Apostle Islands Kayaks
Apostle Islands Kayaks
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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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4.0
41 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
5
Average
3
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Christie B
Cincinnati, OH90 contributions
Aug 2021
I'm actually not sure if I should rate this provider, but I wanted to put a caution that there is another company - Apostle Island Kayak (with no s) that has a website of bayfieldkayak.com that is NOT the same. Very disappointed in the bayfieldkayak group since they changed the time of our prepaid kayak trip due to "expected high winds" which was not true. No wind, many other outfitters out kayaking at the time of our cancelled trip. Plus any outfit that tries to capitalize on the good reputation of another outfitter is bad form to begin with. Beware of making the same mistake we did in booking with the similar named group.
Written August 22, 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.
Felicia H
Fargo, ND5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Ed is an interesting and funny guide. He captures multiple photos of your trip and emails them to you promptly and for free.
You will have fun if you wear long pants. (MURDER FLIES).
It was my husband and my first time kayaking, it was quite challenging, but we enjoyed it very much.
You will have fun if you wear long pants. (MURDER FLIES).
It was my husband and my first time kayaking, it was quite challenging, but we enjoyed it very much.
Written June 20, 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.
Rachelle E
Lodi, Wisconsin, United States17 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
The kayaking was fun. It was a work out but worth it. We did the self guided tour. My husband and I had both kayaked before and knew somewhat what to expect, but it was a more difficult paddle than we have done in the past. We had a tandem kayak which I wouldn't recommend, it was harder to manuever. It would have been nice if the kayaks had better seats since our backs got sore. The staff was very nice, but everything was unorganized. We got misinformation on where to meet and many of the other details. I'm a planner so I found that very irritating. But the shoreline and caves were beautiful.
Written August 19, 2013
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.
I am glad that the customers enjoyed kayaking and the beauty of Lake Superior. We make it very clear on our website and during the reservation process, however, that customers are to "check in with us at our downtown location" by specific times, depending on which tour or rental activity they wish to participate in. Customers are then given specific instructions - which park (we have two), where at the park and what time. My staff and I are indeed "very nice" and we do our best.
Written May 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Polar Iceman
1 contribution
Jul 2020 • Couples
Apostle Islands Kyaks did a very poor job communicating with us. We reserved a tandem kyak, and the night before our tour we got an email from them. It said, that conditions did not look good for the next day, and that they would likely have to cancel "on scene." That was after a text was sent to me giving details for the wrong tour. That text was followed by a text saying "wrong person." When I texted them to find out what that meant, they didn't respond. I called them a dozen times the next day, and it went straight to voicemail. The voicemail stated that we should text them instead of leaving a message.
We changed our day around so we could be at the place where they said to be at our departure time, and nobody was there. After asking around, we found where they were located. The place was in a shambles, and the employee only came out after I yelled hello several times. I think he was sleeping instead of running the business. When I explained what happened, he said they had bad cell coverage and it wasn't their fault. I can't believe a kyaking outfitter that runs their business by texting has such poor communication and rude employees. After traveling across the state we were disappointed to waste half a day of our short vacation. Stay away from Apostle Islands Kyaks. They are unprofessional, disorganized, and they don't communicate at all unless it's to tell you that they have your money. If this is how they treat people on land, I would never want the go on Lake Superior with them.
We changed our day around so we could be at the place where they said to be at our departure time, and nobody was there. After asking around, we found where they were located. The place was in a shambles, and the employee only came out after I yelled hello several times. I think he was sleeping instead of running the business. When I explained what happened, he said they had bad cell coverage and it wasn't their fault. I can't believe a kyaking outfitter that runs their business by texting has such poor communication and rude employees. After traveling across the state we were disappointed to waste half a day of our short vacation. Stay away from Apostle Islands Kyaks. They are unprofessional, disorganized, and they don't communicate at all unless it's to tell you that they have your money. If this is how they treat people on land, I would never want the go on Lake Superior with them.
