Northern Waters Adventures
Northern Waters Adventures
5
Adrenaline & Extreme ToursSightseeing ToursKayaking & Canoeing
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Guided sea kayak trips on Lake Superior along the incredible Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Perfect Safety Record for 33 years and running! The original Kayak Tour Company at Pictured Rocks.
Munising, Michigan
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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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
4.8
410 reviews
Excellent
368
Very good
29
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
3
alaskanAlaska
alaska33 contributions
Sep 2021
September 13, 2021, we had the wonderful experience of a full day kayaking experience to see the Pictured Rocks with Captain Carl. I had the good fortune to plan the kayaking adventure with Captain Carl with winds and weather in mind. It was an awesome day with a blue sky and calm winds. We were provided dry bags, lunch bags with ice packs, bottled water, spray jackets, and standard equipment for paddling tandem. We then were bused to Miner's Beach where our kayaks were fitted along with receiving a safety briefing. We took our time and paddling along the Superior shoreline where we were able to marvel at all the beautiful patterns of sandstone all the way to the Arches. Captain Carl was patient, knowledgeable, and humorous. Northern Waters Adventures is a great safe operation and I highly recommend them.
Written September 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.
Stacey W
Ann Arbor, MI13 contributions
Aug 2020
Five of us booked a guided kayak tour with Northern Waters Adventures and it was amazing! Our original trip was cancelled due to water conditions and we were able to rebook for the next day (August 28th). Two of us were new to the experience and three of us had done it before on a perfectly sunny, beautiful and warm day. That was fantastic! One of us (me!) was unhappy about the weather prediction (rain, about 66 degrees) for our evening tour hoped all day it would be cancelled. Thank goodness it wasn't! Seeing the Pictured Rocks in any light is gorgeous and for those of us who had done it previously, it was a different but great experience. For those who had never done it, it was spectacular. The Northern Adventures staff did a great job. We were assured that conditions were safe and that the water was actually "like glass." And it was. (The water was also surprisingly warm and I was dressed enough that I never felt cold). During the "lesson" prior to getting on the lake, it is easy to see that the staff are trained and knowledgeable and take safety seriously. Our guides, Phil and Brody, were skilled and knowledgeable, and also a lot of fun. It made the trip great. I highly recommend it and Northern Waters Adventures!
Written September 2, 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.
Heaven Leigh
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
My Sister and I both went hiking in Pictured Rocks and also kayaked with the Tour provided. It was absolutely amazing! It was our first time in the Upper Peninsula and we both enjoyed it so much! Both the scenery and sunsets were breathtaking beyond words. The water there was so crystal clear you could look straight to the bottom of the lake .. highly recommend this endeavor !! Hope you enjoy it as much as we both did…
Written June 22, 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.
We appreciate your review - we love sharing the beauty of Pictured Rocks with people!
Written July 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
libby
5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
George and Mason were great! We have never been in a tandem kayak before and are beginners for sure. They explained each part of the kayak, what to do and how to attach skirt etc. Safety instructions were thorough. Once on the water we really enjoyed ourselves and their commentary on the history and geography of the area was super interesting. They stayed close by until we got our rhythm going and we felt quite safe on the water. The rest of the staff was friendly from the checkin guy to the van driver. Highly recommend, the thing that made this outfit different from the ones we saw on the water (Groups of 8 to 10 kayaks) was that they do smaller group (we were a group of just 3 kayaks). This made it a much more “private tour” feeling!!!
Written July 9, 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.
Kelly V
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
This is the best kayaking tour company I’ve seen! I’ve kayaked in many different places but none compare. They have all essentials ready for their customers (ziplock bags, water pouches, water bottles, etc) and more, all included in the pricing. They keep all their equipment updated and cleaned. The company is ran very organized. I traveled last weekend with a group of 6 friends doing a night tour. The views were breathtaking and my pictures were phenomenal, many were raving at how beautiful it was. We had the tour guides James and Roman, they were THE BEST!!! They treated us wonderfully, telling us all the facts and allowed us all to enjoy ourselves. Highly recommend this company! We were all extremely satisfied 😀
Written July 26, 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.
