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$375 / half day (4 hours)
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$475 / full day (8 hours)
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Multi-day Rentals Available for Full Day Rentals with discounted pricing per day
Island Power Boat Rentals
Enjoy your own self-guided tour around the Apostle Islands with a power boat rental from Adventure Vacations. Spend the day at the beach or hiking on Stockton Island, tour a lighthouse, or see the famous sea caves while soaking in the scenery.
We provide life jackets for each person on board, all required safety equipment, and a detailed map of the Apostle Islands for use during your rental. Our staff will provide a tutorial on safe boat operation and explain routes and points of interest on the map. Based on wind, waves, and weather that day, we will suggest a personalized itinerary for your group.
Going to the sea caves at Devils Island is always a highlight and is often what people picture when they think of the Apostle Islands. However, Devils is the farthest island out, so wind and weather can make it an unsuitable destination on some days. Sand Island also has beautiful sea caves, along with a dock and trails that lead to a scenic beach and a lighthouse. Stockton Island is another excellent choice, featuring the famous Singing Sands Beach and great hiking. Raspberry and Michigan Islands both offer lighthouses and beaches to explore, while Oak and Basswood Islands have scenic hiking trails, giving you plenty of options for your day on the water.
Our rental boats are 21-foot cuddy-cabin style cruisers with V8 inboard/outboard engines, outfitted for Lake Superior conditions. Rentals are available for people with previous boating experience, preferably current or past boat owners or those who have significant time boating on large lakes. Drivers must be 25 years of age or older and have a valid U.S. driver’s license. If you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you must have a Wisconsin-approved boating safety certificate. Get your boating safety certificate here: https://www.boat-ed.com/wisconsinrental/ (print temp cert instantly).
For boat rental inquiries, please email trips@adv-vac.com and include a brief description of your boating experience. Boating on Lake Superior can be dangerous without the proper skills, so we take experience requirements seriously.
Boat Rental Q & A
What kind of boats are available for rent?
We rent 21-foot fiberglass Crownline cuddy cruisers with V8 inboard/outboard engines. All of our boats are geared for the conditions on Lake Superior.
Do I need boating experience to rent a boat?
Yes. Rentals are available only to people 25 years and older who have previous boating experience and/or are boat owners. Drivers must also have basic knowledge of navigational charts, marine radios, and safe docking.
If you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you must have a Wisconsin-approved boating safety certificate.
Where do we pick up our rental boat?
You will meet us at our store in La Pointe on Madeline Island. Boats leave from the docks across the street at the Beach Club. If you are staying on the mainland, you will need to take the ferry over to pick up your boat and complete the full check-out process. We are located within walking distance of the ferry landing.
What is the average cost for gas?
The average rental uses 20–30 gallons of fuel. The average cost of fuel in 2025 was $5.11 per gallon.
Do I need to put gas in the boat?
No. You will start the day with a full tank of gas. We will refill the tank after your rental and deduct the fuel cost from your security deposit. Security deposit refunds typically take 3–5 business days from the rental date to process.
How many people can fit in a rental boat?
We recommend no more than 7 adults. Our maximum is 8 passengers when including children (for example, 6 adults and 2 small children).
Can we use the boat for fishing?
Yes, fishing is allowed. You are responsible for having a valid fishing license and following all local rules and regulations.
If you are planning to rent a boat specifically for fishing, please note that in your reservation.
Can we tow a tube behind the boat?
No. Absolutely no towing is allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, tubes, kayaks, water-skiers, wakeboarders, and other boats.
Can I rent a boat for several days?
Yes. Multi-day rentals are available and receive a discounted rate.
For multi-day rentals, the boat must be returned to our dock every night. We will check the oil and propeller each day to help ensure a smooth rental and keep your boat running in top condition.
Can I go on a night cruise with my rental boat?
No. Rentals are not allowed to be operated after sundown. All boats must be returned at least 30 minutes before sunset each day.
I’ll be on Madeline Island for a week and would like to rent a boat at some point. What’s your best suggestion for making a reservation?
Because all rentals are weather dependent, we highly recommend making your reservation for the beginning of your trip. If poor boating weather rolls in, we can try to move your reservation to a later date while you are still in the area.
Can we stop on other islands?
Yes. Several islands have docks where you can stop, and we provide a map showing all islands and docks. Boats cannot be beached or anchored unattended. Before departure, we will verbally guide you to the best spots to visit according to that day’s weather and wave conditions. Dock space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some dock spaces are reserved for National Park Service (NPS) vessels and must remain open. For more information on island docks, visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website.
Are dogs allowed on the boat?
Yes, dogs are allowed on rental boats.
Are there bathrooms on the boats?
No, but there are bathrooms on all of the islands with docks.
What other fees could be associated with my rental?
If the boat is returned dirty (for example: excessive sand, mud, food, spills, or pet hair), an additional cleaning fee of $50 will be charged.
I am staying at a cabin with a dock. Can I keep the boat there overnight?
No. The boats must be returned to our dock 30 minutes before sundown.
What gear is on the boat?
The boats have a VHF radio, compass, anchors, maps, life jackets, first aid kits, all required safety equipment, and satellite tracking devices.
What else should I know before renting a boat?
We encourage all boat operators and their groups to familiarize themselves with National Park Service rules and regulations regarding boating and visiting the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
What is the cancellation refund policy?
Cancel 4 weeks or more before the tour date: full refund of your deposit, minus a $20 processing fee.
Cancel within 2 to 4 weeks of the tour date: 50% refund of the deposit, minus a $20 processing fee.
Cancel with less than 2 weeks’ notice: no refund.
Rentals canceled due to weather will receive a full refund. Refunds are issued in the same form they are received. If booking online, we will refund you through our PayPal online booking system.