6 Hour Tour in Lake Leelanau

Exploring Lake Leelanau: A Detailed Look at a 6-Hour Tour

Thinking about spending a day on Michigan’s beautiful Lake Leelanau? This 6-hour boat tour offers a relaxed way to see some of the area’s most charming spots, with plenty of options to enjoy swimming, exploring, and tasting local wines. It’s a flexible experience that can suit solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups, especially if you’re looking to soak up the best of Northern Michigan without feeling rushed.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances boat time with opportunities to get off and explore the quaint towns of Lake Leelanau and Leland. Plus, the chance to visit a local vineyard and spot wildlife at the Cedar River mouth adds a special touch. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite social—groups are small, capped at 8 people—and it’s weather-dependent, so a good forecast is a must. This tour could be a wonderful fit if you’re looking for a laid-back, multi-activity day on the water that combines scenery, local flavor, and a bit of adventure.

Key Points
– Balanced itinerary with boat time and land explorations
– Includes wine tastings and options for food ashore
– Small group size offers a personalized experience
– Weather dependence can affect plans
– Child-friendly with available life jackets, but under age four is not recommended
– Good value for a full-day adventure

Why You Might Love This Lake Leelanau Tour

When thinking about a day trip on Lake Leelanau, this tour stands out for its combination of scenic cruising and diverse activities. You’ll get to see the lake from the water, explore charming towns, and enjoy some of the region’s best local flavors—all for an approachable price of $35 per group. With about six hours of fun, it’s a solid choice if you want a mix of relaxation and discovery.

One aspect that caught our attention is how it caters to a variety of travelers. Whether you’re into wine, quick beach dips, or just soaking in gorgeous views, this trip manages to pack all that in without feeling overstuffed. Plus, the inclusion of essentials like bottled water, coolers, ice, and life jackets makes it feel well-organized and safe.

However, keep in mind that the tour is weather-sensitive. If rain or wind spoil the day, your trip might be canceled or rescheduled—so keeping an eye on the forecast is smart. Also, since it’s limited to 8 travelers, it offers a cozy, intimate vibe, which some folks really appreciate.

This tour is best suited for those who want a flexible, multi-stop experience that combines the tranquility of the lake with some lively land adventures. It’s particularly good for small groups, couples, or even families with children over four who are comfortable in a boat setting.

Full Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off at South Perrins Landing Drive in Solon Township, around 11:00 am. Expect to spend roughly six hours exploring, with the tour wrapping up back at the starting point. The small group size means you’ll get personalized attention from the USCG-licensed captain, who’s there to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Lake Leelanau: The First Stop

The tour begins with cruising across Lake Leelanau, a picturesque spot that’s quintessential Michigan. The highlight here is the chance to go ashore and explore wine tastings at Northern Latitudes Distillery or grab a quick meal to enjoy on the boat. This part of the trip is about soaking in the local atmosphere, with the lake’s gentle waves and scenic shoreline setting the perfect tone for the day.

You might find the 3-hour stay here to be just enough to relax and take in the views without feeling rushed. The area is perfect for snapping photos of the colorful boats, rolling hills, and peaceful waters.

Leland: The Historic Charm

Next, your boat will head to Leland, another favorite for visitors. The town, known for Fish Town, offers historical charm with its vintage shops and boardwalks. If the weather permits, a swim at Vans Beach in Lake Michigan is a refreshing option, especially on a warm day.

Leland’s shops and cafes make it easy to wander ashore for an hour or so, giving you a taste of local life. It’s a good spot to stretch your legs, explore the waterfront, or pick up a souvenir.

Boathouse Vineyards: Savor the Flavors

The third stop introduces a completely different vibe—at Boathouse Vineyards, located in the narrow strip between South and North Lake Leelanau. This is where the tour really shines for wine lovers. You’ll get to taste locally crafted wines, and if you’re into wine shopping, you can pick up bottles to enjoy later.

