Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (2024)

North Shore

Gooseberry Falls

Duluth/Glensheen

Two Harbors

Knife River

Kayak Skills

North Shore (Split Rock) Kayak tours

*Tours starting at $79.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button
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Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (7)

schedule

TWO HOUR TOUR: $79
• Monday-Saturday: 10-12 (early/late season) 9-11 and 1145-145 (high season).
• Availability may vary based on previously booked tours. Click “Book Now” for up to date options.
• Departure from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

FOUR HOUR TOUR: $112
• Mo, Tu and per request (limited availability) for summer 2022.
• Departure from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
• Palisade tour available by special request only. It is highly suggested that you be an advanced paddler, or taken a previous 4 hour trip with Day Tripper for this option.
• Meals NOT included. Please bring a lunch!

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves (depending on water temp)
• Solo and tandem kayaks available
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio
• Meals are not included for 4 hour tours. Please bring a lunch!

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure location is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (you will receive directions to the departure point in your confirmation email).
• Not sure what to bring? Packing list here.
• Private tour add-on available ($70 per group for 2 hour tour)
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

About

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (8)

Kayak beneath the towering cliffs and over the deep clear water of the world's largest lake from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. With our tours you'll get magnificent views of the iconic lighthouse. Paddle a bit further and you'll get a chance to spot the Madeira, wrecked on November 28th, 1905.

Our North Shore kayak tour is a guide favorite. With the impressive geology, sprawling forests, and deep water it's easy to see why! Already paddled at Split Rock? Contact us to set up a Palisade Head tour, and see the North Shore's tallest cliff from a new angle!

We offer two tour durations for our North Shore kayak tour. The two hour tour is only available for the Split Rock area. You'll paddle beneath the lighthouse and across to Gold Rock Point. Our by request four hour tour takes you back south to some impressive cliffs and a picture perfect beach for lunch. After a bite to eat spend some time to search for some agates or fossils!

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (9)

NORTH SHORE TOUR LOCATIONS

Split Rock LighthouseState Park - This is our most popular North Shore tour. Explore the rocky coastline and get excellent views of the iconic lighthouse, serene bays, and towering cliffs. If the Lake allows we can see the wreck of the Madeira below. Wreck viewing is weather and water dependent and not guaranteed. This is the only departure location for our two hour tour, and is the default location for the four hour paddle.

Palisade Head/TettegoucheState Park - Palisade is a great place to paddle, with big cliffs and deep water, there is quite a lot to see! However, due to those same cliffs and deep water, conditions have to be just right for paddling here. We do not offer a regularly scheduled tour, when a tour is booked, please understand that conditions may not be safe and we will paddle at a different location. You'll also see the caves and cliffs of Palisade Head and the scenic Baptism River. This departure location must be requested and confirmed prior to booking.Please be aware that our Palisade tour is not offered regularly and is extremely weather dependent.

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Gooseberry Falls Kayak tour

*Starting at $79.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button
If you are using Safari on a mobile device, hold the “book now” and open a new tab. All other devices should work as normal.

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Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (10)

SCHEDULE

2 HOUR TOUR: $79
• Wednesday 9-11 and 1145-145 (high season)
• Availability may vary based on previously booked tours. Click “Book Now” for up to date options.
• Departs from Gooseberry Falls State Park

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves (depending on water temp)
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure is from Gooseberry Falls State Park (you will receive directions to the departure point in your confirmation email).
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

ABOUT

Paddle from one of the most popular state parks in Minnesota. We will start our paddle from the scenic beach at the Park. From there we will head out on Lake Superior to explore some beautiful Lake Superior coast. Depending on water flow, we may even have the option to paddle up the Gooseberry River.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (11)

Gooseberry was designated as a State Park in 1937 and has been popular ever since. Many of the buildings were constructed by the CCC in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It’s shoreline and river are some of the most scenic sites along the North Shore.

Our Gooseberry Falls kayak tour will explore the natural and cultural history of the area. We will talk about geology, plants, wildlife, cultural, and industrial history that is centered in the park.

*Day Tripper of Duluth reserves the right to change departure location due to availability, weather, or other events.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (12)

Two Harbors harbor Kayak tour

*Starting at $74.00 per paddler
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Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (13)

SchedulE

• Friday 200p-330 and 400p-530p
• By Request

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (14)

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves (depending on water temp)
• Solo and tandem kayaks available
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure location is the Two Harbors boat launch. Look for the kayaks (you will receive directions to the departure point in your confirmation email).
• Private tour add-on available ($70 per group for 2 hour tour)
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

ABOUT

Explore historic Agate Bay right in downtown Two Harbors. This is a well protected kayak in Two Harbors, we will paddle along the scenic break wall with the open waters of Lake Superior beyond. On calm days we will head out to sea for a brief paddle where we will have a chance to peer into the deep waters of the Lake. We will learn about the natural and cultural history of the area, learn about the active commercial shipping, and enjoy seeing the city from a new perspective!

