Pictured Rocks Kayaking
Pictured Rocks Kayaking
5
About
If you are not on a boat you are not with Pictured Rocks Kayaking! We are the only kayaking company in the area that brings you to the best parts of Pictured Rocks National lakeshore by boat. Your tour begins on a specialized vessel heading out of Munising Bay with amazing views of Grand Island, the Historic East Channel Light House and the beginning of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You may sit back and relax as we anchor near the best parts of the lakeshore and prepare to launch your kayak by boat. The majority of points of interest will be seen by up close and personal by kayak. For safety, the boat will stay with the kayaking groups for the entire adventure. Two great tour options for 2023! Choose our Ultimate Kayak tour for 5 hours. Or our NEW Miners Castle tour for 3 hours and only $99!! Check out our website for videos and more information. Book here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35663
Munising, Michigan

Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024

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Pictured Rocks Kayaking
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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

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles568 reviews
Excellent
538
Very good
17
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
3

john c
Alexandria, VA357 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
We were so lucky. After a week in which all Kayaking trip were cancelled by the wind and waves, the day we scheduled was perfect.

Cannot say enough about how professional Pictured Rocks Kayaking is.

There were 48 people who went the day we went. 4 groups of 12 with a guide for each group.

Pictured Rocks is a difficult place to get to to kayak. The 48 of us were taken on a customized "kayak boat" 6 miles from Munising to Pictures Rocks.

Launching from the boat was so simple and easy--loved both leaving the boat and coming back.

We probably kayaked 5 miles along the rocks and into caves and through arches. So much fun. Our guide was excellent.

Colors in the pictured rocks was very nice but not spectacular. So much fun kayaking up close to these amazing rocks.

Cost is not cheap at $175 but you are paying for the expensive kayak transport boat to a wonderful experience.

Hopefully the winds and waves cooperate the day you book.
Written October 1, 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.
Thank you for such a detailed review. We were so happy to get back out there that day! The colors are almost at their peak so it was a little early in the season but what a great day it was! It is hit or miss in “silly September” but we are glad it worked out.
Written October 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chelsea S
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Friends
My sister and I took the 9am tour out to see Pictured Rocks. When the boat arrived at the location our boat driver stated he did not feel comfortable sending us out in the water due to rough waters. He stopped the boat, pointed out to us what he was seeing, and then proceeded to drive us over to Grand Island which had smoother water for us to kayak around.

Since our kayak trip wasn’t around Pictured Rocks we were given a $60 refund on our original tickets and even had the option to request a full refund. Grand Island was still gorgeous and a fun alternative experience if you are looking to experience kayaking in Lake Superior.
Written August 28, 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.
Thank you for the review Chelsea! Sometimes Mother Nature has different plans and we do not know until we get to the launch point. We are glad you enjoyed the Grand Island tour.
Written August 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kristin P
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Pictured Rocks Kayaking rocks! We stopped in Munising during our Michigan Road Trip. We saw many other vendors doing kayaking, even in the pictured rocks area. However, they all launched from land, saw maybe one or two National Lakeshore attractions, and began to paddle back to land.

With Pictured Rocks Kayaking, they took us out into the middle of the lake, and the boats were so easy to get into with the built-in launches on the boat (the boat itself is even really cool to take the ride from Munising and back during the round trip!)

During COVID, all staff wore masks, hand sanitizer was available at any time, and they requested all kayaking participants keep masks on in shared areas. I felt completely safe the entire time both from the virus, and from anything going wrong in the water.

We had Isaac as our guide, and he was incredibly knowledgeable about the geology and evolution of the rock formations, the local places to check out and even tips to take during our UP trip in general.

I would go back and do this again in a heartbeat and highly recommend this excursion. If you try to hike the paths to see all of these destinations, it would take days - and the views from land don't compare. I can not say enough good things about Pictured Rocks Kayaking!
Written July 8, 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a great review! We are so happy you enjoyed your trip with us and your trip to Munising!
Written July 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

joydee72
Winthrop Harbor, IL137 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Family
I can not express enough how amazing this group is to work with. From start to finish. My daughter is ten and she had a blast! My review will be detailed…..

First, let me say that we came to Munising only for this tour. I did a ton of research for a kayaking trip - this was not something we added to an already planned vaca. I think that is important because I do a lot of research before we go anywhere!

