6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau

Lake Leelanau 6-Hour Boat Tour: An Authentic Northern Michigan Experience

Imagine spending a full day on the water, exploring the tranquil sandbars of Lake Leelanau, stopping at charming towns like Leland, and dipping your toes in Lake Michigan’s waves. For just $35 per group, this six-hour adventure offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, local flavor, and outdoor fun. Guided by a licensed captain from H2GO Charters, the tour promises flexibility — with opportunities to hop ashore for wine tastings, snacks, or a leisurely walk through quaint towns.

Two things we particularly appreciate are the variety of stops — from scenic wildlife spots and vineyards to local beaches — and the well-thought-out inclusions like water, coolers, and life jackets. These thoughtful touches make the experience comfortable and accessible. A possible consideration? The tour’s max group size of 8 means a more intimate setting, but it also requires booking ahead if you’re traveling during peak season.

This tour suits families, small groups, couples, or anyone eager to enjoy a relaxed day in Northern Michigan. If you value authentic local experiences, scenic waterways, and a flexible schedule, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: Only $35 for a full six-hour tour, offering good value for a variety of experiences.
• Flexible Stops: Visit Lake Leelanau, Leland, vineyards, and wildlife hotspots at your pace.
• Inclusive Amenities: Water, coolers, ice, life jackets, and a licensed captain are all included.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids over four, with child life jackets available on request.
• Authentic Local Flavor: Wine tastings, small-town charm, and natural beauty all in one trip.
• Weather-Dependent: Cancellations due to weather are possible, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Exploring the Full Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: South Perrins Landing

Your adventure kicks off at South Perrins Landing Drive, around 11:00am. This relaxed start time leaves your morning free to enjoy breakfast or explore Traverse City’s charming neighborhoods beforehand. The boat departs with a small group, ensuring a more personalized experience. The licensed captain from H2GO Charters will be your guide, handling navigation and safety — so you can sit back and soak in the scenery.

Lake Leelanau: The First Stop (3 hours)

The largest chunk of your day is spent on Lake Leelanau itself, a peaceful body of water known for its gentle waves and scenic views. Here, you can go ashore to visit Northern Latitudes Distillery for wine and spirits, or simply enjoy a picnic with a to-go meal from one of the nearby eateries. Many reviewers appreciate this stop for its tranquil atmosphere and local charm.

What makes this part particularly appealing is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, especially at the Cedar River mouth. The area is seldom visited but teeming with loons, eagles, and other birdlife, which adds a layer of serenity to the experience. We loved the way this part combines the quiet beauty of nature with a touch of local flavor.

Leland: Historic Charm and Lake Michigan (1 hour)

Next, the tour takes you to Leland, a bustling little town with a fishermen’s history and a lively arts scene. You can explore Fish Town, browse unique shops, or take a quick walk to Vans Beach to dip your toes in Lake Michigan. The beach is praised for its clean, sandy shoreline and is considered one of the best in Northern Michigan.

Several reviews highlight how Leland’s charm makes it a standout stop, with folks appreciating the opportunity to stretch their legs and enjoy some lakefront scenery. If you’re a fan of small-town atmospheres or want to combine a bit of sightseeing with some beach time, this stop hits the mark.

Boathouse Vineyards: Wine Tastings with a View (1 hour)

A highlight for many is a visit to Boathouse Vineyards, located at the narrows between South and North Lake Leelanau. The vineyard’s beautiful setting makes tasting local wines even more enjoyable. H2GO clients get a 10% discount on tastings and bottles, adding extra value.

Expect delicious wine options and a relaxed environment, perfect for unwinding after a morning on the water. Several reviewers rave about the friendly staff and the quality of the wines, describing it as a “hidden gem” that offers a true taste of Michigan’s wine country. This blend of scenery and flavor is a signature part of the overall experience.

Wildlife & Nature: Exploring Cedar River (1 hour)

The tour’s final stop takes you to the mouth of the Cedar River, where river meets lake. This less-visited corner is a haven for loons, eagles, and other wildlife. It’s a peaceful, natural spot where you can observe wildlife in their habitat, making it a favorite for nature lovers.

Reviewers mention that seeing bald eagles and listening to loons was a “highlight,” reinforcing how this trip balances relaxation and discovery. The area offers a quiet, scenic conclusion to your day, with plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife viewing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, coolers with ice, water floats, and USCG-approved life jackets, making safety and comfort a priority. The licensed captain handles everything, so you can enjoy the ride worry-free.

However, alcoholic beverages, snacks, soda, and beach towels are not included, so plan to bring your own if desired. Travelers often mention bringing along some local wine or snacks to enhance the experience, especially during the stops at vineyards or beaches.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Timing: The tour starts at 11:00am, giving you a mid-morning start. Consider arriving a few minutes early to settle in.
• Age Restrictions: Children under four aren’t recommended, but kids over that age are welcome with life jackets available on request.
• Weather: The trip requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are possible, with options for rescheduling or full refund.
• Group Size: With a maximum of eight travelers, expect a more intimate, personalized experience compared to larger tours.
• Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and a camera are recommended, especially for wildlife viewing and beach stops.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits anyone looking for a laid-back, scenic day that combines water, wildlife, small-town charm, and local wine. It’s ideal for families, couples, small groups, or even a pre-wedding gathering. If you enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace and appreciate authentic local experiences, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

It may not be the best choice if you’re seeking adventure, snorkeling, or extensive time ashore. But if your goal is a calm, flexible day on the water with diverse stops, this is a solid pick.

Final Thoughts

The 6 Hour Lake Leelanau Tour offers a thoughtful, well-rounded way to enjoy Northern Michigan’s natural beauty and charming towns without breaking the bank. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, wildlife, local wine, and scenic water views.

While weather can influence the day, the flexible cancellation policy and inclusive amenities help make it a risk worth taking for a relaxing, authentic Michigan adventure. Whether you’re a local wanting to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking a taste of Northern Michigan’s laid-back charm, this tour provides a gentle, memorable way to spend your day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over four are welcome, but younger kids are not recommended. Child life jackets are available on request to keep little ones safe.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, camera, and any personal snacks or drinks you prefer, since these aren’t included. Towels are also not provided, so pack accordingly if you plan to swim.

Can I bring alcohol?
You can bring alcoholic beverages if you’re over 21. Note that the tour itself does not include alcohol, but you may enjoy your own drinks ashore, especially during wine tastings.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from one to three hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, relax, or enjoy a quick snack or drink.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. Poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if that happens.

What’s included in the price?
Water, coolers, ice, life jackets, and a licensed captain are included. You’ll need to handle your own food, drinks, and beach towels.

How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 8, making for a more intimate experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at South Perrins Landing Drive, with a relaxed departure at 11:00am.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

How far in advance should I book?
Given the small group size and popularity, especially during peak season, it’s best to reserve early to secure your spot.

This Lake Leelanau tour combines natural beauty, local flavor, and relaxed exploration, making it a memorable way to experience Northern Michigan. Whether you’re into wildlife, wine, or simply soaking up the scenery, it offers a well-balanced, enjoyable day on the water.