Porter’s Island Kayaking Tour

Lake Superior Sea Kayaking Keweenaw Michigan 2.5 Hour Porter's Island Paddle Short Promo Video

Porter’s Island Kayak Tour – 2 ½ hours (& Sunset Paddle!)

Our most popular tour!
Discounted Youth rate!

*Great for novices, families & those just wanting to get out onto Lake Superior
*Choose between single or tandem (two-person) sea kayaks – note: Youth must paddle in tandem with an Adult

This Lake Superior sea kayak tours begin with about 30 minutes of outfitting and basic, on-land instruction with some of the most professional sea kayaking guides in Michigan. Learn about the sea kayak, gear and equipment, some basic paddle strokes and techniques and safety awareness relevant for this approximate 2 hours of on-water time adventure.

Following the instruction, test your new paddling skills in and around the relatively protected waters of Copper Harbor. Explore ancient rock shoreline, an uninhabited island and learn about the history of the largest, natural harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Discover how ancient volcanoes covered this region over one billion years ago, the formation of the Lake Superior “basin” and the resulting relevance of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s geology and mineral wealth over the ages.

Learn about the significance of Copper Harbor’s maritime history and that of the site of the oldest lighthouse on Lake Superior. Hear stories of the first shipwreck on Lake Superior – the John Jacob Astor – in addition to the Wasaga and the Jura that also met their doom within the waters of Copper Harbor.  Our groups may paddle past the Copper Harbor Lighthouse on calm days and can view the remnants of the Jura on a shallow shoal nearby.

We’ll venture on to the Big Lake with favorable conditions and paddle between shallow inlets and through rocky coves on the outer banks of Copper Harbor. Weather/wind depending, an out and back paddle to Devil’s Washtub, a large sea arch along an unprotected shore, is geologic highlight for groups of more experienced and adventurous paddlers.

Sunsets are a particularly special time to be sea kayaking Lake Superior. Paddlers may bid farewell to the day as shades of vibrant changing color schemes highlight the sky as the sun drops into the freshwater sea.

We took the “beginner” kayaking lesson/guided tour with a very patient and kind young man (forgetting his name just now...sorry...) who taught us how to maneuver a kayak and then took us out for a couple of hours to hone our newly found skills! The equipment (sea kayaks) were all in excellent condition. You didn't need anything (they even provided dry bags for your camera). We had a blast and hope to participate in this activity again. This company offers a variety of other services including bike rentals, kayak rentals, guided kayak trips (we met a family who took a kayaking/backpacking trip to Isle Royale). Really worthwhile if you are in Copper Harbor.

What do I bring sea kayaking?

To ensure your Lake Superior sea kayak adventure is a good experience, we suggest that you bring the following:

  • A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline. Fleece is great for cooler days or evenings. Cotton should be avoided.
  • Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over.
  • Water-shoes or sandals. Participants can choose to go barefoot if they desire. Shoes with laces are not allowed!
  • Hat for shade when it’s sunny. Cap for warmth if it’s cool.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  • Drinking Water – a pint is sufficient for most.
  • Camera – take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on ‘da Big Lake!

THE FINE PRINT:

  • Safety is always our number one concern and we do everything possible to manage the risks for our clients! Your guides have gone through sea kayak instructor and trip leader training with the American Canoe Association (ACA) on Lake Superior.  All of our guides are certified as either Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).  Our guides carry two-way VHF marine radios, cell phones (though coverage is sporadic) and a GPS tracking device capable of sending messages and to call for advanced help in an emergency.  It’s important to know that we conduct many of our kayak tours in remote and sparsely populated areas with limited or no access to roads and emergency assistance could be distant and time consuming.
  • Wetsuits will be provided, and use is mandatory because of Lake Superior’s cold water. Drybags are also available for your use, though participants assume their own risk for damaged or lost goods.
  • Weight/Size Limits: There is a weight limit of 280lbs (per person, not per boat). Kayaks can be size discriminate and having a safe fit is largely dependent upon height and body shape, too. Our largest cockpits are 17 x 33 inches in size and elongated, so one must be able to comfortably fit into this space to have the freedom to get in and out of the cockpit.
  • Gratuities for your trip leaders are at your discretion.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: Payments are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee, with notice any time prior to TWO WEEKS of scheduled activity — otherwise non-refundable unless the optional Trip Protection has been purchased.
  • WEATHER POLICY: All tours are subject to rescheduling, alternate destinations or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a tour, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation.
  • TRIP PROTECTION (OPTIONAL): This is a “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” in-house trip insurance, which covers rentals, tours and shuttles (not lodging). If you subscribe to this option (for $15 per booking – not per person), you understand that it allows you to cancel your rentals, tours and/or shuttles up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled reservation and receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. You understand that Trip Protection is void in cases where a 24 hour notice of cancellation is not provided AND DAY OF CANCELLATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

