About Apostle Islands Kayaking Express
Apostle Islands Kayaking Express is the only NPS-authorized outfitter that launches kayak tours from an offshore boat, giving paddlers access to remote sea caves and island shorelines that would otherwise require hours of open-water paddling. Operating out of Bayfield on Lake Superior, they specialise in boat-supported kayak adventures that bring guests directly to the most spectacular formations in the National Lakeshore.
Their flagship tours visit the Devils Island sea caves, where dramatic sandstone arches and honeycombed cliff faces rise from the lake, and the towering rock formations of Stockton Island. Trips typically run four to five hours and are suitable for beginners through advanced paddlers, with all equipment, instruction, and Coast Guard-approved safety gear included. Guides hold ACA certifications and have extensive local knowledge of lake conditions and wildlife.
The boat-launch model is a genuine differentiator — it eliminates the long, exposed crossings that can be intimidating for novice paddlers and weather-dependent for everyone. This means guests spend more time exploring sea caves and less time battling Lake Superior swells. It also opens up islands and coastlines that land-based outfitters simply cannot reach on a day trip.