Written July 22, 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.
flygal66
Appleton, WI5 contributions
Sep 2011 • Friends
Don’t go to Apostle Islands Kayaks on Madeline Island if you value safety on the water. Booked a reservation for party of 2 for the 1pm Big Bay kayak rental. Made reservation to assure a spot on a busy holiday weekend. Spoke with Ed, the owner to make the reservation. Discussed 24 hr cancellation policy at time of booking. Asked about what the policy is if there is inclement weather on the day of the kayak rental. Told me, of course they would not go if there were adverse weather conditions like rain. Instructed to call that morning if there was any concern with the weather, before coming over on the ferry. (another $50 for 2 people and a car) Weather report and forcast that day wind from the north at 20 kts, water looked rough displaying white caps, rain and small craft advisory. Was raining at 9:15 am when I called the first time and told it was too early for Ed to Cx the 1pm reservation. Explained neither of us felt safe on the water in these types of weather conditions. Instructed to call back between 11-11:30 am, to allow enough time to still catch the ferry over and arrive at the town park by 1 pm. Ed said he would see if it is “raining” at that time.
With my kayak safety class ringing in my mind and all the warnings about the cold Lake Superior waters, hypothermia and the loss of kayakers due to being on the water during adverse weather conditions, I just didn’t feel this was safe decision to go ahead and go with these kinds of water and wind conditions. The same thing was also repeated over and over again by the National Park Service too.
Watched the weather on radar and the internet throughout the morning. Winds N-NE 20 kts gusting 25, large area of rain had just passed through the area – for the time being. However, winds remained high. Called Ed at 11:15 am and told he would not accept our cancellation. Reason given – “its not raining”. Rain, according to him was the only reason he cancels the reservation. (forget about lightening, high winds, high waves or small craft advisory) Again emphasized high winds, waves and even with Big Bay being on the leeward side of the island, conditions for the day were just too unsafe. Again, Ed tells me of 24 hr cancellation policy and I again explained this was not right for him to insist on charging us and not allowing us to cancel since this was a safety issue. Told I was wrong and he was “the expert”, not me. He looked at the radar and there was no more rain in sight. (more rain cells did pass over the area on and off all afternoon, along with steady high winds) I told him he was “no expert” if all his decisions for a “go – no go” are based purely on if its raining or not. Rain is only 1 small segment of total weather conditions. Told him I too had some credentials and expertise in weather reports and forcasts as a commercial pilot and experienced sailor. We still cancelled, within 1 hour his charges posted to my credit card. Kayakers beware! Don’t give your business or trust your safety to Apostle Islands Kayaks.
With my kayak safety class ringing in my mind and all the warnings about the cold Lake Superior waters, hypothermia and the loss of kayakers due to being on the water during adverse weather conditions, I just didn’t feel this was safe decision to go ahead and go with these kinds of water and wind conditions. The same thing was also repeated over and over again by the National Park Service too.
Watched the weather on radar and the internet throughout the morning. Winds N-NE 20 kts gusting 25, large area of rain had just passed through the area – for the time being. However, winds remained high. Called Ed at 11:15 am and told he would not accept our cancellation. Reason given – “its not raining”. Rain, according to him was the only reason he cancels the reservation. (forget about lightening, high winds, high waves or small craft advisory) Again emphasized high winds, waves and even with Big Bay being on the leeward side of the island, conditions for the day were just too unsafe. Again, Ed tells me of 24 hr cancellation policy and I again explained this was not right for him to insist on charging us and not allowing us to cancel since this was a safety issue. Told I was wrong and he was “the expert”, not me. He looked at the radar and there was no more rain in sight. (more rain cells did pass over the area on and off all afternoon, along with steady high winds) I told him he was “no expert” if all his decisions for a “go – no go” are based purely on if its raining or not. Rain is only 1 small segment of total weather conditions. Told him I too had some credentials and expertise in weather reports and forcasts as a commercial pilot and experienced sailor. We still cancelled, within 1 hour his charges posted to my credit card. Kayakers beware! Don’t give your business or trust your safety to Apostle Islands Kayaks.
