Apostle Islands Kayak Tours: What to Expect

What to Expect

Half-Day Sea Caves Tour

Our Half-Day Sea Caves Tour is a great option for both first-time sea kayakers and experienced paddlers looking to explore the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Your tour begins with check-in at our South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield, where guests will get fitted for gear, review tour details, and have time to grab any last-minute items before heading to Meyers Beach.

Price: $80 per person

Start times: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Highlights:
  • Explore the breathtaking mainland sea caves, sandstone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
  • Small group size (maximum 6 guests per guide) for a more personal and relaxed experience
  • Beginner-friendly tour with professional guides providing kayaking instruction and safety guidance
  • All gear provided, including stable single or tandem kayaks, paddles, PFDs, wetsuits, and dry bags

Details:
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours from shop check-in to tour completion
  • Morning Tour: Check-in at 9:00 a.m. at the South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield; kayak portion begins at 10:00 a.m. at Meyers Beach
  • Afternoon Tour: Check-in at 1:00 p.m. at the South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield; kayak portion begins at 2:00 p.m. at Meyers Beach
  • Fitness Level: Beginner-friendly; approximately 4 miles of paddling, depending on lake conditions and group pace
  • What to Bring: Quick-drying clothing, a rain jacket, shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a hat, sunglasses, and any personal medications

Once at the launch area, your guide will go over basic kayaking instruction, safety information, and the do's and don'ts of sea kayaking before getting on the water. We keep our tours small so each guest has time to feel comfortable, ask questions, and enjoy a more personal experience. We never paddle in unsafe conditions, and all tours are based on current weather and Lake Superior conditions.

The tour is approximately 4 hours from start to finish, including shop check-in, gear fitting, travel to Meyers Beach, kayak instruction, and time on the water. Guests can expect to spend roughly 2.5 hours paddling and cover about 4 miles, depending on lake conditions and group pace.

Full-Day Kayak Tours

Our Full-Day Kayak Tours are designed for guests looking for a longer, more immersive Apostle Islands adventure. These trips are a great option for paddlers who want more time on Lake Superior to explore sea caves, sandstone cliffs, pristine shoreline, historic landmarks, and scenic island or mainland destinations.

Your tour begins with check-in at our South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield, where guests will get fitted for gear, review tour details, and have time to grab any last-minute items before heading to the launch location. Depending on the trip you book, your launch location may include Meyers Beach or Little Sand Bay.

We offer small-group guided kayak tours with a maximum of 6 paddlers per guide, allowing for a more personal, comfortable, and safety-focused experience. Before launching, your guide will go over basic kayak instruction, safety information, and what to expect on the water. Our guides are trained in CPR, first aid, and wilderness response.

Full-day tours are approximately 5-7 hours from start to finish, including shop check-in, gear fitting, travel to the launch location, kayak instruction, paddling time, breaks, and a picnic-style lunch. Paddle distance varies by trip and conditions, typically ranging from 6-10 miles.

All necessary kayaking gear is provided, including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and dry bags. Tours are based on current weather and Lake Superior conditions, and we never paddle in unsafe conditions.

Before You Arrive

  • Check-in: Please arrive at the South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield at your scheduled check-in time to get fitted for gear, review tour details, and grab any last-minute items before heading to the launch location.
  • Drive separately: After check-in, guests will drive separately to the designated launch area, where the kayak portion of the tour will begin.
  • Launch locations: Your launch location will be listed in your tour details and may include Meyers Beach or Little Sand Bay, depending on the trip you booked.
  • Parking: Once you arrive at the launch area, please park and make your way to the South Shore Adventures truck or guide. Parking fees may apply at some launch locations.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why South Shore Adventures?

Here at South Shore Adventures we are serving you an unforgettable adventure experience on a Lake Superior platter. We are a family owned business and having fun in or on the water is what we do. We love our job and want you to love your time here. That is why we keep our tours small! We want to get to know you as well as show you our home. We love that you get to check this off your bucket list but want you to come back and check it again.

The most important things with kayaking are safety, having fun, and looking good while doing it. We take these things seriously here at South Shore Adventures. All of our guides are American Canoe Association level 3 kayak instructors. Your guide is not only CPR and first aide certified but also a wilderness first responder. You can trust your safety with South Shore Adventures! We also take having fun seriously. We want this to be an unforgettable experience that you can’t wait to do again. We love doing it all summer and it never gets old. As for looking good?!? All of our gear is top quality and is methodically cleaned and maintained. We use some of the most trusted brands in kayaking like NRS, Old Town Canoe and Aqua Bound. So if you are a seasoned paddler or a beginner you will look like pro with South Shore Adventures!

Is there a minimum group size?

We have a two person minimum for tours to go out. If you’re booking for one person more than likely others will join but we may need to reschedule. We will try rescheduling a week out but refund will happen 24 hours before scheduled tour if we are unable to book another guest. Thank you for understanding!

