How to Prepare for a Pictured Rocks Kayak Tour
At Pictured Rocks Kayaking, the Ultimate Kayak Tour runs 4.5 to 5 hours from the moment you check in at our office, and even the shorter Miners Castle Tour keeps you out for the better part of 3 hours. That is a long stretch to be dressed wrong for, which is why the question our staff fields more than any other is what to wear kayaking Pictured Rocks. What to bring along runs a close second.
Our FAQ page handles the policies and the fine print. Everything else is here: what to wear, what to bring, how wet you will actually get, how hard the paddling really is, how early to show up, and what we do when Lake Superior has other plans. Keep reading for your complete guide to preparing for a Pictured Rocks kayak tour!
Why Does Lake Superior Change What You Pack?
Lake Superior is a big part of what makes a visit to Pictured Rocks so memorable. Being out on the water brings refreshing lake breezes, incredible views and a perspective of the shoreline you simply can’t get from land. Because temperatures on the lake can feel cooler than they do in town, packing an extra layer is an easy way to stay comfortable throughout your adventure.
Even on a beautiful summer day, a light jacket or sweatshirt can come in handy once you’re out on the water. Think of layers as the key to enjoying every part of the experience comfortably; from sunny moments on deck to cruising alongside the cliffs with that classic Lake Superior breeze.
What to Wear Kayaking Pictured Rocks
Comfort is the name of the game. Choose casual clothing that makes it easy to relax, move around the boat and enjoy the views.
Layers are especially helpful because you can easily add or remove one depending on where you choose to sit. A T-shirt paired with a sweatshirt, sweater or light jacket works well for many cruising days. Quick-drying fabrics are also a great choice for spending time on the water, especially if you catch a little spray.
For sunny days, consider bringing a hat that fits securely and won’t easily blow away in the lake breeze. Comfortable shoes are a must, too, and it’s a good idea to choose a pair you won’t mind getting a little wet while boarding, walking near the dock or enjoying the outdoor deck.
There’s no need to overthink your cruise outfit. Dress comfortably, bring an extra layer and choose pieces that let you enjoy every part of the experience with ease. Sandals with a heel strap, old sneakers, and water shoes all work fine. Toss an extra pair of socks in your bag for the ride back, too.
How Wet Are You Actually Going to Get?
Less than you are probably picturing, and the spray skirt is why. Every kayak comes with one stretched over the cockpit, so waves and drips land on the skirt rather than in the boat with you. What you can expect is for your arms to get some drips as water runs down the paddle shaft onto your hands and forearms.
Wearing quick-drying clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting a little damp can help you stay comfortable! And if staying dry from start to finish sounds more your speed, our sister company runs narrated boat cruises past the same cliffs out of the same harbor.
What Should You Bring?
Everything below fits in a small bag, and that bag rides on the boat rather than in the kayak with you:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses, ideally on a strap
- A charged phone and a battery pack for the boat
- A dry shirt and spare socks
We provide the 18-foot tandem kayak, the personal flotation device, and the spray skirt. Dry bags are not included, but our office sells them in a few sizes alongside waterproof phone cases. The full equipment list is on our Plan Your Trip page.
How Do You Keep Your Phone Out of Lake Superior?
Your phone will probably be working overtime during your cruise with so many photo-worthy views along the way. A secure grip, wrist strap or phone lanyard can make it easier to snap photos comfortably while you’re on the outdoor deck. If you’d like a little extra protection from occasional lake spray, a water-resistant phone case or pouch is another easy addition to your bag. That way, you can focus on capturing the cliffs, waterfalls and rock formations without giving your phone much thought.
Where Does Your Bag Go During the Tour?
It stays on the boat! Our boat follows you the whole tour, making it safer and easier to store your items during the tour.
The kayaks do have elastic deck rigging in front of the cockpit, and it will hold a light layer if you choose to shed one while on the water. Keep whatever rides on that deck to a minimum, though. Anything you would hate to lose, and your snacks for after the paddle, belongs back on the boat.
How Hard Is the Paddling, Really?
You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy the adventure. Before heading out, you’ll receive basic paddling and safety instruction, and guides are there throughout the experience to help you feel comfortable on the water. Stable tandem kayaks also let you share the paddling with a partner as you make your way along the shoreline.
Depending on your tour, you’ll spend an hour or more paddling, with plenty of incredible scenery to keep you entertained along the way. Plus, the support boat stays nearby throughout the tour, adding an extra level of convenience and reassurance while you focus on the best part, getting an up-close look at Pictured Rocks from Lake Superior.
How Early Should You Arrive?
Plan to arrive 40 minutes before your departure time, at our office at 1348 Commercial Street in Munising, MI, down on the lakeside. That window covers check-in, gear, and the safety briefing. Tours leave on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.
If needed, you may use the restrooms at the office beforehand, and every one of our support boats has one aboard for the length of the tour. The rest of the details, from cockpit dimensions to the kennel policy for dogs, are in our full FAQ.
What Happens If the Weather Turns?
Lake Superior weather moves fast, and the Park Service puts it plainly: sunny and calm one minute, and strong winds the next.
We will paddle in light rain, but if lightning shows up, the group loads back onto the boat immediately, which is another benefit of keeping a 50-foot vessel within sight of you. When the lakeshore itself gets rough, we move the tour to the protected water around Grand Island, a 3.7-mile route with waterfalls and rock formations of its own.
Book your tour for the first or second day of your trip if you can. That leaves you room to reschedule if Lake Superior has other plans. Tickets can be refunded or exchanged up to 48 hours ahead by phone. All the details are on our cancellation policy page.
Get Ready for Your Pictured Rocks Kayaking Tour!
A little prep the night before can make your adventure even easier. Charge your phone and battery pack, set out your layers, choose shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Don’t forget to pack an extra pair of socks and a dry shirt to leave on the boat.
Before you head out, check the forecast and remember that conditions on Lake Superior feel cooler than they do onshore. With a few comfortable layers and the right gear, you’ll be ready to enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Whether you’re booked on the Miners Castle Tour, the Ultimate Tour, or the new Spray Falls Tour, the essentials stay the same: dress comfortably, plan for the lake breeze and come ready for an unforgettable perspective of Pictured Rocks.
Then all that’s left to do is paddle, take in the views and enjoy one of the most memorable adventures on Lake Superior! Tours often sell out. Don’t wait to reserve your kayak, book your tour now!