One of the most beautiful things about Door County is the shoreline. A natural wonder that stretches for miles — 300 miles from the bottom to the top of the peninsula and back down the other side. It can be rocky, sandy, on the edge of a forest, or surrounded by bluffs. Over the years, we’ve seen Door County by water in many different ways. From a friend’s sailboat, on a repurposed passenger ferry, on the Washington Island car ferry, in rented kayaks and even in the kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards you’ll find at many of our Northern Door Vacation rentals.
Hop on board a double decker tour boat
Our adventure with Death’s Door Boat Tours began in Gills Rock. It was such a fun way to see the bluffs of Door County. The tour guide was funny and shared a lot of interesting information. We learned all about the legendary shipwrecks that gave this area it’s spooky name. You have four different tours to choose from which will take you through different passages during various times of the day. You can also book a private charter.
BTW, it’s BYOB if you are looking to toast the beautiful sunset.
Set sail on the historic Edith Becker
Kill the motor and raise the sails. A sunset sail on the Edith Becker is another way, perhaps a more serene way, to take in the picturesque bluffs of Door County. Like the Death’s Door tour, this one also came with a knowledgeable captain who taught us all about the ship’s history and the surrounding waters and islands.
It was a warm night, so we brought along some cold beverages and snacks. Some of us even got to heave a halyard with the crew! You can book a two hour sunset schooner sail aboard the Edith Becker through Sail Door County in Sister Bay. It’s the largest of their vessels and can seat up to 23 passengers. It looks like the other vessels hold about 6 passengers, if you are looking for something more intimate. Sail Door County offers daytime tours, private charters and fireworks sails. (That would be so cool). If you’re not sure you want to commit, stop by the marina and watch as others board the ship and set sail. It might be the inspiration you need. We like to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail across the street at Boathouse on the Bay.
Navigate the waters of Door County yourself
If you’d rather be your own captain, why not rent a kayak?! (Or use the ones left for guests at several Northern Door Vacation homes.) Kayaks are available at several places around the area, including the Door County Adventure Center in Rowleys Bay, Cave Point Paddle and Pedal in Jacksonport, or Nicolet Beach Rentals inside Peninsula State Park. Be sure to check ahead for availability.
We haven’t gone kayaking near Cave Point yet. But it’s been on our bucket list. We see kayakers out there in the blue waters often on our visits to the county park. They must have the best vantage point of one of the shoreline’s most spectacular sites! And as we mentioned earlier, many of our vacation rentals have kayaks and stand up paddle boards for our guests to use. So get out there! Explore Door County the way it wants you to!
Looking for the perfect home base for your Door County adventures? Northern Door Vacations offers vacation rentals close to marinas, beaches, ferry access, and many of the peninsula’s most popular waterfront experiences.
