Frequently Asked Questions

A. That is completely up to you; our guides are happy to take you and your group anywhere you choose. make sure to check out all of our standup paddleboard (SUP), kayaking, & hiking routes.

A. This is also your choice. The average time is 2 hours, and that depends on where you would like to go and the pace you prefer.

A. All of them! But if you only have time for one, our sunrise and sunset tours are spectacular!

If you prefer to be under the day's sun, or you are only on Mackinac Island for the day, our arch rock tour offers great views of underwater caves and natural rock formations.

If you are a beginner feeling timid, or want a more relaxing experience, don't worry, we take beginners on our marina tour every day. We stay inside the bay where waters are smooth, and the pace is calm. Detailed instruction on the beach from our guides before the tour will have you feeling comfortable in no time.

For our more experienced paddlers, adventure to Round Island lighthouse, Bois Blanc Island, or find the best waves to ride.

Any way you go, paddling Lake Huron in Michigan is sure to leave lasting impressions.

A. You have the option of booking any of our tours as a private tour. If you do not wish to book a private tour, then other paddlers will be free to book on the same tour, and we will add people to your tour only if there is a match in desired location and timing. We do our best to keep tour sizes under 12 boats. For tours with more boats, we send multiple guides so that we can split into smaller groups.

Our private tours are customizable to the experience and interests of your group, they include a dedicated guide, and they launch and land separately from other groups.

A. Yes, with little exception, we send guides out with every tour. This is for safety, and our guides can also share stories about the local landscape and history.

A. While we don't have a specific minimum age limit we do have a few requirements for children:

- They must ride in a tandem with an adult, and

- They must be able to sit still without rocking the boat.

Most children ages 4 and above meet these requirements just fine. The ages of your children are helpful details for us to know, so please specify in the comments section when you book. We do take children and beginners on the Arch Rock tour everyday, and it's one of our most popular, so that is an excellent choice.

A. We find that between the ages of 9 - 14 are when a child will consider going in their own single kayak for the first time, and this varies considerably based on the following factors:

- Physical size: they need to be able to reach the foot stops.

- Swimming ability: they must be comfortable and familiar with the water.

- Listening ability: they must listen to their guide's instructions and be willing to follow instructions.

If you have a child going in a single kayak for the first time, this is helpful information for us to know, so please specify in the comments section when you book. We do take children and beginners on the Arch Rock tour everyday, and it's one of our most popular, so that is an excellent choice.

A. No, our tandems have a maximum capacity of 2 people.

A. Yes, we welcome dogs on our tours, with a few requirements:

1. They must wear a doggy life jacket.

2. Their weight limit plus yours must fit within the weight limit of the boat (we have boats up to 550lb weight limit).

3. They must be well behaved.

We also recommend an open deck boat for larger doggies.

Please specify that your dog will be joining you in the comments of the reservation, and we'll be ready to accommodate.

A. Absolutely! Beginners receive detailed instruction on the shore before departure. Our guides will assist you into and out of your kayak/paddleboard and are there on the water to help you every step of the way. We also offer dedicated lessons.

A. The base rate is $50/hr/person for our predefined tours. We also offer custom private tours, as well as special group & day rates. Please give us a call for more details - 231-715-2925.

A. If you have booked in advance and we have suspended tours due to weather, or you show up and are not feeling comfortable with the current weather or water conditions in any way, we will issue you a 100% refund, no questions asked.

A. You must pay 100% of the rental fee at the time of booking.

A. You do not receive a refund if you cancel.

A. While the kayaks are equipped with dry bins, you will want to keep your more precious cargo on shore. We also offer dry bag rental for an additional fee. Please see the reservation page for details.

A. You may bring your camera, but please be advised that you will want to extra care when shooting cameras. Kayaking is a 2-handed sport that requires attention to balance and direction. Even a kayaker who is getting the hang of the sport can easily put themselves or others at risk when "going for the shot".

A. This depends largely on the weather. If the temperature is mild with a wind, as is typical in early spring, you may want to wear long pants, and should bring a sweatshirt as well. If it is sunny and hot, as is typical in the summer, you will want to wear short sleeves or a bathing suit.

As for footwear, you will want shoes that can get wet, or you may go barefoot. If you need water shoes to help with the rocky beach, we have very high quality shoes for a very reasonable price in a variety of styles and colors.

A. We recommend bringing swim wear (or quick-dry clothing), sunscreen, and a camera to capture the beautiful views!

A. You should expect to exert physical energy and get plenty of exercise! You will likely get a little wet, at least from paddle drip. Balance is key with paddle sports, so expect to get some practice. Most of all, expect to improve your paddling skills and have a great time!

A. No, camping is not allowed on Mackinac Island. However, camping is allowed on Round Island in Hiawatha National Forest and on Bois Blanc Island. Simply bring your camping gear, and we can set you up with all of the paddling gear and arrange your transportation by kayak!

A. Ferry boat schedules vary throughout the season, so you will need to check with them to get exact schedules:

Shepler's We are a few doors down from the Shepler's dock, and it is about a 5 minute walk.

Star Line We are about 1 city block from the Star Line docks (both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace docks), and it is about a 10 minute walk to either.

Please ensure the ferry boat and time that accommodates the timing for the tour you would like.

A. You can reach us by phone at (231) 715-2925.

A. We are located in the middle of town, on the shore line, behind the historic Horse Corral Mall, adjacent to the Sheplers Dock. Our address is 7395 Main St., Mackinac Island, MI 49757.

A. Yes. Life jackets are provided for all tours and must be worn at all times for your safety.

A. No. Alcohol use is prohibited on all of our tours.