Apostle Islands Kayaking

Apostle Islands Kayaking Itinerary:

• Day 1 Welcome to Bayfield! Meet your guide and fellow paddlers for dinner and orientation this evening.

  The adventure begins as you arrive into the quaint and historic town of Bayfield, WI. A provided transfer will depart the Duluth International Airport baggage claim for Bayfield at 3pm. If driving yourself, you'll need to check in and settle into your room at the historic Greunke's First Street Inn in Bayfield, WI between 5pm - 6:30pm. After settling into your room you'll meet your guides at 7pm in the Greunke's restaurant for introductions, an orientation of what to expect during your adventure and a delicious meal. Meals Provided: Dinner at Greunke's.

• Day 2 Pack up your kayak and head to Sand Island in the Apostles. Explore the amazing sea caves and enjoy the beauty of the Islands!

  After a delicious breakfast your group will take a short drive to Little Sand Bay. Upon arrival, your guides will provide direction on the proper way to pack a kayak with the essentials you'll need for your upcoming adventure! You'll then enjoy an easy morning kayak trip to Sand Island, which takes you off the mainland and into the Apostle Island archipelago! Upon arrival at Sand Island, we'll set-up camp, have a light lunch and get ready for an afternoon of adventure. If conditions permit, we'll paddle into the Sand Island sea caves on our way to Justice Bay. A casual hike to the Sand Island lighthouse from Justice Bay allows you to enjoy the forest and spectacular vistas along the shoreline. Meals Provided: Breakfast in Bayfield; Lunch along the way; Dinner in camp.

  Kayaking mileage: 6, Hiking mileage: 2

• Day 3 Discover the smaller islands of York & Raspberry, before ending on Oak Island during our 12 miles of gorgeous kayaking.

  Day three will be the longest day of kayaking, travelling twelve miles by kayak and experiencing four islands along the way. Your morning's paddle will take you from Sand Island to York Island, before heading to Raspberry Island for a lunch break. Upon arrival at Raspberry Island, you'll enjoy a leisurely walk to the lighthouse for a tour and casual lunch. Once you've returned from the lunch hike, you'll finish the kayak trip with a pleasant paddle to Oak Island. A campfire, dinner and perhaps a swim wrap up your third day of adventure! Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner in Camp, Lunch on Raspberry Island.

  Kayaking mileage: 10-12, Hiking mileage: 2

• Day 4 A final morning kayak past multi-colored cliffs and a wreck as we return to the mainland and bid farewell to your new friends.

  All adventures must come to an end, but you'll finish up this trip in style! Upon reaching the mainland, you will paddle along multi-colored cliffs and see the Fedora shipwreck along the way! Once back in Bayfield, guides will help you unpack your boats and provide a shuttle service to your vehicles. Meals Provide: Breakfast in Camp and lunch along the way.

  Kayaking mileage: 7

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, the itinerary is subject to change due to permitting restrictions or for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions.

Permit reservations will be made in January 2012. The route may be reversed to start in Bayfield and end in Little Sand Bay, in which case camping would be on Oak Island on Day 2 and Sand Island on Day 3.

Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Professional instruction and guiding; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 2 nights camping accommodation; 1 night hotel accommodation; kayaks, including all kayaking equipment; park and permit fees; one transfer to and from airport upon request.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point or transfer pickup point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities, and items of a personal nature.

Duluth International Airport (DLH) – 1 hr 45 min
International Airport (MSP) – 4 hr

There will be a transfer provided from the Duluth Airport to Bayfield leaving at 11am. Please let us know your intention on utilizing this service on the Personal Travel Information form in your trip info packet.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] as we plan to kayak 4-6 hours per day in calm to moderately rough conditions. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s - 60s, depending on the month. Evening temperatures may dip to 40°in early June and late September. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Daytime temperatures usually range between 50° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40s - 60s, depending on the month. Evening temps of 40 degrees are possible in early June and late September. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility, so adequate raingear is important.

Gear Checklist