Michigan's Top Kayak Tours

With thousands of lakes (and of course the Great Lakes), naturally Michigan is great for water sports. On any summer day you're bound to see someone out canoeing, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, paddle-boarding, and more.

Did you know that two of the top kayak tours in the country are here in the Mitten State? They're competing to be No. 1 in a national poll.

Great Turtle Kayak Tours via Facebook

USA Today 10best is polling its readers to find the very best kayak tours in the U.S. A panel of experts has chosen twenty that are offering "breathtaking paddling adventures." Now it's up to a public vote to determine the top ten.

One Michigan business in the running is Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor. It's been in operation since 1994. Owners since 2004, Matt and Katy Wiesen say their goal is to showcase the Crystal River and Glen Arbor areas to their guests while remaining committed to safety an preserving the natural environment.

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Crystal River Outfitters via Facebook

Here's what USA Today says about Crystal River Outfitters:

Paddle the stunningly clear waters of the Crystal River in Michigan on a kayak tour with Crystal River Outfitters. Throughout the two- to three-hour tour, you'll have the chance to spot a range wildlife, from bald eagles and blue herons to deer and otters.

In addition to kayaking, the business has expanded to bike rentals, shopping, wine tasting, and special events.

👇BELOW: CHECK OUT MICHIGAN'S TOP TEN BEACHES👇

Great Turtle Kayak Tours via Facebook

The other Michigan kayak tour competing to be the best in the country is Great Turtle Kayak Tours in Mackinac Island.

In operation for more than 25 years, their guides are American Canoe Association and Red Cross certified. Guests can learn to kayak or paddleboard from the pros or go on a guided tour on the gorgeous waters of Mackinac Island marina and Haldimand Bay.

Here's USA Today's praise for Great Turtle Kayak Tours:

Great Turtle Kayak Tours has been leading tours through the waterways of Mackinac Island for more than 25 years. Paddle at sunrise to Arch Rock and the Rock Maze, watch the sunset from Devil’s Kitchen, circumnavigate the island, or enjoy a challenging trip across the Straits of Mackinac to Hiawatha National Forest, locally known as Round Island.

You can vote for Great Turtle Kayak Tours or Crystal River Outfitters once per day through May 26 at noon here!

Explore Michigan's Top Ten Beaches

Twenty beaches were in the running for "Best Michigan Beach" in a 2024 USA Today and 10best readers' poll. These glorious Michigan locations were chosen by a panel of experts and then it was put up to a public vote. Check out the Top Ten Beaches in Michigan and then the ones that did not make the cut after that.

Gallery Credit: Janna