Getting to the Islands

Whether you prefer to take a narrated tour from the comfort of a cruise boat or would rather explore the hidden beaches of the islands, there are plenty of ways to get there.

Apostle Islands Cruises offers a variety of nonstop sightseeing excursions and island shuttles featuring stops at several islands. The most popular excursion trip is the 55-mile “Grand Tour” which lasts just over three hours and travels through the heart of the Apostle Islands archipelago. The daily shuttles provide boat transportation services to specific islands, where visitors can tour lighthouses, hike, picnic, bird-watch and explore natural and cultural areas. All cruises depart from the City Dock in Bayfield. Trips leave daily from late May to mid-October. Reservations are recommended.

There are multiple independent charter services, both powerboat and sailboat, that operate out of Bayfield and Cornucopia that offer water taxi service to the individual islands as well.

Guided kayak trips to the islands are provided by several local outfitters. Most of these trips are multiple day excursions and include gear and food. Kayak rentals are also available for experienced paddlers, but it is highly recommended that first-time paddlers join a guided trip. The weather conditions on Lake Superior can change dramatically, so be sure to check the forecast before setting out.