The Experienced Paddler
4 Days/3 Nights
Skill Level: Experienced sea kayakers only. Must have completed several 10+ mile days kayaking or one of our guided overnight trips.
"We did the Experienced Paddler tour (52 miles, 11 islands, 3.5 days of paddling) and it was awesome! The weather cooperated, the guide knew how to stage the paddle so we weren't overwhelmed by a ton of miles all at once, and we all had fun exploring the sea caves. Our guide had an eagle eye for eagles...The food was pretty tasty for camp food (chickpea salad? Yum!!!!), the equipment was great, the camp sites were beautiful - there were no downsides to the trip at all."
- From Trip Advisor Review
This is the trip for those who know their way around a sea kayak and have experience paddling with (and keeping up with) a group. As an experienced paddler we expect you to come with efficient paddling skills so that we can make more miles, and see more of what the islands have to offer. Though our experienced guides will instruct as needed, we plan to get out early on day one, and so our normal Introductory Safety Course will not be offered.
$650+tax & fees. (3% National Park Service fee per person) Read our policies prior to booking
Click the button below to find available start dates. Custom dates can be created for groups of 4 or more, with group discounts available. See group reservation details.
Download our Overnight Packing List
Sample 'Experienced Paddler' Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet at 7:30 a.m.
Once you meet and greet your group, we'll organize gear, travel to our put-in, and head out for an 8-12 mile paddle to our first campsite. Upon arrival you may go for a hike, set up camp, make a fire, maybe fish... while your guide prepares dinner. Typical dinner fare may include fresh Lake Superior Whitefish, rosemary potatoes, Dutch oven brownies, vegetarian stir-fry, or paella, or... (You choose your meal preferences during registration) Later, hug a mug of hot chocolate while you watch the stars from a cliff outcrop or curl up with a book in your tent.
Day 2-4 Mornings may begin with a morning dip in Lake Superior while Ospreys fish from overhead, time to write in your journal while sipping fresh coffee, or maybe you need a warm up so you take a run to the lighthouse to see the sunrise. (Or maybe you just sleep in while your guide fixes breakfast...) Day 2 may include a visit to sea caves, historical lighthouses, great beaches for lunch, and your final destination for the night.
Day 3 By day 3 of an Experienced Paddler trip it is likely that you've already visited several islands, and are camped out on an outer island. (weather permitting) You might get to paddle through THE most famous sea caves in the Apostles, or get to hike and explore islands where the view is of the north shore of Lake Superior! Now you're getting into the groove of paddling, feeling strong, and perhaps are a bit sad to remember that tonight is your last night...
Day 4 starts with another great breakfast such as eggs, sausage, and orange juice. On this your final morning you may take some time to explore your island by foot. We'll then pack up and and paddle towards our take-out, perhaps past shipwrecks and eagle nests. We try to arrive at our landing beach by 3pm at the latest, unless your group requests a different end time. Exchange contact information with your new friends!