Manitou Island Transit: South Manitou Island Adventures in Michigan

Located off the rugged northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, South Manitou Island offers a rare chance to step back into a wild, largely untouched Great Lakes environment. Accessible exclusively by Manitou Island Transit ferries departing from Leland, this island preserves a remarkable blend of natural beauty and maritime history. The 6-mile-long island is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and features towering cedars, ancient sand dunes, and remnants of shipwrecks visible offshore.

Manitou Island Transit operates a variety of trips catering to day visitors, campers, and those wanting a round-trip adventure. The ferry services include one-way rides for campers carrying gear, as well as a popular round-trip option allowing ample time to hike the island’s trails, such as the Valley of the Giants, home to towering old-growth cedar and tamarack trees. Guides lead educational tours like the Cedars and Shipwrecks experience, offering insight into the island’s unique ecosystem and maritime heritage, including stories about the shipwreck of the Francisco Morazan.

The company is praised for its friendly, professional crew, including knowledgeable guides who add depth to every visit. Special accommodations ensure accessibility for visitors with mobility concerns. Evening shoreline cruises provide yet another perspective, with spectacular views of Lake Michigan’s vast waters and the sleeping dunes under changing skies.

South Manitou Island remains a lesser-visited gem where fewer than 1% of Sleeping Bear Dunes visitors venture, granting a sense of solitude rare in this popular region. For travelers seeking an active day or overnight immersion in diverse landscapes—from serene beaches to shaded forest trails—Manitou Island Transit offers critical access and an inviting gateway to one of Michigan’s most remarkable outdoor destinations.