LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES:

Our Lighthouse cruises fill up fast! Reservations can be made online. Box lunches can be ordered at an additional cost by calling our office at 1-800-828-6157 (US only) or 231-436-5023. Food and Beverages available onboard for purchase. No pets please.

Eastbound Cruise

You'll start by passing under the Mackinac Bridge for a sight rarely seen. Then you'll head across the Straits between Round Island Light and Round Island Passage Light. Turning east, you'll pass by the privately owned Bois Blanc Light. Poe Reef and Fourteen Foot Shoal Lights mark your turn into the South Channel.

A quick trip up the Cheboygan River takes you past the Cheboygan Crib light before you head back. En route, you'll enjoy the clear blue waters of the Straits, a bird's eye view of the Coast Guard cutter "Mackinaw", and plenty of maritime history.

Buy a ticket for the Eastbound Cruise.

Westbound Cruise

Departing from Shepler's Mackinaw City dock, you'll bear west and pass directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge, setting the stage for this 3-hour round trip tour.

Visible to the south along the 20 mile run to White Shoal Light is Wilderness State Park. To the south lies Gray's Reef Light, originally built in 1891.

Your ship will then double back toward the medieval-looking Waugoshance Light. The 12 mile eastward run to St. Helena Island provides ample opportunity for plenty of lighthouse lore. The final pass on the Westward Cruise swings by the St. Helena Island Light, then back to Mackinaw City.

Buy a Ticket for the Westbound Cruise.

St. Helena Lunch 'n' tour

Travel to beautiful St. Helena Island for an all-day tour of its restored lighthouse compound. This cruise departs Shepler's Mackinaw City Dock at 9:30 am, returns about 4:15 pm and includes lunch on the island. Along the way, you'll pass directly beneath the Mackinac Bridge aboard the vessel, Cake & Ice Cream. Arriving at St. Helena Island, you'll board a motor-driven dingy through the shallows to a shoreline dock. 2008 Cruise dates are June 19 & July 22, 2008. Seating is limited to 18.

Reservations call GLLKA at: 231-436-5580. Fare is $145 per person for GLLKA members. Non-members are $180 which will include a 1 year membership with GLLKA.

A fuel surcharge of $2.50 will be added to each purchased ticket effective May 8, 2008.

Delight in an exciting and memorable two-day adventure as you tour lighthouses in Lakes Huron and Michigan. Along the way, you’ll enjoy lunch, eat an elegant dinner, and stay overnight at the magnificent Grand Hotel on historic Mackinac Island. On the first day of the cruise, you’ll be treated to spectacular, up-close views of 5 historic lights, including the elusive Martin and Spectacle Reef lighthouses. On the second day of your adventure, you will embark from Mackinac Island on the westbound cruise into Lake Michigan for views of 5 more memorable lighthouses.

This cruise is limited to the first 120 passengers and includes meals, snacks, lodging and transportation. Fares for GLLKA members are $410 per person if sharing a room and $510 per person (single). Non-members please add an additional $35 for a 1-year individual membership or $50 for a 1-year family membership. Call GLLKA at 231-436-5580 for reservations.

A fuel surcharge of $2.50 will be added to each purchased ticket effective May 8, 2008.

Other highlights of our cruises:

Cruise under the bridge. Each cruise passes directly under the mighty Mackinac Bridge. You'll learn of the climactic struggle to build it as you're treated to this rare sight.

Professional on-board narration! Each lighthouse cruise is narrated by members of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. A portion of all proceeds is donated toward lighthouse preservation and restoration efforts.