CHEBOYGAN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Mackinac Span: A Close‑Quarters Cruise to the Western Straits’ Offshore Lighthouses
A 4.5‑hour boat tour from Mackinaw City aboard OLIVE that takes you beneath the Mackinac Bridge and twenty miles out to photograph and visit remote lighthouses.
Under the Mackinac Span: A Close‑Quarters Cruise to the Western Straits’ Offshore Lighthouses.
Board OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore boat, in Mackinaw City and set out beneath the Mackinac Bridge on a 4.5‑hour cruise that reaches the far end of the Western Straits of Mackinac; the route brings you alongside hard‑to‑reach offshore lights and includes a brief stop at St. Helena Island to check out the grounds and its lighthouse.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Under the Bridge and Out to the Western Straits
The cruise threads out from Mackinaw City, passes beneath the Mackinac Bridge and continues roughly twenty miles to the farthest reaches of the Western Straits, offering long, unobstructed lake views along the way.
Close Encounters with Offshore Lighthouses
The itinerary brings you within reach of multiple offshore lights — you will see and be brought up close enough to touch White Shoal Light, Waugoshance Light and Grays Reef Light as you sail around the Western Straits.
St. Helena Island: A Brief Shore Visit
On the return leg the tour makes a short stop at St. Helena Island so passengers can check out the grounds and the island’s lighthouse before heading back to Mackinaw City.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
This is a compact, seaworthy outing: you climb aboard a 24‑foot Parker named OLIVE at Mackinaw City, slip under the Mackinac Bridge, and spend roughly 4.5 hours scanning and approaching offshore beacons across the crystal‑clear waters of northern Lake Michigan, with a short exploratory stop at St. Helena Island on the way back.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who fares best on this offshore lighthouse cruise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 4.5 hours from the departure point in Mackinaw City.
The provided operator information does not list specific gear requirements.
Operated by Pappy's Tours aboard OLIVE, a 24‑foot Parker offshore boat.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Offshore Lighthouses (Western Straits) tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet in Mackinaw City to board OLIVE for departure.
What lighthouses will we see?
The cruise visits White Shoal Light, Waugoshance Light and Grays Reef Light, with a brief stop at St. Helena Island on the return trip.
How close will the boat get to the lighthouses?
The tour brings you up close enough to touch the offshore lights.
Is there an age requirement to join the tour?
Yes — the tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years.