Manitou Island Transit
Manitou Island Transit
4.5
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About
Leland, Michigan
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Manitou Island Transit
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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.
Popular mentions
4.5
123 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
23
Average
9
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Frederic H
9 contributions
Jul 2022
I took the boat to North Manitou Island this week; we returned to Leland via South. My first ride with Manitou Transit was 70 years ago this summer. You can count on a very pleasant, safe trip to either Island. These people know what they are doing! And they now have been doing it for five generations. No maritime operator has any control over Lake Michigan. Every trip (and every reservation) is "Weather Permitting." Spring, Summer, or Fall, there will be days when the trip isn't going to be comfortable - or safe. On those days, they won't sail. There are popular times - reservations are strongly suggested - especially if you are not leaving the Island the day you arrive. You can count on everyone working for Manitou Transit to be professional, friendly, informative and always looking out for you. They want you to enjoy your ride and return. And, as I wrote, I've come back a few times.
Written July 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.
Jill B
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Excellent ferry service to the Manitou Islands. We've been going for thirty years, and every year we look forward to the ferry ride. Manitou Island Transit is easy to work with, they communicate well, and booking is easy and affordable. They captain and crew has constantly changing conditions to consider for everyone's safety, and they do it so professionally that passengers don't even see that aspect. We are free to enjoy the views and their curated cocktails.
Written September 9, 2023
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.
Elaine M
Muncie, IN347 contributions
Aug 2021
We took the Shoreline Cruise hoping to see some of the homes and dunes along the shore as you head south from Leland. Unfortunately the boat cruises at some distance from shore (due to water depth?) so you couldn't see much. Maybe bring binoculars?
It was a pleasant trip but we wished the captain/crew would have given some kind of commentary. The P.A. system is poor - we weren't able to hear any safety announcements or instructions. Hopefully there were some?
Making reservations and signing in were very efficiently done and the staff members manning those positions were very nice.
It was a pleasant trip but we wished the captain/crew would have given some kind of commentary. The P.A. system is poor - we weren't able to hear any safety announcements or instructions. Hopefully there were some?
Making reservations and signing in were very efficiently done and the staff members manning those positions were very nice.
Written August 10, 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.
Steven F
2 contributions
Sep 2022
I recently returned from a trip to S. Manitou Is. with my daughter and her family including a 6 year old and an 8 year old. The trip involved a delay of a day due to bad weather, and then an additional day on the island again because of bad weather which prevented the ferry from running. The MIT folks were terrific. Every time they called, or I called them, they were well organized, friendly, sympathetic, and informative. At one point on the return trip the staff person made a mistake in taking the roll. He came back minutes later and apologized and was super courtesy. He was amazing given how much pressure the boat company was with all the bad weather causing ferry cancelations. This has been my experience with this company since my first trip out to the island in 1968. They do a terrific job. They are a terrific family business.
Written September 5, 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.
Stacie LS
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Reliable and caring, MIT is a great multigenerational family business that has been serving the North and South Manitou Islands for over 100 years. Always friendly on the phone or in person when checking in, A+ customer service from their office staff and boat crew. They work hard to keep a firm schedule and make decisions to delay or cancel based on safety on Lake Michigan. Highly recommended!
Written August 2, 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.
Natalie G
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
My family had signed up for the sunset cruise and were very excited. I’m traveling with my parents and grandparents (one of which is in a wheelchair). Because of this, I called ahead to make sure this would work, and the person on the phone replied that it was “absolutely no problem”. My grandfather is in a 600lb motorized wheelchair and loves the water and fishing, so this was both surprising and great news. Upon arrival we saw the large lip on the entrance to the boat and asked again if this was handicap accessible. The people taking tickets both assured us that this wouldn’t be an issue and told us to get on. We were waiting for them to pull out a ramp or lift, but instead they directed my grandfather to turn around and they would just “lift him over”. This was over about a foot of water in between the dock and boat and another lip about a foot high in the entrance. This was an incredibly stupid plan, seeing as it could result in the very heavy wheelchair getting stuck, or a serious injury to my grandpa. We left and they ordered a refund but it was disappointing to see how they had no concept as to what they needed to offer to make the cruise “handicap accessible” and also that they would risk that kind of injury.
