top of page
Writer's pictureJustin Pahnturat

Kayak Door County This Summer!

Updated: 4 days ago

Why kayak Door County this summer? Because this northeasternmost peninsula of Wisconsin is surrounded by Lake Michigan of the Great Lakes! Not only that, Door County rests upon a limestone rock formation called the Niagara Escarpement and the combination of the two features make for some extraordinary scenery and some really fun adventures in a kayak.


To stand on top of the bluff and take a look is one thing but to see it from the perspective of the water is life-changing. There's a very good reason kayaking is Door County's #1 summer activity but here's a way to find an kayak tour experience that is different from the rest.



Explore the Best Sights with a Professional Guide

Looking for something different for your kayak tour this summer? If you are a traveler that loves the outdoors and is looking for an experience that is truly unique and goes beyond the mediocre mass tourism that overloads Door County then you should consider taking a sea kayak tour with a professional guide.


What's different about hiring a professional guide versus a high-volume tour company?

First thing you'll notice with a professional guide is that you'll get more than friendly conversation. A young guide without experience or proper training won't be able to provide much in the of accurate history, geology or ecology which after all is probably the reason you hired a guide in the first place: to actually learn something new.


There is one guide in Door County that raises the bar with ACA paddlesports instructor certifications in sea kayaking, a Wisconsinn Master Naturalist & a highly experienced sea kayaker that has paddled the entire coastline of Door County. There may be other guides but there's only one Kayak Guide Justin.


What Does Professional Guide Even Mean?

These days, 'professional guide' is a pretty loose term in Door County but Kayak Guide Justin is the only certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist, ACA Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor & WIlderness First Aid trained guide currently leading tours in Door County. Anywhere you book your tour you should ask the manager what nationally recognized certifications do their guides currently possess.


Many of the high-volume kayak tour companies have newly hired employees with no prior kayak experience or ACA certifications, often young adults working a summer job. While they can offer pleasant small talk on tour they can't offer any insight into the history, ecology or geology of the area. For the money you spend for a tour, you deserve a knowledgable guide that can offer a tour that is more engaging and informative. I've noticed over the years that folks seem to enjoy their tour more when they learn a few interesting things along the way.


Bottom line: A guide that has more training and experience can offer a higher level of safety and customer service for you.


This Is Door County's Only Sea Kayak Tour Company

Some of you may be wondering what is a sea kayak exactly? Simply put, we sit inside the kayak instead of sitting on top. What's the difference? Performance, comfort and stability. The sea kayak design is true to origins of the 4,000 year old sport while the sit-on top kayaks that all the other companies offer hardshell rafts and perform that way the water.


No Reason To Be Afraid In a Sea Kayak

There's a common misconception of what sea kayaking really is. For some odd reason , hardshell rafts are now called sit on top kayaks and most folks believe that is somehow a safe choice for kayaking the Great Lakes. That is false, recreational sit on top kayaks are designed for inland lakes, calm water and not the open waters of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior.


Sea kayaks offer more comfort, stability and ease of paddling & control than a sit-on top kayak. They are an agile watercraft that is perfectly designed to handle the dynamic waters of the icy Great Lakes and with the right technique sea kayaks are safer.


Sit on top kayaks are heavier, harder to control and keep straight and they capsize easily. Those that have been on one know that sharing one with another person is not fun. First thing people notice when getting in a sea kayak is that they feel very stable. Stay dry and stay upright in a sea kayak instead of getting soaked on a sit on top.


Offering More Tour Options Than Any Other Company

Here's a quick look at northern Door County to give you an idea of where Kayak Guide Justin offers tours. Custom Tours can be booked for anywhere in Door County, WI!



Let's Go Kayaking!

Here are the most popular tours that people are booking with Kayak Guide Justin this summer: Door Bluff tour, Peninsula State Park half day tour, Mink River Estuary and Ellison Bay Sunset Tour.


Door Bluff Kayak Tour: The North End Gem

I'm just going to say it: this tour is legendary. And I'm not just saying that because I live nearby but because it's a gorgeous stretch of water with lots of great scenery and some absolutely crazy history.


