BAILEYS HARBOR KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Out to an 1800s Beacon: Canoeing the Cana Island Lighthouse from Moonlight Bay
A focused, 3-hour sea-kayak outing on Lake Michigan that paddles from Moonlight Bay to the historic Cana Island Lighthouse, with island time and local lore for adult paddlers.
Paddle Out to an 1800s Beacon: Canoeing the Cana Island Lighthouse from Moonlight Bay.
This guided, three-hour sea-kayak tour on Lake Michigan follows a scenic route from Moonlight Bay to Cana Island, offering water-level views of the coastline, a visit to an 1800s lighthouse and time ashore to explore; along the way the guide points out Bedrock State Natural Area and shares the haunted tales associated with Bues Point.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
Key stops and sights along the paddle from launch to island and back.
Moonlight Bay — launch point
The trip departs from Moonlight Bay, where paddlers launch and receive basic orientation before heading onto Lake Michigan.
Bedrock State Natural Area — shoreline highlights
Participants pass and observe the Bedrock State Natural Area from the water as the guide highlights geological and coastal features.
Bues Point — stories afloat
The guide shares local narratives and haunted tales associated with Bues Point while paddling nearby.
Cana Island Lighthouse — island time
The group lands at Cana Island for a closer look at the 1800s lighthouse, with time to walk around the island and explore the site.
This is a three-hour paddling outing and is restricted to adults (ages 18+); participants should be prepared for a multi-hour paddle and follow the guide’s safety directions (age restriction noted).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lake Michigan panoramas from the water
Paddling across the open water provides uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan and the shoreline as you make the approach toward Cana Island; the route emphasizes scenic vantage points best seen from a sea kayak.
Visit an 1800s island lighthouse
The tour lands at Cana Island so participants can walk around and learn the history of the lighthouse, an 1800s-era structure that anchors the trip’s historical narrative.
Tales of Bues Point and nearby landmarks
Along the way the guide recounts local stories, including haunted tales tied to Bues Point, and points out the Bedrock State Natural Area for natural-history context.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The outing unfolds as a steady paddle from Moonlight Bay toward Cana Island, punctuated by guided interpretation and short observation stops; after the water transit there is relaxed time ashore to climb and inspect the lighthouse and to take in the island’s shoreline before returning.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a three-hour guided kayak tour.
The tour includes rental sit-inside sea kayaks, life-jackets and paddles; kayaks are described as clean, modern, comfortable (with comfort seats), fast and stable.
The paddle departs from Moonlight Bay; participants should arrive at the launch point for pre-trip orientation and outfitting.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Cana Island Kayak Tour?
The guided outing is three hours in total.
Where does the trip start?
The paddle departs from Moonlight Bay.
Is equipment provided?
Yes — the tour includes a sit-inside sea kayak, life-jacket and paddle; the kayaks are described as clean, modern, comfortable, fast and stable.
Will we go ashore at Cana Island?
Yes — the itinerary includes landing at Cana Island with time to walk around the lighthouse and explore the island.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes — the trip is restricted to participants ages 18 and older.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-18T12:03:15.589Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.