8 Ways to have the Best Pictured Rocks Kayaking tour

You know that old cliche, “the pictures don’t do it justice?” Yeah, I thought that was silly before I visited some of nature’s masterpieces. Taking a Pictured Rocks kayaking tour is an absolute must-do!

Pictured Rocks Kayaking

I’m certain you’ve seen photos of this magnificent place and you’re probably thinking how gorgeous it is. How amazing the pictures are. How they couldn’t possibly be more picturesque in person than they are on film.

Ummmm. I was in awe the entire trip! Honestly! The entire time I was at Pictured Rocks kayaking all I could think of was how lucky I was to witness it. And not to mention in the capacity that I did.

So I’ve taken a few photos…more like 358 but I won’t bore you or bog down this site with that many. Besides, you need to go do your own Pictured Rocks kayaking tour to fully appreciate it.

Breathe in the beauty and behold the vastness before you.

I purchased this Pictured Rocks kayaking tour as a birthday present for Bob back in January. We’ve gotten to a point in our marriage that we both prefer experiences over stuff. We have an appetite for adventure…and when I say we I really mean me. And Bob, being the loving hubby that he is, plays along.

I’m not sure if it was the Travel Channel, Pinterest, Instagram or maybe even those ancient encyclopedias I had as a kid that gave me a wanderlust spirit. Or perhaps it was always buried within. All I can say is I’ve been bitten by the adventure bug and there’s no going back! With so many wonders in this world we should feel lucky to live in a time that we could seriously go anywhere.

Whether to a faraway land or right here in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan…of course this could be a faraway land for some of you, so that just means you better get planning!

Pictured Rocks Kayaking Tour

Tip #1 Know before you go!

First you should know that I would not recommend venturing out into Lake Superior without a guide, especially if you’re inexperienced. The kayaks required to navigate large bodies of water, such as these, are not your everyday “sit-on-top” river boats.

Tandem sea kayaks with splash skirts, life vests and a few of the necessities then you’re good to go!

Launching from Miner’s Beach

Tip #2 Watch the weather!

We had our trip planned for a specific day but our good ole’ Michigan weather couldn’t resist trying to throw a wrench in our plans with a wicked cold front so with a quick schedule rearrangement, we found ourselves enjoying one of the best days of the summer.

Tip #3 Be aware of detours!

There are a number of Pictured Rocks kayaking tour companies. None of them are in the location that you actually paddle from. Typically you are directed to a check in then given directions to a meet up location where you’ll be bused to your launch destination. Hmmm, that was a mouthful!

So with summertime comes road work and with road work comes detours. In other words, show up early!

Tip #4 Pack light but don’t forget anything!

From snacks and water to quick-dry clothes and special shoes (which I wished we’d had for the shore lunch break!), don’t forget the necessities!

Pictured Rocks Kayaking break at Mosquito Beach

Mosquito Beach…I didn’t get bit once!

Crystal clear waters of Lake Superior, ICE COLD TOO! And that’s not soft sand but instead sandstone, fragile but firm…and sharp sometimes.

Tip #5 Bang for your buck!

Get the most out of your trip by taking the longer paddle. Our tour, from starting at the beach to the very end, was about 6 or 7 hours. Yes, it was a long day but we had an incredible shore lunch at Mosquito Beach, where we had a chance to stretch our legs and explore.

We made it all the way down to the famous Lovers Leap Arch, got up close and personal with some sea caves and then squeezed through a tiny crevice called “Kissing Rock” – although that’s now questionable because said kisser fell to its watery depths.

Tip #6 Stay close to your guide!

And not necessarily because you’ll get lost or because of some safety measure (of course this is always priority). But because they are experts in pointing out fascinating structures, how they were formed, underwater shipwrecks and even interesting sea life.

Our guide was a wealth of knowledge and I enjoyed soaking up every bit of the info he was offering. And here’s a side tip for this tip…tip your tour guide at the end of your trip if you feel he or she is worthy. It’s just the right thing to do! Plus they work really hard! Although, I must admit I’m a bit jealous…

Tip #7 Another beautiful option!

I couldn’t have imagined a site so stunning. Its shear awesomeness and enormity. Something over a billion years old, in such perfect condition to be gazed upon at this very moment in time.

There I go getting all sentimental…

If you find yourself in a position that you’re unable to see these gorgeous giants by kayak, you certainly should not miss out. There are plenty of cruise tours available. But do yourself a favor and get yourself a SUNSET SAIL! I hear it’s even better when the warm light from the evening shines upon the stone creating colors that are even more vibrant than they already were.