Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours - Washburn, Wisconsin

Address: 823 W Omaha St, Washburn, WI 54891.
Phone: 154082244.
Website: bayfieldkayak.com
Specialties: Canoe & kayak tour agency.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
Opinions: This company has 16 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 3.5/5.

📌 Location of Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours

Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours 823 W Omaha St, Washburn, WI 54891

☎️154082244

Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours: An Unforgettable Winter Adventure

For those seeking a truly unique and breathtaking winter experience, we wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Apostle Islands Ice Caves with Bayfield Kayak. This reputable tour agency, located in Washburn, Wisconsin, offers guided canoe and kayak expeditions into these stunning natural formations. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts a remarkable display of ice caves formed during the winter months, and Bayfield Kayakâs tours provide a safe and informative way to witness this spectacle firsthand. They specialize in providing exceptional outdoor adventures, with a particular focus on paddling experiences.

About Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours

Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours operates out of 823 W Omaha St, Washburn, WI 54891. Their phone number is 154082244. You can find more detailed information, including booking options and tour schedules, on their website: bayfieldkayak.com. The agencyâs specialties lie in crafting expertly guided canoe and kayak tours, catering to both novice and experienced paddlers alike. They prioritize safety and environmental responsibility, ensuring a memorable and sustainable adventure for all participants.

Location and Accessibility

The tours launch from Washburn, Wisconsin, a charming lakeside town situated on the shores of Lake Superior. The location is strategically chosen to provide optimal access to the Apostle Islands and their ice caves. Wheelchair accessible parking lot is available at the launch site, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity. This makes the experience accessible to a wider range of visitors, further enhancing its appeal. The proximity to the town of Washburn also offers convenient access to lodging, dining, and other local attractions. Getting to Washburn is easily done via Highway 13, offering a scenic drive through the northern Wisconsin wilderness. The tours themselves take place on the lake, so participants should be prepared for potentially cold conditions, even during the winter months. Layered clothing is highly recommended.

Tour Details and What to Expect

The Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours are typically offered throughout the winter season, contingent on ice conditions and weather permits. The tours vary in length, ranging from shorter introductory expeditions to more extensive explorations of multiple ice caves. Participants are provided with all necessary equipment, including kayaks or canoes, paddles, life jackets, and safety gear. Experienced guides accompany each tour, offering insights into the geology, ecology, and history of the Apostle Islands. They will also provide instruction on paddling techniques and safety procedures.

Opinions and Reviews

The company has garnered positive feedback from its clients, with a current average Google My Business opinion of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 16 reviews. These reviews consistently highlight the professionalism of the guides, the beauty of the ice caves, and the overall quality of the tour experience. Hereâs a summary of frequently mentioned aspects:

Spectacular Scenery: Tourists consistently praise the stunning beauty of the ice caves, describing them as âotherworldlyâ and âunforgettable.â
Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are commended for their expertise, enthusiasm, and ability to share fascinating information about the islands and their formations.
Safe and Well-Organized: Participants appreciate the agencyâs commitment to safety and the well-organized nature of the tours.
Memorable Experience: Many reviewers describe the tour as a âonce-in-a-lifetimeâ experience that they would highly recommend to others.

While the average rating is 3.5, itâs important to note that the reviews are diverse, reflecting varied experiences and expectations. Some reviewers have commented on the challenging paddling conditions, particularly for those unfamiliar with winter kayaking.

Recommended Information for Prospective Visitors

Before booking an Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tour, we advise potential visitors to consider the following:

Weather Conditions: Winter weather in northern Wisconsin can be unpredictable. Check the forecast carefully before your trip and be prepared for cold temperatures and potential storms.
Physical Fitness: Kayaking or canoeing in icy waters can be physically demanding. Participants should be in reasonably good health and have some prior paddling experience, if possible.
Clothing: Layered clothing is essential. Waterproof and windproof outerwear, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat are highly recommended.
Booking in Advance: Ice cave tours are popular, especially during peak season. We strongly recommend booking your tour well in advance to secure your spot.

Ultimately, an Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tour with Bayfield Kayak offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the natural wonders of Lake Superior and create lasting memories. Itâs a truly special adventure for those seeking an immersive and unforgettable winter experience.

👍 Reviews of Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours

Apostle Islands Ice Cave Tours - Washburn, Wisconsin

T T.

