As its name suggests, Mackinac Island is surrounded by water. That’s why most visitors travel to Mackinac Island by ferry boat. It’s also why many fun things to do once you arrive on Mackinac Island involve a boat, too.
Of course, just seeing the breathtaking water views around Mackinac Island – perhaps from the Fort Mackinac Tea Room up high on the bluff, for example, or in the Cupola Bar at Grand Hotel – makes for a memorable experience. But if you want to get out on the water during your visit to Mackinac Island, there are several great options.
Here are 6 extraordinary boat tours to take while staying on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island boat charter
Brown Eyed Girl Charters offers private powerboat trips off Mackinac Island for small groups of up to six passengers. You can relax and enjoy boating the Great Lakes around Mackinac Island without the hassle or stress of being in charge. A certified U.S. Coast Guard master captain will welcome you aboard a Sea Ray Sundancer 320 for a customized 90-minute sightseeing tour of Mackinac Island landmarks from the water. Or you could head over to the Mackinac Bridge and back and enjoy sunbathing and swimming. There’s a bathroom and refrigerator on board, with towels and water provided.
Where to dock your boat for overnight stay on Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island fishing charters
You can treat yourself to northern Michigan whitefish in any number of delicious Mackinac Island restaurants. You can also reel in a tasty catch yourself on a Mackinac Island charter fishing trip. Both North Shore Fishing Charters and E.U.P. Fishing Charters specialize in deep water trolling the Straits of Mackinac where trout and salmon are abundant. The fish range in size from an average weight of eight or nine pounds to more than 20 pounds when you haul in a big one! Both boats offer full- or half-day charters with all equipment provided. They’ll even clean, filet and bag your catch for you.
Fishing the Great Lakes off Mackinac Island, then and now
Mackinac Island kayak tours
Paddling around Mackinac Island is a fantastic way to relax on the water and get a workout at the same time. Great Turtle Kayak Tours offers a variety of guided excursions that range from short, scenic trips for beginners to circumnavigations of Mackinac Island that last four to six hours. Whichever trip you choose, you’ll get a unique perspective of Mackinac Island’s iconic landmarks from the water. In addition to expert instruction, Great Turtle guides also share a wealth of informative and entertaining details about Mackinac Island during your tour. Both single kayaks and tandem kayaks are available, as well as stand up paddleboards.
Kayaking around Mackinac Island
Sunrise vs. Sunset kayak tours off Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island parasailing
You can go boating and soar 600 feet above the water at the same time on an exhilarating Mackinaw Parasailing experience. The captain and crew help you take off and land right from the deck of the boat, so you never even get wet if you don’t want to. Single and tandem flights and even triples are available. Each flight lasts 10 to 12 minutes and there’s seating for up to 6 guests on the boat, so a trip with a full boat typically lasts about an hour. Discounted rates are offered for early morning flights.
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Mackinac Island party cruise
For a sunset party on the water, a Sip ‘n Sail cruise off Mackinac Island is the way to go. The 81-foot Isle Royale Queen III supports large groups with a full-service cash bar, live entertainment, restrooms, heated cabins and multiple viewing areas on deck as you enjoy an incredibly scenic 90-minute cruise out to the Mackinac Bridge and back. While the Sunset Cruise is the most popular Sip ‘n Sail, you can book a variety of other trips including happy hours and Sunday mornings, too. Private charters also are available, and Sip ‘n Sails often host events for Mackinac Island weddings such as bachelor and bachelorette parties.
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Mackinac Island boat tour
For a waterborne tour with a historical flair, book a seat on Mackinac Island’s Ugly Anne. Captain Chris West and his wife, Heather, found the old lobster boat in a New England shipyard and restored it for use off Mackinac Island. There’s room for up to 30 people to enjoy hearing stories and first-hand accounts of all things Mackinac Island on one of two personalized tours: a sunset cruise or a late afternoon ride. Both trips take you out to the Mackinac Bridge and back and last about an hour. The Ugly Anne is available for private charters and wedding parties, too.
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