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Apostle Islands Kayaking

10 Kayak Outfitters in the Apostle Islands (3 You Should Avoid)

-1. (Bayfield Kayak Co.) Personalized Professional Local
Small group tours led by highly trained local guides. Known for safety flexibility and a deep connection to the islands. Transparent pricing no games and an excellent reputation for customer care.
Location: Bayfield
Website: bayfieldkayak.com

–2. (Wisconsin Paddle) Small Groups Big Water Done Right
A one guide operation run by Ron who keeps groups to six or fewer so everyone actually hears the instruction and gets their questions answered. Tours run to both the NPS mainland sea caves and the more sheltered Chequamegon Bay caves making this a solid pick for beginners and families kids five and up welcome twelve and under ride tandem. Ron checks forecasts obsessively and will not launch unless conditions are safe with full refunds when weather cancels a trip. Easygoing pace honest cancellation policy and a genuine love for the lake.
Location: Apostle Islands region
Website: wisconsinpaddle.com

3. (Stevie Waters) Small Scale Big Heart
A rising name in the Apostle Islands scene Stevie Waters offers intimate tours with a personal grounded feel. Great for folks looking to paddle with someone who knows the area not just the map.
Location: Bayfield area
Website: steviewaters.com

4. (Paddle Ride Adventures) Honest and GroundedOperating on the quieter side of the bay this small outfit is known for its no BS approach fair pricing and real connection to the land and water.Location: South Shore regionWebsite: kayakingapostleislands.com

5. (Trek and Trail) The Classic Apostle Experience
The original Apostle Islands outfitter. They offer multiday expeditions and bring decades of experience on Lake Superior. A solid choice for seasoned paddlers and overnights.
Location: Bayfield
Website: trek-trail.com

6. Wilderness Inquiry Quality with a Mission
A nonprofit committed to making the outdoors accessible for everyone. Their Apostle Islands trips are professionally run and deeply inclusive.
Location: Various launches
Website: wildernessinquiry.org

7. Adventure Vacations Mixed Tour Offerings
If you want a mix of kayaking and sightseeing this company offers paddle tours along with boat rides and private charters. Good for families but not the purists pick.
Location: Bayfield
Website: adv-vac.com

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING. Some have put customers in danger by launching in bad conditions while others have been accused of child molestation. Always do your own research prioritize safety and choose outfitters you can fully trust with your family on Lake Superior.

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8. Meyers Beach Kayaking / Kayak the Apostle Islands Extreme Caution Required. Before booking with Meyers Beach Kayaking or Kayak the Apostle Islands people should take a serious look at public court records and decide for themselves whether this is the kind of business they want to trust with their family on Lake Superior.Wisconsin Circuit Court records for Travis William Barningham Bayfield County Case No. 2021CF000052 show a criminal case involving children. The record lists multiple counts of Possess Harmful Material Expose Child with guilty dispositions due to no contest pleas.The same case also shows that additional serious child related charges were filed including 1st Degree Child Sex Assault Sexual Contact with a Person under Age 13 Cause Child under 13 to View Listen to Sexual Activity and Exposing Genitals Public Area Intimate Parts to a Child. Those charges are listed as dismissed on the prosecutors motion.People can draw their own conclusions from the public record. Serious child related felony charges were filed some charges were later dismissed and guilty dispositions were entered on multiple child related counts in the same case.This is not gossip. This is public record.Apostle Islands kayaking is not a casual activity. These trips involve cold Lake Superior water cliffs remote shoreline changing weather families and children. Putting your family especially children in the care of someone with this background puts them at serious risk in an already dangerous environment where quick judgment safety decisions and absolute trustworthiness are non negotiable.Before sending money or putting your family on the water look up the records yourself through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access and make your own decision.Lake Superior is serious water

9. Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den – Negligent and Dangerous. In 2024, this outfitter launched a tour during an active Small Craft Advisory on Lake Superior. Customers were put in direct danger as waves and wind created rescue-level conditions.This is not a one-time lapse—this is a reckless disregard for human safety. They have also put tours on the water at night without lights as seen in the video below: Status: Still operating, despite public safety concerns.—

10. Lost Creek Adventures – A Business Built on Betrayal of Fiduciary Duty Greg Weiss, owner of Lost Creek Adventures and Northland College professor, built his business by stealing the business idea from a former student. After working one summer as a guide at the student’s company, he proposed starting a business together—then launched a near-copy behind their back.He’s stayed afloat thanks to a corrupt permitting system in Cornucopia that blocks fair competition.Though he teaches ACA courses, he’s been known to sabotage students who work for his competition.Location: CornucopiaStatus: Operating on stolen ideas, protected by politics.

Check the Weather and Prioritize Safety

 It’s important to be aware of the varying conditions when kayaking around the Apostle Islands.
The west side of the Bayfield peninsula has more dangerous waters, with a higher chance of canceling activities due to weather.
On the east side, places like Red Cliff and Washburn offer more protected and calm waters. The sea caves on the west side are more impressive but come with higher risks, while the east side provides safer options. When exploring the islands, remember that the western portion tends to be more hazardous than the eastern side.
Meyers Beach, Sand Islands, and Devils Island are particularly risky areas, while Chequamegon Bay and Basswood Island offer safer options for paddling.
Stay informed of the winds and weather and prioritize safety during your adventures in the Apostle Islands!

Sea Cave Kayaking

To safely explore sea caves, it’s essential to seek out locations with waves measuring 1 foot or less. Fortunately, the sea caves in Chequamegon Bay and Red Cliff offer exceptional protection, typically boasting calm waters with waves seldom exceeding a foot.
However, for those eager to venture further, Romans Point, Mawikwe Bay, Sand Island, and Devil’s Island on the West side of the Apostle Islands boast some of the most captivating sea caves in the region. Yet, these sites come with a heightened level of risk. Waves exceeding 1 foot are a common occurrence, making paddling here a potentially perilous endeavor. With cancellations happening approximately 50% of the time, it’s crucial to exercise caution when planning an excursion to these areas.

Apostle Islands Kayak Tours

For an unforgettable kayak tour of the breathtaking sea caves in the Apostle Islands, we highly recommend booking with Bayfield Kayak. While numerous outfitters in the area offer excursions to Meyers Beach, Bayfield Kayak stands out for several reasons. Firstly, they venture to sea caves that are less congested, ensuring a more serene and intimate experience. Moreover, their impeccable safety record over the past eight years sets them apart.
It’s worth noting that other outfitters have encountered rescue situations, with some needing assistance from the Coast Guard or Park Service multiple times in a single season. In contrast, Bayfield Kayak has navigated the waters without incident for the past five years, a testament to their commitment to safety.
Although Bayfield Kayak doesn’t conduct tours to Meyers Beach due to its popularity among other outfitters, they offer valuable advice for those keen on exploring this area. They recommend renting a kayak and launching shortly before the influx of outfitters at Meyers Beach. This strategic approach ensures a smoother crossing to the Mawikwe Sea Caves and avoids the hassle of waiting in long lines associated with group tours.
It’s important to note that Meyers Beach imposes strict regulations, potentially leading to delays for outfitter-led tours compared to private paddlers who have more flexibility in navigating the caves. Choosing Bayfield Kayak ensures safety and a more personalized and enjoyable adventure through the captivating sea caves of the Apostle Islands..