Paddle & Hike Mackinac Island, Michigan
Kayak, SUP, snorkel, and hike along with us, as we explore the many places that make Mackinac Island an unforgettable location. We will show you the hidden spots, unknown to most visitors. While others are steering through downtown crowds or busy bike routes, we'll point you to the quiet corners where you can breathe easy and enjoy the best lake and forest vistas Mackinac has to offer.
Our typical routes, described in detail below, have been designed to give you the best options for kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking around Mackinac Island & Mackinaw City.
Our public tours have set times, which are viewable in our booking system. Our most popular public kayak tours are the Sunrise Cruise and the Arch Rock Excursion.
With our custom private tours, there is no need to make a decision on your route just yet. You and your group are free to choose your destination when you reach our beach, at the time of your reservation.
All tours are custom tailored to the interests, weather, and experience level of your group. A guide accompanies all groups, free of charge.
When you know what date you would like to reserve, book your tour online to secure your time.
Don't delay! Our tours are popular and they fill up fast!
Want a more personal experience?
You can customize a private tour for your group with any start time, duration, and destination.
Mackinac Island Routes
Hiking ToursNEW!
Arch Rock Trek
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Mackinac Island's iconic Arch Rock. This guided hiking tour to the east bluff of the island offers a unique opportunity to explore the island's rich history, stunning geological formations, and captivating legends.
Marvel at the breathtaking views of Lake Huron as we travel through cedar-lined trails and past limestone outcroppings, along the way visiting fascinating landmarks like Robinson's Folly, Parkman Prospect, and Nicolet Watch Tower, high above the Bay of Voyageurs.
Your experienced guide will tailor the experience to your interests, providing insights into natural history, local community, legends and lore, or simply offering a quiet and contemplative hike.
PLEASE NOTE: this is a hiking tour only, and does not include kayaks or kayaking.
Details - medium length, appx 3 miles, 2 hrs, visiting Robinson's Folly and Nicolet Watch Tower, round trip *Great for beginners*
Sugar Loaf Rock Adventure
Hike along with us to Sugar Loaf Rock in the middle of the island as we explore the many places that make Mackinac Island an unforgettable location.
Stand below one of the most distinctive limestone promontories in the Great Lakes region. Turn your gaze just so and you'll be able to see what some legends say is the handiwork of the great shaman Maniboajo. We can also point out where you might find wild raspberries.
We will travel through cedar lined trails and past limestone outcroppings, along the way visiting Point Lookout, Skull Cave, Fort Holmes, and other points of special interest, high above the Bay of Voyageurs.
PLEASE NOTE: this is a hiking tour only, and does not include kayaks or kayaking.
Details - medium length, appx 4.5 miles, 3 hrs, visiting Point Lookout and Fort Holmes, round trip
Fall Colors of Mackinac Island - Guided Walking Tour
Our Mackinac Island Fall Colors Hiking Tour is the perfect way to experience the island's vibrant autumn hues. As you traverse the island's scenic trails, you'll be surrounded by a breathtaking display of fall foliage, from the fiery reds of maple trees to the golden yellows of aspen leaves.
This tour is suitable for hikers of all levels, with options for leisurely walks on our public tours, or more challenging hikes on our custom, private hiking tours. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, you'll find something to enjoy on this unforgettable journey through Mackinac Island's autumnal landscape.
PLEASE NOTE: this is a hiking tour only, and does not include kayaks or kayaking.
Details - medium length, appx 3 miles, 2 hrs, visiting Arch Rock, Robinson's Folly, and Nicolet Watch Tower, round trip
Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboards
Sunrise & Sunset Cruise
We start each day at Great Turtle Kayak with one of our favorite tours: the sunrise tour to Arch Rock & the Rock Maze. And we end our day with the spectacular sunset tour near Devil's Kitchen and the Grand Hotel. Immerse yourself in the rays of the Sun in absolutely the most gorgeous times of day.
Details - short length, appx 2-3 miles, 2 hrs *Great for beginners*
Arch Rock Excursion
Enter the Straits outside the East breakwall towards Arch Rock, and coast over the beautiful underwater caves and rock formations of the Rock Maze to arrive the old fashion way... by water! Picture taking, sunrise tours, and snorkeling are a couple of the favorite options of this highly recommended tour.
Details - medium length, appx 3 miles, 2 hrs, around east breakwall and back *Great for beginners*
Snorkel the Rock Maze
Combine our most popular tour, a paddling tour to Arch Rock on your choice of single kayak, tandem kayak, or stand up paddleboard, with an additional 1 or 2 hours snorkeling the coast in the waters below Arch Rock. Swim over the beautiful underwater caves and rock formations of the Rock Maze and experience breathtaking underwater views.
Details - No details provided in original, add if needed.
Devil's Kitchen Adventure
Brave the straits and go outside the west breakwall towards Devil's Kitchen! Enjoy unprecedented scenes of the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island Lighthouse, Round Island Lighthouse, the Grand Hotel, and the West Bluff as you ride waves and take in the scenery!
Details - medium length, appx 3-4 miles, 2 hrs, around east breakwall and back
Round Island Retreat
If you are experienced and want to challenge yourself, paddle across the Straits of Mackinac to a little place called Round Island. Officially Hiawatha National Forest, Round Island is famous for its historic Lighthouse. Lush forest awaits you, along with the perfect photo opportunities. Take a quick lighthouse visit, a bird-watching day trip, or make it an overnight campout!
Details - appx 3 - 4 hrs guided tour across the straits south
Bois Blanc Getaway
If you are daring enough to challenge yourself, then paddle across the Straits of Mackinac to visit our neighbors on Bois Blanc Island (Boblo). Lush forest and gorgeous beaches await you, along with the perfect photo opportunities. Take a day trip or make it an overnight campout!
Details - appx 4 - 5 hrs guided tour across the straits south
Around Mackinac Island
The brave and conditioned paddler will enjoy circumnavigating Mackinac Island. Enjoy unprecedented scenes of the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island Lighthouse, and Round Island Lighthouse as you ride waves and take in the scenery from north, south, east, and west.
Details - long length, appx 4 - 6 hrs, all the way around the Island
Mackinaw City Routes
Please Note: Until further notice, we will not be operating our Mackinaw City routes. We hope to be back soon!
* Moms Reminder: All tours are weather permitting and life jackets are required at all times
