A unique and easy way to explore the park’s coastline and harder to reach sections is to hop aboard the M.V. Sandy on a sightseeing tour. All tours depart from Rock Harbor dock. A list of available tours with a short description and rates is provided below. Children are considered to be 11 years of age and younger.
Passage Island • ($38/Adult, $19/Child)
This tour stops at Passage Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1881. You’ll be required to hike about 2 miles and traverse several steep inclines on this 4.5 hour journey.
Hidden Lake/Lookout Louise • ($38/Adult, $19/Child)
If your goal is to hike the entire Greenstone Ridge Trail you may want to take this shuttle/tour to Lookout Louise, the trail’s northeast endpoint. The section of Greenstone Ridge between Lookout Louise and Mount Franklin is one of the most scenic stretches, but its location beyond Rock Harbor causes it to be skipped by most visitors. Roundtrip takes 3.5 hours.
Captain’s Cruise • ($38/Adult, $19/Child)
You’ll pass Rock Harbor Lighthouse as the Captain of the M.V. Sandy guides passengers to scenic locations like Middle Island Passage and Lorelei Lane during this 3.5 hour scenic cruise.
Northside Cruise/Minong Mine • ($45.50/Adult, $22.75/Child)
This tour heads to the opposite side of the island, stopping at McCargoe Cove where passengers tour a late 19th century copper mine. From here you’ll have the option to climb back aboard the M.V. Sandy for the return trip or hike 15 miles back to Rock Harbor. It’s a 6.5 hour adventure, so remember to pack a lunch and plenty of water.
Edisen Fishery/Rock Harbor Lighthouse • ($38/Adult, $19/Child)
Tour a lighthouse and historic commercial fishery on this 4 hour trip.
Raspberry Island/Sunset Cruise • ($38/Adult, $19/Child)
Passengers walk about Raspberry Island before cruising around Scoville and Blake Points as the sun sets.
The M.V. Sandy is also available for use as a one-way water bus to Hidden Lake ($15.50/passenger, no child discount), McCargoe Cove ($26), or Daisy Farm ($17.50). They’ll drop you off or pick you up from any spot on the island (weather permitting). You can make reservations for water taxi service at Rock Harbor Marina. Rates are based on number of passengers and mileage. There is a maximum of six people with backpacks or four people and two canoes per trip.
1 – 5 miles: $62 for 1 – 2 People ($4/additional person) | 6 – 10 miles: $122 for 1 – 2 People ($6/additional person) | 11 – 15 miles: $172 for 1 – 2 People ($8/additional person) | 16 – 20 miles: $239 for 1 – 2 People ($10/additional person) | 21 – 15 miles: $335 for 1 – 2 People ($12/additional person)
Boats can be rented from Rock Harbor Marina (motor costs extra).
14’ & 16’ Aluminum Boat: $23 (half-day), $39 (full-day) | 9.9hp Engine: $23 (half-day), $39 (full-day) | 15hp Engine: $34 (half-day), $57 (full-day)