Apostle Islands Kayaking Express — Local services in Bayfield

We did the Devil’s island half day tour and it was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend this tour/group. We had 3 in our group so one of us was paired with another single lady and it worked out great. There was a large group of people on the tour, but we were really only together for the 1 hr boat ride there and back. Once we got to Devil’s island and got in the kayaks, there were 6 of us (3 kayaks) with 1 guide so it felt like a nice private tour. Freddie was our guide and he was very good. Showed us all the caves/tunnels to go through, pointed out an eagle in a tree, etc. This trip was unique in that we were able to kayak at one of the furthest out islands because we took a boat out there and then got on kayaks. The next day we did a trip along the mainland with a different company. That was also a great trip, but if you’re looking to do more tunnels/caves and less paddling, then I’d highly recommend the Devil’s island tour. Glad we were able to experience both. For the Devil’s island tour, I’d bring anything you want to drink or eat for the 1hr boat ride out and back. They have toilets on the main boat. Nothing negative to say about this company or this tour. FYI you won’t get any phone/internet service on the boat or kayak so turn your phone on airplane mode to save battery life or bring a charger. You can leave anything on the boat while you kayak. All you need on the kayak is a camera with waterproof case/lanyard, hat, sunglasses. I used bicycle gloves to avoid any blisters/irritation from the paddles, but no one else did. I also wore a long sleeve sun shirt to avoid sunburn. You’ll have a skirt for the kayak so your legs aren’t exposed and you won’t get wet or sunburn below the waist. The boat on the way out has a ceiling and walls/windows so you can see out to the beautiful views, but won’t get wet or too much sun. There was a large extended family on the boat with us and they had several kids who all seemed to do well...

My husband and I went out this afternoon with Apostle Islands Kayaking and had an absolutely fantastic experience. We had kayaked the day before with another company out of Cornucopia—which was good—but nothing compares to the scenery at Devils Island. If you only have one day to kayak in the Apostle Islands, this is the tour to do. Hands down.

Our guide was exceptional. He struck the perfect balance between being informative and giving us the freedom to explore. He kept the group (just three kayaks!) within the same general area but encouraged us to paddle at our own pace, saying things like, “This is your tour—explore how you want to.” Every so often, he’d gather us to share fascinating details about the island’s history or geology. The small group size made it feel personal and relaxed without being intrusive at all. It was truly the highlight of our trip.

Since the company is relatively new, I’d offer two suggestions: At your main dock/office, please post a clear sign noting that the Devils Island tour leaves from a different location. Consider offering snacks or beverages post-paddle. After a few hours on the water, that would be a welcome touch! And, I have to tell you we would have been happy to have paid for a little post kayak treat on board.

All in all, we’re so glad we chose Apostle Islands Kayaking. The natural beauty, the relaxed vibe, and the personalized experience made this an adventure we’ll never forget....

As others have already stated, this is an incredible way to see the caves. Seeing them from the Grand Tour boat is beautiful, but this kayaking trip takes it to a whole new level. The setup for launching the kayaks off/on the boat is surprisingly easy, the tandem kayaks are good quality and the guides are knowledgeable and helpful. The 3 kayaks (6 people) to one guide is great for making the trip fun. They did have water available on the boat and there are two bathrooms on board. I personally carried a pad for the kayak seat as it is thinly padded. While you should not get soaked, prepare to get wet to some degree - whether from paddle splash, waves bouncing off the walls or drips from above as you enter the numerous caves. FYI, this company has another shop over by Pictured Rocks in Michigan - do both areas if possible. My wife and I did this trip...