Sunday, March 31, 2024

Getting to the Islands Apostle Islands National Lakeshore U S. National Park Service

apostle island cruise

There’s enough people at Meyers that someone will contact NPS for you and there’s a good chance you’ll be rescued in time. On a Memorial Day Weekend we took the Grand Tour of the islands offered by Apostle Islands Cruise Service. Early in the season, this cruise departs at 10 am and returns to Bayfield at 1 pm. Later in the season, they also offer afternoon and evening cruises as well as specialty cruises focusing on various aspects like lighthouses, sunken ships, island land tours, etc. Typically we use our catamaran, Echo on full day trips. The shallow draft allows us to access secluded beaches and explore remote island coastlines.

Guided Sea Kayak Tour of the Meyers Beach Sea Caves

One of the best things to do in the Apostle Islands that isn’t kayaking is to take a cruise of the Apostle Islands. Cruises will take you out into the islands to sightsee. A cruise is the best way to see the beautiful and remote Devil’s Island sea caves without paddling out to them. The most complete Apostle Islands adventure is the two and a half to three hour “Grand Tour”, a 55-mile excursion that travels through the heart of the Apostle Islands archipelago. Its popularity stems from its visit to Devils Island, home to some of the most breathtaking rock formations and sea caves that honeycomb its northern shore.

Explore Our Apostle Islands Tours

10 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Wisconsin - WorldAtlas - Worldatlas.com

10 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Wisconsin - WorldAtlas.

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This hike is an easy two miles to a waterfall in the woods. Looking for the perfect unique stay in downtown Bayfield? Head to the newly restored historic St. James Social. Here you’ll find luxury rooms, a sauna and cold plunge, rooftop lounge, and more. Looking for what is easily one of the seven natural wonders of Lake Superior? Head out to Stockton Island to check out Balancing Rock, a unique Lake Superior sea stack.

The Blue and Red Layers of Sandstone on Devils Island

Of course, it goes without saying that Lake Superior is breathtakingly magnificent. It never ceases to amaze, from the turquoise tranquility of a serene summer day to the churning dark blues of fall. Enjoying a leisurely boat ride on the majestic lake is a must for your bucket list.

apostle island cruise

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Visit the Apostle Islands and Bayfield:

Listen to the wind fill the sails and feel the waves slap against the hull. Dave Strzok purchased the company in 1976, who then expanded the outfitter to include 5 boats. In 2009, it was purchased by Daniel Boucher and John Madigan, the current owners, with the aim of investing to further improve guests’ experiences.

The Apostle Islands Grand Tour

For more information on tours and rates, please visit the Apostle Islands Cruises website. Known as the “showplace of the Apostle Islands”, the lighthouse was established in 1862. Its beautiful facade has delighted visitors for generations.

Pieces of History You’ll See on a Grand Tour

With or without a boat, everyone can still visit the islands. A 2 hour, 15 minute sail out of Bayfield, Wisconsin aboard "Starling" a 33' Cheoy Lee Clipper. Set sail on Lake Superior and enjoy the sights of the North or West Channel, LaPointe, Madeline, Basswood and the surrounding islands. We have a strict safety policy in place, and all of our staff are trained in first aid and CPR. We also carry a variety of safety equipment on board our boats, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, and radios. The idea first took root in the 1940s, when Laurie and his wife, Grace, started serving coffee and pie to tourists fresh off of fishing tug boats.

Explore the Apostle Islands' rugged sandstone sea caves, unique lighthouses, and pristine remote beaches. The absolute best way to see the Apostle Islands is to book an overnight sea kayaking trip into the islands! I recommend Lost Creek Adventures, Trek & Trail, or Whitecap Kayak for overnight tours. Sand Island is home to some of the deepest and darkest sea caves, offering passage deep into the island.

Island environments provide a safe environment for numerous bird species, mammals, plants, amphibians, and aquatic species. While whitetail deer have been known to swim between the mainland and the Apostles, bald eagles are also commonly seen aboard a Grand Tour. Daily tours are offered from late May to mid-October.

In order to sea kayak Devil’s Island, you pretty much need at least three days and perfect wind conditions. You can’t just decide you want to kayak to Devil’s Island on a certain day. Keep in mind on summer weekends this parking lot fills to capacity! Come before 10am to snag a parking spot or after 4pm. Because this hike is an out and back, milage depends on how you hike out. Most of the best overlooks can be reached in around 4-5 miles of hiking round trip.

In accordance with the ADA, service animals are allowed, however this does not include emotional support animals or therapy animals. Welcome to the heart of Apostle Islands adventure. Apostle Islands Cruises offers the narrated, sightseeing Grand Tour cruise, Camping and Hiking Shuttles, and Lighthouse Tours in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Whether you’re seeking serene exploration or exhilarating encounters, our meticulously crafted tours promise an unforgettable experience through the rugged beauty of Apostle Islands. While there are things to do with kids in Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, Bayfield is not a super kid-friendly destination.

Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are on the land of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Keep in mind when recreating that many of the areas in the Apostle Islands and throughout the Bayfield Peninsula have cultural and historical significance. For this reason especially, be sure to pack out everything you bring including toilet paper, orange peels, ect. Avoid crushing plant life, “improving” trails or campsites, and stay on the trail when hiking. A guided trip can be a fun and safe way to see the park from a different perspective. Apostle Islands tours and water taxi service (for island campers) are also operated out of Cornucopia, Wisconsin by Good Earth Outfitters (see our link on the Cornie page).

Head to downtown Bayfield and take a sea kayak safety course with Trek & Trail. This is the perfect way to learn more about Lake Superior and Coastal kayaking. Most safe outfitters will not take children under 14 sea kayaking on Lake Superior in tandem kayaks. If an outfitter is willing to do this, this is a red flag! Children under 14 are usually put in triple kayaks as it takes two people capable of responding to instructions and paddling in an emergency to safely kayak on Lake Superior.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore U S. National Park Service

apostle island cruise

Discover Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, America’s first National Lakeshore and one of Mother Nature’s treasures. Cruise along Superior’s shoreline and take in brilliantly colored cliffs and seas caves, cascading falls, and pristine beaches. Lovers Leap, Indian Head, Miners Castle, and Chapel Rock are landmarks that anchor the many tour highlights.

Bayfield County Tourism

Since seating aboard all cruises is first-come, first-served, if you have a preference of where you sit, arrive 45-minutes to an hour prior to departure time. Immerse yourself in the history of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Explore Huron’s hidden shipwrecks from Lady Michigan’s glass-bottom viewing deck. Preserved shipwrecks, scenic shorelines, and majestic lighthouses highlight this unique Lake Huron tour.

apostle island cruise

Take a Hardcore Day Trip to Sand Island

Book a long day trip out to Sand Island with Lost Creek Adventures. On this trip, you’ll kayak nine miles in potentially difficult conditions, check out beautiful sea caves, and even hike to the Sand Island historic lighthouse. Outer Ring Trips are generally best suited for people with sea kayak camping experience, but they really are the experience of a lifetime. Camp on remote island beaches, cook over a fire, swim in the moonlight, and paddle some of the secret sea caves on the outer Apostle Islands. Took the cruise in late June in near perfect weather so we were able to fully enjoy the sea caves and lighthouse cruise on the catamaran. The captain provided a lot of narration that was informative and fun.

All About the 8 Lighthouses of Apostle Islands

No safe outfitter will rent kayaks for Lake Superior without proof of an ACA Coastal Kayaking safety course. This is true throughout the whole of Lake Superior. Bark Bay Slough is a unique Lake Superior coastal slough filled with floating islands, and the perfect place for protected paddling. Bark Bay is the best spot in Bayfield to kayak without a guide. In my two years of guiding in the Apostle’s, I never made it out to Devil’s Island.

We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Apostle Islands’ iconic lighthouses with our Apostle Islands Lighthouse Tours. These experiences combine breathtaking scenery with fascinating stories as you explore the Michigan Island Lighthouse and Raspberry Island Lighthouse. Cruise across Lake Superior to take guided tours of these iconic, historic monuments. You have up to one hour prior to departure to either transfer your tickets to another cruise depending on availability or receive a full refund.

No beginner kayak tours should head out intentionally in waves larger than three feet. On overnight tours, you may encounter larger waves at the discretion of the guides. The easiest way to check if an outfitter operates safe kayaking tours is to read the reviews! In addition, you can call in advance and ask if guides are certified or trained with with the American Canoe Association. Often, ACA certification requirements are clearly indicated on the outfitters website. Love sea kayaking and want to dive into the wonderful world of Lake Superior paddling?

The Lone Rock Formation off Stockton Island

10 things to do in the Apostle Islands area other than kayak - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

10 things to do in the Apostle Islands area other than kayak.

Posted: Thu, 28 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Since Oak Island is the tallest of the Apostle Islands, its overlooks provide incredible views. A National Park Service Camping Permit is required. Our Stockton Island Day Hiking shuttle brings enthusiasts to gorgeous routes and breathtaking views. Our Stockton Island and Oak Island overnight camping shuttles allow campers to spend amazing nights in nature.

The remote Apostle Islands are hard to get to, but the park's new leader wants to change that - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The remote Apostle Islands are hard to get to, but the park's new leader wants to change that.

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Love reading about visiting the Apostle Islands? Check out these other Great Lakes Destinations:

apostle island cruise

Although you can get off and visit historic buildings, the lighthouse tours don’t go near the truly iconic sights, such as the sea caves, multicolored cliffs, and arches. Looking for a beginner sea kayak trip on Lake Superior? Kayak to the Fedora Shipwreck launching from the Red Cliff Casino.

Stunning Photos of the Apostle Islands

Especially while wet, these colors are incredible and vibrant, combining for a spectacular sight. Guided lighthouse tour may require additional fee of $5/Adult – $3/Child per person or $10 per family charged by the National Park Service. Step back in time on an exploration of the historically-preserved Raspberry Island Lighthouse. The history and stories of this iconic structure are matched only by its beautiful grounds. Join us as we uncover the mysteries and tales of these historic landmarks, and create lasting memories amidst the rugged beauty of Apostle Islands’ lighthouses. Apostle Islands Cruises works closely to assist passengers with any particular needs or special requirements.

The spacious shaded solon leads to the forward trampolines that are great for sun bathing and watching the water rush past beneath you. It is the most readily accessible of the Apostle Island stations. During the summer season, rangers conduct tours of the historic tower. Close to the mainland, the island is a popular destination for skilled sea kayakers and private boaters.

The best way to get out to Devil’s Island in the Apostle Islands is to literally make it a lifelong goal. Start by booking a 1-2 night overnight trip to gain kayaking experience. If you don’t make it out the first time, book another trip for the next year. And it’s really important to note that if you did not book a guided tour, the guides out there have to take care of the safety of their group before they help you.

Our Raspberry Island Lighthouse Tour takes you back in time to see the beautifully restored lighthouse and island. The best way to see Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels”, the 21 island archipelago, is on the water — on an Apostle Islands Cruise out of Bayfield, WI. Unleash your sense of wonder with the adventures, stories, and awe-inspiring beauty that await you on Apostle Island National Lakeshore. We will be operating the Camping and Lighthouse tours June 24th-September 2nd this season. Looking for one of the most incredible ways to see the Apostle Islands?

The national lakeshore encompasses a 12-mile stretch of mainland and 21 of the archipelago’s gorgeous 22 islands. On a Grand Tour, you’ll get up-close and personal with several of the islands. You’ll coast next to the islands’ dramatic sea caves and colorfully stratified cliffs. Our Michigan Island Lighthouse Tour will transport you to an era of maritime heritage, where you’ll witness the towering beacon that guided countless sailors to safety. The route may vary due to weather conditions, so even if you’ve been on the tour before, you’re likely to be able to see something new!

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