What to do and see in Michigan, United States: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

April 23, 2022 Malia Yoakum

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Tall Ship Manitou - Day Tours

Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,276 reviews

Tall Ship Manitou - Day Tours

Join us aboard the 114' SCHOONER MANITOU as we ply the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Sailing out of Traverse City, MI, Manitou offers four two hour sails per day. Help haul sail, take a turn at the wheel, or just sit bax and relax. During the month of September Manitou plies the waters of northern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay on four and five day windjammer cruises. Step back in time as we visit the islands, bays, and coastal villages of this magical region.

2. Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,868 reviews

Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Thank you for visiting Frankenmuth. Our family operates the Bavarian Belle riverboat, an authentic SternDriven Paddlewheel riverboat. We offer a 1-hour historical narrated tour of the Frankenmuth area on our fully restored 150-passenger vessel. The Bavarian Belle is open air canopied on the upper deck and has a fully enclosed lower salon with restrooms. We offer a snack bar and soft drinks on board. The Bavarian Belle is located "At The Waterfall" in the River Place Shops shopping village. Our dock and lower level are handicap accessible. One hour trips are offered Monday - Sunday 11am till Dusk, (departing every 90min), Early May to Mid-October. Please call for pre-Memorial Day and post-Labor Day hours. Extended hours are available for Group Tours and Special Events (Weddings, Reunions, etc.). Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, children 4 and under are No Charge. Group tickets are discounted to $14.00 per adult ticket with groups of 20 or more adults.

3. Sailing South Haven

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 342 reviews

Sailing South Haven

Sail with us for a two hour charter on Lake Michigan. Spend some time in the sun or join us for our popular sunset cruise. For groups up to six people.

4. Borchers Canoe & Kayak

Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 157 reviews

Borchers Canoe & Kayak

Borchers Canoe & Kayak is family owned, operated, and oriented. We provide canoe & kayak rental on the beautiful AuSable River. Trips ranges in length from 2 1/2 - 5 1/2 hour daytrips to overnight camping trips. Our bed & breakfast provides riverfront accommodations year round. Six guest rooms, full breakfast, and a casual atmosphere allow our guests to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

5. Riptide Ride

Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 595 reviews

Riptide Ride

25 Miles of Pictured Rocks Cliffs, spins, countless smiles! Riptide Ride has the ultimate package of fun and beautiful scenery. Bring your camera since you'll have plenty of opportunity to capture photos as you admire bald eagles, towering cliffs, wildlife and waterfalls. You'll be entertained from the moment you step on board until we return to shore. Between sights we'll have a blast with spins, turns and amazing speed on our jet boat!

6. Northwoods Adventures

Excellent
94%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 282 reviews

Northwoods Adventures

Northwoods Adventures, located at N4017 US Highway 2; Iron Mountain MI, 49801, is your one-stop source for amazing Michigan rafting adventures. From our popular half day Menominee River rafting trip to intense whitewater rafting in Piers Gorge and everything in between, we offer trips and adventures that are appropriate for people of all ages and skill levels. In addition to our popular Michigan rafting trips, we also offer SUP yoga, and we have the SUP and duckie rentals you need for an enjoyable adventure. All of our equipment is of the highest quality, and our experienced staff will help you choose what best suits your needs. The Michigan whitewater rafting guides at Northwoods Adventures have extensive experience and undergo rigorous training prior to becoming guides. They are extremely knowledgeable about rafting as well as safety. For rafting in Iron Mountain, MI, call Northwoods Adventures now to schedule your own adventure!

7. Ugly Anne Boat Cruises

Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 390 reviews

Ugly Anne Boat Cruises

Come take a ride on Ugly Anne and experience the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Bridge like never before. Learn the about the over 80 shipwrecks, about the building of the Mackinac Bridge and the islands that are scattered throughout the Straits of Mackinac while enjoying beer, wine and N/A beverages. On board is a tour guide that can answer any questions you have. Ugly Anne will start cruises for the season on Memorial Day weekend. We will have a daily 5pm history cruise and sunset cruise both going under the the magnificent Mackinac Bridge and departing from Mackinaw City through mid- October. We do not have public cruises on Tuesdays. Tours from Mackinac Island will be scheduled by charter only.

8. Keweenaw Adventure Company

Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 240 reviews

Keweenaw Adventure Company

Established in 1994, Keweenaw Adventure Company (KAC) is a guide and outfitter specializing in Lake Superior sea kayak adventures and mountain biking on Copper Harbor's internationally recognized trail system. With over twenty-five years' experience and an excellent safety record, we provide state-of-the-art rental equipment, essential goods and exceptional customer service. We offer a variety of guided day trips, as well as multi-day kayak tours on Isle Royale National Park and along the Keweenaw Water Trail. We have lodging available and have a small retail shop where we host a supply of essential bike parts and kayak accessories, bicycle, canoe & SUP rentals, bicycle service (mechanics), interpretive guided eco-hikes and a shuttle service, too. More than just a shop, we have also built our reputation as advocates, trail builders, community organizers and folks who like to have a good time.

9. Great Turtle Kayak Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Great Turtle Kayak Tours

Kayak and stand up paddle board rentals with 2 locations: one on Mackinac Island, MI and one in Mackinaw City, MI. For beginners we offer basic instruction and guided tours in the calm waters of the marina, and for our more experienced paddlers, we lead tours to Arch Rock, Devil's Kitchen, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island, and Bois Blanc Island, on the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. Our summer tours are popular, and they book up fast, so reserve on our website now to secure your time!

10. Sailing Yacht Scout - Day Tours

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 135 reviews

Sailing Yacht Scout - Day Tours

Sailing Yacht Scout will whisk you away on a luxurious private cruise for up to 6 guests. Sail the spectacular waters of Grand Traverse Bay for a few hours or take the whole day and head over the horizon. For added adventure, enjoy our overnight package; including 3 hr. sunset sail,

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