Pictured Rocks Kayaking FAQs

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ALTERNATE TOUR SCENARIOS:

Scenario 1: The UNEXPECTED Grand Island Tour: What if we are on the boat and it is determined that we cannot safely paddle along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? (See Grand Island Tour)
The Ultimate Kayak Tour will go to a protected area along Grand Island for a 3.7 mile SAFE tour in Trout Bay. You will see natural waterfalls and have the same geological layers as Pictured Rocks. It is a flat rate of $118 per ticket and automatically refunded to your credit card. The Miners Castle tour will also go to a safe area at Grand Island for the price of $99. With either sceanrio, if you are not happy with the alternate Grand Island Tour, please step into the office the same day and get a full refund. It is a win-win. We hope you will try us again. We do not honor refunds for this scenario after the end of the day. 

Scenario 2: The EXPECTED Grand Island Tour: What if we cannot paddle Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Grand Island tour is the only option?
The Captain will announce that we are only going to Grand Island. Will you see Pictured Rocks? This is determined by weather and the Captain. At the time of announcment, we offer a full refund, a discounted tour at $118 per ticket for the Ultimate Kayak Tour, or you can reschedule. We feel this is fair when we have no control over the weather and do our best to provide a service. 

BASIC QUESTIONS: 

Should I book my Pictured Rocks Kayaking tour in advance?
We do recommend booking in advance, as tours tend to sell out.

When is the best time to book a Pictured Rocks Kayaking tour?
We recommend booking your tour on the first or second day you’re in the area, just in case there’s inclement weather. That way, we can reschedule your tour for you (at no extra charge) while you’re still near Pictured Rocks.

Will we be paddling in double or single kayaks?
Kayakers will be paddling in tandem (double) 18 ft. Looksha T Tandem kayaks manufactured by Necky Kayaks. We will pair you up with a guide or another person with an odd group number.

Are single kayaks available?
No. We only offer tandem (double) kayaks, due to their stability.

Are there weight and size restrictions?
Yes, the maximum weight capacity for two paddlers is 625 lbs. The cockpits are 17.3 by 35 inches in size and they are elongated. The maximum width is 17.3 inches. If you cannot fit into a space of about 17 inches it is highly likely you will not be able to fit into this space. We have a demo kayak at the building for you to sit in before committing to the kayak tour. Come on down and try!

How early should I arrive for tour?
Please arrive at least 40 minutes prior to departure to check-in, receive gear and review safety protocol prior to boarding. Tours will not be delayed to accommodate late arrivals.

How long is the tour?
The Ulitmate Kayak Tour is approximately 4-5 hours long, plan to kayak around 2 hours (approximately 5 miles). The Miners Castle Tour is 3 hours long with 1+ hours of paddle time.

How many people can go on a tour?
This depends on the boat you are scheduled on and the capacity of the boat.

What should I wear?
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. We provide personal flotation devices that must be worn at all times. You may leave items on the boat as you kayak.

Are food and beverages allowed?
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages; however, we do not allow large coolers or alcoholic beverages on board.

What should I bring?
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. You may bring food and beverages aboard. We recommend bringing sunglasses or a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes or sandals. Please keep in mind anything can get wet. We sell floating waterproof phone cases in office.

Are there restrooms available?
Yes, all boats are equipped with restrooms and will be available the entire tour.

Is this tour safe for children? What are the recommended ages for kids?
It is best suited for children who are comfortable paddling in a kayak and sitting in the front of their kayak by themself. Children cannot sit on their parents laps. Children must be 5 years old.

Can I bring my dog on the tour?
No, pets are not allowed on our tours. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, we do allow service animals but for safety reasons they cannot be in the kayak.

Do you provide dry bags?
We do not rent or sell dry bags.

What if it rains?
We do paddle in light rain. The tour will run weather permitting with a safety first mindset. A back up trip will be offered in case of a weather day where we cannot safely kayak the Pictured Rocks. Paddling will be done with the wind at the paddlers back whenever possible. If there is any lightening, we will load up immediately or turn around.

Do I have to be experienced in kayaking to go on this tour?
No previous kayaking experience is necessary for this tour. A basic safety and paddling course will be provided before boarding the boat. There will also be ACA trained kayak guides with a safety first mindset available at all times and a passenger boat nearby for convenience and safety.

Where is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located?
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located between the towns of Grand Marais and Munising on the southern shore of Lake Superior.

What will I see on the tour?
We will paddle the most picturesque portion of Pictured Rocks. Highlights of the tour include Lovers Leap, Rainbow Caves, Indian Head, Grand Portal, Battleship Row, Flower Vase, Chapel Cove and Chapel Rock.

Where do we meet for the kayak tour?
You will meet at our office located at 1348 Commercial St. Munising, MI 49862.
Please arrive at least 40 minutes prior to confirm your booking, receive gear and review safety protocol prior to boarding.

What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards except American Express.

Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, please email us at [email protected] or you can purchase online or call (906) 387-5500.

Do you provide outfitting equipment?
We provide 18 foot Looksha T Tandem Kayaks, personal flotation devices and spray skirts.

What is your refund policy?
A purchased tour ticket will be eligible for a refund or an exchange up to 48 hours before the scheduled tour time. If Pictured Rocks Kayaking cancels a kayak trip, you will be provided with a full refund or an alternative* tour may be offered at a reduced rate if weather permits. All exchanges are dependent on availability. No same day refunds. NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES will be granted after the time of your scheduled tour. NO EXCEPTIONS. To exchange or refund your ticket for another time, please call us immediately at (906) 387-5500 and speak to our office staff. Leaving a voicemail is not considered a form of cancellation. If a cruise is cancelled due to weather, an alternative option may include a tour of Grand Island if weather permits. This tour will be offered at a reduced rate. Please see above on Alternate Tours. No tour will be refunded once they have started unless we cancel due to weather. If you show up with less paddlers than you have booked, you will be charged the full amount. No exceptions.

What is your cancellation policy?
Pictured Rocks Kayaking reserves the right to cancel a scheduled cruise for any reason up until the time of departure. Cancellations are unlikely EXCEPT in the event of inclement weather. Typical weather conditions that warrant cancellations are high winds on Lake Superior causing high waves along the lakeshore, dense fog along the lakeshore, or severe lightning nearby on Lake Superior. Weather conditions on Lake Superior do change quickly and while we are pleased to make as many trips as possible, safety is our greatest concern. Please be advised of this especially if you are traveling from a long distance or have an extremely inflexible schedule. You may call our ticket office with concerns about a cancellation the day of your cruise. You must cancel your tickets 48 hours prior to your tour by speaking to someone in our office. Leaving a voicemail is not considered a confirmation. This also includes changes to your reservation. No same day cancellations are accepted.

Do you take large groups?
Yes. Please book tickets in advance to make sure seating is available. Or you can contact us for more information. Please call us (906) 387-5500 or email: [email protected].