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MINK RIVER ESTUARY ECO-TOUR

5-star rated on Google & TripAdvisor  |  Scenic tour with nature education  |  Rowleys Bay, Door County, WI

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Lowest price guarantee

5-star rated on Google & TripAdvisor

100% refund with Trip Protection

Explore one of the world's last remaining estuaries with a certified Wisconsin Naturalist and get to know a peaceful side of Door County.

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Tour highlights

Spend some peaceful time in nature without feeling rushed or lost in the crowds.

Paddling in a kayak through this stunning nature preserve feels like stepping into a hidden sanctuary, far from the hustle of everyday life. As you make your way into the ever-shifting waterway known as the Mink River, you'll glide through serene, shallow waters that are absolutely critical for the web of life to function properly—fish spawning areas, vibrant wetlands, and an estuary rich with migratory birds. Marvel at the the colorful dragonflies and damselflies but keep an eye out for the rare Hine's emerald dragonfly, thought extinct until its rediscovery here. Led by a certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist, this peaceful tour offers unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and an intimate connection with Door County's flora, fauna, and vital ecosystems.

  • Explore a unique nature preserve, home to vital fish spawning grounds and a haven for breeding and migratory birds.

  • Keep an eye out for the rare Hine’s emerald dragonfly, rediscovered here in 1987 after being thought extinct.

  • Capture stunning views of Lake Michigan while paddling through wetlands, swamp, and estuary habitats.

  • Learn about the estuary’s formation and why preserving these wild spaces is essential from a certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist.

  • Enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free tour in shallow waters, with May and June offering prime birdwatching opportunities.

Tour details

Price
$79 per person

Tours Daily
8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm

What's included

Professional guide 
Paddle rental
Lifejacket rental
Kayak rental

What to bring

Sunscreen
Water bottle 
Water-friendly shoes
Bug repellent

Duration
2 hours

Free parking
Restroom available

Ages
14+

Group size
8 max

Available for purchase

Bottled water
Waterproof phone case

Check available tour dates

Skill level
Easy

Tour start
Please arrive 15min prior

Height/weight limit
6'7"/300lbs

About Our Kayaks

neon green kayak

Featuring Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 kayaks that are modern, clean and easy to paddle. USA-made. This model offers stability, comfort and quickly inspires confidence for beginners but also a fun boat experienced paddlers. Fits a wide range of body types. Deluxe comfort seats with lower back support rest. 

tall limestone bluff along Green Bay waters

Hassle-free booking

Reserve with 20% deposit

Save your spot on tour today and pay the rest the day of your tour. 

100% refund with Trip Protection

Cancel anytime, any reason up to 30 minutes in advance for full refund less porcessing fees & Trip Protection purchase.

Safe, secure online booking

Book easily with peace of mind with FareHarbor, the #1 tour booking platform in the world.

Cancellation Policy

If you do not have flexibilty to reschedule then purchasing Trip Protection is highly recommend.

Processing Fees

Unfortunately there are 3% credit card processing fees added on by the booking platforms.

Flexibility saves money

Best way to ensure your purchase is to leave some wiggle room in your vacation schedule.

What happens if bad weather cancels my tour?

Tour will be rescheduled to later that day or the following day depending on weather. We kindly ask for one reschedule attempt due to the nature of the Great Lakes. Full refunds will not be given for a tour reschedule.

Can I still get a full refund if I do not buy Trip Protection?

Yes, if you cancel your tour 14 days in advance but processing fees will not be refunded. No, if you cancel within 14 days of tour start time. Store credit will be issued for use at any time in the future with no expiration.

Is the 20% deposit required for reservation refundable?

No. The 20% deposit required for reservation is non-refundable. If you cancel your tour or your tour is canceled due to weather your deposit can be applied to any future tour booking dates with no expiration date.

What if I'm on a really tight schedule and will not be able to reschedule if tour is cancelled?

Purchase Trip Protection and you can get a 100% refund of your tour less processing fees +  cost of Trip Protection in case anything happens.

Customer Reviews

"We've been coming to Door County for decades and this was one of our all-time great adventures, thanks to Justin. We were scheduled to explore the Niagara Escarpment, but the wind and waves would have been too much for us. Justin adjusted the plan on the fly, and we went to the calmer side of the peninsula and explored the Mink River estuary. I can't imagine a better guide: Justin's instruction was excellent - we were on the water in no time.

 

Justin really knows the area, every aspect: geology, history, conservation, birds, flora, fauna, the little water-lilies and the huge sweep of forests. He encouraged us gently, kept us moving, and yet we never felt rushed. We talked, but we also listened. We learned about the waterways, and we learned about ourselves and what we could do with an able guide. An amazing adventure with a fabulous waterman. Wherever you might go with him - do it!"

Stewart Hickman. July 2024, 5.0 stars on Google Reviews & TripAdvisor 

Why Kayak Guide Justin?

Smaller group sizes

Tour group sizes are kept smaller to give you a more personalized experience.

Iconic Door County sights

Carefully curated tours designed to show you the very best of Door County.

kayak & paddle

Single person kayaks

Enjoy the freedom of paddling your own single-person kayak!  

Expert local guide

All tours led by a certified Wisconsin naturalist & sea kayak instructor.

Comfort & Quality

Featuring high quality sea kayaks that are comfy, modern & easy to paddle.

Explore Door County with a Professional Guide

What makes a guide a professional? Kayak Guide Justin is a certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist, local year-round sea kayaker & ACA L3 Sea Kayak Instructor trained in Wilderness First Aid & CPR. Kayak Guide Justin is also partners with the Door County Library & NWTC for public speaking events about sea kayaking and interpretive trail hikes in support of the local community of Door County, WI.

ACA logo
Wisconsin Master Naturalsit logo
NWTC logo
Door COunty library

About Our Kayaks

neon green kayak

Featuring Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 kayaks that are modern, clean and easy to paddle. USA-made. This model offers stability, comfort and quickly inspires confidence for beginners but also a fun boat experienced paddlers. Fits a wide range of body types. Deluxe comfort seats with lower back support rest. 

custom tour group of women kayakers in Door County
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