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Beaver Island Kayak Camping Adventure
Come with us to explore three great secluded Islands of the Lake Michigan Archipelago. Start on Beaver Island and see the small town of St. James, and how residents of remote islands on the Great Lakes have survived for years. Then, paddle out to Garden and High Islands and see how some places in the Midwest can still be wild and remote. These islands are only accessible by small boat, so you will have an exclusive opportunity to get up close to the coastline, come ashore and explore the vast forests, and hike to abandoned historical sites. This is a truly unique opportunity to explore these remote and wonderful places.
Lodging | Activities |
|---|---|
Tents | Kayak, Camping |
From | Duration |
|---|---|
Charlevoix, MI | 5 Days, 4 Nights |
Skill Rating | Van Supported |
|---|---|
2 | Yes |
Single Supplement | Price |
|---|---|
N/A | $895 |
Included
All kayaking equipment including kayaks, skirts, paddles, wet-suits, lifejackets, and other safety gear; cooking equipment including stoves, pots, plates, bowls, cutlery, and fuel; tents; guiding and instruction; maps of the area; ferry reservation, food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all but night one of the trip.
Not Included
Sleeping bags and pads; transportation to and from Charlevoix; dinner on the first night; parking fee ('24 $18), ferry cost ('24 $65 NWP bills you and purchases the ferry tickets), gratuities for guides; clothing and other personal items or equipment.
Upcoming Dates:
2026 Date
One date only per summer! Contact for a custom experience.
August 19-23
ITINERARY
Day 1: We meet in the early afternoon outside Boyne City at Young State Park located on Lake Charlevoix for an orientation paddle. That evening we will have the chance to kayak to Boyne City for dinner enjoying the evening sunset before heading back to camp for an early start the next morning.
Day 2: Up early in order to catch the first ferry to Beaver Island we will need to pack up camp and head to Charlevoix. The two hour plus ferry ride offers a chance to relax and enjoy the views of the approaching islands. Once unloaded from the ferry a public beach offers easy access to our afternoon paddle. Before we head out you will have the chance to explore this quiet island community. Our days paddle will take us out of the horseshoe shaped harbor and along the north coast of Beaver Island before our crossing to Garden Island. Once we arrive at our campsite and tents are set up we can hike into the island before dinner to explore secluded woods and an ancient Native America cemetery.
Day 3: Depending on wind and weather conditions today's paddle may take us to the western edge of this island chain visiting the shores of Whiskey and Trout Island before we land on High Island. The long sand spit on the northeast corner of High Island offers great camping and stunning sunset views. This will be our home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Our planned layover day offers the chance to circumnavigate High Island or venture into the deep woods seeking the highest point on the Island. Whatever your choice the remote Islands will be sure to offer plenty of adventure.
Day 5: Pack up and head back over to Beaver Island, crossing back to Indian Point and heading to St. James Harbor. Once in St. James we will catch the afternoon ferry back to Charlevoix and the mainland.
**This itinerary is subject to change. As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate conditions. But fear not -we have many alternative activities available in case the weather is not cooperative.
Our Belize kayak and camping trip was not what anyone expected due to unseasonably windy, rainy and cool weather. But we had a grand adventure nonetheless! How many times in your life do you get a chance to help a Belizean captain right and bail his swamped boat? Learn the ebb and flow of life on a tiny uninhabited Caribbean island? See a tiger ray leaping from the water trying to shake off the eel attached to its middle? Backpedal furiously to avoid a collision with a huge loggerhead turtle swimming your way as you snorkel? Eat comforting conch stew at a picnic table, the taste heightened by the sweetness of plantains and sharpness of the ubiquitous Marie Sharp's hot sauce? We experienced all that and much more with our small group this February. Our guide and fearless leader CP was perpetually cheerful and accommodating even as we confronted multiple days of high seas after landing on Moho Caye. He gave us opportunities to kayak whenever conditions permitted but also kept us safe. The local support team of Ian and his son Shane were steady and resourceful even under adverse circumstances. In addition to providing information, guidance and motor transport when needed, they fed us well, including platters of fresh fruit and hot fry jacks cooked in a primitive outdoor kitchen. This was our fourth trip with Northwest Passage, and we are on the lookout for our next one. As always, the company and its excellent staff provided a personalized, unique and fun adventure trip. Derek Belize 2026
My son and I had a fabulous time. Crystal clear water for paddling and swimming. Great scenery. Clean, comfortable accommodations. Wonderful professional, competent, helpful, friendly and enthusiastic guides Chris and Sean. I'd do it again in a heartbeat but I think next time I'll try a different trip.
By Chuck F on Sep 30, 2024
Our family of 5 had an amazing time exploring the Apostle Islands with our guides. Our kids had a blast and will never forget this trip. We felt safe and prepared for the adventure. And to top it all off the food was terrific! One of our family members requires a gluten free diet and they were able to accommodate that with no issues. Thank you, Chris and Ted and Northwest Passage, we could not have asked for a better family trip!
By Sarah B on Sep 04, 2024
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