Kayaking

The silhouette of a kayak on a calm evening at the Meyers Beach sea caves.

Photo/ I. Campbell

 

 

A group of paddlers exploring the park on a calm day.

NPS Photo

Overview

Imagine gliding in your kayak through crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden sea caves, and discovering the beauty of the islands up close. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-time adventurer, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your experience.

Kayaking on Lake Superior is thrilling, but it also requires careful preparation. This page provides essential information on guided trips, launch locations, safety equipment, rescue techniques, and mileage between islands. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of this incredible environment, you'll be ready to embark on a safe and unforgettable paddle.

Guided Trips

While Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not provide guided kayaking tours, numerous authorized kayak outfitters offer full and half-day guided trips, safety classes, and equipment rentals. Authorized water taxis can transport paddlers and their gear to different park locations. Do not exceed your skill level. Guided kayak trips are great for beginners.

 

Launches, Locations, and Parking

Two kayak launches are located on the mainland section of the Park.

1. Meyers Beach: Off Highway 13 between Cornucopia and Red Cliff. There is a $5 parking fee and stairs down to the beach.
2. Little Sand Bay Visitor Center: West of the harbor off Old Highway K and Little Sand Bay Road. Free parking.

Launching areas are also available outside the park boundaries in nearby towns.

 

Sand Island sea caves.

NPS /Billy Flynn

Where to Paddle

Islands

There are 21 islands you can paddle to at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Many of the Islands offer sand beaches, lighthouse tours, hiking, picnicking, sea caves, swimming, and overnight camping. Camping permits are required for all camping within the National Lakeshore.

Photos and descriptions of the campsites are available to see before you visit. There is a fee for camping in the park.

Camping reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

Sea Caves

Visitors are drawn to the Apostle Islands in the summer and winter to visit the sea caves and witness Lake Superior's ever changing handiwork. In the summer, the sea cave formations are best seen by boat on Devils Island, Sand Island and on the mainland near Meyers Beach.

Kayakers have had fatal accidents at the sea caves. Small open boats, canoes, open cockpit or sit on top kayaks, and paddle boards are NOT recommended. Waves coming from boats and wind are pushed against the rocks and then bounce back creating "confused waters."

• Monitor the marine weather forecast.
• Be constantly alter to changing conditions and consider how they might effect your trip.
• Avoid the sea caves when conditions are rough.
• Wear personal floatation devices, wet suits, and spray skirts.
• Paddlers should not visit the caves alone. Stay together with your group.

Alternative Places to Paddle

Lake Superior is known for its cold temperatures, rough seas, fog, and sudden squalls. Always observe and evaluate wind and wave conditions before entering the water. Sometimes its best to choose an alterative place to paddle for the day. The Bayfield Peninsula has multiple inland lakes, sloughs, and rivers to choose from. Some options may include:

1. Bark Bay Slough State Natural Area- coastal barrier spit and lagoon. Fishing and bird watching.
2. Long Lake - 32 acre lake in Bayfield County. Quiet waters, fishing, and bird watching.
3. Siskiwit Lake - 285 acre lake in Bayfield County. Fishing and bird watching.
4. Kakagon Slough - 71 acre water way and wetland designated as National Natural Monument and owned by the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Northeast of Ashland in Ashland County. Fishing and bird watching.
5. Chequamegon Bay - near Ashland and Washburn. Fishing and bird watching. Depending on wind conditions these waters can be somewhat protected.

 

Rough lake conditions create big waves that come crashing onto Devils Island near the sea caves.

Photo/ S. Palmer

 

Paddler performing a self rescue after capsizing in their kayak.

NPS Photo

Kayaking Safety

Lake Conditions

Monitor marine weather forecasts and stay alert to changing conditions. Average water temperatures in May and June are in the 40s, and even in late summer, surface temperatures rarely exceed 60°F. Winds can range from 5 to 20 knots, with waves from 1 to 4 feet.

Weather Forecast Links

• Bayfield Weather - 7 day Forecast.
• Nearshore Forecast - Within 5 miles of the shore. Port Wing to Sand Island to Bayfield Wisconsin.
• Offshore Forecast - Lake Superior west of a line from Saxon Harbor Wisconsin to Grand Portage Minnesota and beyond.
• Outer Apostle Islands Forecast- In and around the islands, beyond 5NM from shore.

Paddling Concerns

• Visibility: Sea kayaks ride low in the water and are hard to see. Wear bright clothing and use a paddle or flag to alert boaters.
• Weather and Lake Conditions: Always check wind and wave conditions before entering the water. Monitor nearshore and offshore marine weather forecasts.
• Preparation: Besides your PFD, wet suit, spray skirt, whistle, bilge pump, and weather radio, consider bringing a lighting device, extra paddle, compass, maps, first aid kit, insect repellent, tow line, rain gear, waterproof matches, and dry storage containers.

Emergency Procedures

In an emergency, call 911 or use marine channel 16. The U.S. Coast Guard and Park Rangers monitor this channel. Specify your location when talking to first responders. For non-emergencies, call [phone] (park headquarters in Bayfield).

