HOUGHTON FERRY FIELD GUIDE
Voyageur II: A Two‑Hour, One‑Way Passage from Rock Harbor to Malone Bay
A focused guide to the Voyageur II one‑way inter‑island run, outlining what to expect aboard the 65' passenger vessel and the practicalities of a one‑way arrival at Malone Bay.
Voyageur II: A Two‑Hour, One‑Way Passage from Rock Harbor to Malone Bay.
Board the Voyageur II at Rock Harbor for a two‑hour, clockwise transit around Isle Royale that delivers perimeter views, stops at scenic trailheads and paddling embarkation points, and the kind of close coastal perspective you only get from a purpose‑built Great Lakes vessel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Built for the Great Lakes: Voyageur II
The Voyageur II is a 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels and designed to carry both U.S. Mail and passengers around Isle Royale. It seats up to 46 people and combines indoor booth seating with outdoor bow and stern decks and on‑board restrooms.
Clockwise Perimeter Passage with Trailhead Drops
The V2 travels clockwise around the park, offering passengers the opportunity to see the island’s perimeter and to be dropped at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points—making this one‑way run a practical option for hikers and paddlers heading into Isle Royale.
Amenities for a Short Passage
For a two‑hour inter‑island trip the vessel provides indoor booth seating, outdoor deck seats, men’s and women’s restrooms, and private crew quarters—features that make the short voyage comfortable for most passengers.
What the day feels like
What the Passage Feels Like
The trip is a focused, two‑hour coastal transit: you board at Rock Harbor, settle into booth or deck seating, and move clockwise around Isle Royale as the crew makes selective stops at trailheads and paddling spots. The vessel’s design and on‑board amenities keep the short voyage practical and comfortable while providing uninterrupted views along the island’s edge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The scheduled voyage is two hours. Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight the day of travel; online inbound bookings close 24 hours in advance. In case of emergency, call the operator for same‑day bookings.
All passengers should be on the Rock Harbor boat dock 45 minutes before departure times to board the Voyageur II.
The Voyageur II offers indoor booth seating, outdoor bow and stern seating, men’s and women’s restrooms, and private crew quarters—adequate amenities for a short inter‑island passage.
This listing is for a one‑way trip to Malone Bay. You must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan before traveling to Isle Royale.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip from Rock Harbor to Malone Bay?
The Voyageur II one‑way passage between Rock Harbor and Malone Bay is a two‑hour trip.
Where do I meet the boat?
Boarding is at the Rock Harbor boat dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before departure.
Is this a round‑trip service?
No — this specific itinerary is a one‑way trip from Rock Harbor to Malone Bay; you must purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing a ticket.
How do I book same‑day travel?
Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight the day of travel and inbound bookings close 24 hours in advance; in case of emergency, call the operator for same‑day booking options.
How many passengers does the Voyageur II carry and what amenities are onboard?
The Voyageur II has a 46‑passenger capacity and includes indoor booth seating, outdoor deck seating on the bow and stern, and men’s and women’s restrooms.
Does the boat make stops?
Yes; the voyage travels clockwise around Isle Royale and allows passenger drops at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points around the island.