On most tours we will have the opportunity to see the hull of the Samuel P. Ely. The Ely sunk on October 29, 1896. It is a remarkably well preserved wreck for a wooden vessel. Visibility depends on water and weather conditions, but we are often able to see it!

Please note that we are paddling near an active commercial port. We take great care in ensuring the safety of our paddlers. We will not be paddling next to or near ships in port unless specifically authorized to do so.

The Two Harbors area paddle is our windy day relocation option for the North Shore paddle.

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KNIFE RIVER Kayak Tour

*Starting at $69.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button
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Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (15)

Schedule

•Sunday 9a-1030a and 11a-1230p
•By Request

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves (depending on water temp)
• Solo and tandem kayaks available
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure location is the Knife River Marina
• Private tour add-on available ($70 per group for 2 hour tour)
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

About

Knife River is a small town about 15 minutes North of Duluth, MN. It is an ideal launch point as there are many things to see, but yet a close drive to the busier Duluth area.
Our Knife River kayak tour will head out onto Lake Superior from the Knife River Marina. From there we will explore the scenic coast. We will talk about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Some of the highlights are paddling near the Knife Island bird sanctuary and talking about a few of the shipwrecks in the area.
This tour is designed for all skill level paddlers, but is shorter compared to most of our other offerings.

Kayak Skill Clinics/LEssons

*Starting at $84.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (16)

Schedule

Saturday Sept 18th
• 1:11p-4:11p
• Island Lake Pavilion (location may change due to weather)

Contact us to set up a lesson or clinic today!

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Expert instruction on kayak skills and safety
• Strongly suggested that you have your own boat, but if not a sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves are included

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Location varies based on clinic
• Clinics vary in skill instruction
• You will be getting wet in our clinics, be prepared!
• Private lessons and clinics available by request
Weather Policy

ABOUT

Lake Superior is right out our door, it’s the best place to paddle if you are prepared! If you or a paddling friend capsize, can you get back in the boat? Can you safely exit underwater? Are you an experienced paddler, but just need a refresher?

Although some of clinics are taught on inland lakes, our courses are designed to highlight safe paddling on Lake Superior. From helpful suggestions for paddling locations, weather forecasting, dressing appropriately, and deep water self/group rescues. We will help prepare you for safe paddling where ever you end up!

Learn skills such as wet exits, T rescues, self rescues, and advanced paddling stroke. We offer rolling and other advanced skill classes for qualified paddlers. Each session varies in topics covered and are adapted to suit each group. We keep our classes small to provide for the best instructor/student ratio to promote better skill learning.

We encourage students to have their own boat, but we do have boats for those who don’t! Please contact us with questions.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (17)

Duluth area kayak tours

*Starting at $64.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button
If you are using Safari on a mobile device, hold the “book now” and open a new tab. All other devices should work as normal.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (18)

SCHEDULE

90 MINUTE TOUR: $64
• Su - 9-1030 and 11-1230 (June 4-July 2)
• Availability may vary based on previously booked tours. Click “Book Now” for up to date options.
• Due to construction, all tours will depart from Glensheen
• For other Lake Superior paddling alternatives check out our North Shore tours

DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves (depending on water temp)
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure is from Glensheen (you will receive directions to the departure point in your confirmation email).
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

ABOUT

Sitting at the far western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth has some of the best kayaking right in town! With everything from rocky beaches, forested islands full of wildlife, and the historic Duluth harbor there is something for every paddler to get excited about.

Due to multiple construction projects in the Duluth area, all of our Duluth paddling options will be based out of the Glensheen for 2023.

We offer a 90 minutes Duluth area kayak tour. This tour will explore the shoreline in the Glensheen area. It will give you a new perspective on the blend of city to sea! Take a look at some impressive houses and paddle the worlds largest lake. Longer duration tours are offered with our north shore paddling options.

*Day Tripper of Duluth reserves the right to change departure location due to availability, weather, or other events.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (19)

DULUTH AREA kayak TOUR LOCATIONS

8th St. only for 2023 season.

St. Louis River Estuary- Our go to and hands down, guide favorite paddling area to show off Duluth! Explore one of the few freshwater estuaries in the world. This is the best option for wildlife viewing. As we paddle among the forest islands of the river we will have a chance to see an eagle's nest and often fish jump right out of the water!Learn about the importance and history of the area to the Native Americans and fur trading voyageurs. Clyde will be our default Duluth area departure point for summer 2020.

Park Point/Canal Park/8th Street Beach- Only available for weekday morning departures, and subject to availability based on events in Duluth. Departing from the harbor side of Park Point, you'll paddle along the scenic harbor and Canal Park. There you'll learn the history of the port, get some amazing views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, and watch ships pass by. If conditions allow we will head out under the Aerial Lift Bridge into the big Lake.