Why do we use sea kayaks on a lake?

Although Lake Superior is “technically a lake", she operates more like a sea. Sea kayaks are more stable and are more capable to handle whatever Lake Superior throws at you.

What should I wear?

You want to dress for the outside air temperature. If the air and water temperature combined is above 120 degrees, the wetsuits are optional. We use shorty wetsuits that you can throw over a swim suit, leggings, or any quick drying clothing. If the outside air temperature is cold, you can layer on top of the wetsuits. We recommend synthetic clothing not cotton. A rain jacket is a great outer layer.

Height and weight limits?

The max height for the boats is around 6’5” and the tandem (2 person) kayaks can hold a total weight of 625lbs. We found that anyone over 250 may have trouble keeping the boat stable. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

What if online booking is full?

Give us a call! We may be able to open up another tour for you!

Parking?

After check-in at the South Shore Adventures shop in Bayfield, guests drive separately to the designated launch area. Parking fees may apply at some launch locations, and you should plan to park and meet your guide at the launch site. At Meyers Beach, there is often parking available, though the lot can fill up and overflow parking may be needed. Be sure to bring everything with you so you don't have to make multiple trips back to the car.

Best time to go kayaking?

As far as time of the year we operate from the middle of May to the middle of September. July and August are generally the warmest but it is just as beautiful on the colder days. There is no difference between the morning and afternoon tours so book the tour that works best for your schedule.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! We provide a dry bag for each boat. With all electronics we do say do it at your own risk. Jared is the only person to drop a phone in Lake Superior on a tour.

What should I bring?

Water, hat, and sunglasses is about all you need! The life jackets have a pocket, perfect for a cell phone (don’t drop it). If you have any medication or large items you need to bring, there are dry bags and dry compartments on the boat.

What if it rains?

We don’t cancel tours because of the rain. Some of our favorite days on the Lake are rain days. That being said your enjoyment is our top priority so if you don’t want to paddle in the rain give us a call, we can reschedule. We never go out in unsafe conditions so your guide will reach out if we need to reschedule because of safety.

What should we do after our tour?

Check out our Pro Tips page for all our favorite things to do in the area! Be sure to ask your guide their favorite things to do in the area. We want to be your one stop local guide for all of the South Shore. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily weather updates and things going on in the area!



Sand Island kayaking

Sand Island Full-Day Adventure


Price: $175 per adult (includes lunch and gear)


Embark on an unforgettable full-day journey to Sand Island, one of the Apostle Islands' most iconic gems! Paddle across the pristine waters of Lake Superior from Little Sand Bay, exploring hidden sea caves, rugged sandstone cliffs, and historic lighthouses along the way. This 5-7 hour trip (including breaks) is perfect for intermediate paddlers seeking a mix of adventure and serenity—spot bald eagles and maybe even a black bear on the shoreline. We'll stop for a scenic beach picnic lunch (included: fresh sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and beverages sourced from local Bayfield farms) to refuel before continuing our exploration.


Highlights:
  • Guided tour of Sand Island's beaches, trails, and lighthouse (built in 1881!)
  • Small group size (max 6 paddlers) for personalized attention from certified guides
  • All gear provided: Stable tandem or single kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and dry bags

Details:
  • Duration: 5-7 hours (weather-dependent)
  • Meeting Time: 9:30 AM at the Bayfield shop (return by 3-4 PM)
  • Fitness Level: Moderate—expect 8-10 miles of paddling; prior experience recommended
  • What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, layered clothing, snacks if desired

Book now for the ultimate Apostle Islands escape—spots fill fast in peak season!



Meyers Beach full-day tour

Meyers Beach Full-Day Lunch Beach Trip


Price: $160 per adult (includes lunch and gear)


Discover the magic of the Apostle Islands with our relaxed full-day Lunch Beach Trip, ideal for families and first-time paddlers! Launch from Meyers Beach and glide along the mainland sea caves, weaving through dramatic arches and turquoise waters teeming with wildlife. We'll paddle to a secluded beach for a leisurely picnic lunch (included: hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, fruit, and drinks from local Bayfield providers), where you can swim or just relax on the sand. This 5-7 hour adventure emphasizes fun and safety, with plenty of stops to appreciate the stunning Lake Superior scenery.


Highlights:
  • Easy-paced exploration of mainland caves and beaches—no rushing!
  • Beach time for swimming, picnicking, and optional short hikes
  • Expert guides sharing stories of Ojibwe history and island ecology

Details:
  • Duration: 5-7 hours (flexible based on group)
  • Meeting Time: 9:30 AM at the Bayfield shop (return by 3-4 PM)
  • Fitness Level: Beginner-friendly—4-6 miles of paddling; stable kayaks provided
  • What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, water bottle