Kayaking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands

In recent years, sea kayaking has become a very popular way to experience the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Since Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands, it is the perfect ‘home base’ from which to explore this pristine wilderness area. Many of our overnight guests arrive with their own sea kayaks. Still more take advantage of one of several area outfitters and/or guide services (see list below).

The Apostle Islands are a fantastic, world renown place to kayak. To be able to go out on Lake Superior and ‘island hop’ rather than just paddling along a continuous shoreline makes the paddling really intriguing, and the navigation is fantastic.

One of the most popular areas for sea kayaking on Lake Superior is the mainland sea caves accessible from the Meyers Beach landing north of Bayfield. While the caves are incredibly beautiful and enticing, they can be extremely hazardous in rough seas, so the best advice is to use caution and common sense when paddling in these areas.

Twenty-one islands make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Among the notable features are six magnificent lighthouses that once guided ships among the islands and are now on the National Register of Historic places. More sea caves can also be found at Devils Island.

You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker to really enjoy a paddle on Lake Superior but… it is Lake Superior! It is very heads-up paddling, so beginning paddlers really need to get proper instruction and learn about being safe on the lake. Having done that, Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands will entertain kayakers from the beginner level to some of the most expert paddlers in the world, who come here for the conditions and the beauty of the Apostle Islands.

Many of our guests like to bookend a sea kayak adventure with a few nights of pampering at Old Rittenhouse Inn or Le Chateau. We are always happy to help with your travel arrangements.

Several area sea kayak outfitters offer programs where people can go out in the Apostle Islands, learn the skills of kayaking, and access the profound natural beauty of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Here is a list of area Kayak Outfitters offering instruction and guided tours in and around the Bayfield, Wisconsin area:

Adventure Vacations
Apostle Islands Kayaks
Living Adventures
Lost Creek Adventures
Superior Adventures
Trek and Trail
Wilderness Inquiry