Explore Door County's tallest bluff, paddle over a Shipwreck from the 1800's, search for Native American pictographs hidden in the rocky coves, and listen to waves and wild tales of centuries past on this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just an adventurous soul, this tour promises an unforgettable experience on Lake Michigan.


Personally, I love geology, it fascinates me and tells a story if you are paying attention. As someone who lives in Door County, this is the best of the tall bluffs of Door County and not to mention, the tallest. This story here at Door Bluff is over 400 million years old. You'll get the full scoop on tour.


Much of our Native American history in Door County has been lost but this northern paddling location offers a chance to see the last remaining pictographs on the bluff. There are a few modern day theories of what the drawings mean but you'll have to take the tour to hear the stories of what happened on the water.


This spot is all about the water and getting to know the upper Great Lakes. This northernmost location offers a chance to see a strait of water that connects Lake Michigan to Green Bay. With the right judgement, conditions and proper safety equipment this is a very safe spot to kayak.


Learn more about our Door Bluff Kayak Tour here.




Eco-Tour of Peninsula State Park: Iconic Door County

This tour is quite possibly the best all around kayak tour in the county! Why? Because this park offers a variety of sights that include distant islands, bluffs, a lighthouse, ancient sea cave geology and stunning shorelines. You'll see a lot in just 4 hours!


One of the coolest thing about this tour is that you'll get to see one of Door County's best bluffs known as Eagle Bluff. The geology of Eagle Bluff is truly fascinating and your guide will uncover the past with fun facts and stories to give you an idea how it was created. You'll have plenty of moments to yourself to enjoy the views but also hear interesting stories from your guide along the way to add to the adventure.


This 4-hour tour combines kayaking & hiking for a fun outdoor experience that really does feel like an adventure. It's a really great feeling to paddle your kayak to an isalnd and you'll get a chance to paddle out to Horseshoe Island, an small uninhabited island that we can even explore for it if you like.


Peninsula State Park offers over 8 miles of untouched shoreline along westside of the peninsula is Door County's largest, oldest and most popular state park. We'll do some paddling, light hiking and even find a nice spot along the water for a light picnic lunch with a great view! If crossing to an island in a kayak and exploring ancient sea caves on foot sounds like fun then we hope to see you on tour this summer!


Click here to learn more about our Peninsula State Park tour.

As recommended in a recent article in Door County written by TripOutside,  https://tripoutside.com/things-to-do-door-county-adventure-itinerary/



Eco-Tour of Newport State Park: Peaceful Nature

I should not even be telling you about this spot but the secret has already long been been leaked. This park used to be where locals went to escape the crowds but those days are gone. Nonetheless, this is an amazing park that you really do need to see.


Newport State Park has a special place in my heart. I grew up here, this park was the first place I ever camped on my own back in the early 90's. Back then, the park was not very well known or heavily trafficked as it is nowadays. The wildness and peacefulness of the park moved me deeply, I fell in love with the outdoors and perhaps that's why I'm a tour guide in Door County these days: to show you these gems of Door County.

One of the best things about kayaking in Newport State Park is the variety of routes you can take. This park has 2 kayak launch options but we have the best one listed for you. There is the option for a short trip out on the water or full day of exploring. For a shorter trip, head north to Europe Bay and paddle along the shoreline, taking in the stunning views of the bluffs and forests. If you're up for a longer adventure, head south along the coastline to the park's southern end and explore the Mink River Estuary in Rowley's Bay. Check out our half-day tour that explores the park with kayaking and hiking for the best views of the park.

Newport State Park is a must-visit destination for sea kayakers in Door County. With over 2,300 acres of wilderness and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, there's no shortage of places to explore. One of the park's most popular routes is the Europe Bay loop, which takes you past towering bluffs and through calm, clear waters. If you're looking for a more challenging paddle, head to the Mink River Estuary, where you'll navigate through narrow channels and encounter a variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and even the occasional black bear. No matter which route you choose, Newport State Park is sure to provide a memorable kayaking experience.






Kayak Door County! See You On the Water...

For more tour ideas and info please go www.kayakguidejustin.com



Kayak Guide Justin in the Press

Learn more about Kayak Guide Justin here:









Comments


bottom of page