1/5

The ice cave tour is NOT a tour. We arrived on time, met at a pop up blue tent off the shore at the public landing.-1 Marine Dr, Washburn, WI. No check in. We were told our first stop was the blue tent in the distance and sent on our way-alone. 1 mile in-Second stop-blue tent we were told the next stop was the next blue tent and again sent on our way-no guide and no caves only a few cliffs with ice formations and I mean a few. 2.0 in-Third stop (blue tent) a man pointed the two of us to THE cave. One cave. He did not provide guidance or a tour. It was an experience on your own viewing. The only other thing he told us was we could get a ride back for $10 per person! I honestly don’t know what we paid for. A few cones to be placed? They provided us NOTHING! Those who needed cleats didn’t get them until the third tent (2 miles into the hike). There was no one checking people in at any location. Nor were there any “tours” or guides anywhere! We were in the right place according to the information they sent us after we paid.

The ice cave was beautiful and quite amazing. Again, only one. The ice formations were neat looking from afar. I don’t believe it was safe to get close (wasn’t told one way or the other). The walk was long 4.5 miles. There was not a plowed trail or a walking trail. The snow was ankle deep in some areas and bare ice in others. As is normal for ice, sips and highs as well. Rough walking if not used to walking on this type of terrain.

In general I was amazed by Mother Nature’s creation. Disappointed there was only 1 cave. Exhausted from the walk. And left in wonder and disgust because I don’t know what I paid for! I feel we were very mislead and the website description is not at all accurate of the experience. Do NOT pay for this. If you want to see the ice cave, you can do it on your own without spending a cent!

Hillary Z.

5/5

We had a wonderful day yesterday with the Ice Cave Tour! We liked the small group and the guides were very safety conscious and informative. We will definitely do this again in the future!

Elissa B.

5/5

Had an excellent time on the full Meyer's Beach kayak tour. After my booking with another company fell through when they cancelled my tour on short notice, the office staff here went out of their way to get me scheduled. Tour guide Eli was fun and knowledgeable, and also made extra efforts to accommodate me at the last minute, since I was an unexpected addition to his group. Give this company a shot!

mikehell M. J.

5/5

I had a fantastic time on the Chequamegon Bay Ice Cave tour! I recieved meet up instructions via text and was very excited to attend. The weather was very cooperative making for a fun and picture perfect time. The guides were very knowledgable about local history and I felt safe exploring the ice formations. Definitely recommend!

Miley D.

5/5

This trek was stunning!! We called around and did our due assurance before picking a visit provider. Stacks of other kayak visit associations have immense measures of fake reviews. Our aides were extremely proficient and acommadting. I would prescribe this outing to other people.

Jason D.

1/5

We scheduled a group outing to check out the ice caves. The directions as to where we were actually supposed to meet were unclear since it gave 2 different addresses. It didn’t matter though, since they canceled and finally returned a text 4 minutes before we were supposed to start. We talked to other people who were supposed to go with us and locals, and it doesn’t sound like we missed much. Save yourself the money and just walk north from the coal dock in Washburn, toward Houghton Falls and check out the ice formations they would show you. If you want to actually see something cool, drive to Meyers Beach and walk the trail there. It’s quite a hike, but you can see some neat things from the top.

Angela O.

1/5

We went up to the "Ice Caves" last year and it happened to be canceled due to the could. We thought we would go "check them out" on our own when we asked a local where the best ones were they laughed at us and told us the REAL ice caves were over by Meyers Beach and they are closed and only open every couple of years due to the weather. Glad we got our $$ back, he told us these were NOT ice caves and not to waste our $$ on this crook.

suzy R.

1/5

I have called and I have messaged. My phone call was answered not in a business manner and I had to ask if I had the correct phone number. I was given an address to show up to and then when I got the reply from the message I had sent over messenger they gave me a completely different address then the person on the phone did. And then the message stated they weren't sure about the address and I should call but I had already done that.I have requested a refund and I think I'm going to just go with a more professional company.
I am editing this to say that when I messaged them this morning, I was greeted by being called a Karen and I was told that it was a good thing that I wasn't coming because they did not want me. I have this message on messenger as proof. Not to mention all the other unprofessional messages I was sent as a reply to my question. I am blown away that this business is still up and running when this is how they treat their customers. I will be looking into the business bureau and trying to find out who the owner is of this company because they will not tell me.

Edited to add....

I contacted the phone number listed this morning and explained what was being said to me via messages. The gentleman I spoke with reassured me that that is not how they run their business and asked me to screenshot all of it and send it to him and stated that no one should be sending me messages other than him and he feels he has been hacked.
He apologized and offered me a 100% refund and said that he will be getting down to the bottom of who is speaking on these reviews and sending messages to his customers pretending to be his business.