Can you boat around the Apostle Islands?
The Apostle Islands’ protected bays, public docks, pristine beaches, historic sites, and natural beauty offer outstanding boating and sailing opportunities. Public docks are found on 12 of the islands in the national lakeshore. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers some of the best kayaking anywhere in North America. Nature has carved delicate arches, vaulted chambers and honeycombed passageways into sandstone cliffs along the Bayfield peninsula and among the archipelago.In fact, the Apostle National Lakeshore is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in North America. In the summer you can also swim, fish, sail or hike. In the winter you can ice fish, cross-country ski or snowshoe. Do it all at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.While Apostle Islands National Lakeshore does not provide guided kayaking tours, numerous authorized kayak outfitters offer full and half-day guided trips, safety classes, and equipment rentals. Authorized water taxis can transport paddlers and their gear to different park locations. Do not exceed your skill level.
Which boat tour is best for the Apostle Islands?
The Grand Tour is the best way to see all the Apostle Islands has to offer. The best way to see Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels”, the 21 island archipelago, is on the water — on an Apostle Islands Cruise out of Bayfield, WI. Unleash your sense of wonder with the adventures, stories, and awe-inspiring beauty that await you on Apostle Island National Lakeshore.The easiest way to see the islands is by scheduled boat tour with Apostle Islands Cruises sailing out of Bayfield. The Grand Tour, a roughly three-hour cruise, narrated by the captain, covers a 55-mile route among the islands, with views of some sea caves and lighthouses.The Apostle Island National Lakeshore is one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural wonders, and a trip here — whether with family, friends or solo — is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn about the islands and some of the best ways to explore them.
Do the Apostle Islands have bears?
Due to the high density of black bears in the Apostle Islands, visitors should remain vigilant and prepared as they hike, camp and explore. While islands like Stockton, Sand, and Oak often host resident bears, bears can swim to any of the islands. Hop aboard your Apostle Island Cruise shuttle for a Stockton Island day hiking trip, or an overnight camping excursion on either Oak Island or Stockton Island. Oak Island boasts some of the highest population densities of black bears, while Stockton Island has a beautiful hiking trails and beaches.