Brighton Beach- Due to construction in 2020 Brighton Beach will be unavailable as a departure point for much of the summer. This popular rocky beach, located on the east end of Duluth, is the true start of the North Shore. Departing from here, you'll paddle north along the scenic rocky coast. Heading south, you'll enjoy the views of Duluth's famous homes such as the Glensheen Mansion.

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Iceberg kayak tour

*Starting at $49.00 per paddler - For availability and booking click the “book now'“ button
If you are using Safari on a mobile device, hold the “book now” and open a new tab. All other devices should work as normal.

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (20)

Schedule

Iceberg kayaking is a rare occurrence, it does not happen every year. The weather needs to be just right for a safe tour. Tour time will be posted when the conditions allow.
• No tours currently scheduled, but please call for paddling opportunities. 218.390.1605

ABOUT

Duluth and Lake Superior aren't known to be the warmest. Ice on the big lake is common every winter, and when the weather warms up the shattered lake ice and icebergs make for some spectacular scenery to paddle in. With ice forms varying from 20 foot high cliffs to thin layers you can paddle through each tour is totally different. With Lake Superior's often clear waters you can not only see the ice from above, but see the iceberg extending into the chilly depths of the lake! Depending on ice and wind conditions we will explore the icy lake and shore starting from the historic Canal Park area or the rocky shoreline of Brighton Beach.

This tour is not offered regularly as the conditions on Lake Superior are constantly changing. We typically announce a tour 4 or 5 days in advance based on the forecast and ice conditions. Please check back often for tour date announcements!

What to wear:We suggest you wear some tight fitting long underwear, pullover style jacket, warm winter hat, wool socks and footwear. A wicking fabric is highly recommended, and cotton anything is not suggested. The air is warm, but your feet will be on the cold floor of the boat!

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DETAILS

TOUR INCLUDES:
• Sea kayak, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuits, paddling jackets, and gloves
• Kayak Instruction, tips, natural history tour, small guide-to-group ratio

ADDITIONAL INFO:
• Departure location varies based on ice conditions
• Children of all ages welcome
• Please review the physical requirements and weight restrictions FAQs for kayak tours.
Weather Policy

* 2 person minimum group size per tour

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (21)

Kayaking Duluth — Day Tripper of Duluth (2024)

FAQs

Can you kayak in the Duluth Harbor? ›

Join us for a Duluth kayak tour!

Tour route is contained inside the harbor and travels towards Bayfront Park, into the Pier B slip next to the Sundew, and towards the ship graveyard before returning to the Minnesota slip by the Blue Bridge. Beginner friendly – instruction and guiding is provided.

Can you kayak on Lake Superior? ›

A sea kayak is the only type of kayak that should be used on Lake Superior. A recreational or general purpose kayak is for the casual paddler on placid rivers, ponds, or small lakes. It is smaller than 14 feet long and has a larger opening for the paddler to sit in.

Can you take a sit on top kayak down a river? ›

Paddling whitewater in a sit on top kayak is no problem, as long as the rapids are not Grade 3 or above.

Can I kayak to Voyageurs National Park? ›

Get the Most Out of Voyageurs National Park by Canoeing or Kayaking. Make your Minnesota canoeing or kayaking experience even more rewarding by having a plan in mind before your next visit. You can either bring your own boat or rent one from us.

Do you need a wetsuit to kayak in Lake Superior? ›

In the spring and early summer, before Lake Superior reaches 50° F, a full wetsuit is a must. In water colder than 45° F, wear a drysuit, which keeps out water. File a float plan.

Is kayaking at Pictured Rocks safe? ›

If you do not have experience kayaking on very large bodies of water, do not go out on Lake Superior. Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when boating. Use caution when boating near cliffs. Cliff collapses and rock fall can and do happen.

Can I bring my own kayak to Pictured Rocks? ›

If you plan to paddle on your own, bring a sea kayak designed for coastal paddling, one 14.5 to 18 feet long. In addition, the park requires that you paddle with a life jacket and whistle or air horn and recommend that you bring a spray skirt, wet or dry suit, paddle float and leash, bilge pump, marine radio and more.

Can I kayak in the National Harbor? ›

Experience National Harbor from the water. Rent a kayak, SUP, or pedal boat by the hour—no experience necessary! Be sure to check out these tours and classes: National Harbor Kayak Tour: Capitalize on an opportunity to experience the District differently - on the water!

Can you kayak on the White River? ›

White River Canoe Co. offers canoe, kayak, and tubing trips on the West Fork of the White River, northeast of Indianapolis. Our 2023 calendar is now open for reservations. Trips and available times may vary or open up as we enter the summer season.

Do you need a launch permit for a kayak in the Susquehanna river? ›

Anyone operating an unpowered boat, such as a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, who wishes to use a PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) or a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) boat access, including those at state parks, may either register their boat or purchase an annual launch permit.

Can you kayak at Sand Hollow State Park? ›

From single and tandem kayak rentals to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, our watersports rentals guarantee a fun and exciting adventure at Sand Hollow State Park. Don't miss out on your next adventure - book your Kayak & SUP rentals today!

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