ELLISON BAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Across the Shallow Strait to Rock Island: Kayaking Washington Island’s Limestone Coast
A 4.5-hour, half-day guided kayak crossing from Jackson Harbor on Washington Island to Rock Island led by a certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist, with a picnic lunch and a visit to the historic Thordarson Boathouse.
Across the Shallow Strait to Rock Island: Kayaking Washington Island’s Limestone Coast.
Set out from Jackson Harbor on Washington Island for a compact, half-day paddling journey to Rock Island State Park. The route crosses a very short stretch of shallow water under the guidance of an experienced leader who explains the island’s geology and natural history; the trip balances focused paddling with shoreline exploration, a picnic of local Door County products, and time to visit the island’s signature Thordarson Boathouse.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, scenic crossing from Washington Island to Rock Island
This half-day kayak tour departs and returns to Jackson Harbor, crossing a very short distance of shallow water to Rock Island and back—an accessible stint of open-water paddling that opens up dramatic bluffs, weathered shorelines, and long water horizons.
Guided interpretation from a Wisconsin Master Naturalist
A certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist guide shares the island’s geology and natural history during the tour, pointing out wildlife such as Peregrine falcons, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, egrets and white gulls as you paddle and explore shorelines.
Picnic lunch and the Thordarson Boathouse
The itinerary includes a light picnic of local Door County products on a remote shoreline, with distant views of St. Martin Island and the Garden Peninsula, and time ashore to visit the early 1900s Thordarson Boathouse—built entirely of island limestone.
What the day feels like
How the half-day unfolds
Meet at Jackson Harbor and paddle under the direction of a seasoned guide: the crossing to Rock Island is brief and in shallow water, leaving plenty of time on shore to tour the Thordarson Boathouse, enjoy a picnic lunch of local fare, and later take a short shore swim on soft sand before returning to Washington Island—this concentrated outing blends active paddling with interpretive stops and shoreline relaxation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sun hat, sunglasses, sun protection (UPF 50), energy drinks/coffee/yerba mate, and any required medications. (The itinerary also includes an optional shore swim—pack a swimsuit if you plan to go in.)
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Rock Island Kayak Tour?
The tour is a half-day outing with a total duration of approximately 4.5 hours.
Where and when do we meet for the tour?
The group meets at the Jackson Harbor parking lot at 10:00 a.m.; guests are expected to arrive on Washington Island (many arrive earlier via car ferry).
Will we visit the Thordarson Boathouse?
Yes—the itinerary includes time ashore to explore the Thordarson Boathouse, an early 1900s structure built of island limestone.
Is there time for a swim?
Yes—there is a scheduled shore break at 1:30 p.m. that includes an optional 30-minute swimming stop on a soft sand beach.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect sightings of raptors and shore birds such as Peregrine falcons, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, egrets and white gulls along the bluffs and shoreline.