CHEBOYGAN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Mackinac Bridge to St. Helena: A Four‑Hour Lighthouse Cruise
A compact, four‑hour boat tour aboard OLIVE that cruises under the Mackinac Bridge, lands on St. Helena Island for lighthouse exploration, then returns to Mackinaw City.
Under the Mackinac Bridge to St. Helena: A Four‑Hour Lighthouse Cruise.
Climb aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore boat, and make a seven‑mile run under the Mackinac Bridge into the Western Straits of Mackinac. The outing deposits you on St. Helena Island to explore the lighthouse grounds, with the option to tour the interior and climb the tower (a separate charge), then returns you to Mackinaw City after roughly two hours ashore and a total four‑hour outing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Photographs Beneath the Mackinac Bridge
The trip begins with a run under the Mackinac Bridge — a dramatic photo moment on a seven‑mile cruise out to St. Helena Island aboard OLIVE.
St. Helena Island Lighthouse Grounds
Onshore you can walk the lighthouse grounds and, if you choose, arrange a paid interior tour and tower climb to survey the Western Straits from the light’s vantage.
A Small‑Boat Island Cruise
The operator runs the tour in OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore boat, which keeps the experience close to the water and intimate for a short, scenic outing.
What the day feels like
What the four‑hour outing feels like
The rhythm is immediate: board OLIVE, peel out beneath the Mackinac Bridge, then settle into a steady seven‑mile crossing to St. Helena. After disembarking you have roughly two hours to roam the lighthouse grounds and opt for an interior/tower tour for an additional fee; the second half of the trip is a leisurely circumnavigation of the island before returning to Mackinaw City, all packaged into a concise four‑hour window.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this short island cruise
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No specific gear requirements are provided in the trip data supplied.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the St. Helena Island Tour?
The full outing lasts approximately four hours.
What boat is used for the trip?
The tour runs aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore boat.
Is there an age requirement?
Guests must be age 12 or older to participate.
How much time do I get on St. Helena Island?
You will spend approximately two hours on the island before re‑embarking.
Can I tour the lighthouse interior or climb the tower?
Yes — interior tours and tower climbs are offered but are available for a separate charge.
Does the trip pass under the Mackinac Bridge and where does it return?
Yes — the cruise runs under the Mackinac Bridge on the way out and returns to Mackinaw City at trip’s end.