
easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; be able to sit and paddle for up to 2.5 hours and climb in/out of a kayak from a low launch.
Edge close to limestone caves and undercut cliffs on this guided 2.5-hour kayak tour from Jacksonport. Professional guides lead small groups along Door County’s dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline with stops for photo-worthy views and short onshore exploration.
A morning wind brushes the surface of Lake Michigan and the paddles meet the water with a crisp chatter. Guides shepherd a small flotilla of kayaks out from a narrow launch near Jacksonport, sending soft wakes toward a band of undercut limestone cliffs that have been gnawed by waves for millennia. The water keeps a steady pull; the caves yawn dark and cool, daring visitors to edge close and listen to the echo.

Lake Michigan can switch from calm to choppy—choose morning departures for gentler conditions and heed the guide’s wind briefings.
Quick-dry synthetic layers and a light shell keep you comfortable; water spray and cool breezes make temperatures feel lower on the open lake.
Use a small waterproof dry bag or case—phones and cameras should be tethered and protected from splashes and accidental submersion.
Closed-toe sandals or water shoes with good grip make getting in and out of the kayak easier on rocky or slippery launch ramps.
Jacksonport and nearby communities grew from 19th-century logging and commercial fishing; the shoreline provided passage and resources that shaped local settlement patterns.
The limestone cliffs and dune vegetation are fragile—stay off sensitive areas, follow guide instructions, and pack out all trash to protect nesting birds and fragile plants.
Keeps phone, keys and layers dry during paddling and any splashes.
summer specific
Hydration on the water is vital—an insulated bottle stays cool in summer.
Reduces glare off the water and prevents loss if you tip or jostle.
summer specific
Wind and spray can be chilly—an easily packable shell provides protection.
spring specific