The Apostle Islands - Lake Superior's Rugged Gem
- BoatBlurb Contributor
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
By: Julian David Calderon
The Apostle Islands are a rugged hideaway on Lake Superior worth discovering.
Right on the edge of Lake Superior, there is a place that is often overlooked by cruisers -- the Apostle Islands.
They offer the kind of beauty that is a unique and daunting to boaters. The vast waters, sharp edged sea caves, and scenery is unlike any other Great Lakes destination. For those willing to plan a careful route to respect the lakes temperaments, the Apostle Islands will provide an unforgettable blend of scenery wilderness and calming anchorages.
For Ontario-based boaters, the best launch point is from Thunder Bay. From there, many cruise their boats through the border at Pigeon River. The nearest U.S. port point would be from Bayfield, Wisconsin as it is just across from the southern tip of Lake Superior. The Pikes Bay Marina & Apostle Islands Marina offer solid amenities to fuel up, load the necessary equipment, and wait for the proper weather to take off.
Trailering down is also an option, but seasoned boaters could also look towards cruising along the west side of Superior's Nipigon Bay & Isle Royale before they have the chance to hop across into the Apostles. There are various ways of travel, but regardless of how you arrive you must follow border protocols and regulations including the CBP ROAM app for boaters crossing by water.
It’s only 4-8 nautical miles (7-15 km) from Bayfield to the islands, but do not let this distance fool you. Lake Superior should not be taken lightly as its notorious winds, fog banks, and quick shifts in wave condition require a well-equipped and prepared vessel with a captain who is experienced. The National Park Service advises monitoring forecast on VHF Channel 7 (162.525 MHz) and following the marine conditions closely before anchoring or crossing in highly exposed areas. Those who have experience within the Georgian Bay’s or North Channel open water will be aware for the need of extra caution.
One of the highlights of this trip is the sea caves sculpted in redstone on Sand Island, Devil Island, and along the coast near Meyers Beach. The best views come during the early morning, when winds are under 5 knots and the waves are within 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 m). If timed right, you will have a picture-perfect moment to enjoy. The National Park Service also has plenty of information about the geology of the Apostles and their formation. Their development and ecology are unique in the Great Lakes. They also post a complete list of boating information that will help you plan anchorages, docking, and where to explore.
Cruisers typically anchor close by and approach this scenery by dinghy, paddleboard, or kayak. With this comes risk as caution is essential. The narrow cavern mouths can be dangerous with unpredictable waves and wind. Many kayakers have capsized here in choppy conditions, but, when the weather is calm the experience is one of a kind with only the sound of birds and waves lapping gently against the rocks. If you want to venture to the islands by kayak from your anchorage, the National Park Service has all the information you need regarding lake conditions, weather forecasting, and where best to explore by paddlecraft.
Public docks are available on about 13 of the Apostle Islands' 22-island archipelago, while slips are provided on a first come first serve basis. NPS and commercial operators may reserve a portion, but you can dock for a nightly fee. Knowing this, anchoring out is generally the preferred experience since the protected coves around Stockton, Sand, and Oak Islands offer quiet and firm holding grounds. Unlike the more developed Ontario anchorages, here you won’t find any stores or water hook ups, so you must bring everything you need.
The islands are a federally protected National Lakeshore, which is showcased by a beautiful ecosystem showcasing bald eagles, otters, and at times black bears on the shoreline. It's worth noting that you must keep 500 feet (150 m) offshore during the mid-May to early September nesting period for resident bird species. Fishing is allowed, but you must follow U.S. regulations and always clean your catch away from the docks. This prevents attracting wildlife and the spread of invasive species.
While the Apostles attracts its fair share of sailboats, powerboats are the ideal method for exploring the region efficiently and with more accessibility. By covering more ground and having access to more anchoring locations, powerboats are well equipped to handle the consistently changing weather. Remember that personal watercraft are prohibited within a quarter mile of shore (400 m), having to maintain a Leave No Trace standard.
The Apostle Islands are rarely talked about, but they offer an experience that few places in the Great Lakes can. The glow of the cliffs during sunset, paired with the complete silence of the bay, will make the journey well worth it. The journey can be fierce and requires prudent planning, but it's a profound destination.
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