Written November 14, 2011
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.
This 2011 "review" confuses Apostle Islands Kayaks (PLURAL) with the illegal copycat website Apostle Islands Kayak (SINGULAR). The "Reviewer" was in any case looking for excuses to cancel her reservation at the last moment. Wind on one side of the island does not mean wind on the other side of the island!
Written August 26, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mrsbanting
milwaukee, wi36 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
I absolutely expect a snarky response from Ed for this review, but I like to help others make the best decisions on what to do with their valuable vacation time.
Let me start by saying that I think Madeline Island is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and that the trip I'm reviewing is our second trip to the island. I also don't doubt Ed's kayaking knowledge.
However, I am a planner. We had multiple phone conversations with Ed prior to our trip and had made a reservation for our group of 8, well in advance. Ed continuously told us that he was thinking about changing his tours for the summer 2012 season and that he would get back to us. In desperation, after not hearing back about any changes, we made our reservations. When we stopped by Ed's place the day before our kayaking tour, he had no record of our reservation. Good thing we stopped by. We were planning to do the sea caves excursion, and had told them that we needed a three-person kayak as one person in our group is physically unable to use the paddles and another is a handicapped child with limited ability to use the paddle. We found out when we got there that they don't offer 3-person kayaks for the sea caves trip. So, we had to scramble to figure out a way to get everyone onto a kayak. Then, we found out that the "shuttle" that is supposed to take people out to the park, isn't even registered, so we had to drive ourselves. This wouldn't be a problem, except that the trip leaves from the state park, so we had to pay the state park fee on top of the kayak tour fee.
So, at that point, we thought we were finally all set, but our trip got cancelled due to weather. Nothing that can be done about that. So, we rescheduled for the next day, and got cancelled again. So, we rescheduled for a third day! So, that's 3 additional state park fees for two different cars.
Also, we found that his website had been changed in multiple ways between when we made our first phone call to him and when we went on our tour. Many companies reserve the right to do this, but good customer service entails letting your already-registered customers know when there are changes. But, then again, it's difficult to do that if you're too disorganized to keep track of the reservations.
As we had already been through the paddle-selection process, we knew which size paddle each person needed. Ed even claimed to have written it down, but didn't bother bringing the list along and refused to consider that we could easily remember which paddles he had given us the previous day. So, we wasted a good 20 minutes, as he reassigned us paddles. Again, not a huge issue, but just another straw on the camel's back. We finally ended up at the state park beach and were all ready to go! But then we were forced to take off our shoes! My husband and I had both spent significant money on specially-made water shoes that are meant to be used in situations like this and everyone else in our party had the cheap water-sock type shoes. Ed had just purchased some new kayaks this year and although they were already scuffed-up quite a bit, he felt our shoes would damage them. For the first part of the trip, I did keep my shoes off but my heels were so raw from sitting in the sandy bottom of the kayak, that I had to wear them the rest of the time. If you want to put your kayaks on a shelf and admire them, then don't rent them out!
The tour itself was fine, except for two things. First, we paid extra for a guided-tour(though we weren't really given a choice in the matter). Usually with a guided tour you get a knowledgeable, friendly, funny person who talks to you the whole time, tells you stories and history, and points-out things of interest. We got absolutely none of that, except for him pointing out a little cave called the Gnome Cave. Secondly, we were told it's too rough to go anywhere near the caves! The water was pretty calm throughout the trip, but I'm not an expert. Again, Ed seemed more concerned about his kayaks than about what his customers were paying to see.
So, we spent ridiculously more money that we planned, wasted an entire day of vacation and STILL didn't get to see the sea caves. Keep in mind that if you're looking for a relaxing day, this is not for you. We paddled non-stop the entire time. I would've loved to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
There is at least one other kayaking outlet on Madeline Island. Though their prices are a bit higher, I would highly recommend trying them out.
