
Apostle Islands Cruises
Explore the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on a scenic cruise, witnessing sea caves, lighthouses, and pristine island beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmer temps, but book ahead!

Apostle Islands Cruises
Best Time
Warmer temps, but book ahead!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on a scenic cruise, witnessing sea caves, lighthouses, and pristine island beauty.
"A truly great experience with a professional company and a knowledgeable captain sharing top-tier dad jokes!"

🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
Even on hot days, it gets cold on the water. Bring layers and a windproof jacket!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Grand Tour, sell out. Book online to guarantee your spot.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 1,092 reviews
Website
apostleisland.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Devil's Island Sea Caves
Devil's Island
Witness otherworldly sandstone formations carved by waves, a true natural wonder.

Historic Lighthouses
Various Islands
Glimpse picturesque lighthouses, guardians of Lake Superior's maritime history.

Island Scenery & Wildlife
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Cruise past 21 of the 22 islands, spotting wildlife and enjoying stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Tours
Dress for Lake Superior's Mood
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
Even on hot days, it gets cold on the water. Bring layers and a windproof jacket!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Grand Tour, sell out. Book online to guarantee your spot.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Horseflies can be pesky, especially on lower decks. Pack bug spray for comfort.
💰 Snacks & Drinks Available
While you can bring your own, small snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
Even on hot days, it gets cold on the water. Bring layers and a windproof jacket!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours, especially the Grand Tour, sell out. Book online to guarantee your spot.
🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend
Horseflies can be pesky, especially on lower decks. Pack bug spray for comfort.
💰 Snacks & Drinks Available
While you can bring your own, small snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is breathtaking, and you might even spot a bald eagle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Apostle Islands Cruises for its professional crew, knowledgeable captains, and breathtaking scenery. The opportunity to see historic lighthouses and the famous sea caves is a major highlight. While the experience is generally positive, some note the potential for chilly weather and the need to book in advance due to popularity.
"What a great experience, I wasn't to excited to be honest but ended up having a really good time very professional company the crew was very nice and helpful the captain was great, his dad jokes are top tier lol.
It's a long ride about 3 hours total I took snacks and waters with me but they do have sodas, waters, chips and other small stuff for sale on the boat.
The day we visited was very windy about 20 mph winds so the waves where high the outside/top seating was getting splashed pretty hard, fun at first but got way to wet in a couple of minutes thankfully there's plenty of room inside the ship , the captain warned us we may not be able to get to devils Island but he told us he would try his best to get us there and in the end he did like I said great captain he shares so much information too very knowledgeable did I mention the dad jokes?. great experience all in all I'm planing on doing one of the other tours just because this one was so fun."
Erik Sanchez
"This tour gives you a glimpse of one of America's most beautiful Gems💎 We enjoyed the Captain and the deck hands giving tidbits of info on the history of the Islands and Lake Superior. Make sure to bring a Jacket as it gets chilly on the Lake, I had one and still managed to get an awful cold afterwards! You can bring adult beverages along, I'd suggest one of those soft cooler bags! There is tea, bottled water and little snacks aboard for $2. Definitely worth the money to see these beautiful views!"
CREOLE LADY
"We went on a very hot day. It was about 90° out so once we were out on the water, it was about 70 so any day that is not incredibly warm. You’re definitely gonna wanna wear pants or bring a blanket. On the first floor there are a lot of little horseflies that like to bite your feet so I would also recommend bringing bug spray. On the top deck, even though it is very breezy if the sun is out the entire time you need to wear sunscreen, you don’t feel warm because of the breeze, but the sun will still tan you. The tour takes about three hours long. The captain had a lot of great history and knowledge of all of the islands it was a very smooth boat ride. Bathrooms were very clean on the boat.
It is a very popular tour you would benefit from getting tickets ahead of time online."
Samantha Martinsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Apostle Islands Cruises departs from Bayfield, Wisconsin. The main departure point is typically near the waterfront. Many visitors drive to Bayfield, and parking is usually available near the docks.
Yes, there is generally parking available near the departure docks in Bayfield. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Public transportation options to Bayfield are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Check local transit schedules if you are relying on public transport from larger cities.
From cities like Minneapolis or Duluth, driving is the most common and convenient method. The drive offers scenic views as you approach the Lake Superior coastline.
While not always advertised, some local accommodations in Bayfield may offer shuttle services to the docks. It's best to inquire with your hotel or lodging provider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour length and destination. The Grand Tour to Devil's Island is typically more expensive than shorter island tours. Check their official website for current pricing.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Apostle Islands Cruises website, which is the recommended method to ensure availability.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular tours like the Grand Tour, as they often sell out.
Keep an eye on the official website or local tourism sites for potential promotions or discounts, though they are not always available.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's important to review the terms and conditions when booking, especially regarding weather-related cancellations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours, with the Grand Tour to Devil's Island being the longest.
Yes, the boats are equipped with convenient restrooms onboard.
Yes, there are both indoor and outdoor seating options. The top deck offers great views but can be exposed to wind and spray.
You'll see stunning island scenery, historic lighthouses, and potentially wildlife like bald eagles. The Devil's Island sea caves are a major highlight.
The boats have indoor and outdoor seating, and restrooms are accessible. However, boarding and moving around on deck may require some mobility. Inquire directly for specific needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Soft cooler bags are recommended.
Yes, Apostle Islands Cruises offers a selection of sodas, bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, chips, and other small snacks for purchase onboard.
Adult beverages are permitted, but it's advisable to bring them in a soft cooler bag. Please drink responsibly.
Bayfield has several charming restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. It's a great place to grab a meal before or after your cruise.
Easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, fruit, or sandwiches are good choices. Avoid anything that might be messy or require extensive preparation.
📸 📸 Photography
The top deck offers panoramic views, but be mindful of wind and spray. The lower deck provides shelter while still offering good vantage points.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing distant lighthouses and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the sea caves.
Yes, especially on tours that go to Devil's Island. The unique formations are very photogenic. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance water and sky colors.
Morning and late afternoon tours often provide softer, more flattering light. Midday sun can be harsh, but the dramatic landscapes can still be captured.
Given the potential for spray, especially on windy days, a waterproof camera or a protective case is a wise precaution for your electronics.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit