BAYFIELD KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Across the Outer Ring: Six Days of Open‑Water Kayaking Toward Devil’s Island’s Sea Caves
A six‑day, five‑night guided kayak traverse of the Apostle Islands that culminates at Devil’s Island sea caves and sharpens open‑water paddling skills.
Across the Outer Ring: Six Days of Open‑Water Kayaking Toward Devil’s Island’s Sea Caves.
This six‑day journey threads through the Apostle Islands from Bayfield, Wisconsin, aiming for the Lakeshore’s most prized destination: the Devil’s Island sea caves. Along the way paddlers encounter sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, quarries, shipwrecks and lagoons, and will make multiple open‑water crossings that double as skill‑building stretches.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Devil’s Island Sea Caves
The traverse is designed to culminate at the dramatic sea caves of Devil’s Island — the trip’s marquee endpoint and a natural focus for exploration and photography.
Sandy Beaches, Lagoons and Lighthouses
Stops may include a mix of sheltered lagoons and open beaches as well as historic lighthouses, offering varied paddling conditions and chances to break camp on scenic shorelines.
Open‑Water Crossings & Shipwrecks
Multiple open‑water crossings are built into the itinerary, presenting opportunities to hone paddling technique and to visit sites such as shipwrecks and former quarries along the way.
What the day feels like
What the journey feels like
Over six days and five nights the traverse alternates stretches of open Lake Superior crossings with sheltered paddling and overnight shore camps. Days are spent navigating between beaches, lagoons and island landmarks while evenings are camped on shore with communal cooking and gear provided.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Six days and five nights.
Kayaks with spray skirts, paddles, PFDs, paddle floats and bilge pumps; wetsuits; tents (guests may bring their own); first‑aid kits; food, stoves, cookware and kitchenware; and camping permits.
Bring a rain jacket, warm sweater or down jacket (not cotton), long underwear top and bottom, sun and warm hats, several pairs of wool socks, quick‑dry shorts and pants, paddling‑appropriate footwear, non‑cotton T‑shirts, toiletries and prescriptions, sleeping bag and pad, sunglasses, water bottle, sunscreen, flashlight/headlamp, insect repellent or bug‑net hat, snacks and old tennis shoes or sandals for camp.
Camping permits are included in the trip package.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Outer Ring Traverse?
The trip runs six days and five nights.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Paddlers must be at least 14 years old.
Can minors participate unaccompanied?
No — one adult (18+) must be present on all trips involving minors.
Are boats and safety equipment provided?
Yes — kayaks, spray skirts, paddles, PFDs, paddle floats, bilge pumps and wetsuits are provided as part of the trip.
Is food and camping equipment included?
Food, stoves, all cookware and kitchenware, tents (you may bring your own) and camping permits are included.
What personal gear should I bring?
Bring layered clothing (not cotton), rain jacket, warm sweater or down jacket, long underwear, hats, wool socks, quick‑dry clothing, paddling footwear, sleeping bag and pad, toiletries, prescription medicines, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent or bug net and a flashlight or headlamp.