Each tour on this page is color coded. During your registration you will fill out a self evaluation that will help you determine your level of skill and experience. At the end of the evaluation you will be given a color that corresponds with your skill set and will help you choose tours and classes that are most appropriate for you. Every time you see that color on this site you can know that that tour or class fits into your level of experience. This isn’t to say it won’t push you and help you become a better paddler. You are more than welcome to take tours and classes that don’t match your color but please be aware that they may not sufficiently challenge you or they may require some skills that you haven’t gotten yet.
All tours are a full day unless otherwise noted. Please be prepared to spend all day on the water. Bring a lunch, water, sunscreen, etc.
TOURS
Thursday Afternoon
Miners Tranquil Paddle
The Pictured Rocks cliffs hold great spiritual significance to Native Americans who have called the Upper Peninsula home for thousands of years. The most iconic landmark in the National Lakeshore has to be Miners Castle. Miners Castle was named by Englishman Alexander Henry’s employees when they were exploring the area for minerals in 1771.To the geologist, Miners Castle is fascinating as it reveals the history of the Earth in its layers of sandstone at the northern edge of the Michigan. The Miners Castle overlook is one way to experience “the castle” and offers arguably one of the best views of the Pictured Rocks cliffs available from land. Thousands of visitors flock to the overlook, 200 feet above the teal green waters of Lake Superior to catch a glimpse of the formation. Besides driving to the overlook, another unique way to visit the castle is by kayak! Paddling out in your own craft gives an intimate experience that others just can’t duplicate. There are six or eight large caves in the base of the castle, which the lake storms have carved out over centuries allowing the paddler to experience a symphony of sounds. Small waves combined with dripping water provides “lake music” offering a pleasurable mix of rhythm and sound. On this trip we will experience the castle during a brief presentation at the overlook and then head on down to the water to paddle in and around the formation!
Friday Tours (all day)
AuTrain River- Kayak
This tour is designed for the beginning paddler. The river is a great place to get your “sea legs” on for the weekend and learn some great skills on which you will build over the weekend. Emphasis will be put on teaching participants how to maneuver their kayaks, proper paddling position, and a host of other skills. This tour ends with instructor assisted wet exits, which will prepare you for your weekend of classes.
NEW! – Tour Indian River- Canoe Trip
This tour is designed for the beginning paddler. Emphasis will be put on teaching participants how to maneuver their canoes, proper paddling position, and a host of other skills. This tour will prepare you for your weekend of classes!
NEW! – Tour Grand Island East Channel
Beginning in at Sand Point, paddlers will cross the east channel to Grand Island learning about channel navigation and the rules of the road. Grand Island is a destination in itself with a rich history. It is a barrier island to the bay of Munising and as such enjoys shoreline areas of tranquil, protected water as well as stretches exposed to the powerful forces of Lake Superior. Explore small caves and a waterfall!
Grand Island West Side
Beginning in at the Grand Island Ferry dock paddlers will cross the channel from the bay to Grand Island learning about channel navigation and the rules of the road. The west side of Grand Island is open to Lake Superior and allows for some beautiful views and photos. Grand Island is a destination in itself with a rich history. It is a barrier island to the bay of Munising and as such enjoys shoreline areas of tranquil, protected water as well as stretches exposed to the powerful forces of Lake Superior.
NEW! – Tour Grand Island East Side SUP Tour
Beginning in at Sand Point, paddlers will cross the east channel to Grand Island learning about channel navigation and the rules of the road. Grand Island is a destination in itself with a rich history. It is a barrier island to the bay of Munising and as such enjoys shoreline areas of tranquil, protected water as well as stretches exposed to the powerful forces of Lake Superior. Explore small caves and a waterfall!
Saturday Tours (all day)
Pictured Rocks Beginner Tour
Beginning at Sand Point Paddlers will head along the lakeshore to see the majesty of Lake Superior and the beginning of the Pictured Rocks. Distance will be set by instructors based on participant skills and energy levels. This tour is a great opportunity to get onto Lake Superior and see one of the most beautiful places you can go in a kayak!
Wreck of the Bermuda / Grand Island
This trip starts at Sand Point Beach. It starts with a short open water crossing to Grand Island, explores the island shoreline and numerous historic buildings of the island. If calm water exists we will paddle to the Bermuda Shipwreck. The Bermuda , a 150 foot wooden schooner foundered and sank in the spring of 1870 in Murray Bay on Grand Island. Her top deck is just 12 feet below the water’s surface where she has remained for 128 years. The wreck is intact, and in remarkable condition for a shallow wreck. We will enjoy lunch/snack break on the island and keep exploring the treasures of the island shoreline.
Pictured Rocks Advanced Tour
This world class trip launches from Sand Point and travels northeast along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s sandstone cliffs to Miner’s Castle and back. Along the way plan on exploring caves, arches, and paddling under the many drips and waterfalls. Most of this trip is in water open to the wind and waves of Lake Superior and is subject to rebounding waves off the cliffs. There are limited landing places along the rocks at the base of the cliffs.