Apostle Islands Kayak Tours: What to Expect


Tour Schedule

Half-Day Tours

  • Morning Tour 1: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Morning Tour 2: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Afternoon Tour 1: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Afternoon Tour 2: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Evening Tour: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • This paddle is perfect for anyone new to sea kayaking or the seasoned paddler. We never go out in unsafe conditions. We also go over all the do’s and don’ts of sea kayaking before each tour. Because we keep our tours small we can take the time to make sure each person feels comfortable and well informed about the kayak experience.

  • The tour is 3 hours from start to finish. That includes a meet and greet, kayaking instruction and getting geared up. We will spend roughly 2.5 hours on the water (about 3 miles).

Full-Day Tours

  • Sand Island Day Trip: 9:00 AM - 3:00/4:00 PM
  • Meyers Beach Full-Day: 9:30 AM - 3:00/4:00 PM
  • Experience a full-day adventure exploring the Apostle Islands' most stunning features. We offer small group (max 6 paddlers) personal guided kayak tours with certified guides who are CPR and first aid certified wilderness first responders.

  • These full-day trips feature 5-7 hours of paddling (including breaks) with included beach picnic lunch sourced from local Bayfield providers. You'll explore sea caves, pristine waters, and historic landmarks while spotting wildlife like bald eagles.

  • All gear provided: stable tandem or single kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and dry bags. Tours are 4-10 miles of paddling depending on which trip you choose.



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?

There is plenty of parking at Meyers Beach. Once the parking lot is full you can park along the entrance road. Be sure to bring everything with you so you don’t have to make multiple trips back to the car. The parking fee is $5 and the fee station is at the top of the parking lot. Connect to the WIFI and use the QR code to pay online. It is all digital so no cash.

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: 9:00 AM at Little Sand Bay (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 Meyers Beach (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