Safety: the Great Lakes can be rough. We were told by the captain that we were the first boat out so we had to determine if it was safe enough for kayakers. It was not. Too rough. So we got pics of the pictured rocks from the boat.

They then took us to a safer location on the other side where it was calmer. We got our full paddle in and it was amazing! If this happens, they automatically refund a discount per ticket onto the card you paid with. LOVE that they have this policy! It truly shows that they care very much about giving you what you paid for.

Launch: when your group is called, you go to the platform and enter the kayaks while on the platform. They help you each step of the way. I never felt unsafe Or confused about what was happening. Each step is explained and clear.

Guide: each group has a guide who goes with you each step of the way. We got to kayak into the rocks through little tunnels a few times which was so much fun! And the best part is that the boat never leaves the area, so that made me feel really safe - especially with my daughter along.

Food: take water with you but there really is not time for snacks unless you have something small and easy like a protein bar. You can leave bags on the big boat, so I suggest taking something small in the kayak just in case and leaving the main snack for the ride back to the dock.

The guides were VERY knowledgeable of the lake and the area. Not just with fun facts but with trail suggestions and such. Everyone was so helpful.

We did not have one thing to complain about or negative about this adventure. Not even slightly. Clean bathrooms on the boat too! And the shirts in the shop are well priced and great quality!

Thank you so much to our guide, Keira, and your entire staff for a truly amazing adventure!
Written June 19, 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out such a detailed review! We really appreciate it and are so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip with us!
Written June 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Betsy N
Plainfield, IL91 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
We arrived about 45 minutes early. At first we felt like it was a little too early, but the time went by fast. Many people are arriving and the parking lot fills up fast. Remember, people will be getting off of the next boat coming in and parking spots will open up.
The talk about the chance of rough waters changing the itinerary was helpful. Ours went as scheduled. If, by chance they cancel due to rough waters, don't worry, they'll do everything in their power to make you happy and get you kayaking!
The boat is very clean. I brought my purse on board and stuffed it under the seat cushion in my row of seats. It was safe and did not get wet.
The transfer from boat to Kayak is amazing to watch. The guides make it look easy!
Each guide in my group had 5 double kayaks to watch. The formations they guide you to are amazing. They also can tell you history about the rocks.
Overall, one of the BEST kayaking tours I've been on. I recommend it highly.
We paddled 5.7 miles, but it was a drift too, so not very strenuous.
Relax, you'll have a GREAT time. :)
Written August 17, 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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a detailed review! We really appreciate it and love to hear that you enjoyed your trip with the PRK crew! :)
Written August 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maggie H
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
My friend and I traveled up to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for a few days and decided we wanted to go kayaking to get a closer look at the beautiful rocks! The price was originally a little scary looking (at least for us younger adults), but it was worth all the money we paid! The staff was friendly, professional, and accommodating. The tour was very safe, it was nice having the boat along for the trip in case someone got tired or needed to use the bathroom. The actual tour groups were smaller (5 kayaks), which was nice in terms of staying together and being able to hear the guide talk about the rock formations. The sights were absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Definitely bring some sort of camera to take pictures. I would recommend buying a waterproof phone case before arriving, as the ones they sell at the shop are very expensive. We lucked out that the water was very calm the day we went, so it was not too tiring kayaking the 5 miles, but I could see how it could be a tiring trip had the water been choppy.

This was by far our favorite part of our trip to Pictured Rocks!
Written July 24, 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.
Thank you for the 5 star review! We appreciate hearing you enjoye your trip with the PRK crew :)
Written July 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

