Wouldn’t it be nice to go on a cruise? The idea of a pleasure trip has never been more inviting than in the troubled waters of the tsunami that is our economy, but who can afford that?

Most people are sticking close to home for their adventures this summer, but a cruise can now go on your staycation wish list, courtesy of Delta Discovery Cruises.

The Pittsburg-based company, owned by Steve and Heather Ingram, creates unique Delta experiences, allowing guests to do everything from bird watching to enjoying a dinner-theater production.

“There are 1,500 miles of waterways to explore in the Delta,” said Steve, “but it seems like a lot of the locals don’t have ways of accessing the water so that they can enjoy what the Delta has to offer.”

The Ingrams docked their 65-foot vessel Island Serenade at the Pittsburg Marina last year after migrating to warmer climates, leaving their touring business in Salt Lake City to pursue a new opportunity. The two-level ship was custom made to serve as a tour vessel – every seat in the climate-controlled main salon has a view. The lower deck is wheelchair-accessible, and the upper deck is open for dancing, sightseeing or just passing the time in a deck chair.

The vast waters of the Delta have allowed the Ingrams to create new tours based on the rich ecology and history of the area, taking groups of up to 49 people all over the Delta – even all the way up to Sacramento.

One of the most popular tours is the Mothball Fleet Cruise, where the Ingrams take guests up to Suisun Bay to check out Navy reserve ships, including the USS Iowa, which saw action during World War II. Steve pilots the Island Serenade past the docked ships, gliding within 500 feet of the dormant vessels, as a local historian tells stories about the ships that rest near the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.

While the educational tours are a favorite for all ages, a variety of other tours are available. The Ingrams introduced the Psychic Cruise in April, in which guests get their fortunes told and their auras read. Next month, the Ingrams will debut their series of jazz concert cruises, featuring the gentle melodies of the Delta Jazz Trio. This winter, the Ingrams plan to host Christmas-themed cruises featuring appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and for the adults, a “Who Killed Santa?” murder-mystery cruise.

Delta Discovery Cruises has become known for its murder-mystery dinner theater cruises, featuring actors from the Gibson House Mystery Performers. During these cruises, guests are treated to dinner and a show as the Island Serenade peacefully travels along the Delta. Prizes are awarded to the person who identifies the killer.

For those who want to be more involved in the action, the Ingrams created their own Hawaiian Murder Mystery tour, where guests are cast in roles and work together to solve the crime.

“The Hawaiian Murder Mystery is a lot of fun, especially for large groups,” Heather said. “It is a fun family activity because you have to get up and move around and talk to people.”

Prices for the tours range from $20 per person for a tour with no food service to $29 for a two-hour cruise with a cold lunch or $39 with a hot lunch. The Hawaiian Murder Mystery tour is $49, and a tour featuring the actors from Gibson House costs $69.

Private tours are also available for all types of occasions, from birthday parties to weddings. The Ingrams have also begun to network with the community, hosting fundraising tours to support local organizations.

On Aug. 9, the Island Serenade will host a fundraiser for Homeless Animals Response Program. For $50, guests will be taken on a sunset cruise and treated a gourmet dinner. Proceeds will go toward the veterinary care of dogs and cats rescued by the program.

For more information about Delta Discovery Cruises, call 925-252-9300 or visit www.deltadiscoverycruises.com.