boat cruise at pictured rocks

Pictured Rocks #1 Boat Tour

Adventure. Sights. Fun. We've got it all! Pictured Rocks, waterfalls, lighthouses, eagles with a splash of smiles in 90 minutes. Explore 25 miles of breathtaking Pictured Rocks along Grand Island.

Why Riptide Ride?

You'll see 25 miles of breathtaking Pictured Rocks Cliffs along the Grand Island coastline. Our route includes the tallest Pictured Rocks in the area, up to 300 feet, and as a bonus, you’ll also see two lighthouses. All of this beauty in only ninety minutes. Oh yeah, and did we mention you'll also have a blast! Our tour is a perfect balance of nature and adventure!

Bring your camera on board as we explore the beautiful coastline of Grand Island. Along the way, you'll see Pictured Rocks, waterfalls, the island's two lighthouses, and on most trips we'll also see a few eagles.

SEE PICTURED ROCKS UP CLOSE

Grand Island is part of the Hiawatha National Forest and contains 25 miles of the tallest and most beautiful Pictured Rock cliff formations in the area.

Riptide Ride Schedule & Rates

2024 Season Schedule

Eastern Standard Time

May 25 & 26: 1:00p | 3:00p

May 27: 11:00a

May 28 – June 14: 1:00p

June 15 – 30: 1:00p | 3:00p

July 1 -Aug 15: 11:00a | 1:00p | 3:00p | 5:00p

Aug 16 – Aug 30:      1:00p | 3:00p

Aug 31 & Sept 1: 11:00a | 1:00p | 3:00p | 5:00p

Sept 2: 11:00a

Sept 3 – Sep 30: 1:00p 

2024 Season Rates

Trip length:   1 1/2 hours

Adult:   $48.00

Children (ages 3-9): $38.00

Ride limited to ages 3 and up

Schedule subject to change

FAQ - We've all got them.

To ensure, you have the best time possible with us. We've answered some of the most popular questions about our tour. Click the link below to get the answers and insight on how to get the most out of your adventure.

riptide rider reviews!

Still not convinced? Well, don't listen to us; we're rather biased. Here's some lovely words from our guests.

Pictured Rocks Cruises

Come & explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the comfort of our Tour Boats! The views are breathtaking, up close and wonderful!  Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, & waterfalls along the Lake Superior Shoreline will delight viewers of all ages.  Your journey begins in Munising located in the beautiful Upper Michigan!

The Pictured Rocks Cruises, Inc. were honored with receiving “Michigan’s Best Treasure Awards” in 2002!   www.picturedrocks.com

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While its rural location is part of the charm, cell service can be an issue for some arriving in the Upper Peninsula. Fortunately, we have a range of maps and guides to help you along the way.

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The Adventures of a Wisconsinite and Her Family

The Best Cruises to Take at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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I know, I am still talking about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, LOL – I can’t help it! There is SOOOO much to see and do there! Right now we are going to talk about Cruises to Take at Pictured Rocks – it is just about the perfect time of year to try them.

Should you take a cruise to see Pictured Rocks?

The best way to see the beautiful multi-colored cliffs of Pictured Rock National Lakeshore is from the water. What better way to admire the incredible scenery than by taking a guided boat cruise on Lake Superior? Guided cruises are the perfect way to see Pictured Rocks for families, couples as well as solo travelers.

Take a break from hiking and outdoor sports and relax on a cruise taking you around the lake. Don’t forget to pack your camera for the once-in-a-lifetime shots of waterfalls, beaches, and cliffs. Did you know that some cruises offer glass-bottom boat tours at Pictured Rocks or even shipwreck tours? 

Pictured Rocks Cruises is the only tour company licensed to offer guided boat cruises of the Pictured Rocks sandstone cliffs. You can choose from three different tour types. The Classic Cruise takes 2,5 hours and costs $38 per person. This cruise is available from mid-May to mid-October. It takes you 32 miles along the coastline of Lake Superior to see beaches, caves , and cliffs. This cruise has existed for over 70 years.

Pictured Rocks cruises facts and information

If you can’t get enough of Pictured Rocks’ beautiful waterfalls why not go for the Spray Falls Cruise ? This option takes only 2 hours and 15 minutes since it is operated with a high-speed catamaran. You’ll get to see all the attractions from the Classic Cruise plus Spray Falls. This waterfall is a unique landmark and only accessible from the water so make sure to add it to your itinerary. The Spray Falls Cruise is slightly more expensive at $45 per person. You can also opt to take this tour as a sunset cruise.

Finally, there is the Sunset Cruise which takes you along the same route as the Classic Cruise but later on in the day. That way you get to admire Pictured Rocks in the beautiful evening light with an incredible sunset to finish off the day. The price of this cruise is also $38. This cruise option is only available during a very specific time of the year, usually in late May and July. Check the Pictured Rock Cruises website for updates and availability.

Cruises usually run multiple times per day, more during the peak season (late June to the beginning of September). There are still cruises available in May and September until mid-October but at reduced capacity. Booking in advance is highly recommended as tickets tend to sell out during popular times.

Where do Pictured Rocks boat tours go?

Pictured Rocks cruises take you along the coast of Lake Superior. You’ll pass Grand Island and the East Channel Lighthouse which gives you a fantastic view of the island from the water. Definitely plan a day trip here after your cruise.

