In short
- Apostle Islands Cruise Service offers a 3-hour Grand Tour.
- Guided kayak tours take half a day to a full day.
- Tours depart from Bayfield, Little Sand Bay, or Meyers Beach.
In this article
Choosing the right tour depends on your comfort level with cold water and physical effort. The lake is prone to sudden weather changes. Joining an official boat cruise or a guided kayak group provides a safe way to view the sandstone formations.
What are the best tours for seeing the Apostle Islands sea caves?
You can choose a guided sea kayak trip or a narrated scenic boat tour.
Local outfitters lead kayak trips to the mainland sea caves and Sand Island. The Apostle Islands Cruise Service provides a large boat option. Both types of tours operate primarily from June through August.
What does the Apostle Islands Cruise Service include?
The official concessionaire runs a 3-hour Grand Tour.
Tours depart from Bayfield. The Grand Tour passes historic lighthouses, islands, and the Devils Island sea caves. This is the safest option if you prefer not to paddle in cold water.
Where do guided kayak tours go?
Kayak tours visit the Meyers Beach mainland sea caves or Sand Island.
Trips to the mainland caves launch directly from Meyers Beach. Sand Island tours often launch from Little Sand Bay. Kayaking requires a half-day to a full day depending on your route.
How do kayak tours and boat cruises compare?
Boat cruises take 3 hours, while kayak tours require physical effort and take up to a full day.
Boat tours allow you to see multiple islands quickly. Kayaks let you paddle closer to the sandstone caves when the water is calm.
| Feature | Boat Cruise | Guided Kayak |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | Half-day to full-day |
| Departure | Bayfield | Bayfield or Meyers Beach |
| Effort | Low | Moderate to High |
What gear is required for kayak tours?
You need a 16-foot sea kayak, a wetsuit, and a PFD.
Lake Superior water temperatures average in the 40s (Fahrenheit) during May and June. Outfitters provide the required safety gear, including spray skirts. You should also wear warm layers for sudden temperature drops.
Can you see the ice caves on a tour?
Winter access to the mainland ice caves is extremely rare.
Between 2000 and 2023, the ice caves opened safely on only 2% of days. When conditions permit, visitors hike over the ice from Meyers Beach. Off-site shuttles are required since there is no parking at the trailhead during rare openings.
Questions travellers ask
Is it safe to kayak the Apostle Islands?
Lake Superior is prone to sudden squalls and freezing temperatures. You must monitor marine weather forecasts and avoid the sea caves when conditions are rough.
Do you have to pay for a tour?
Yes, tour costs vary by outfitter and boat service. Entering the National Lakeshore is free, but parking at Meyers Beach costs $5 to $8 per day.
When is the best time for a sea caves tour?
The best months to visit by boat or kayak are June through August. Summer provides the safest conditions and warmest weather for water activities.
