5 Best Sea Cave Tours Apostle Islands (2024)
Taking a Sea Cave tour of the Apostle Islands is incredible and an unmissable activity when in the area.
The Apostle Islands are full of amazing geological wonders and the sea caves that line the lakeshore and some of the islands, are must-visit locations for nature lovers!
I’m a Wisconsin local and I still find the sea caves fascinating any time I see them. I’ve put together a list of the 5 best sea cave tours on offer, including kayak, small boat and cruise tours,
There’s nothing worse than taking a tour and being underwhelmed, so I’ve put together the 5 best all of which allow you to get up close to the caves and explore them inside while learning about their history and significance.
Best Sea Cave Tours Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands’ sea caves, along Lake Superior, offer stunning rock formations, clear waters and natural beauty, drawing in thousands of tourists every year.
There are lots of different types of tours available to explore the sea caves, with many using different modes of transport.
Due to the size restriction of the caves, exploring them by kayak may be easiest and will allow you to enter smaller caves with ease.
But if you don’t like the idea of paddling then there are several other boat tours that offer similar, amazing experiences.
Here are 5 of the best Apostle Islands Sea Caves Tours:
1. Bayfield Kayak Apostle Islands Sea Caves Boat Tour
RATING: 5/5 | GROUP SIZE: Max 6 | PRICE: $100 per person
The Apostle Islands Sea Caves Boat Tour offered by Bayfield Kayak provides an intimate exploration of Roman’s Point and Chequamegon Bay’s sea caves, using small boats to access areas other tour companies with larger boats cannot.
Launching from Cornucopia, Wisconsin, this boat tour, promises seclusion as it tours less-visited caves and stunning views, including a remarkable sunset.
The tour lasts around 2 hours, covering an 8 mile distance, as you sail the whole way to Roman’s Point admiring lots of sea caves and stacks en route.
If the weather conditions aren’t favorable, then the tour shifts to the sheltered Chequamegon Bay, allowing you to still tour some of the Apostle Islands’ finest sea caves. I like companies who can think on their feet to make sure you have the best time possible, even when the weather is against you.
Essential items that Bayfield Kayak suggest you to bring include sunscreen, bug spray, a cooler with drinks and snacks, towels, a light jacket, and a waterproof camera.
All participants of these boat tours must weigh between 30 and 300 lbs to ensure the boat does not become too heavy.
I can’t recommend these guys enough, they’re the best for a reason and you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.
2. Lost Creek Adventures Full Moon Sea Caves Tour
RATING: 4.9/5 | GROUP SIZE: Max 6 | PRICE: $80 per person
You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Lost Creek Adventure’s Full Moon Sea Caves Tour, which takes place under the enchanting full moon.
The tour starts at twilight with a thorough kayak instruction session to make sure everyone is comfortable in the water. The group then launches from Cornucopia Beach. Visitors paddle out to explore the fascinating sea caves at Romans Point with the assistance of an expert guide.
You’ll be guided through the arches and caverns as the moon rises, providing an amazing twilight experience.
Only three times a month—two nights prior to and on the night of the full moon—is the tour offered. Your guide will provide tips on night vision and identify constellations to assist you get orientated in the night sky.
Due to the limited dates, it’s best to book well in advance as it sells out pretty much every month. I try to go at least once a year with my family, it’s such a serene evening activity.
This tour utilises tandem kayaks for added stability, so make sure to bring a friend or if you’re travelling solo then you’ll be paired up.
They ask that you bring one headlamp or flashlight for every two people in your group. If you don’t have one, headlamps are available for purchase at their shop. Safety is always important when on the water, but even more so at nighttime.
The tour runs from 8 PM to 11 PM and is designed for adult-sized paddlers only, requiring participants to be at least 14 years old and 115 lbs.
3. Meyers Beach Kayaking – Meyers Beach Sea Cave Tour
RATING: 4.9/5 | GROUP SIZE: Max 6 | PRICE: $65-108 per person
The Meyers Beach Sea Cave Tour offered by Meyers Beach Kayaking is an exciting tour option that would be perfect for an adventurous family.
Paddle a mile from Meyers Beach to the first cave to start the adventure. En route, you’ll see sea stacks, tunnel caverns, and sea arches. After that, you’ll have a tour of a number of caves that were created by past glacial processes and formations.
