MARQUETTE FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Clockwise Passage: Voyageur II’s One‑Way Run from Rock Harbor to Grand Portage
A one-way, seven-hour ferry aboard the 65' Voyageur II that follows Isle Royale’s perimeter—essential information for campers and multi‑day trip planners.
Clockwise Passage: Voyageur II’s One‑Way Run from Rock Harbor to Grand Portage.
Embark aboard the Voyageur II for a coastal circuit of Isle Royale National Park: a purpose-built, 65' aluminum passenger vessel that travels clockwise around the island, stopping at scenic trailheads and paddling embarkation points to serve campers and multi-day visitors.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Voyageur II — a Great Lakes workhorse
The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels and built specifically for service on the Great Lakes, combining U.S. Mail and passenger duties.
Perimeter circuit with trailhead and paddling drops
The vessel travels clockwise around Isle Royale, staying overnight at Rock Harbor and offering passenger drops at several scenic trailheads and paddling embarkation points along the island’s perimeter.
Seating, restrooms and practical capacity for campers
The 46-passenger boat features booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms and private crew quarters—amenities that matter on a seven‑hour, one‑way crossing.
What the day feels like
What the seven-hour passage feels like
The trip is a deliberate, perimeter passage: a purpose-built vessel tracing the island’s edge, pausing at trailheads and launch points so campers and paddlers can disembark. The journey is operational and practical in character — comfortable seating and onboard restrooms frame long stretches of Great Lakes shoreline as you move from Rock Harbor toward Grand Portage.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this service suits — and what to plan for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The crossing is seven hours.
Meet at Rock Harbor Boat Dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure times.
This is a one‑way trip from Rock Harbor to Grand Portage — you must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing. Online outbound bookings close at midnight day of; online inbound bookings close 24 hours in advance; for same‑day emergency bookings call the operator.
Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel with booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms, private crew quarters and a 46‑passenger capacity.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The trip duration is seven hours.
Where is the departure point?
Departures are from the Rock Harbor Boat Dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure times.
Do I need to buy a return ticket?
Yes. You must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing a trip to Isle Royale.
What is the Voyageur II like?
The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels, purpose-built for Great Lakes service; it carries up to 46 passengers, offers booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on bow and stern decks, men's and women's restrooms and private crew quarters, and travels clockwise around the park.
When do online bookings close?
Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight the day of; online bookings for inbound trips close 24 hours in advance. In case of emergency, call the operator for same-day bookings.