A special perk is the 10% discount on tastings, glasses, or bottles for H2GO clients, which adds value. The setting itself is lovely, offering views of the water, and the tasting experience often becomes a highlight of the day.

Cedar River Wildlife Spotting

Finally, the boat glides into the mouth of the Cedar River, a lesser-visited part of the lake. Here, you’re in for a treat if you enjoy wildlife. The area is known for sightings of loons and bald eagles, and the quiet waters make for a peaceful, almost meditative end to your cruise.

This stop isn’t about sunbathing or swimming, but rather appreciating nature’s quieter moments. It’s a good reminder of how Michigan’s lakes serve as habitat for so much local wildlife.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, coolers, ice, water floats, and USCG-approved lifejackets, making it easy to stay comfortable and safe. The boat is run by a USCG fully licensed and insured captain, which is reassuring.

However, alcohol, snacks, soda, and beach towels are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or your favorite drink if you’re craving more. If you’re planning to enjoy wine tasting ashore, just remember to bring your ID and be of legal drinking age.

Child safety is taken into account with life jackets available on request, but keep in mind that children under four aren’t recommended for this trip, which is a good note for families with very young kids.

Practical Considerations and Tips

Since the trip is only $35 per group, it’s quite affordable for a full day of exploration. That said, it’s a small group experience capped at 8 travelers, which appeals to those who prefer a more intimate outing over large tour buses. Be prepared for the possibility of weather cancellations—if the weather turns sour, you might need to reschedule or get a refund.

Timing-wise, starting at 11:00 am means your day is well-balanced, with enough time to explore each stop but also enough daylight to enjoy all the activities. Wear comfortable shoes for walking ashore, and bring along sun protection—Michigan weather can surprise you.

If you’re traveling with kids over four, it’s worth noting that life jackets are available, but always supervise children closely, especially around water. For adults and older children, this trip offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and tasting local wines.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a sensible, well-rounded day on the water, this tour is a good choice. It appeals especially to those who want a blend of scenic cruising, local exploration, and wine tasting without the hefty price tag. The small group format adds a personal touch, making the experience feel more like a day out with friends than a crowded tour.

While it’s not a party cruise or a high-adrenaline adventure, it offers enough variety to keep everyone engaged. If you enjoy discovering small towns, wildlife, and local flavors, you’ll find plenty to love here. The flexibility of stopping ashore in different spots means you can tailor the experience a bit—whether that’s relaxing on the boat, wandering town, or sampling wines.

On the downside, the unpredictability of weather means your plans could shift, so it’s wise to check the forecast before booking. And if you’re craving a more active or beach-focused trip, this might not be the best fit.

This trip presents great value and a chance to enjoy Michigan’s lakeside charm in an unhurried, personalized way. It’s particularly suited for small groups who appreciate a calm, scenic day with a dash of local flavor.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts roughly six hours, giving plenty of time to explore multiple spots and enjoy the scenery.

What’s included in the price?
Bottled water, coolers, ice, water floats, and lifejackets are provided. The price is $35 per group, up to one person.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children over four are suitable, and life jackets are available on request. Kids under four are not recommended.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so check the forecast before booking.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
You can bring alcohol if you’re over 21, but it’s not included. Remember to bring your ID.

What stops can I expect?
The tour features Lake Leelanau, Leland, Boathouse Vineyards, and the Cedar River for wildlife viewing.

Is there any food included?
No, food is not included, but you can bring your own to enjoy ashore or on the boat.

How big is the group?
A maximum of 8 travelers means a more personalized experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
At South Perrins Landing Drive, starting at 11:00 am, returning to the same spot.

How do I cancel if needed?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Lake Leelanau tour offers a genuine chance to enjoy Michigan’s lakeside life at a friendly price. It’s best for those who want a relaxing, varied day with scenic views, good company, and some local tastings thrown in. Just keep an eye on the weather and come prepared for a memorable time on the water.