Sails, Sandstone, and Secret Coves: A Private Apostle Islands Discovery
Sail out to our secret stash of caves. Swim & explore with the zodiac. Bring a picnic!
By the time the jib fills and the mainsail sighs, Bayfield is already shrinking behind the stern. The dock chatter fades, gulls redraw the sky, and Lake Superior shoulders you into the quiet. The lake is never still, even on calm days—it breathes, it nudges, it reminds you who’s in charge. On this private, pet-friendly charter, you slip out past the red-roofed harbor and into a freckled horizon of islands: names that sound like a sailor’s lullaby—Basswood, Long, Oak, Hermit—each shouldered with hemlock, cedar, and stripes of soft brownstone where the water has carved its signature into the shore.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for the Lake, Not the Forecast
Lake Superior runs much cooler than the air; pack a windproof layer even on warm days, and consider a light beanie for the ride home.
Non-Marking Shoes Only
Wear grippy, non-marking soles to protect the deck and keep your footing when the boat heels or the zodiac lands on a slick beach.
Cold-Water Swim Sense
If you plan to swim, limit immersion to a few minutes and warm up immediately—Superior is cold even in August.
Pet-Ready Plan
Bring a harness and compact towel for your dog; a harness makes zodiac assists easier and safer near rocky shorelines.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Basswood Island’s historic brownstone quarry ruins—shoreline remnants of a 19th-century industry
- •Long Island’s broad sand spit and clear shallows on calm days
Wildlife
Bald eagles, Common mergansers
Conservation Note
You’re sailing within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore—follow Leave No Trace, keep 100 yards from nesting birds, and avoid trampling fragile lichen on shoreline rocks.
The Apostle Islands are Ojibwe homelands and became a National Lakeshore in 1970; many islands hosted 19th-century brownstone quarries and fishing camps.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool-weather sailing, Wildlife watching
Challenges: Chilly water and air temps, Unsettled winds
Expect crisp air, cold water, and changeable weather. Layers are essential, and shorelines are quieter before summer visitors arrive.
summer
Best for: Swimming breaks, Calmer protected waters
Challenges: Sun exposure, Afternoon gusts and occasional storms
Peak season with steady breezes and long daylight. The water stays cold—plan short swims and sun protection.
fall
Best for: Golden light, Quieter anchorages
Challenges: Cooler temps, Earlier sunsets and stronger winds
Crisp air and vivid color onshore make for photogenic sails. Expect cooler rides and more frequent wind shifts.
winter
Best for: Shore-based exploration, Storm watching from land
Challenges: Charters typically not operating, Severe cold and ice
Sailing charters generally pause; the lake can freeze and conditions are harsh. Plan this experience for warmer months.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Windproof JacketEssential
Blocks Superior’s cool breeze and keeps you comfortable underway or after a quick swim.
Non-Marking Deck ShoesEssential
Provide traction on wet decks without scuffing the boat.
Dry Bag (10–15L)
Protects phone, camera, and layers during zodiac transfers and splashy rides.
Polarized Sunglasses + StrapEssential
Cuts glare to reveal underwater rock lines; the strap keeps them onboard in gusts.
Common Questions
Can I swim during the trip?
Yes, weather permitting you can take short swims near protected beaches. The water is very cold—limit time in the lake and warm up immediately.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes. This charter is pet-friendly; bring a harness, leash, and a towel for your dog. Keep pets under control on deck and near rocky shores.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
The crew selects routes based on conditions and may adjust timing or destination for safety. Trips may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are unsafe.
Do I need sailing experience?
No experience is required. You can relax while the crew handles the boat, or participate in simple tasks like trimming sails under guidance.
Is there a restroom on board?
Yes, the sailboat has a small marine head. Facilities on the islands are limited, so plan accordingly.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes. Bring a cooler with snacks and beverages; the galley is available for light use. Pack out everything you bring.
What to Pack
Windproof layer: Lake Superior air stays cool even in summer; Non-marking shoes: safer footing and deck-friendly; Dry bag: keeps phones and layers protected during zodiac rides; Polarized sunglasses: reduce glare and reveal underwater rock lines.
Did You Know
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore protects more historic lighthouses than any other unit in the U.S. National Park System—eight in total.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20–30 minutes early for parking and a relaxed boarding; Take seasickness meds an hour before departure if you’re prone; Pack a picnic—there’s time to eat at anchor; Cell service is patchy on the water—download maps and confirmations ahead of time.
Local Flavor
Post-sail, grab whitefish tacos and a lake view at The Bayfield Inn’s Lakeside Restaurant, or walk to Pier Plaza for grilled walleye and a Pickled Herring Lounge cocktail. If you have time, sample ciders at Bayfield Winery & Blue Ox Cider or a pint from South Shore Brewery’s Washburn taproom. Don’t skip a scoop at Wonderstate Coffee’s neighbor cafés on Rittenhouse Avenue—the whole town hums with lake life in summer.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Duluth International (DLH), ~1.5–2 hours; Trailhead/Departure: Bayfield City Dock; Drive: 5 minutes from most in-town lodgings; Cell service: Good in town, spotty among islands; Permits: None for this charter—National Lakeshore regulations apply on shore.
Sustainability Note
Sail power keeps the carbon footprint low—pack out all trash, use refillable bottles, give wildlife plenty of space, and choose mineral sunscreen to minimize aquatic impacts.
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