Written August 2, 2023
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.
blankind
Louisville, CO22 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
The Manitou Island Transit crew did an outstanding job of getting all of us to and from South Manitou Island. I was impressed with their meticulous record keeping of who was on board and what they would be doing on the island in case they didn't return in time for the ferry back. They handled somewhat rough water on the way back well too, going a slightly different way to try to maximize the amount of time we were going with the waves rather than at an angle to them. They also had a great music playlist including CCR, the Eagles, and Noah Kahan, so gotta love that too.
Written June 14, 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.
Leslie N
Aruba18 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We took the ferry out to South Manitou Island this week. What a beautiful adventure. We ferried for 1.5 hours from Leland to the dock on South Manitou. I suggest bringing layers the ferry ride can be cold . We toured the lighthouse (a must) and hiked to the shipwreck and the ancient cedars. We hiked a total of 7.8 miles and stopped for a brief lunch at the shipwreck . There is no water or restaurants on the island to pack your own. Weather was stunning the water was a beautiful blue ! We had very little down time and not enough time to get to the dunes. So plan accordingly . If you are spending the night you will have time to explore further on the island . Week days are lighter crowds, weekend can have more than 100 on the island . Enjoy !!
Written July 18, 2023
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.
Dream50573580875
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Couples
The ferry was canceled upon our return date due to weather -- high seas and waves I believe. Funny, we later spoke to three friends whose return was likewise delayed, a day or more. Stuck on an island with no services...could be not only inconvenient but dangerous. This ferry is too small for common Lake Michigan weather. If you're OK with delays to another day (bring sufficient food and meds, and have a forebearing employer), go for it.
Written August 12, 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.
P7455EPthomasw
Matthews, NC55 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
The entire trip and tour was excellent. The boat was well maintained and performed well in choppy water. The accommodations were comfortable. Our tour on South Manitou was outstanding. Michael, our guide, had lived on the island and was a wealth of knowledge about its history and present day status. We did not get the tour to the Ceders and Shipwreck that we originally wanted due to previous weather making the trail impassable. The alternate Farm Tour was a wonderful replacement. The island rangers and the staff of Manitou Transit were helpful and accommodating. We plan another visit next year.
Written September 13, 2023
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.
Jeff G
Herne Bay, United Kingdom
Where is the parking lot in Leland for overnite campers to North Manitou?
Written July 31, 2023
I've only used day parking located next to their office but the following was posted on their website - "We have a parking lot available for $3.00 per day. Campers need to drive down to our ticket office first to unload and check in, at which time we will direct you up to our lot and give you a parking permit for your car. It's about a five minute walk."
If you're concerned about driving a large vehicle/RV down by the office, just call the Manitou Transit office and ask for the exact parking location. Note that the marina parking lot is right there (and gets busy in the summer) but you can always use that to maneuver down there if that is a concern.
Written August 2, 2023
If visiting with a group travelling in one vehicle, do we each need an individual National Park Pass?
Written April 6, 2022
Which Weather Station group camping site is the most desirable?
Written July 21, 2018
Has anyone done the tour on the island that takes you to the Cedar Grove and Morazan ship wreck? If so, how long did the tour take? Or if you walked to and from the shipwreck, how long did it take?
Written February 22, 2017
Hi-To answer your question are dogs allowed on North and South Manitou Islands, No they are not allowed. You can check with the Sleeping Bear website and it will let you know what areas of the park system Dogs are allowed in.
Written February 21, 2017
Casiemae
Flint, Michigan
I'm planning a camping trip there for a few nights and was wondering if anyone had any advise for food. i know everything has to be carried so space and weight is a concern and that the chipmunks are microbears, which is another concern.
Written July 5, 2015
This answer is probably too late for you, but...we pack all our food in a bag we can hang in a tree (throw a rope over a branch) or in a bear cannister.
We take dried foods as weight is a concern when hiking: granola w/ powdered milk for breakfast, dried fruits, trail mix, granola bars, etc. We eat freeze-dried meals (add boiling water) from Mountain House for dinner. For protein we bring summer sausage and tuna sold in packets. It's not gourmet dining, but it works for a few days!
Written August 7, 2016
Yes, you can hike on the islands. I've only been to North Manitou, but I believe South Manitou is even easier to hike. On North Manitou there are several trails that cross the island, as well as trails running north-south--you can hike all around it on trails, or use the beach for some of the way.
Written August 7, 2016
Michelle M
Grand Traverse County, Michigan
What's the cost to take the boat to South Manitou?
Written May 18, 2015
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