Apostle Islands Kayak Camping Adventure
5 Days, 4 Nights
Little Sand Bay, WI
$750
Rich in sea caves, lighthouses and sandy shores, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a sea kayaker's dream. Disappear into this pristine collection of islands and shoreline featuring a potpourri of stunning geological formations - caverns, arches and pillars - uniquely accessible to kayakers.
We'll pack our gear into our kayaks and set out to explore. You'll spend four days paddling the deep blue waters of Lake Superior before bedding down under the big sky over Gitchee Goomee at night. This trip offers ideal instruction to kayak tripping for the paddler with local experience.
Day 1: We meet outside Bayfield, WI in Little Sand Bay in mid-afternoon for an afternoon of paddling instruction, followed by dinner at a local restaurant to get acquainted and spend the night at a local campground.
Day 2: We pack our gear into our kayaks and head out toward one of the inner Apostle Islands (our itinerary can vary with each trip depending on the group camping reservations we were able to secure- typically we camp on Sand and Oak Islands). We'll set up camp on the island and enjoy our lunch. We should have time for some hiking or extra paddling in the afternoon for those interested.
Day 3: We head out toward our next destination island, typically stopping at York and Raspberry Islands en route. We will camp at this island (typically either Sand or Oak) for two nights, with plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands, exploring by foot and kayak. There are some wonderful sea caves on Sand to explore if the weather is cooperating.
Day 4: Today is designed as another day of exploration. Since we don't have to break camp and pack our kayaks today, we will take full advantage of our opportunity to explore the beauty of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. We will find a nice lunch stop during our journey.
Day 5: We load our gear into the kayaks a final time, paddle back to either Little Sand Bay or Red Cliff, bid our farewells to our companions and to Lake Superior, and head home. We aim to be back on the mainland by noon. It is important that you maintain flexibility as weather can influence our itinerary and timing.
**Itinerary subject to change depending on conditions and availability of campsites on the islands.
In order to provide the finest and most complete wilderness experience, we strongly encourage and expect participation in all camp chores, including cooking, washing dishes, setting up and breaking down camp. We will provide all meals on the trail, tents, all camping and cooking equipment, and all kayak-related equipment. It is essential that you know how to swim to participate in this trip. You will be sharing a tent with fellow participants each night.
"We had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Alex, Dana and Mason were great. Alex’s leadership, concern for safety and knowledge of the islands was outstanding." -Larry C., Elmhurst, Illinois
“The food was the best I’ve ever had in the wilderness and I traveled with Outward Bound and Wilderness Ventures. I especially appreciated the vegetarian options! Great!” -Claire D., Oxford, Mississippi
“We really liked circumnavigating Sand Island and exploring the sea caves. Susan and I greatly enjoyed the trip. Next year!?” -John and Susan T., Minneapolis, Minnestoa
“I just can’t say enough about our guides Chris and Ryan. They were kind, gracious, ortganized, confident. I was nervous about the trip, but they were so confidence-inspiring that my fears were soon relieved. They were great!” -Rebecca J., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“I would not have made this trip with anyone but the NWP due to the rough water possibility and my respect for the training and safety concern of your instructors.” -Jim M., Mt. Prospect, Illinois
“I enjoyed the variety - from changing weather (several times a day) to mixing hiking with kayaking.” -Tim K., Evanston, Illinois
“Wonderful outfitter! I hope to travel with you again and tell others about you.” -Claire D., Oxford, Mississippi
“Excellent on all phases: instruction, safety, briefings.” -Phil D., Highland Park, Illinois
“The guides were excellent leaders and did a great job managing the campsite and were very motivating, which really helped me to want to improve my kayaking.” -Colin D., Winnetka, Illinois
“I enjoyed improving my skills and confidence in the kayak.” -Patrick S., Mt. Prospect, Illinois
“Rob and John were so great! They were so fun to be with and they were more than willing to teach us paddling skills and they both stood in the cold water a very long time teaching us how to roll. A++++! Thanks guys!” -Brad and Tracey W., Libertyville, Illinois
“Bonnie and Andrea were outstanding guides - experienced, wise, sheery and flexible. They handled the kids with ease and the adults with levity. They really made the trip for our group.” -Johnson Family, Winnetka, Illinois
Apostle Islands, a group of 22 islands in Lake Superior, is located in Northern Wisconsin. Rich in sea caves, lighthouses, and sandy shores, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a sea kayaker's dream.
Disappear into this pristine collection of islands and shoreline featuring a potpourri of stunning geological formations - caverns, arches, and pillars - uniquely accessible to kayakers.
History Trivia: Over 800 plant species including Wisconsin listed endangered and threatened species occur within the Lakeshore.
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