From a kayak, there’s no better way to take in the breathtaking geology.
Because the company offers triple kayaks, kids as young as five years old can paddle in the middle hatch, making this tour ideal for families.
Additionally, you can personalise the tour and decide if you want a 2-hour or 4-hour experience. The shorter option covers 4 miles in total.
If you wish to book the 4-hour tour which covers a longer distance and allows you to explore even more sea caves then you need to make sure to book as a group of 4-6 people.
The weight limit that Meyers Beach Kayaking imposes on this tour is 265 lbs and a height restriction of 7 ft.
4. Lost Creek Adventures Apostle Islands Sea Cave Exploration
RATING: 4.9/5 | GROUP SIZE: Max 6 | PRICE: $165 per adult (child rate available)
The Apostle Islands Sea Cave Exploration Full Day Tour offered by Lost Creek Adventures is a full-day adventure perfect for beginner kayakers, offering the chance to explore huge expanses of the cave system with fewer crowds.
This tour includes around 3.5 to 4 hours of paddling on the water, with plenty of time to explore the insides of the caves and also includes a picnic lunch on the beach. Total tour time is approximately 6 hours.
This kayaking sea cave tour is suitable for everyone aged 5 years and up, subject to weight restrictions, making it great for the whole family.
The tour operates in small groups, allowing you to make the most of your guide’s knowledge of the islands’ geology.
This unique experience promises stunning views and a memorable day exploring some of the lesser-visited sea caves of the Apostle Islands.
5. Apostle Islands Grand Tour Cruise
RATING: 4/5 | GROUP SIZE: Large| PRICE: $51.95 per adult (child rate available)
Last but by no means least out of these Sea Cave Tours of the Apostle Islands is the Grand Tour Cruise offered by Apostle Islands Cruises.
It pprovides an unforgettable time on the water, showcasing so much more of the island’s natural beauty as well as its mesmerizing sea caves.
This 2.5-3-hour scenic boat journey navigates the beautifully clear waters of Lake Superior, giving some incredible views of the breathtaking Apostle Islands.
The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the 21 islands, with a special focus on the stunning sea caves that have been sculpted over millenia by the powers of nature.
Marvel at the intricate rock formations and vivid colors of the caves as your expert guides share insights into their geological history and significance.
The cruise also offers glimpses of historic lighthouses and serene beaches, giving a unique overview of the islands in their entirety. You’ll get plenty of ideas of where to go after your tour!
While this tour option will likely be a lot more crowded than some of the other options on this list, the cruise will navigate the water in a gentler fashion, making it more suitable for those that don’t have great sea legs or that can’t kayak.
This tour is also one of the cheapest on the market and explores the largest area (a 55-mile loop), making it great value for money and a good option if you are traveling on a budget.
FAQs
Below are some common questions related to these Apostle Islands Sea Cave tours along with my expert answers to each question.
The best sea caves in the Apostle Islands are found at Devils Island, Sand Island, and the Lakeshore Sea Caves near Meyers Beach. These caves offer stunning formations and are perfect for kayaking adventures.
Sea kayaks are recommended for exploring the Apostle Islands. Sea kayaks are designed for stability and efficiency in open water, making them ideal for navigating the islands’ caves and shorelines. There are a number of guided kayaking tours that allow you to explore the island caves.
Yes, the Apostle Islands are worth visiting. They offer stunning sea caves, beautiful landscapes, rich history, and excellent opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Conclusion: Sea Cave Tours Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands sea caves are an incredible geological wonder, and one that you should definitely make an effort to explore should you find yourself in northern Wisconsin.
Options for exploring the caves are diverse, ranging from a leisurely cruise that provides panoramic views, to a more intimate and exciting small boat excursion.
For the more adventurous, kayaking through the caves offers an up-close encounter with the intricate details and serene surroundings
Remember, my personal recommendation is the Apostle Islands Sea Caves Boat Tour
No matter how you choose to explore the sea caves of the Apostle Islands, you are guaranteed to have a great experience and one which you will remember forever!
And while you’re in the area, make sure you spend some time on land as well as in the water, as the Apostle Islands have some really great hiking routes.
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