cjoyk
Lexington, KY113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
This was my favorite thing we did on our Munising trip! We had to reschedule our tour twice due to weather, but the company is fantastic to work with on this. If the weather doesn’t allow for the trip, they’ll refund your money or allow you to reschedule. They may also offer you an alternative route along Grand Island at a discounted rate. We were thankfully able to reschedule for the full Pictured Rocks tour, and it was amazing! They allowed us to paddle through coves and caves and under Lover’s Leap. There is nothing like the views of the rocks from the beautiful, clear water of Lake Superior. We had no trouble with our group, but there was another group in which some of the kayakers wanted to return to the boat early, which they allowed. It’s comforting knowing that if something goes wrong, help can be in the way quickly. Our tour guide was knowledgeable snd friendly and the experience as a while was outstanding! We definitely recommend going with this company. It’s worth the price.
Written July 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5 star review! We love to hear it when customers enjoy their trip with us along the Pictured Rocks!
Written July 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,314 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
We did the Ultimate Kayak Tour and had a wonderful time on our paddle. The outfitter has everything streamlined and was able to get us prepared and into the water with tons of support. We rode out in one of their boats, then were able to enter our kayaks from their specially equipped deck at the rear. The boat remained within sight during our entire paddle, meaning if there were any issues with safety or getting tired or even just a bathroom break needed, they were there to support and help.

Our tour was all on one boat (they seem to have at least 4), and were divided up during our boat ride into several groups of 8-10 kayakers (so 4 or 5 double kayaks) each of which had its own guide. We were spaced out pretty well and could paddle at our own pace, although there was some waiting time on the boat either before or after your group finished, while waiting for other groups to either head out or return from their paddle.

The entire tour was about 4.5 hours; with time required to get to and from our launch point and some time waiting our turn at that point, we had somewhere between 1.5 and 2 hours on the water and paddling. When we visited, unfortunately the wind and waves were too high for us to safely paddle at Pictured Rocks themselves, so we had to go to an alternate site. We did appreciate their being up front about the issue and refunding part of the tour fee for the alternate site. If your heart is set on kayaking next to Pictured Rocks, you are probably better off booking a morning tour, as wind and water behavior are more likely to be favorable at that time of day.
Written October 4, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a detailed review, we appreciate it!
Written October 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cassbella
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA228 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
5 stars this was the HIGHLIGHT of our UP vacation!
Worth every penny!!
We were so impressed with the operation it was smooth sailing
The staff were friendly and ensured your visit was great
So impressed with our captain she made sure the entire trip was wonderful.
Boat ride out was 30 mins then we had couple of hours of kayaking (5.2 miles)
45 min ride back into the dock

I was worried it would be too much kayaking but it was just right. I wasn’t even sore the next day

They mention several times on the tour if you want to take a break, need to go to bathroom, or don’t feel well to just let your guide know the boat will be there to pick you up, I appreciated that part. Even though we didn’t need to use it I thought it was reassuring to know it’s available

We took 2:30 tour that was sold out 68 total
They place you in groups we were group 6 (last one) we were last getting off the boat but enjoyed being last group getting back on

There were 5 kayaks in our group plus our guide

Never felt rushed and could really kayak at my own pace which was nice
We had plenty of time at each site to kayak right against the rocks or stay further out whatever we preferred

Kayaking in the cave was so cool and we kayaked under arches

My daughter 10 and son 7 were with us and loved it too!!

So this is great for families and highly recommend it’s money well spent and memories that will last a lifetime
Written August 11, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a detailed review! We really appreciate it and love to hear that your family enjoyed your tour with us!
Written August 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christy C
Farmington Hills, MI87 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Really appreciated the care, attention, and personal experience of this adventure. Our captain was thoughtful and communicative about the changing weather and possibility of cancellation. She kept us informed throughout the day and made sure we had realistic expectations and, ultimately, an amazing experience. I loved that we got to enjoy the view and the lake breeze from the big on the way in and out to the Rocks. It really adds a special layer of adventure and joy to the experience. We were able to tailor our kayaking to the changing winds and get the most enjoyment, sights, and easy paddling for our time in the water.

Our kayak guide was knowledgeable, confident, and competent on the water. Sea kayaking in Superior is not a low key activity and her job, keeping us all together AND having fun, is a big job. It was difficult to hear her most of the time but I would rather that than a bull horn. Stick close to the guide if you are hard of hearing or just really interested in all the history and science.

The physical activity itself is doable for any reasonably active teen or adult. I was just a few weeks off of laparoscopic surgery and had no trouble keeping up. The kayaks are 2-man boats so you have to be able to work well with a partner (hint: this is a marriage/date test;). Don't miss the chance to see the Rocks from our Greatest Lake!!
Written August 20, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a great review! We are so happy yo hear you enjoyed your trip with Pictured Rocks Kayaking.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Pictured Rocks Kayaking - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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