FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages; however, we do not allow large coolers or alcoholic beverages on board.
No. We only offer tandem (double) kayaks, due to their stability.
Yes, the boat is equipped with restrooms and will be available the entire tour.
Yes, the maximum weight capacity for two paddlers is 625 lbs. The cockpits are 16.5 by 35 inches in size, and they are elongated. The maximum width is16.5 inches. If you cannot fit into a space of about 16 inches, it is highly likel yyou will not be able to fit into this space. We have a demo kayak at the building for you to sit in before committing to the kayak tour. Come on down and try!
No, pets are not allowed on our tours. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we do allow service animals, but for safety reasons they cannot be in the kayak.
No previous kayaking experience is necessary for this tour. A basic safety and paddling demonstration will be provided before boarding the boat. There will also be ACA trained kayak guides with a safety-first mindset available at all times and a passenger boat nearby for convenience and safety.
We do not rent or sell dry bags.
We provide 18-foot Looksha T Tandem Kayaks, personal flotation devices and spray skirts.
Yes. Please book tickets in advance to make sure seating is available. Or you can contact us for more information. Please call us at (989)340-0067.
Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure to check-in, receive gear and review safety protocol prior to boarding. Tours will not be delayed to accommodate late arrivals.
The kayak tour is approximately 4 hours long, plan to kayak around 1.5-2 hours.
It is best suited for children who are comfortable paddling in a kayak and sitting in the front of the kayak by themself. Children cannot sit on their parents’ laps. Please call ahead if you have questions.
We do paddle in light rain. The tour will run weather permitting with a safety-first mindset. Paddling will be done with the wind at the paddlers back whenever possible. If there is any lightning, we will load up immediately or turn around.
Alpena Kayak Tours reserves the right to cancel a scheduled cruise for any reason up until the time of departure. Cancellations are unlikely EXCEPT in the event of inclement weather. Typical weather conditions that warrant cancellations are high winds on Lake Huron causing high waves along the lakeshore, dense fog along the lakeshore, or severe lightning nearby. Weather conditions on Lake Huron and Thunder Bay do change quickly and while we are pleased to make as many trips as possible, safety is our greatest concern. Please be advised of this, especially if you are traveling from a long distance or have an extremely inflexible schedule. You may call our ticket office with concerns about a cancellation the day of your cruise. You must cancel your tickets 48 hours prior to your tour by speaking to someone in our office. Leaving a voicemail is not considered a confirmation. This also includes changes to our reservation. No same day cancellations are accepted.
A purchased tour ticket will be eligible for a refund or an exchange up to 48 hours before the scheduled tour time. If Alpena Kayak Tours cancels a kayak trip, you will be provided with a full refund or an alternative to reschedule for a later date. All exchanges are dependent on availability. No same day refunds. NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES will be granted after the time of your scheduled tour. NO EXCEPTIONS. To exchange or refund your ticket for another time, please call us immediately at (989)340-0067 and speak to our office staff. Leaving a voicemail is not considered a form of cancellation. No tour will be refunded once they have started unless we cancel due to weather. If you show up with less paddlers than you have booked, you will be charged the full amount. No exceptions.
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. You may bring food and beverages aboard. We recommend bringing sunglasses or a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes or sandals. Please keep in mind anything can get wet. We sell floating waterproof phone cases in the office.
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. We provide personal flotation devices that must be worn at all times. You may leave items on the boat as you kayak.
We accept cash and all major credit cards.
You will meet at our office located at 480 W. Fletcher St. Alpena, MI 49707. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to confirm your booking, receive gear and review safety protocol prior to boarding.
Kayakers will be paddling in tandem (double) 18 ft. Looksha T Tandem kayaks manufactured by Old Town Kayaks. We will pair you up with a guide or another person with an odd group number.