Frequently Asked Questions

For all excursions; 

Layers! Even during the summer weather on Lake Superior can cycle through drastic temperature changes. Raingear if it looks like it could be a wet day. Comfortable, nonslip shoes, sunscreen (non-aerosol please), a hat, your camera or phone for those great photos, bug spray (again non-aerosol please). Motion sickness medication if you get seasick or are worried about getting sick (be sure to read directions as it may require starting medication prior to departure). Black flies can be pesky at certain times of the year. We suggest you pack a pair of lightweight long pants that can be thrown over shorts (wind type pants work great) as well as a long sleeve shirt. We have a cooler on board, bring your choice of snacks, beverages (alcoholic allowed for those 21 and over but no glass) and lunch if on a full day excursion. There are many restaurants and shops in Bayfield that can help with a packed lunch for you. If you need some recommendations, we are happy to share our favorite places.  

For fishing excursions;

All of the above PLUS you must secure your own Wisconsin fishing license with Great Lakes salmon & trout stamp. Annual or two-day licenses are available at most gas stations or online at Wisconsin DNR website.  A PRINTED COPY MUST BE CARRIED when fishing on Lake Superior. A cooler to bring home your catch. We can clean and bag your fish for you if you’d like. If you have an early morning departure, please plan accordingly. Bayfield is a very small town, no Starbucks or McDonald’s. Most stores and restaurants don’t open until after 7am, some later. If you need coffee and food in the morning you will want to bring it with you and have ready the night prior. 

Water taxi service can bring you to and from the islands for overnight camping trips or day trips for hiking, picnics, beach time or to escape to peace and serenity. Cost varies depending on island destination due to distances. Contact us for pricing. 

Yes, we have a toilet on the boat. We also make frequent stops on islands that have outhouse facilities. 

We comfortably take 4 people on fishing excursions. Up to 6 people on sightseeing and water taxis. Pricing is for up to 4 passengers. If you have a 5th and/or 6th passenger they pay $50 more per person. 

Yes, we are happy to accommodate well behaved fur babies! Pets must be leashed at all times on islands and are not allowed in National Park Service buildings.

Water temp around the Islands in June is usually in the 50's so still a bit cold but by July and August it can be in the high 60's and even low 70s - so yes, swimmable! There is nothing quite like a cold, refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior! 

All excursions are weather permitting. If we need to cancel due to weather, we will work with you to reschedule your excursion. If a suitable date is not available, we will refund your payment. Weather cancellations will be decided by the Captain. If he deems it safe, you will go out in the rain. If you cancel your trip at least 7 days prior to your schedule departure, we will refund your deposit minus a 5% handling fee. If you cancel less than 7 days prior to your scheduled departure your payment is nonrefundable but can be transferred to a different date.   

We know that some are a bit apprehensive about going out on a lake the size of Lake Superior. We are happy to answer any questions you might have and do a full safety debriefing prior to departure. Our entire crew is CPR and First Aid trained. We carry first aid supplies, an AED and emergency gear on board at all times. Our Captains are committed to safety on the water with hundreds of sea hours behind them. They are paying attention to weather and wave forecasts even before you get to the dock and continue to monitor conditions throughout the day. We are a certified Drug Free Vessel and have emergency tow assistance through Tow Boats US. With our namesake Captain Will being a First Responder, we take safety very seriously at Willigans!

Federal law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket. We have jackets available for all sizes/weights of children to wear or you can bring your own.

We have comfortable life jackets on board for adults who choose to wear a life jacket while on tour. 

If conditions warrant, the Captain may require life jackets be worn during your excursion. 

You can find details about sites and reservations via this link to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore site; 

Apostle Islands Camping 

Once you have your camp site reservation, contact us to book your water taxi. We will bring you out to your camp site and then come back and get you when your trip is over.