Paddle Distance
About 7 nautical miles
Duration
6 hours (approximately 4 hours of paddling)
Guide to Participant Ratio
1:6
What You'll See
South Bass Island is one of our favorite Lake Erie paddling destinations. We’ll launch from Middle Bass Island State Park and get acclimated to our kayaks before making the short 1/2 mile crossing to South Bass Island’s Put-in-Bay. There we’ll paddle among the rock formations that make up the formidable Gibraltar Island and then make our way along the cliff-lined western coast of South Bass Island. We’ll stop for photos in sea caves and rock stacks before pulling off for a picnic lunch at South Bass Island State Park. Our trip ends at the South Bass Island Miller Ferry dock, where we’ll board a ferry for our return trip to the mainland.
On this trip you’ll see towering rock formations, sea caves, a bustling harbor and Perry’s Peace Monument. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles, ospery, herons, egrets, cormorants, and the harmless (and protected) Lake Erie water snake.
Conditions to Expect
This is a 6 mile paddle along an exposed coast. Expect seas of 1-2 ft, along, occasional refracting waves off of cliffs.
What's Included
Single or tandem sea kayak and equipment (paddle, life-jacket, whistle, spray skirt) and a picnic lunch by the shore.
Meeting Location
Our tour meets at the Miller Ferry Terminal on Catawba Island. We’ll travel by ferry to Middle Bass Island, then paddle to the South Bass Island Ferry terminal for our return trip.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Prerequisites
Skill Level
This tour is appropriate for novice to intermediate paddlers who are comfortable for extended periods on the water and accustomed to moderate exercise. Newer paddlers or those less confident in coastal conditions should consider paddling in a tandem with a partner,
Age Limits
14 and over only, please. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants ages 12 and over may participate as the front paddler in a tandem with an adult.
Height and Weight Limits
In order to ensure your comfort and safety, participants should be between 5′ and 6’4″ tall and 95 lbs to 235 lbs.
Non-Discriminatory Essential Eligibility Criteria
In order to participate in this program, each participant must satisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:
- Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body position.
- Be able to hold their breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their head above water.
- Be able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other program participants.
- Be able to manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companion.
- Be able to manage all personal mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion.