Table Of Content
- Guided Sea Kayak Tour of the Meyers Beach Sea Caves
- Explore Our Apostle Islands Tours
- The Blue and Red Layers of Sandstone on Devils Island
- Frequently Asked Questions on How to Visit the Apostle Islands and Bayfield:
- The Apostle Islands Grand Tour
- Pieces of History You’ll See on a Grand Tour
- Camp at Little Sand Bay

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
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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.

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.