SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS

Kayak Tours at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Discover the beauty of Kayaking at Sleeping Bear Dunes, where the Crystal River winds through hidden landscapes near Glen Arbor. Sleeping Bear Dunes is more than its iconic sand dunes—it’s a landscape of pristine forests, ancient pines, and abundant wildlife, a hidden side few visitors get to explore. This Crystal River Kayaking tour takes you beyond the dunes and into the heart of the park’s untouched wilderness. With our kayak rentals, we provide pickup and drop-off within 20 miles of Traverse City for groups of up to 12 paddlers.

LOCATION

Crystal River at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Transporation Included within 20 miles of Traverse City

GEAR

10ft Lifetime Tioga Sit On Top Kayak

DURATION

2-3 Hours (+ transportation time)

DIFFICULTY

Low to Moderate

HOW IT WORKS

BOOK ONLINE

Submit the form with your group size and travel dates. We’ll review your details and follow up to coordinate the next steps.

SELECT LOCATION

Explore top spots on the Crystal River or choose a custom adventure. Select “Custom Location” on the booking form, and we’ll send you the best options at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

PICKUP & DROP-OFF

We’ll pick you up at your preferred time anywhere within 20 miles of Traverse City and transport your group to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in a spacious shuttle bus.

PRICING

All-inclusive pricing starts at just $100 per person and covers transportation, kayak rentals, and more. The exact cost depends on your group size.

UPGRADE YOUR ADVENTURE

SELECT ACTIVITIES

Want to do more than just kayaking? See the dunes from every angle! Add biking, paddleboarding, or both to your tour. Customize your adventure and experience more of Sleeping Bear Dunes!

SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS

Switch activities without the hassle! We handle all gear—load, unload, and transport—so you can simply enjoy the ride in our custom shuttle buses. Everything will be ready at each stop!

ADD-ONS PRICING

Enhance your adventure! Add biking or paddleboarding from $79 per person, or do it all with our signature M22 Tour, featuring all three activities—biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

kayaking tours on THE CRYSTAL
RIVER AT SLEEPING BEAR DUNES

What to Bring

  • Change of clothes for the end of the day
  • A water container for refills
  • Sunscreen
  • Phone charger (Power will be available on the bus)
  • Food (if you are a hungry person)
  • Sunglasses
  • Rain gear (if weather looks bad)
  • Waterproof Camera
  • Land/Water Shoes

What to Expect

  • Orientation at pick up location to review terms and waiver
  • Games and local trivia on the bus ride!
  • 40 to 45 minute drive from Traverse City to Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • There is no alcohol permitted on the bus throughout the tour
  • Food is available at a variety of stops along your adventure.
  • All gear is provided and travels with you in our state-of-the-art trailers.
  • Safety gear including life jackets and helmets are provided at no additional cost.
  • More questions? Visit the frequently asked questions page.

GROUP PRICING GUIDE

Cost Breakdown (Per Person):

Group
Size
Kayak
(1 Activity)
Kayak
+Bike
(2 Activities)
Kayak
+Bike
+SUP
(All 3)
4 People$193$316$440
6 People$147$248$348
8 People$124$213$303
10 People$110$193$275
12 People$101$179$257

KAYAK RENTALS

This is a 10ft Sit on Top Kayak. They are very sturdy and easy to maneuver. These are a safer alternative to a sit in kayak, being that you are able to re-enter the kayak from the water, if you were to flip. 

Weight Capacity 275lbs

No, just for hassle free reasons, we will provide all of the gear needed!

Yes! We will provide premium life jackets for everyone!

The tour is private—just you and your group.

Yes. We accommodate groups of 4 to 12 guests.

Book Join In Tour