Paddling the Apostles: A Family Kayak Tour Into the Mainland Sea Caves
A family-friendly paddle through Lake Superior’s sculpted sandstone—steady boats, smart pacing, and big views.
The stairs at Meyers Beach drop you toward Lake Superior like a backstage pass to something secret. The lake exhales a cool breath, and the sandstone coastline—red, ribbed, and full of openings—waits with the patience of a century. Guides slide tandem and triple kayaks to the waterline while kids count waves. Superior sets the pace. She always does. You zip into a wetsuit, tuck a water bottle in the dry bag, and step into a boat that feels steadier than you expected. A few strokes and the beach becomes background, the shoreline drawing you forward into a corridor of caves and arches that the lake has carved, season by season, for thousands of years.
Trail Wisdom
Book the earliest tour
Morning sessions often mean lighter winds and smoother water—ideal for first-time and younger paddlers.
Dress for Superior, not the shore
Wear thin, synthetic layers under the provided wetsuit and bring a windbreaker; the lake runs colder than the air.
Mind the stairs and parking
There’s a stairway down to Meyers Beach and a $5 QR-code parking fee—arrive 30 minutes early to avoid a rush.
Paddle rhythm over muscle
Use smooth, in-sync strokes with your partner to let the lake carry you cleanly through cave openings.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Clifftop viewpoints along the Meyers Beach Hiking Trail (first 1–2 miles) for overhead cave views
- •The natural arch known locally as the Keyhole—best seen on calmer days near the main cave section
Wildlife
Bald eagles, Cliff swallows
Conservation Note
Follow Leave No Trace on water: avoid touching fragile sandstone, give nesting birds space, and keep group wakes low inside cave zones.
The Apostle Islands region is homeland to the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe). The National Lakeshore was established in 1970 to protect 21 islands and the sculpted mainland shoreline.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quieter caves, Crisp air and clear light
Challenges: Cold water temps, Unsettled wind and waves
Spring brings solitude and stark visibility. Expect chilly conditions and possible weather cancellations; layers are essential.
summer
Best for: Warmest air temps, Family-friendly conditions
Challenges: Crowds at Meyers Beach, Afternoon winds
Peak season for family paddles. Book morning departures for calmer water and arrive early to secure parking.
fall
Best for: Fall colors along the cliffs, Stable, cooler weather
Challenges: Shorter days, Quick-changing fronts
Glowing maples and quieter tours make fall a standout. Pack extra layers and watch the forecast closely.
winter
Best for: Shoreline hikes and occasional ice cave viewing (when safe)
Challenges: No kayaking, Extreme cold and variable ice
Kayak tours do not operate, but in rare winters the ice caves may open to foot traffic—only when the NPS declares conditions safe.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Neoprene or water shoesEssential
Protect your feet during launch and landing on the cobble beach and wet stairs.
Lightweight windbreakerEssential
Blocks Superior’s chill and breaks the breeze during open-water stretches and on the return paddle.
Floating sunglasses strap
Keeps sunglasses secure when waves bounce the kayak or during quick maneuvering near cave mouths.
Waterproof phone case with tether
Protects your phone for photos and secures it in the provided dry bag.
Common Questions
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No. A 30-minute shoreline tutorial covers basics, and the tour uses stable tandem/triple sea kayaks with a guide setting an easy pace.
How cold is the water, and are wetsuits required?
Lake Superior stays cold even in summer. Wetsuits are provided and may be required depending on air and water temps on the day of your tour.
What if the weather turns windy?
Guides make real-time safety calls. Tours may be rerouted, rescheduled, or canceled with refunds if conditions become unsafe.
Can my child paddle in front?
Yes. Younger paddlers typically sit up front in tandem kayaks while an adult provides most of the power from the rear.
Is there a weight or height limit?
Guests taller than 6'5" or over 250 lbs should test-fit a kayak in advance; over 275 lbs is prohibited due to safety constraints.
Where do we meet and is there a fee for parking?
Check in at Trek & Trail in Bayfield one hour prior, then drive to Meyers Beach. Parking is $5 via QR code at the lot.
What to Pack
Synthetic base layer for under the wetsuit (stays warm when wet); brimmed hat with sunglasses strap (sun and splash protection); neoprene/water shoes (secure footing on slick stones); compact snack and full water bottle (steady energy for a 3-hour outing).
Did You Know
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world—about 31,700 square miles—and its cold, clear water helps preserve the Apostle Islands’ sandstone formations.
Quick Travel Tips
Aim for the 9 a.m. tour for calmer conditions; check the marine forecast the night before and morning of; plan 60 minutes for check-in in Bayfield before driving to Meyers Beach; bring $5 for parking via QR code and expect limited cell service at the beach.
Local Flavor
Post-paddle, grab whitefish tacos or a pasty at Manypenny Bistro, sip a latte at Big Water Coffee Roasters, or head down the road to South Shore Brewery (Washburn) for a Nut Brown. In Bayfield, Bodin’s Fisheries sells fresh-caught Lake Superior whitefish—perfect for a picnic with a view of the islands.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Duluth International (DLH), ~1.5–2 hours by car. Launch: Meyers Beach, ~30 minutes from Bayfield via Highway 13. Cell service: Spotty to none at the beach; better in Bayfield. Permits/fees: $5 Meyers Beach parking; guide permits handled by operator.
Sustainability Note
These caves are part of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore—paddle softly, avoid contacting fragile sandstone, maintain distance from wildlife, and pack out all trash.
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