The Island Clipper - Day Tours
The Island Clipper - Day Tours
The Island Clipper - Day Tours
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The Island Clipper - Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
46 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
12
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
1
JeffandDebplus4
Winfield, IL50 contributions
Aug 2021
There are two ferry locations at Gills Rock. The best known handles cars and passengers, and there is often a long wait. There is also a passenger only ferry (this one) which is much less crowded, often no wait. At Washington island there is a Viking Train (tram) tour (combined ticket available at Gills Rock station), or moped scooter rental. We took the tram tour and it was very convenient. It makes four 15min stops, or you can stay longer at any stop and join the next tram later. The tram arrives back at the island station when the ferry arrives. You can also just take the ferry for a boat ride.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRusk
3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We took the Island Clipper to Washington Island. We did not do the Viking Train Tour. There were plenty of places to park, purchasing tickets and loading on the boat was fast and efficient. There was some narration on the way to the island but mostly it’s just time to relax and enjoy the view. You can either sit on top outside or inside. We chose inside since it was a little chilly and breezy. The boat left on time and arrived back on the island on time for the return trip.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beachball42
Carmel, IN82 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
If you want to see Washington Island and don’t want to take your car then the Island Clipper and tram tour combo is a great option. For four adults it was very reasonably priced. The ride over was nice and the captain gave us some history of the island and the pass on the ride over.
The tram tour was a great way to see the island as well and was just enough time to see what we wanted. Then right back to the boat for the ride back. We took the 10am ferry, which you then get right on the tram for the tour. Then right back at the dock for the 12:30 ferry back to the mainland. If you wanted to spend more time on the island you can we just chose not to. Would certainly use them again.
The tram tour was a great way to see the island as well and was just enough time to see what we wanted. Then right back to the boat for the ride back. We took the 10am ferry, which you then get right on the tram for the tour. Then right back at the dock for the 12:30 ferry back to the mainland. If you wanted to spend more time on the island you can we just chose not to. Would certainly use them again.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FMM15
Oshkosh, WI80 contributions
Sep 2020
If I could give this ferry ride 10 stars I would. We usually take the Washington Island Ferry, but decided to try this one and take our bikes. So happy we did! The ride is much more scenic and on the way over, there is some narration describing the area. We were so excited to see 2 bald eagles on our way over. If you are going to walk or bike on Washington Island, I highly recommend.
You can take the tour of the island as part of a package, but we were interested in biking and this ferry transported our bikes with us for free.
You can take the tour of the island as part of a package, but we were interested in biking and this ferry transported our bikes with us for free.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shibumi365
Savannah, GA370 contributions
Aug 2021
We took this ferry to Washington Island for a day trip. There were plenty of people going for the day to ride their bikes, which looked like a lot of fun. We combined our ferry ride with a tram tour of the island and enjoyed the tour and history of the island. The old farm museum was interesting and well worth the time. The first stop at the gas station was a tad boring, but did give everyone a potty break. The ferry itself is comfortable and reliable - as best as we could tell. Crew was friendly and happy to help or answer questions.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PLCLS22214
Milwaukee, WI8 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
While we didn’t have time to explore on the island we enjoyed taking the ferry for the view on a beautiful sunny day. The boat was clean and the staff was friendly. The captain gave a little history and information as we went. There was plenty of parking and it was easy to find.
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJT
289 contributions
May 2024 • Family
A kind employee at a museum at the top of Door County recommended this privately-owned ferry that travels to and from Washington Island. We had a wonderful time comfortably riding through “Death’s Door” on the 20-minute trips narrated by personable Captain Voight as he pointed out two famous lighthouses and informed us of the history of the area. Departing from Gills Rock, this ferry does not take cars, but transports many passengers’ bicycles. With indoor and outdoor seating, people in the same party with different preferences can all have a good time. This company also operates the Viking Train that provides two-hour narrated tours of Washington Island, and the Yankee Clipper that tours Plum and Pilots Islands. Very enjoyable!
Written August 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twavel
Stevens Point, WI13 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
First, let me say that the boat was well-run, clean, and has a nice top deck for views (and a lower deck shielded from the wind if you're cold). But, this is a passenger only boat. So when you get to Washington Island you have three options: rent a bike, rent a moped, or take a tour. Walking isn't really an option because the distances are pretty far for a day trip and the roads are narrow with no sidewalks. So, if you are an avid hiker or backpacker, go for it! I would have, but I was with someone who is more of a touristy type. Bikes cost $4 an hour. Mopeds cost somewhere around $50 an hour! HAHAHA. Right. We ended up on the tour and it was the worst sort of tourist trap imaginable! My advice to you if you take the passenger only ferry is to pay to bring your own bike across. I really wish we had done that.
Written June 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusieD
Indianapolis, IN325 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We are two 70s couples who started out in a long line of cars in gridlock. I got out to see what the problem was, but no one knew. Others had gotten out but were all first time visitors. We turned away and left and got on a passenger only ferry to Washington Island. No long lines and nearby parking. We got the combined ferry and "train" ticket. A pickup truck pulled the train, and a knowledgeable woman who is a local gave an informative and excellent narrative of the island. There were three or four stops at highlights of the island, and then we got back on the ferry to return to Gills Rock. It was the perfect amount of time for us - just a few hours. It was the right number of sightseeing stops for us, and we were so glad to get of the line for ferries transporting cars to Washington Island.
Written August 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2009Benjamin
Belmont, CA188 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
On a visit to Door County, we decided to spend the day on Washington Island. Our choice was to park for free at the ferry landing then take the passenger ferry across. On the island, we took the Viking Tour (as part of a package) to take a 90 minute tour of the island. Main sites included an old wooden church, a farm museum, and a beautiful pebble-lined beach. The package deal worked best for my wife and me, but if you want to see more of the island, you'll have to pay more for the automobile ferry (but save the tour fee) and explore on your own (at your own pace).
Written July 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri G
Dalton, Wisconsin
I am planning a trip to gills rock on October 13th. I noticed the tour schedule for the island Clipper as only going to October 7th. Is this correct? We were looking to take a trip to Washington Island. Thank you
Written October 2, 2018
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