There are plenty of ways to enjoy freshwater sports, boat cruises, sailing, and fishing in Lake Michigan or Kalamazoo Lake. Find an outfitter, charter a boat or take a harbor tour. You can even try stand-up paddle surfing.
Take a SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) tour of Saugatuck’s harbor or rent a kayak at West Michigan’s only on-the-water paddle boarding rental. Shaka Surf also provides guided tours and lessons if you have no experience with SUP, the fastest-growing sport in the Midwest. Discover a new skill and even purchase a custom board here.
Take an adventure on Desire morning, afternoon, or evening on the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. Desire is the name of Captain Al’s beloved 41’ Ketch. Originally designed for the calm waters of the Caribbean, this ship is great for sailing on Lake Michigan, and designed to be reliably stable in any weather. This captain, sailing Lake Michigan for twenty years, lives and breathes the freshwater of this lake. Captain Al is offering Hotel Saugatuck guests $50 off a charter.
Enjoy a luxury cruise on BOAT or celebrate an anniversary on this special boat ride. This 55-foot Chris Craft Roamer includes three bathrooms, three bedrooms, and even three LCD television sets complete with a bar, Its spacious deck is also perfect for those looking to bathe in the sunlight while sailing. BOAT can be found at the docks directly behind Coral Gables, which means you’re in the best spot to find a quick bite to eat following your relaxing charter.
Take a river tour and rent a tandem kayak or paddle board to see waterbirds, bald eagles, and other wildlife. This outfitter also has a Fathers Day special and a stargazing trip after dusk. No experience is necessary for these relaxing river and bayou river trips.
This all-in-one charter fishing experiences also provides the options to rent bikes, kayaks, and pontoons. Fishing focuses on catching chinook salmon, coho salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and steelhead. Explore Saugatuck’s shoreline, harbor, channels, or its trails on any of the modes of transportation this outfitter provides.
Fish for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan on this sport fishing and sailing experience. Their website features an up-to-date fishing report for Saugatuck that explains water temperature and the movements of different schools of fish that are targeted on fishing trips. Docked at Gleason’s Marina behind River Market on Lake Street, this fishing trip is sure to entertain and thrill any visitor.
Float across the river on the only hand-cranked chain ferry left in the country, built in 1838. Costing only one dollar for a ride across the Kalamazoo, this five-minute ride is for those seeking to experience a piece of history before it vanishes; and also for the patient in spirit. Slow down and take this relaxing ride on this Victorian ferry across the river like many others did in decades past.
Rent a meticulously maintained and rare classic runabout boat with fanciful fins and headlights, retro cool colors and chrome details. These boats have kept their vintage style but are retro-fitted with environmentally friendly and quiet electric motors.
Sit back and relax on this gentle paddlewheel ride down the Kalamazoo River. Keep an eye on the shoreline or in the clouds above; you may catch sight of the legendary Bald Eagle or foxes and deer from the tree line. This ferry’s ride is narrated, offering an experience, information, as well as an enjoyable boat ride on the majestic waters of Lake Michigan.
Take an all-out sports fishing adventure or a smooth sail up north with Captain Mike Hoppenrath. Fish on the newest yacht on the fleet, equipped with weather radar, autopilot, and fishfinder. All you have to worry about on this trip is soaking up enough sun in time before the boat makes it back to port. Any catches made are also cleaned and bagged by the ship’s crew.