Then the boat takes a route close to the shore of Lake Superior passing by famous places like Miners Castle, Painted Coves, Lovers’ Leap, Rainbow cave, Indian Head, Grand Portal, Battleship Rocks, Flower Vase, Indian Drum, Chapel Cove, and Chapel Rock. If you choose to take the Spray Falls tour this will be your last stop on the cruise before you return to Munising. Many of these attractions are best viewed from the water so definitely choose to take a boat cruise on your trip to Pictured Rocks.

What can you see on a boat tour?

The highlights of any Pictured Rocks boat tour are of course the beautiful multi-colored sandstone cliffs on the shore of Lake Superior. You’ll get to see many of the unique rock formations that make this area so famous. Of course, you’ll also be able to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior and its beautiful surrounding landscape. You might even be lucky enough to spot one of the many shipwrecks that lie submerged in the lake if you choose to take one of the shipwreck tours at Pictured Rocks.

Keep an eye out for native animals on your cruise like the bald eagle, hawks, or even black bears.

Taking a glass-bottom shipwreck boat tour at Pictured Rocks

There are more than 30 shipwrecks in the Pictured Rocks area, only half of which have been discovered. A great way to learn more about the mysteries hidden under the surface of Lake Superior close to Pictured Rocks is by taking one of the famous glass-bottom shipwreck boat tours.

Tickets cost $35 per person to go on a 2-hour cruise. If you take this boat tour you’ll get to see two different shipwrecks through the glass bottom as well as other landmarks around Pictured Rocks including caves, cliffs, and a historic lighthouse. This tour will give you a unique perspective on the underwater world at Lake Superior which you won’t have with any other cruise. Tours run every day from June 15th to September 30th. Find out more information here.

Private boat cruises at Pictured Rocks

If you’re visiting Pictured Rocks as part of a larger group or are looking for a more exclusive experience why not consider hiring a private boat to take you around Lake Superior. Prices start at $350 for a half-day cruise for six people. These boat tours are highly customizable and you’ll get to decide your own itinerary and pace. Tours can depart anywhere from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and can even include a BBQ on the beach if requested. Find out more information here.

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Privacy Policy

Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises

Toll free: 800-650-2379, open seasonally.

For over 50 years, our summer cruises have been guiding visitors to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a top Michigan vacation spot. Our boat cruises are 2 1/2 to 3 hours and will travel into and alongside the most visually stunning 40 miles of shoreline on the Great Lakes! We offer 3 distinct Michigan cruises: the Regular Cruise, the Spray Falls Cruise, and the Sunset Cruise. Each cruise departs from the Munising, Michigan City Dock. The crew will assist in ticketing, safety instructions, and other needs. Our day cruises are narrated by the captain and will inform you of a brief history of the tour boat, local area facts, and Michigan points of interest on this national park tour. If you are looking for unique vacation ideas, choose Pictured Rocks Cruises’ scenic boat tours as your Michigan travel destination.

East Island Lighthouse Grand Island Miners Castle Painted Covers Caves of All Colors Lovers Leap Rainbow Cave Indian Head Gull Rookery Grand Portal Battleship Rocks Flower Vase Indian Drum Chapel Cove Chapel Rock Spray Falls

Open daily 8am EST until last boat returns to dock Mid May through mid October

Cruise Fares

Classic Cruise: $38 Spray Falls Cruise: $45 Sunset Cruise: $38 Children 6-12: $10 Children under 6: $1

100 West City Park Dr. Munising, MI 49862

46.4127075, -86.6560725

906-387-2379

800-650-2379

http://www.picturedrocks.com/

[email protected]

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Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park

Pictured Rocks Links: - Eastern Pictured Rocks Park - Western Pictured Rocks Park - Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises (here)

The "painted rocks" on the sculpted cliffs that comprise the Pictured Rocks section of the park shoreline are formed by groundwater and springs rich in various minerals (iron, manganese, copper, lime, etc.) that leak out of cracks in the rocks and trickle down the rock face. Since this process is ongoing the canvas is constantly changing, evolving into new works of art.

Our pictured rocks tour cruise was on an overcast evening and nightfall descended upon us before the cruise was finished. But the low light conditions didn't diminish the beauty of the rocks and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience - - - and are looking forward to a return visit for a daylight cruise or a mid-summer evening cruise on a clear evening.

The photos below are but a small sample of the unique landscapes of Mother Nature.

Pictured Rocks Boat Tours Cruise

Fantastic Cave Paintings. The Sea Caves are neat attractions in themselves yet made more so when they are painted with these striking colors.

In addition to the painted rocks there are unique formations like chapel rock, miners castle, and indian head rock.

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Pictured Rocks Kayaking Tours

An innovation in kayaking., launch safely from our boat – paddle the most iconic stretch of pictured rocks., today’s status.

Great day to paddle!

TOMORROW’S STATUS

Looks like a great weekend for one last paddle! 

How Easy Is It Kayak Pictured Rocks?

See why people of all skill levels, ages, and abilities are raving the only outfitter with a boat.

Why You Need to Kayak Pictured Rocks

Paddle through sea caves, next to towering cliffs, and close enough to touch stunning rock formations.

Ultimate Kayak Tour

5 hours @ $168 Enjoy the best 13 points of interest along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Safety and Comfort

Miners Castle Tour

3 hours @ $99 Short on time? Enjoy a paddle to the most famous structure on the lakeshore, Miners Castle. Available June 22nd.

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Last updated: November 25, 2022