Kayaking sea caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin is an adventurous activity that will leave a lasting impression for any paddler. There is something exciting about silently approaching a cave with a kayak, and entering a quiet space that few have explored.

Kayaking Sea Caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin

Exploring the area around Bayfield, Wisconsin means you’ve entered the watershed of the largest fresh water system in the world: The Great Lakes. There are 5 Great Lakes, and Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake. Its surface area covers about 31,700 square miles, has a maximum depth of 1,332 feet and a shoreline of 2,726 miles. This includes all the shorelines of all its many islands. Kayaking sea caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin, along the sandstone shores of Lake Superior is sure to delight any adventurous paddler.

Bayfield, Wisconsin sits on a south west shoreline of the lake. View our map to discover the location of the Bayfield area and its proximity to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and its 22-island archipelago. 

If you’re a road scholar like us, you’ll want to know a bit more about the importance of a watershed and some specifics about Lake Superior’s watershed. After all, water is a main contributing factor to the caves’ formation and is essential to the act of kayaking!

What is a watershed? 

A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls as precipitation drains or flows downhill into a specific body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Water falling anywhere on land will eventually flow downhill due to gravity. Every part of the Earth’s land surface is part of a watershed. Knowing about the watershed where you live, work, or travel to can help you appreciate this precious resource we all need to survive. 

 Here are 6 facts about Lake Superior’s watershed:

1. Size: Lake Superior’s watershed is enormous, covering approximately 49,300 square miles.  It spans parts of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, as well as the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
2. Diverse Ecosystems: The watershed supports diverse ecosystems, ranging from boreal forest areas and wetlands to rivers and lakes. These ecosystems provide critical habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
3. Human Activities: The watershed is home to several cities and communities, including Duluth, Minnesota; Thunder Bay, Ontario; and smaller towns like Bayfield, Wisconsin. 
4. Water Quality Challenges: Despite its vast size, Lake Superior faces challenges related to water quality, including pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial activities, and urban development.
5. Geological Features: The geology of the watershed is varied, with ancient bedrock formations, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and glacial landforms, like sea stacks and sea arches, shaped by past ice ages.
6. Hydrological Importance: Lake Superior and its watershed play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle of the Great Lakes region. The lake stores and releases vast amounts of freshwater, influencing weather patterns and providing drinking water for millions of people.

Careful planning:

Before embarking on any sea kayaking adventure there are some things you should plan for and consider carefully.

1. Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before heading out. Lake Superior can be unpredictable, and strong winds influence wave height which can make kayaking dangerous.
2. Equipment: Ensure you have appropriate kayaking gear, including a kayak suitable for sea conditions, a paddle, life jacket (PFD), and safety equipment such as a whistle and flashlight. A wet suit is also advisable because Lake Superior is one of the coldest of the Great Lakes with average water temperature around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 
3. Navigation: Familiarize yourself with the area and have a map or GPS device. Bayfield and the Apostle Islands have numerous islands and sea caves, so knowing your location is crucial for safety.
4. Permits and Regulations: Obtain any necessary permits or passes for kayaking in the area. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, for example, requires a camping permit if you plan to camp on the islands.
5. Safety and Rescue: Be aware of safety protocols and what to do in case of emergencies, such as capsizing. It’s recommended to kayak with a partner or in a group, especially in open water.
6. Wildlife Awareness: The Apostle Islands are home to diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and sometimes mammals like deer or black bears on the larger islands. Respect their habitats and keep a safe distance.
7. Tides and Currents: Understand how tides and currents may affect your kayaking route. In some areas, currents can be strong, especially near channels or points where water flows between islands. 

Tour companies for kayaking sea caves in Bayfield, Wi

If you’re not an experienced kayaker AND are not familiar with the Apostle Islands sea caves, you may want to consider a group excursion with an experienced guide. Many local companies have everything you would need for a wonderful guided tour.

Tour companies will regularly monitor the current weather forecast including wave conditions and wind speed. They generally have single and tandem kayaks available and provide a safety course so everyone can confidently paddle to and from the islands.

Explore the different tour companies for kayaking sea caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin to find the best fit for you as each one will offer slightly different experiences. Small and large groups, half day apostle islands tours and full day trip experiences are all something to consider. Remember, kayaking is a round trip adventure so be sure you understand the distance you’ll be covering when you decide on a destination to paddle to. 

The following locations are three places you can launch a kayak independently or reserve space with a group tour on the Bayfield Peninsula.

