CHEBOYGAN SAILING FIELD GUIDE
Seven Days from Duncan Bay: Bareboat the Great Lakes to Mackinac and the Les Cheneaux
A 6‑night, 7‑day bareboat charter that launches from Duncan Bay Marina and covers Mackinac Island, the sheltered channels of the Les Cheneaux Islands, and the return sail to Cheboygan.
Seven Days from Duncan Bay: Bareboat the Great Lakes to Mackinac and the Les Cheneaux.
Set off from Duncan Bay Marina and spend a week sailing Michigan’s clear waters: a first night at the marina, a day on historic Mackinac Island, two days cruising the sheltered bays and channels of the Les Cheneaux Islands with kayaking and swimming, and a measured return to Cheboygan before finishing back at Duncan Bay.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mackinac Island’s car‑free streets and harbor
The itinerary includes an afternoon and overnight at historic Mackinac Island, giving you time to step ashore, walk its car‑free streets, and explore the island before continuing east.
Sheltered channels of the Les Cheneaux Islands
Spend multiple days threading the Les Cheneaux Islands’ protected bays and channels—about a 22‑mile sail from Mackinac—anchoring in secluded coves or tying up at small marinas to kayak, swim, and hike ashore.
Duncan Bay Marina comforts
Your trip begins and ends at Duncan Bay Marina, where a pool, clubhouse showers, kayaks, and an outdoor grilling area make for a relaxed launch and return to the boat.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
The week moves at the pace of wind and tide: a calm first evening in marina comfort, a day ashore on storied Mackinac, then the narrower, sheltered channels of Les Cheneaux where you can anchor in a quiet cove for kayaking and swimming or motor into a small marina for a night. The final days are measured sails toward Cheboygan and back to Duncan Bay.
THE HISTORY
Mackinac Island’s car‑free streets and harbor
The itinerary includes an afternoon and overnight at historic Mackinac Island, giving you time to step ashore, walk its car‑free streets, and explore the island before continuing east.
THE ROUTE
Sheltered channels of the Les Cheneaux Islands
Spend multiple days threading the Les Cheneaux Islands’ protected bays and channels—about a 22‑mile sail from Mackinac—anchoring in secluded coves or tying up at small marinas to kayak, swim, and hike ashore.
THE BASE
Duncan Bay Marina comforts
Your trip begins and ends at Duncan Bay Marina, where a pool, clubhouse showers, kayaks, and an outdoor grilling area make for a relaxed launch and return to the boat.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This charter is a 6‑night, 7‑day itinerary.
The trip departs from and returns to Duncan Bay Marina.
Pack for active days on the water: swimwear, reef‑safe sunscreen, layered clothing for changeable winds, and personal items for marina nights; the marina offers a pool, clubhouse showers, and kayaks.
The vessel accommodates up to six people aboard.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the charter?
The charter runs 6 nights and 7 days.
Where do we meet to start the trip?
The trip begins and ends at Duncan Bay Marina.
How many people can sleep on board?
The vessel accommodates up to six sleepers.
What activities are part of the itinerary?
The itinerary includes visits to Mackinac Island and multi‑day exploration of the Les Cheneaux Islands with opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and hiking, plus secluded anchorages and marina overnights.
How far is the sail from Mackinac Island to the Les Cheneaux Islands?
The sail from Mackinac Island to the Les Cheneaux Islands is approximately 22 miles.
What marina amenities are available at Duncan Bay?
Duncan Bay Marina offers a pool, clubhouse with private showers, kayaks, and an outdoor grilling area for guests.