Let me start by saying that I think Madeline Island is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited and that the trip I'm reviewing is our second trip to the island. I also don't doubt Ed's kayaking knowledge.
However, I am a planner. We had multiple phone conversations with Ed prior to our trip and had made a reservation for our group of 8, well in advance. Ed continuously told us that he was thinking about changing his tours for the summer 2012 season and that he would get back to us. In desperation, after not hearing back about any changes, we made our reservations. When we stopped by Ed's place the day before our kayaking tour, he had no record of our reservation. Good thing we stopped by. We were planning to do the sea caves excursion, and had told them that we needed a three-person kayak as one person in our group is physically unable to use the paddles and another is a handicapped child with limited ability to use the paddle. We found out when we got there that they don't offer 3-person kayaks for the sea caves trip. So, we had to scramble to figure out a way to get everyone onto a kayak. Then, we found out that the "shuttle" that is supposed to take people out to the park, isn't even registered, so we had to drive ourselves. This wouldn't be a problem, except that the trip leaves from the state park, so we had to pay the state park fee on top of the kayak tour fee.
So, at that point, we thought we were finally all set, but our trip got cancelled due to weather. Nothing that can be done about that. So, we rescheduled for the next day, and got cancelled again. So, we rescheduled for a third day! So, that's 3 additional state park fees for two different cars.
Also, we found that his website had been changed in multiple ways between when we made our first phone call to him and when we went on our tour. Many companies reserve the right to do this, but good customer service entails letting your already-registered customers know when there are changes. But, then again, it's difficult to do that if you're too disorganized to keep track of the reservations.
As we had already been through the paddle-selection process, we knew which size paddle each person needed. Ed even claimed to have written it down, but didn't bother bringing the list along and refused to consider that we could easily remember which paddles he had given us the previous day. So, we wasted a good 20 minutes, as he reassigned us paddles. Again, not a huge issue, but just another straw on the camel's back. We finally ended up at the state park beach and were all ready to go! But then we were forced to take off our shoes! My husband and I had both spent significant money on specially-made water shoes that are meant to be used in situations like this and everyone else in our party had the cheap water-sock type shoes. Ed had just purchased some new kayaks this year and although they were already scuffed-up quite a bit, he felt our shoes would damage them. For the first part of the trip, I did keep my shoes off but my heels were so raw from sitting in the sandy bottom of the kayak, that I had to wear them the rest of the time. If you want to put your kayaks on a shelf and admire them, then don't rent them out!
The tour itself was fine, except for two things. First, we paid extra for a guided-tour(though we weren't really given a choice in the matter). Usually with a guided tour you get a knowledgeable, friendly, funny person who talks to you the whole time, tells you stories and history, and points-out things of interest. We got absolutely none of that, except for him pointing out a little cave called the Gnome Cave. Secondly, we were told it's too rough to go anywhere near the caves! The water was pretty calm throughout the trip, but I'm not an expert. Again, Ed seemed more concerned about his kayaks than about what his customers were paying to see.
So, we spent ridiculously more money that we planned, wasted an entire day of vacation and STILL didn't get to see the sea caves. Keep in mind that if you're looking for a relaxing day, this is not for you. We paddled non-stop the entire time. I would've loved to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
There is at least one other kayaking outlet on Madeline Island. Though their prices are a bit higher, I would highly recommend trying them out.
Written August 16, 2012
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.
This "review" does not merit a response.
Written June 5, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ErlDibbles
Stevens Point, WI1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Couples
I had made reservations for my boyfriend and myself three weeks prior to our kayak trip. We originally planned to take out two single kayaks, as that was one of three options on their website. So we get there at 12:30pm, which is when the company told us to be there, but the employee didn't get there until well after 1:00pm. We could have been hanging out at the nearby beach instead of standing and waiting for over 40 minutes. What was worse was that a group of young adults that made NO RESERVATIONS took the last of the single kayaks, even though we DID make reservations, so we were forced to go on a double kayak. The employee there said that we may be able to get a half-off discount, but when I called Ed about it, he said that he would only be able to do that for our NEXT trip to Madeline Island. Although I have little respect for the company itself, the kayaking trip was fun as we explored the caves and swam a bit.
