Best Places for Kayaking in Marquette & Munising

Presque Isle

Trip time: Approximately 2 hours
Distance from Superior Stay Hotel: 6 min (2.5 miles)

Only experienced paddlers and depending on the weather!

Presque Isle’s sandy beach is accessible from the island’s west side (great for a little dip in the water before or after paddling). This two-hour cruise follows the island’s shoreline while looking out at the open water. There are many magnificent bluffs, cliffs, and little caves – clean, crystal blue or green water where every rock and pebble can be seen even at depths of 30 feet. Paddling across the harbor’s break-wall, landing at the yacht harbor right next to the ore dock and loading up the massive iron ore ships.

Overnight Kayaking with Superior Kayaking Company

Cataract Basin

Trip time: Approximately 90min – 4-5 hr
Distance from Superior Stay Hotel: 36 min (26.1 miles)

Cataract Basin is around 35 minutes from Marquette. This tour is available in three different lengths, ranging from 90 minutes to 4-5 hours (or longer). One can paddle this lovely dammed up river, surrounded by forest and several hills and little islands, for as long or as short as one desires – perhaps trailing some fishing lines – or continue up river into a narrow, twisting wilderness area up to the waterfalls. The waterfalls and rapids are ideal for a picnic, a dip in the water, or some fishing…and then a relaxed paddle back down river. The long upstream trip requires considerable strength, but it is not difficult.

Kayaking at Mather Bech with Superior Kayaking

Chocolay River

Trip time: Approximately 1 hour
Distance from Superior Stay Hotel: 20 min (12.0 miles)

The Chocolay river is only 10-20 minutes from Marquette and easily accessible. This one-hour tour takes you down the headwaters of the Chocolay River to where it enters Lake Superior. This is a really picturesque cruise along the river with lots of waterfowl before crossing the majestic Lake Superior waters and looking out at an unending horizon toward the city of Marquette hidden in the green hills (Lake Superior extension will only occur on favorable water days/decisions made by tour guide).

Kayaking at Grand Island with Superior Kayaking

Au train River

Trip time: 2-4 hours
Distance from Superior Stay Hotel: 36 min (32.6 miles)

The Au train River meanders about 2-4 hours (depending on paddle speed and take out location) through the sandy backlands of Lake Superior, about 35 minutes from Marquette. Pines, cedar swamps, sandy beaches, picnic areas, and a vast variety of waterfowl, turtles, and toads are common. It’s quite easy and peaceful, almost like a lazy river, yet it takes you through magnificent scenery. (Due to overcrowding, The tour will only be conducted on off-season days or early in the morning.)

What to wear while Kayaking in Marquette?

Our best advice: Layer! Lake Superior has a cooling effect on this area of the UP, so we tend to experience lower temperatures with a cool breeze out on the water. We also have a few warm spells every summer with highs in the 80s and even 90s. The best way to prepare for a typical day is to wear a warm layer (softshell, fleece, spring jacket, etc) in the morning with a lighter layer (tank top, sun shirt, etc) underneath for later in the day. Most people warm up quickly when they start paddling and are ready to shed their jackets well before lunch.

Pants or shorts are both acceptable. However, we recommend against wearing blue jeans or another cotton because it can be uncomfortable and cold if wet.

We try our best to keep your feet dry, but that isn’t always possible. Most of our clients prefer to wear some water shoe or outdoor sandal (Chaco, Keen, Teva, etc). Some wear tennis shoes and take the chance they’ll get wet. It’s up to you!

What to carry?

Water or Sports Drink
Sunscreen
Bug Repellant
Sunglasses
Hat
Camera
Lunch/snack (for Grand Island full day trips)