Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, on the Shoreline boat.

How long is the sunset cruise?

The Custom Private Sunset Cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes, the trip is family-friendly and accommodates all ages up to 14 passengers.

Are food and drinks available onboard?

Guests may bring their own refreshments; check with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands for any specific policies.

What wildlife might I see during the cruise?

Expect to see native bird species including bald eagles and waterfowl around the islands.

What should I do if I’m prone to seasickness?

Consider taking anti-nausea medication before departing and sit in the middle of the boat for a smoother ride.

Sunset Cruises on Green Bay with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands | Sightseeing Tour | Events

The northern waters of Green Bay and the notoriously rugged strait known as Death's Door present a dramatic setting for one of Wisconsin's most unique outdoor experiences: the Custom Private Sunset Cruise offered by Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. Departing from Ellison Bay, this 2.5-hour voyage aboard The Shoreline boat invites adventurers to witness a landscape defined by bold geological contrasts and vibrant island ecosystems.

As the boat slips through calm waters, passengers are treated to panoramic views of Washington, Plum, and Pilot islands—landforms etched by the forces of the Niagara Escarpment, whose towering limestone bluffs rise abruptly from the lakeshore. This natural feature tells a story of ancient seas and glaciers that shaped the region’s rugged topography. The islands serve as sanctuaries for diverse bird species and native flora, adding layers of life to the stark, scenic cliffs.

What elevates this trip beyond a typical boat ride is the timing and customization. The cruise is tailored for small groups, ensuring an intimate and personal experience that captures the ethereal quality of a northern Wisconsin sunset. As the sun sinks below the horizon, it casts molten gold and fiery orange hues across the water, creating moments ripe for reflection and photography.

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands stand out as stewards of this delicate region, focused on preserving natural habitats while providing access to the raw beauty of the area’s maritime landscape. Their commitment to sustainability blends perfectly with their hospitality, making this more than a sunset cruise—it's a chance to connect deeply with a wild corner of the Great Lakes.

For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path vantage point on Green Bay’s storied passageways, this cruise offers unparalleled vistas, a sense of place, and easy access from nearby hubs. It’s an invitation to experience Wisconsin’s outdoors from the water, where geology, wildlife, and light converge into an unforgettable adventure.

About Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands is a volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and providing access to the natural and maritime heritage of Plum and Pilot Islands. The organization organizes guided cruises, workshops, and private charters that visit historic lighthouses, life-saving stations, shipwreck sites, and the unique ecosystems of the Niagara Escarpment. Trips include photography workshops with a 14-person limit, lighthouse cruises with stops on Plum Island, private out-island and Rock Island State Park tours, a Fayette State Park ghost town cruise, a Monarch butterfly tagging cruise, and custom private charters aboard The Shoreline.

Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands partners with subject-matter experts and regional organizations for educational programs, including a Niagara Escarpment Field Day with Don Mikulic from the Niagara Escarpment Resource Network. Events focus on hands-on learning, natural history, and maritime preservation while offering scenic hiking, picnicking, and interpretive commentary. The group’s public programs support ongoing preservation and interpretation of Range Lights, the historic Life Saving Station, and other island resources.

Visitors book directly for scheduled lighthouse cruises, workshops, and passport days, or arrange private and custom charters for groups. Safety briefings, interpretive guidance, and small-group formats are emphasized to protect fragile island habitats and historic structures. Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands maintains a transparent program schedule from Ellison Bay and works with local partners to ensure reliable access to Plum and Pilot Islands for education and conservation. Online reservations and detailed trip itineraries are available spring through fall annually.