Written August 5, 2013
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.
The customer did not check in at our downtown location as requested, but rather waited at the launch area 7 miles from La Pointe. Since the customer did not check in, my assistant had no way of knowing that the customer was waiting at the launch area, but she did her best to accommodate the customer. I am glad that the customer found "the kayaking trip was fun" and got to "explore the caves" and swim.
Written May 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melissa P
New Richmond, WI1 contribution
Jun 2016 • Family
My family were all "first timers" when we booked our reservation on 6-11-16. To begin with, Ed gave us walking directions from the ferry since we were staying in Bayfield. Once we FINALLY arrived to his location he inquired about our car. Not knowing we needed a car to get to our launch site we followed his walking directions. While discussing this he continued to try and put his arm around my sister (trying to apologize) after she repeatedly told him not to. Once we arrived at the site(and throughout the day), his focus was constantly on my mother. He was disgusting! He kept trying to hug her and take pictures of her. It was extremely inappropriate and unprofessional. The reason we were there was to celebrate my father's 70th birthday - who had just passed a few months earlier. Ed made the entire day very uncomfortable. While on the lake my son and I had some challenges. Apparently Ed was done "teaching" us at that point. I went over to the beach since my son was becoming quite anxious. Ed just left us there and went on to the sea caves. Once he arrived at the sea caves the rest of my family asked where we where. He told them we had drowned! They had to ask multiple times about our well being. After his little jokes were over, he finally admitted we stopped earlier. Luckily, on the way back the rest of my family assisted us. From start to finish it was a huge disappointment. I have never been so disgusted by anyone in my entire life! I warn everyone to stay away from this business. He is disrespectful, unsafe (all life jackets were the same size!) and unprofessional. Please seek out other businesses if you wish to kayak - especially if you have a mother who is approx. his age!
Written July 6, 2016
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.
This review was recently called to my attention (2 years later). Our records show that the reservation was booked on 6.9.16 not 6.11.16 and that a booking confirmation email was sent to M.T. and opened on 6.9.16 for kayaking on 6.11.16. The confirmation letter gave instructions for getting to our location as well as the necessity of having a car or making arrangements with us. The launch site is 7 miles from our downtown location. Melissa has a vivid imagination. I reject her absurd allegations. She is unfairly blaming someone else for 1) not reading the email for directions and having to phone us, 2) not having a car or making arrangements with us, 3) not telling us of any "challenges" as requested in the email. Melissa's group presented us with problems. We found transportation for them, but as their guide I had to make choices on the water, since the mother and son were unable to kayak more than a mile or so. Accordingly, after lunch I suggested they stay on the beach while the remainder of the group (we had a full group of 12) paddled 3 miles to the caves and back to the beach (5 miles). Melissa's imagination unfortunately evolves into untruths and exaggerations. The reality is that I did my best to get them back to the starting point in a helpful and professional manner. This is our 14th year of successful operation, and we are Madeline Island's first and premier kayak company.
PS We have several sizes of life vests.
