Exploring Apostle Islands Sea Caves: When To Kayak Vs. Take A Boat Tour Of This Midwestern Gem

You might think that you'd need to visit an exotic coastal destination in order to take a tour of sea caves. Surprisingly, there are a number of these dramatic features, carved into steep rocky shorelines by continual wave erosion, in the American Midwest. Several of the Apostle Islands, located in Lake Superior off the coast of Wisconsin, are pocked by sea caves that can be toured by kayaks or boats. The big question for many visitors hoping to get an up-close look at the Apostle Islands Sea Caves is which type of craft they should choose for their tour. This depends on a variety of factors, ranging from the time of year to an individual's physical condition.

The Apostle Islands are an archipelago comprised of 22 islands. Considered the Midwest's most majestic collection of islands, 21 of the islands in this chain, along with 12 miles of Lake Superior coastline, make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The park is headquartered in Bayfield, which is considered the gateway to the Apostle Islands. Although the visitor center is closed during winter, access to the lakeshore, islands, and waters within the park is available year-round. 

However, while the park remains open, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe to visit the islands in every season. In fact, the water surrounding the Apostle Islands often freezes during the winter months. In these conditions, visitors can sometimes walk across the ice to tour the sea caves. This is a rare occurrence, as the ice must be thick enough to safely traverse. However, once any amount of ice forms in winter, boating and kayaking are out. Even when the waters are ice-free, the best way to tour the islands will vary throughout the year. 

When it comes to kayaking to the Apostle Islands Sea Caves, you'll have a few options. Paddlers can launch from the mainland with either a guided paddling tour or on their own. There are also boat-assisted kayak tours available, in which kayaks are transported to the outer islands and launched from the assist boat. When to choose which type of kayak adventure depends on the season, prevailing weather conditions, skill level, physical conditioning, and which sea caves you wish to tour.

The park has two launches from which self-guided kayakers can head out. Whether paddlers do a DIY tour or are part of a guided paddling excursion leaving from the mainland, their range will be limited by their skill level, prevailing weather conditions, and time. While there are certainly sea caves to be viewed along the mainland shore, the nearest of the islands to either launch point is about a 1-mile paddle. One big advantage to kayaking, however, is you can paddle into some of the sea caves.

With that in mind, the absolute best time to kayak to the caves is in the middle of summer. During this time, the air and water are warmer, and the wave and wind action are consistently calmer. Even with such ideal paddling conditions, however, if you are hoping to reach the outer islands, it is typically wise to book a boat-assist kayak trip, unless you intend on camping on one of the islands. Late spring, early summer, and early fall are also good times for kayaking; however, unless you intend to stick close to the mainland shoreline, a boat-assist trip is usually a safer option, as the water is typically cooler and the weather can be unpredictable.

There are a number of boat tour operators offering excursions to various points within the park. These range from large multi-passenger vessels to small private charter crafts. So, when should you choose a boat tour over a kayak trip? That depends on a few factors, including which islands you are hoping to see, how much time you have, the time of year, current weather conditions, and how much you wish to exert yourself.

A boat tour is typically a better choice if you hope to see several of the most scenic Apostle Islands in a single outing, as they can cover water more quickly than a kayak. Although you won't be able to explore inside caves while on a boat tour, as you can in a kayak, many boat tour operators narrate their trips, giving you a chance to gain more intimate knowledge of the islands. Several boat tours are also conducted at sunset, which is an incredible time to view the Sea Caves and area lighthouses. Boat tours or water taxis are also a good choice if you are planning to camp on one of the islands and carry a lot of gear.

Weather is another consideration. Less-than-ideal weather, regardless of time of year, makes boats a safer option for touring the Apostle Islands. This is especially true during spring and fall, when weather patterns can be unpredictable. Your skill level and amount of exertion you are able or willing to put forth may also make boat tours a better option. Kayaking, even during a boat-assisted tour, takes physical effort. Paddling around the Apostle Islands also takes skill. If foul weather is a possibility or you're a novice paddler, a boat tour is the better option.