Apostle Islands Base Camp and Kayak Tour Adults with Disabilities
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Join us on a kayak tour of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore while enjoying a supportive and empowering community of other people with disabilities. This trip will have a slower pace than our general public trips and allow space for intentional skill development. Participants are safely and respectfully supported by a team of staff and volunteers to facilitate a successful, immersive outdoor experience. If you anticipate high physical and/or emotional support needs, this is the trip for you. We welcome people who need full support in wheelchair transfers, balance assistance, or personal care assistance.
Embark on a series of sea kayaking and hiking day trips from our Base Camp, including the beautiful Mawikwe Sea Caves, Bark Bay Slough, or one of the many majestic Apostle Islands. Enjoy delicious food prepared together, experience breathtaking sunsets over Lake Superior, and listen to waves crash along the shore. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a first-time paddler, you’ll find a welcoming space with other people who have disabilities to challenge yourself while creating lasting bonds in the beauty of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Bountiful meals prepared together in base camp kitchen
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Shared, spacious tents
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Wilderness Inquiry’s beautiful base camp at Little Sand Bay
In the afternoon, meet at our beautiful base camp. Review personal gear, participate in a sea kayaking orientation, and get to know your trip mates. Learn about the Lake Superior “Cedar – Hemlock” forest, unique to this area, before enjoying an evening sunset over Lake Superior.
Day 2 – Explore the Roman’s Point Sea Caves by kayak and then hike to Lost Creek Falls
Rise for a delicious breakfast paired with a steaming cup of coffee. Review paddling skills with your guides and prep for a day of adventure. Head west to explore the charms that the nearby community of Cornucopia offers with a paddle tour of the Roman’s Point Sea Caves. After lunch, hit the trail for a hike to the unique plunge-waterfall of Lost Creek Falls. End the day relaxing and telling stories around the campfire. Depending on the weather and wind direction, this day’s itinerary is subject to change.
Day 3 – Paddle the iconic Mawikwe Sea Caves at Meyer’s Beach
After you start your day with a hearty breakfast, get your paddle gear ready, pack lunch, and leave for Mawikwe Bay. Here you will kayak to the most majestic sea caves in the entire Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Your Outdoor Leaders will safely guide you as you kayak in-and-out of the many rock chambers sculpted over centuries by wind and waves. Rest and enjoy lunch on a secluded beach before making your paddle back to Meyers Beach. Spend one last night at our Little Sand Bay Base Camp with hot showers, great food, and good company. Depending on weather and wind direction, this day’s itinerary is subject to change.
Day 4 – Enjoy one final adventure before saying farewell to your trip mates
After breakfast, partake in one final adventure – perhaps a hike above the Mawikwe Sea Caves you paddled the day before to see them from a new perspective. Enjoy sharing stories with your trip mates over lunch before your afternoon departure.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.Â
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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