Welcome to Watermark
Watermark’s vision since the beginning has been to immerse people in the history, culture and fun of the Annapolis area more completely than any tour or charter company. Whether you want to learn or just enjoy, no one else offers so many ways to experience this special place, both by land and by water, in less than an hour or as long as you like. In fact, we originated the idea of giving our guests a truly authentic Annapolis experience over thirty years ago. And our unique training program ensures that everyone in the company, from period-dressed tour guides to captains to event planners, are still the people that share that experience in the most interesting and exciting way.
Origins
Watermark, originally Chesapeake Marine Tours, began by offering a single sightseeing cruise to St. Michael’s aboard Annapolitan in 1972. Founder, Ed Hartman, an attorney by trade, had a love of boating and a desire to invest in the local community.
The repertoire expanded quickly to include 40-minute cruises of the Annapolis Harbor and the U.S Naval Academy shoreline as well as private charter service. With the increasing schedule, the fleet inevitably grew; first, in 1973 the now landmark Harbor Queen was added, followed by Rebecca Forbush, a Chesapeake Bay Buy-boat, the first Lady Sarah, another wood Buy-boat, Cabaret, Rebecca, and Providence. During the 1980’s both Miss Anne and Miss Anne II were added and began providing tours of Spa Creek as they continue to be used today. Over the years the fleet has changed; additions include Annapolitan II, Cabaret II in 1996, followed by Catherine Marie in 1999, and the most recent addition, Lady Sarah in 2005. Another important service provided by Watermark is the Water Taxi service which first began in the late 1980’s. Watermark presently has four modified Privateer hulls serving as taxis in the Annapolis Harbor. Locals and visitors alike find our water taxi service a convenient and enjoyable way to journey across the Harbor.
Progression
Having worked for the company since 1982, in 1999, Debbie Gosselin purchased Watermark from her father, Ed Hartman, with a vision of expanding and diversifying the public sightseeing cruises offered on the Chesapeake Bay and continuing the commitment to excellence in private charter service.
Over the years, Watermark has established itself as the central resource for locals, visitors, school groups, social groups and corporate clients alike. School groups, in particular, have become familiar to Watermark with thousands of school-aged children stepping aboard Harbor Queen each year for their annual field-trip to Annapolis, Maryland. As a result of the many field trip opportunities, Watermark established a partnership early on with another Annapolis business, Three Centuries Tours. Founded in 1975 by Paula Fishback, Three Centuries Tours was created to provide more ways for people to learn and experience the rich history and heritage of Annapolis, Maryland. In 1979, Ms. Fishback introduced colonial costuming for all of her guides which proved to be a significant distinguishing selling point for the young company. After many years of working together providing unforgettable land and water experiences, the companies merged in 2004 creating Watermark, the provider of the complete Annapolis experience as it is known today.
Today
Watermark’s range of offerings includes endless possibilities for private charters, water taxi service, a variety of walking tours, eight different public cruise options, and special events, including music cruises. Watermark’s leadership position in the regional hospitality industry is manifested both in its goal of uncompromised customer service during an authentic Annapolis experience and its deep involvement in the local business community and charitable efforts.
Please contact us at 410.268.7601 for a first-hand opportunity to experience all that Watermark has to offer. |
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