What do I bring sea kayaking?

To ensure your Lake Superior sea kayak adventure is a good experience, we suggest that you bring the following:

  • A synthetic top such as polyester, polypropylene or capaline. Fleece is great for cooler days or evenings. Cotton should be avoided.
  • Shorts or a swimsuit that a wetsuit can be slipped over.
  • Water-shoes or sandals. Participants can choose to go barefoot if they desire. Shoes with laces are not allowed!
  • Hat for shade when it’s sunny. Cap for warmth if it’s cool.
  • Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  • Drinking Water – a pint is sufficient for most.
  • Camera – take advantage of the many photo opportunities while on ‘da Big Lake!
  • Facemask – please see COVID-19 Response for Sea Kayaking Tours

THE FINE PRINT:

  • Safety is always our number one concern and we do everything possible to manage the risks for our clients! Your guides have gone through sea kayak instructor and trip leader training with the American Canoe Association (ACA) on Lake Superior.  All of our guides are certified as either Wilderness First Responders (WFR) or in Wilderness First Aid (WFA).  Our guides carry two-way VHF marine radios, cell phones (though coverage is sporadic) and a GPS tracking device capable of sending messages and to call for advanced help in an emergency.  It’s important to know that we conduct many of our kayak tours in remote and sparsely populated areas with limited or no access to roads and emergency assistance could be distant and time consuming.
  • Wetsuits will be provided, and use is mandatory because of Lake Superior’s cold water. Drybags are also available for your use, though participants assume their own risk for damaged or lost goods.
  • Weight/Size Limits: There is a weight limit of 280lbs (per person, not per boat). Kayaks can be size discriminate and having a safe fit is largely dependent upon height and body shape, too. Our largest cockpits are 17 x 33 inches in size and elongated, so one must be able to comfortably fit into this space to have the freedom to get in and out of the cockpit.
  • Gratuities for your trip leaders are at your discretion.
  • CANCELLATION POLICY: Payments are refundable, minus a 15% cancellation fee, with notice any time prior to ONE WEEK of scheduled activity — otherwise non-refundable unless the optional Trip Protection has been purchased.
  • WEATHER POLICY: All tours are subject to rescheduling, alternate destinations or possible cancellations due to wind, wave or other UNSAFE weather conditions. Light to moderate rains, fog or cool weather do not necessarily cancel a tour, though. Customers often find paddling in the rain more enjoyable than they thought, since they are well protected from the elements by the kayak, spray skirt, wetsuit, lifejacket, personal rain jacket and hat, and generate body heat as they paddle. That all said, we will certainly not venture out in a heavy downpour or if thunderstorms are present — and full payments will be refunded if staff determines a weather cancellation.
  • TRIP PROTECTION (OPTIONAL): This is a “CANCEL FOR ANY REASON” in-house trip insurance, which covers rentals, tours and shuttles (not lodging). If you subscribe to this option (for $15 per booking – not per person), you understand that it allows you to cancel your rentals, tours and/or shuttles up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled reservation and receive a refund minus a 15% cancellation fee. You understand that Trip Protection is void in cases where a 24 hour notice of cancellation is not provided AND DAY OF CANCELLATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.