Written March 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura A
Mosinee, WI2 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Our family was beyond excited to kayak to the sea caves. There was rain in the forecast for the day we booked, but we checked in with Ed the day before and he assured us we would be fine. The morning of the trip you could hear thunder in the distance, but again we were told that weather system was far away and wouldn't be a problem. When we met Ed and arrived at the beach, the kayaks were not ready & we had to clean the sand, water and debris out of them from the people the day before. This was gross & not what I expected but we rolled with it. Then, as we got on the water, it started raining. Our 4 children, ages 6, 8, 11, 14 were fine for a little while. Then it started pouring - torrential rain. You could hardly see. There were literally no other boats on the water, which should have been our first clue that it was a bad idea to be out there. Then, lightning struck, so our whole family and Ed had to pull our boats out of the water and stand under some trees on the shore. By this time the kids were scared and crying. We were soaked to the bone & the little kids were cold. We had been paddling in the pouring rain for about 20 minutes at this point, and we decided that we did not want to try to continue in the monsoon-like conditions. We still had to paddle back to the beach, and help put all the kayaks away in the pouring rain. It was without question ridiculous & dangerous for us to have been out on the water when they were predicting thunderstorms in the first place, but we trusted our guide and his knowledge of the island and weather patterns. He tried to reschedule our trip for later in the week, but we were leaving the next day, and were not able to make that work. He said he would reschedule us for later in the summer or the following year, but then in the same breath said he might not be open the following year because he was moving to Cuba. We couldn't come up again later in the summer, because we live four hours away and it's a pretty large expense to travel that far, with lodging, food & the ferry. When we requested a full refund since we did not ever make it to the caves, and it was clear the trip should have been cancelled due to weather, we were only given a partial refund. The whole experience was horrible, and I would not recommend this company, especially to families.
Written August 26, 2017
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.
Laura unfortunately chose the wettest week of the summer. Everyone else had cancelled - we normally take 12 on the tour - but since they "were leaving the next day," and could not reschedule, I agreed to take the six of them kayaking. There was indeed water in the kayaks on the rack since the kayaks are stacked on their sides. We sponged out the water (which is often necessary), got on the water, and yes, it started raining. Unfortunately the family was not prepared for the rain, and after paddling a short distance we returned to the beach. There were no "monsoon-like conditions," nor was it "ridiculous and dangerous" to be on the water that day. (I am always surprised how much customers love to kayak in the rain - if they are prepared.) I am sorry we could not reschedule the tour for the next day or later in the summer. Laura is incorrect that they "were only given a partial refund." Our records show that they paid $117.98 for 3 adults, 1 child (11) and 2 children 8 and under free, and they were refunded the total amount. I sent Laura pictures of her lovely family - we always do that - and the family is invited to return to Madeline for free kayaking this coming summer - no charge. But just in case, Laura, bring rain gear!
Written March 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jenlec
Sun Prairie, WI138 contributions
Jul 2013
In general was a good time for my own family, a great workout with beautiful up close views of Madeline Island shoreline and sea caves. Would not suggest for those not used to physical activity. The young guides gave very brief instructions on how to use the paddles but once in the water didn't help with tips much. They told us at the beginning they wanted to keep everyone in a tight group but that notion went out the window later. My family and I stuck together and were aware of our surroundings. We are fairly fit and expected it to be a good workout, and it was. Bu Ot I felt bad for the families with young children. They didn't seem informed or prepared to work hard. Some parents had to paddle their own weight and their child's. The youngest kids were very bored after about 45 minutes. I had concerns about the guides not communicating well with each other and the group. As I mentioned before, this was a great activity for my own family. Would recommend for active adults and kids who can help with paddling.
Written July 26, 2013
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.
I rarely allowed my young guides, although they were well trained, to take out a tour group. This was one of those few occasions. Yes, many parents are not "prepared to work hard," and that is unfortunate. I do think, however, it is not difficult for most parents to paddle with a child. We do take a lunch break half way through the tour and parents with small children who get "bored after about 45 minutes" can always shorten the tour after we visit the caves. I am glad that the customer writes that " this was a great activity for my own family, " and I appreciate the constructive criticism.
Written May 16, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What would you suggest for parents with children ages 5 - 7??
Written May 14, 2015
Our kayak tours are perfect for parents with you children. It is probably best for each parent to take a child in a double kayak. From Big State Park on Madeline Island we paddle to the caves and cliffs on Madeline. Take your cameras because it is very beautiful. We stop at a small beach for lunch midway through the tour and then proceed to the Lagoon at the Town Park, down the Lagoon and back to our starting point. It is also possible for parents with small children to stop early without paddling through the Lagoon. Please see our website for details.
Written May 15, 2015
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