Can we customize the route of our private charter?

Yes, you can choose the popular Deaths Door Lighthouse Cruise or design your own itinerary to visit locations like Schoolhouse Beach or Plum Island.

How long do the private charters last?

Charters start at a minimum of 2 hours, with options to extend based on your desired destinations.

Is catering available on board?

Yes, the boat features a spacious aft deck with catering options to accommodate your group’s food and beverage needs.

Where do charters depart from?

Most charters leave from Gills Rock, with pick-up available at Washington Island for an additional fee.

Are private charters suitable for families with children?

Absolutely. The boats are spacious and accommodating, making trips enjoyable for groups of all ages.

What should I bring for the trip?

Layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and if you’re prone to seasickness, medication is recommended.

Private Boat Charters with Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands | Boat Tour | Private

Set along the rugged northern shores of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands offer a truly distinctive way to connect with Lake Michigan’s striking coastal landscape through their "The Shoreline" Private Charters. Operating out of Ellison Bay and Gills Rock, this service invites visitors to trade crowded trails for vast open waters, where refreshing lake breezes and panoramic views set the tone for each private voyage. Whether you choose the iconic Deaths Door Lighthouse Cruise or opt to forge your own route, the boat’s generous aft deck creates a comfortable space for family gatherings or small groups to enjoy handpicked catering amidst the changing lake light.

The Deaths Door passage is famed for its churning straits and the stoic lighthouse that has guided mariners for generations. The route presents dynamic vistas of sheer cliffs, pristine sandy coves, and glimpses of historic shipwreck sites like the Louisiana, whose rusting hull lies silently below the surface. Guests can also direct the captain toward lesser-visited spots—such as the glittering quartz sand of Schoolhouse Beach or the historic grounds of Plum Island’s lifesaving station, a rare chance to disembark and walk the shoreline amidst preserved maritime heritage.

This bespoke charter service stands apart in the region by blending immersive local history with tailor-made itineraries on spacious, well-appointed vessels. The freedom to customize your journey encourages discovery beyond the well-trodden, offering a unique perspective on Door County’s geological diversity, lake ecology, and seafaring traditions. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking waterborne adventure, photographers in search of iconic lakefront shots, or families looking for a memorable, private outdoor experience, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands elevate the classic boat tour into a personalized odyssey on one of the Midwest’s most captivating coastlines.

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.