Kayaking sea caves in Bayfield, Wisconsin

There are several unique benefits that set Bayfield, WI apart from other areas on the Bayfield Peninsula. Bayfield offers the easiest access to the iconic sea caves, pristine beaches and diverse wildlife habitats. There are several routes for all levels of skill, including sheltered bays and calm inland lakes to more challenging open water routes. There are numerous kayak outfitters in the area with expert knowledge of the area’s history, geology and other educational insights.

To enhance the kayaking experience, The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore features several historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, and excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife in their natural habitats. Species including bald eagles, falcons, otters and even black bears can be seen on the larger islands such as Madeline Island, Stockton Island and Oak Island. 

Cornucopia, WI

Cornucopia, Wisconsin, which is just south of Meyers Beach offers paddlers plenty of routes to choose from, including calm bays as well as challenging open waters. Access to Apostle Islands allows for exploration of sea caves, secluded beaches, and diverse wildlife habitats. 

Beyond kayaking, this area provides lots of other outdoor recreation including hiking and biking. Non kayakers can enjoy the mainland sea caves by taking a hiking trail at Meyers Beach. The trail mainly consists of solid wood planks with some changes in elevation. Strategically placed benches allow for breaks to enjoy the woods.

These mainland sea caves, carved into the sandstone cliffs by centuries of wave action from Lake Superior, are renowned for their stunning beauty and intricate formations. The Meyer’s Beach sea cave trail provides access to viewpoints overlooking the caves and opportunities for up-close exploration depending on lake conditions and/or ice cover.

Pro tip: Meyers Beach is also an epic place to view a sunset.

Madeline Island, WI

Accessible by ferry, private boat or water taxi, Madeline Island is the largest island in the Apostle Islands area and offers unique benefits such as camping on the island and renting a golf cart when exploring the land.  Bike rentals are also a popular method of transportation on the island.

Reserve a campsite at Big Bay State Park and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding Apostle Islands. There are several hiking trails that lead through forests, along scenic bluffs and to beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed before or after a kayaking adventure. 

Launching your own kayak or joining guided kayaking tours on Madeline Island offers experiences that distinguish it from Bayfield or Cornucopia. The proximity to the Apostle Islands is the main draw. Island-hopping to nearby islands such as Basswood, Michigan and Stockton Islands allows for exploring multiple islands in a single trip. The launch point areas also tend to be less crowded and quieter even during peak tourist season. The island’s central location also provides stunning vistas of both sunrises and sunsets over the water. 

Madeline Island is rich in history and culture, with opportunities to visit sites such as the Madeline Island Historical Museum and the La Pointe Indian Cemetery. These sites offer insights into the island’s Native American heritage and its early European settlement. Interested in historic native culture in North America, read our blog post about exploring Indian Caves in Arizona. 

Where are the Apostle Island Sea Caves located?

The most notable locations for exploring sea caves are on the north shores of Devil’s Island and Swallow Point on Sand Island

Devils Island

The northernmost island in the Apostle Islands chain, Devils Island, is home to some of the most famous sea caves in the area. Centuries of natural forces have created some of the Great Lakes’ most breathtaking scenery, particularly in the sandstone cliffs where wave action, freezing, and thawing have carved extensive sea caves along the shoreline.

When the lake is calm, kayakers can explore elegant archways, expansive vaulted chambers, and intricate honeycomb tunnels within the cliffs along the northern shore of Devils Island.

Sand Island

Swallow Point is known for its tranquility and relatively secluded atmosphere, providing kayakers with a peaceful paddling environment away from more crowded areas.  The sandstone cliffs at Swallow Point exhibit fascinating geological formations shaped by wave action and weathering.

Paddlers can observe unique rock patterns, colors, and textures up close and venture inside the sea caves of Sand Island when the water conditions are calm. 

Is cave exploration only for the summer season?

NO! By February, an ice bridge may form between Sand Island and the mainland. Ice columns reach up to the cliff tops, where frozen waterfalls cling in place. Frozen lake water coats the base of the cliffs. Inside the caves, a magical world of needle-like icicles awaits. These formations vary from chamber to chamber and change daily. Under the right conditions, visitors can explore these enchanting ice caves.

Staff at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore assess the ice conditions and monitor the weather to determine when the Mainland Caves are safe for visitors. While the National Park Service cannot check daily, they do evaluate the risk levels. Despite the potential for thick ice formation due to cold temperatures, wind and waves can quickly break up the ice, creating unstable conditions. When the risk is low, the area is deemed accessible to visitors who want to explore this frozen wonderland.

Not into kayaking?

No problem! There is a lot to experience on land in this area including hiking, biking, maritime history, craft shows, festivals and a robust seafood scene. If you really want to get out on the water, but without the strain of using your own paddle, check out the Apostle Islands NPS website for boat tours, fishing charters, and sailing charters that regularly tour this popular tourist destination!