Share Your Float Plan

A float plan includes travel details and trip expectations for a friend or relative in case you are overdue. It should include:

• Boat operators' names and emergency contact information
• Boat descriptions: size, colors, and distinguishing features
• Survival equipment on hand
• Communication capacity: cell phones or marine radio
• Trip expectations: departure date and location, arrival dates and locations, return date and location, and when to contact authorities if you are overdue

Sea Cave Safety

Sea caves can be hazardous in rough seas. Visit only when conditions are calm. The Meyers Beach sea caves are approximately 1.5 miles from the launch site and extend for another 3 miles along the mainland shoreline.

Cold Water Safety

Lake Superior’s average summer surface temperature is 59°F. Hypothermia can occur in as little as 10 minutes. If you fall out of your boat:

1. 1 minute to orient yourself and float
2. 10 minutes before the water numbs your extremities
3. 1 hour before the cold water becomes fatal

 

Assisted T-rescue technique.

 

Rescues

Can I rescue myself (quickly get back into a capsized kayak on the water)?

You need to be able to self-rescue on Lake Superior. Read, research, take lessons, and practice, practice, practice!

Help is not a phone call away! You are on your own!

Cell phones are not always reliable at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Even if you can get a 911 call out, help is still far away, 30 minutes at least. If the weather is rough it will delay this process even more. You need to be able to perform a self-rescue.

• Always wear your life jacket! Wear a wetsuit! Cold water Kills!
• Paddle with others. Make sure they know how to perform rescues too.
• Leave a float plan with someone before you leave. Don’t forget to tell them when you have returned from your trip.

 

The National Park Service recommends a 16 ft. sea kayak while paddling in Lake Superior.

Proper Kayak Gear

Reccomended Boat

The National Park Service reccomends kayakers use at least a 16ft sea kayak for travel on Lake Superior. The use of small (less than 16-foot) open boats, canoes, open cockpit, or sit-upon kayaks for travel between islands is not reccomended.

Sea Kayak

A sea kayak is a long, slim boat designed for coastal paddling. It is usually between 14.5 - 18 feet long, and between 18 to 24 inches wide. The deck (top) covers the entire boat except for a small opening (cockpit) in which the person sits. The cockpit has a raised lip around it that allows a paddler to utilize a spray skirt to help keep water out of the boat. Sea kayaks also have bulkheads to prevent water from flooding the entire boat.

Recreation Kayak

A recreational or general purpose kayak is for the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, or small lakes. It is smaller than 14 feet long and has a larger opening for the paddler to sit in. The larger opening can make it easier for water to enter the boat, making these types of kayaks prone to swamping. Their shorter size also makes them prone to being pushed around in the wind and waves. Recreational kayaks should not be used on large bodies of open water like Lake Superior or used on windy days.

Canoe

A canoe is an open boat that is wider than a kayak. Their height makes them hard to control in windy conditions on open water. Unless packed with flotation, they can also fill with water and more easily swamp.

Essential Kayaking Safety Equipment

Do you have the proper gear to go out paddling?

• Life Jacket: Always wear your PFD, it's required by law
• Wet Suit or Dry Suit: Wear a wet suit or dry suit to prevent cold shock and hypothermia
• Right Vessel: Use at least a 16 ft. sea kayak; avoid small open boats and canoes
• Whistle / Air horn: Required by law for signaling
• Spray skirt: Keeps you dry and warm
• Paddle float: For self-rescue
• Bilge pump: Removes water from the boat
• Marine radio / VHF: For weather updates and communication

 

The proper gear needed for paddling in the Apostle Islands.

NPS Photo

 

Recommended depth of "cat hole" for human waste for leave no trace ethics.

Leave No Trace

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy a variety of natural and cultural features. Whether you are camping on the islands or just visiting for the day, respecting the land and the water is essential. Paddlers must do their part to help protect the park resources. Please follow the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” land ethics:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.

Beach Etiquette

Beaches are some of the park’s most popular attractions. They also support fragile plant communities. Please follow these guidelines to protect these areas:

• Walk near the water line or on established trails.
• Avoid trampling beach grasses or lichen.
• Do NOT place kayaks on top of fragile vegetation.
• Only camp on durable surfaces and designated tent pad locations.

Waste Disposal

• Use vault toilets wherever possible.
• When vault toilets are not available, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from camp and the nearest water body for human waste. Cover the hole after use and carry out used toilet paper.

Campfire Regulations

Campfires are not allowed on the following beaches:

• Julian Bay and Presque Isle Bay on Stockton Island
• Raspberry Island beaches
• Meyers Beach
• Within 150 feet of campsites with fire receptacles

Pack It In, Pack It Out

• Pack out whatever you bring in to minimize your impact on the environment.

These leave no trace practices are designed to decrease the negative impact of users on the environment and keep the islands unspoiled for future generations.

 

Mileage Chart

Distances between various mainland and island locations in miles. 

Mileage Chart.

Locations	Bayfield	Basswood Island	Bear Island-North	Bear Island-Sandspit	Cat Island	Devils Island Light	Devils Island Dock	Gull Island	Ironwood Island	Long Island	Manitou Island	Michigan Island	N Twin Island	Oak Island	Otter Island	Outer Island Dock	Outer Island-Sandspit	Raspberry Island	Rocky Island	Sand Island Light	Sand Island-E Bay	S Twin Island	Stockton Island-PI	Stockton Island-QB	York Island	Little Sand Bay