Come with us across the crystal waters of Lake Michigan...
 South Manitou Day Trips Your trip out to the South Manitou Island will take approximately 1 1/2 hours. Our crew will be on hand to guide you as we cruise on the Mishe-Mokwa past the natural beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore [link will open in new window!] and cross the Manitou Passage [link will open in new window!], an international shipping lane. We dock on the island for 4 1/2 hours, giving you ample time to explore the island's history and natural wonders. We provide four, open air vehicles for guided tours of the island. Some tours focus on the human history of the island, with visits to the old schoolhouse, farmsteads and cemetary. The tours are set up en route to the island and we may be able to customize tours for special interests, groups and abilities. Each tour takes about 1 1/2 hours. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. You may prefer to take your own tour to areas unreachable by vehicle. Self guided tours to such locations as the perched dunes and famed Valley of the Giants are very popular. The trail system and the sandy shoreline of the island allows for unparalled hiking opportunities to see rare wildflowers, old farmsteads, and a number of raptors and other birds -- just ask us for suggestions! Park Rangers are on hand to present the history of the Lifesaving Station and Lighthouse Service. Their tour includes a climb to the top of the 100' South Manitou Island Lighthouse. Please be advised to bring lunch with you as there is no food service on the island. Many restaurants in Leland make carry-out lunches available. For more about the Manitou Islands, including maps, a brief history, and our new Photo Tour of the islands please visit our Manitou Islands Page |
Manitou Island Camping South Manitou Island Camping is permitted at three locations on this island - the Bay, Weather Station and Popple Campgrounds. The island is small with a fragile ecosystem and low impact camping is the rule. At all locations food should be stored in hard containers to thwart the Northern Miniature Tiger (aka the chipmunk!). There is no transportation to the campgrounds so all camping gear and supplies must be packed in and out. Backcountry permits are available onboard but large group sites are available only by reservation from the Park Service. Please call the Park Service at 231-326-5134 for reservations. Manitou Islands Photo Tour  North Manitou Island Now here is a camping trip! 15,000 acres of wilderness with a visitor use concept that emphasizes solitude, self-reliance and a sense of exploration. Camping on North Manitou is "open": you choose the campsite! The primary visitor activities include hiking, swimming, backcountry camping and backpacking. The island itself is home to a large whitetail deer herd and is the summer range for a variety of raptors (including the Bald Eagle). In the fall, special trips are available for hunters. Manitou Islands Photo Tour |
| Rates & Schedules RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED - CALL 231-256-9061 Click here for Map and Driving Directions |
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| South Manitou Island RATE: $30/adult - $16/Kids (12 & under) (Round Trip) Manitou Island Transit apologizes for the ticket price increase due to the higher cost of diesel fuel, and keeping our current schedule. Canoes/Kayaks: $30 each SCHEDULE: 9:15 AM - check in at ticket office 10:00 AM - boat departs for island 11:30 AM - boat arrives at island 4:00 PM - boat departs for Leland 5:30 PM - boat arrives in Leland 1st Trip 3rd Weekend of May - Friday & Sunday Memorial Weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday June 1st to 15th Daily except NO Tuesday or Thursday Trips June 16th to Labor Day Daily, 7 Days a week After Labor Day to October 7th After labor day, we run Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through September 10th and then after September 10th we run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only through October 5. Day visits in the fall will only be on the first two wednesdays in September and saturdays though October 5. We will be running one boat to both islands on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays through the fall, which could make your return as late as 5:30 PM. |
North Manitou Island RATE: $30/adult - $16/Kids (12 & under) (Round Trip) Manitou Island Transit apologizes for the ticket price increase due to the higher cost of diesel fuel, and keeping our current schedule. Canoes/Kayaks: $30 each SCHEDULE: 9:15 AM - check in at ticket office 10:00 AM - boat departs for island 11:00 AM - boat arrives at island 11:00 AM - IMMEDIATE TURNAROUND FOR LELAND. NO LAYOVER. 12:00 PM - boat arrives in Leland Starting May 1st Friday & Sunday Memorial Weekend Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday June 1st to 15th Wednesday, Friday & Sunday June 16th to 30th Daily except NO Tuesday or Thursday Trips July 1st to Labor Day Daily except NO Tuesday or Thursday Trips#* *If you have a large group we can run on those days, call our office for details. After Labor Day to October 5th North Manitou will be Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through September 12th and then Fridays and Sundays only until October 5th. We will be running one boat to both islands on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays through the fall, which could make your return as late as 5:30 PM. Hunt Schedule Call 231-256-9061 for details |
| Cancellation Policy Individuals require a 48 hour notice for a refund. Groups of 10 or more require a 2 week notice for a refund. There is a 20% cancellation charge for all reservations. Parking is available for $2.00 per day. All schedules are dependent on the weather. Click here for Map and Driving Directions SPECIAL CHARTER TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CLUBS AND GROUPS. PLEASE CALL 231-256-9061 OR E-MAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION. |
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PLEASE NOTE THAT CAMPING FEES ARE CHARGED BY THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEES PLEASE VISIT THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE'S WEB SITE OR CALL THEM AT (231) 326-5134. |
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South Manitou Island South Manitou Island has three campgrounds: Weather Station, Popple and Bay. The three locations all provide very good spacing of sites. In most cases, you cannot see your neighbors. Check the South Manitou Island Map for campground locations. |
North Manitou Island North Manitou Island features low impact "open camping". You pick your site! The North Manitou Island Map provides a good start to planning your backcountry excursion. |