We all feel so blessed to be able to have fun at work and share our love of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with people! Thank you for your review
Written August 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurie S
Urbana, OH1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Solo
I booked the evening trip to see Pictured Rocks. (July 17) I highly recommend this trip because the sun setting on the rocks makes the colors even more vivid. There were only four of on the trip, accompanied by two guides. Our guides were outstanding and extremely knowledgeable about the area. I learned far more than I ever expected! It was a peaceful evening trip, very relaxed. This was a great place to take a trip with and if I ever get back again, I will definitely book another trip!
Written July 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.
Carrie V
Green Bay, WI5 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Tour guides George and Mason were knowledgeable and friendly. They shared good info and answered all questions. This is away from the downtown kayak tours and I would recommend if you want to avoid crowds. It’s run very well. It’s organized and the price includes everything you need. They are very safe.
Written July 30, 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.
MDyson81
Evansville, IN2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Booked out Picture Rocks kayak trip with these folks after seeing them on a travel You Tube channel. We were not disappointed. Booking was easy on line and once we were there the check in was a breeze. Got all of our safety info and then off we went. Our guide Mason was very friendly and informative. He answered all of our questions and was a delight to paddle with. I would highly recommend this kayak tour company for a great time in the lake.
Written September 14, 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.
Gretchen95
South Lyon, MI13 contributions
Jul 2023
The entire staff at Northern Waters was friendly and welcoming! They gave clear instructions both before we boarded the van for the departure site as well as on the beach before we began our trip. Our 3 kayaking guides were all NMU students and very patient, friendly, and encouraging! This was our first open water kayak experience and we enjoyed it! Prepare to work hard if it's windy!
Written August 7, 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.
Kailey N
4 contributions
Aug 2021
Really wonderful LOCALLY OWNED tour worth every penny! The guides took educating paddlers of all ages and skill levels the ins and outs of the boat and took safety seriously. After hiking mosquito and chapel falls this was such an amazing way to get a different vantage point of the rocks. We had a beautiful, glassy day out on the lake and would suggest the morning or evening tours so that you can avoid most of the disturbance of the big tour ships.
Written August 16, 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.
Thanks for Kayaking with us! We hope to see you again!
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How many kayakers do you typically take out at one time (on a weekday morning in late July), and how many guides per group?
Written March 24, 2021
NorthernWatersAdv
Munising, Michigan
Thank you for your question! Our evening tour is from 4pm-8pm. It includes 2 hours of paddling and is about a 4 mile round trip paddle from the East end of Miner's Beach to Shipwreck Point and back. The other 2 hours includes the information talks, gear fitting and the shuttle to and from the beach.
Written August 25, 2020
Does it get cold in the early evening? Do you get wet? It’s suppose to be in the 70’s during the day. Thank you.
Written July 28, 2020
NorthernWatersAdv
Munising, Michigan
Hello,
It really depends on the day. We suggest paddlers dress in layers, so they can adjust accordingly when out on the water. You do have a chance of getting wet. Usually your feet will get wet.
Written July 29, 2020
Is this going to be safe and fun for someone who has never kayaked (or canoed) and cannot swim? I'm not worried about the physical endurance part, just the fear of capsizing and staying alive until the guide/boat gets me out :) Please share your stories/experience if unable to give specific advice!
Written July 10, 2018
The staff on the kayak trip are trained very well. They are highly skilled at what they do and do their best to explain basic rowing techniques. You’re also given a life jacket and tips on how to stay afloat. Listen to your guides because they will do anything and everything to make sure you’re comfortable. The most that’s ever happened on the kayak expedition is that my kayak ran into someone but no biggie. It was just a tap (it happened several times.) You’ll totally be fine.
Written July 11, 2018
Hello Hao,
Thank you for your question. First, we are closed for the 2017 season, Reopening end of May 2018.
However, we do not rent kayaks without a guide, maybe you meant a guided tour. Our half day guided tour in 2017 was $95/adult.
Please contact us with any other questions. Thank you, Carl
Written October 6, 2017
Does Wild Orchid have wi fi in the rooms? Last year when we were there, we could connect near the lobby/piano bar but not in our room.
Written March 11, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.