Apostle Islands Kayak Island Camping
Price
Activity Level
4
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
Located on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands are known for sea caves, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and sunken shipwrecks. After a day of preparation at Base Camp, your next four days will be spent kayaking and camping among the inner ring of islands. Your route may take you to the turn-of-the-century Raspberry Island lighthouse or the Swallow Point Sea Caves of Sand Island, where twisted sandstone pillars have been sculpted by millennia of wave action. Whatever your route, the scenery is stunning and the possibilities are endless on this adventure!
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 – Arrive at Wilderness Inquiry’s Base Camp and prep for your Island adventure!
In the afternoon, meet at our Base Camp near beautiful Little Sand Bay. Share introductions, participate in a sea kayaking orientation, and experience your first view of Lake Superior. You will also review personal gear and repack into dry bags. After a delicious dinner, spend the night at Base Camp and dream of what’s in store for the next day!
Day 2 – Ready, set, you’re off to your first island site!
Wake up to the beautiful bird song, the smell of coffee and adventure in the air! Pack up camp and take a van ride over to Bayfield to launch to Oak Island. Paddle along the shore, over and near incredible shipwrecks. Cross over to Oak Island, the tallest of the Apostle Islands. Set up camp, take a dip, and watch the sunset over the mainland.
Day 3 – Explore the expansive trails on Oak or paddle to nearby Hermit Island
Ease into the morning with no worries about breaking down camp as you are basecamping on Oak for another night. Spend the day exploring the expansive trail system of Oak and hike to the Overlook to glimpse the Outer islands. Or, if the group decides, you can paddle over and experience the lore of Hermit Island. Head back to camp and enjoy a second night on Oak.
Day 4 – Island hop to three more islands and stay the night on Sand Island
Pack up camp and set off to Raspberry Island after a hearty breakfast. Enjoy a short hike to the lighthouse and enjoy a wonderful tour overlooking your next islands. York Island is next! Enjoy a quick snack and refuel on the beautiful sand beach. Finally, hop on over to Sand Island. You will be safely led through the Sand Island sea caves and kayak in and out of the sculpted rock chambers. Continue along the shore to your campsite and enjoy one last dinner on the islands, recounting the adventures had around the campfire.
Day 5 – Enjoy one final paddle back to Base Camp before saying farewell to your trip mates
Pack up camp and enjoy one more morning on the water as you paddle back to the mainland. Unpack the kayaks and load up your kayak at Little Sand Bay — just a short jaunt down the road to Base Camp. Once back at Base Camp, load up your belongings and clean up with a refreshing shower before parting ways.
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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