise will be based on those two bookings.
Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Written April 15, 2019
Hi, how long to get to flower pot island..how long you stay..can you snorkel while their..should you book now for the 31 of july..how much..thanks linda
Written April 14, 2019
Hi India
There are 2 cruises 1 is Express approximately 30 to 45 mins. While the other ones take up to 1 hours. You should book the cruise ahead as they only have so many trip a day. Hopefully the water is warm for you in July. I didn't see any one snorkeling. We packed our lunch and stayed more than 5 hours. It is breath taking if you just want to sit on the rock and relax or soak in the water or hiking. Have fun!
Written April 15, 2019
does beachy cove beach also have snakes.
can we take pool floats there
Written August 20, 2018
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Flowerpot Island is a natural environment with many species of wildlife. Yes, there are snakes - but it is entirely normal for snakes to live outdoors, in a natural environment.
As for pool floats - without knowing more about what exactly you mean by pool float, for your own personal safety, we do not recommend it.
Written August 22, 2018
Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir si vous aviez réservé vos billets en ligne avant votre séjour. Merci et bonne journée :-)
Written July 16, 2018
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Oui, nous suggérons que la réservation des billets à l'avance est la bonne chose à faire. C'est la seule façon de s'assurer que vous avez un siège sur nos bateaux.
Je vous remercie!
Written July 21, 2018
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Hi there! All of our cruises guests are offered free parking during their cruise. Our parking area is offsite and we offer shuttle bus transportation to and from the cruise dock. If you prefer to walk, it takes about 6 minutes.
We do ask that you arrive at our ticket booth at least one hour prior to sailing to ensure you have enough time to get parked, organized and ready to load the boat.
Thanks!
Written July 4, 2018
Bonjour. Nous seront a Tobermery entre le 24 juillet et le 29 juillet. Combien coûte une promenade dans le bateau jaune (prix adultes et enfants svp) ? Doit-on réserver ?
Written May 20, 2018
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Bonjour!
Nous recommandons absolument de réserver en ligne. Réserver un jour ou deux à l'avance est généralement beaucoup de temps pour obtenir des places sur la voile de votre choix. Pour les tarifs, visitez notre site Web et cliquez sur "Calendrier et tarifs". Les taux varient.
Written May 23, 2018
How long do the stay on board cruises take from departure to return dock?
Written August 28, 2017
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Depending on the weather, approximately 75 minutes.
Written August 30, 2017
What is the age range for Child and Youth as I wanna book cruise in advance?
Thanks
Written August 11, 2017
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Drop Off Rates: Weekdays
$38.00 – Adults
$36.00 – Seniors
$29.00 – Youth (6-16)
Free – Children (0-5)
Weekends & Holidays – Peak Season
$42.00 – Adults
$40.00 – Seniors
$33.00 – Youth (6-16)
Free – Children (0-5)
Stay Aboard Rates: Daily
$33.00 – Adults
$31.00 – Seniors
$24.00 – Youth (6-16)
Free – Children (0-5)
Written August 11, 2017
Hi I will be there from Friday to Sunday , will we have any difficulty booking the day before ? I will be there on August 18 th?
Written August 2, 2017
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
Typically booking the day before is a great idea. If you can book earlier, please try to do so. We would love for you to have first choice of the cruise you would like!
Written August 3, 2017
bruceanchor
Tobermory, Canada
No, sorry, we don't start operating until the first Saturday in May.
Written March 1, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.