Summer (June through August) is peak season - water's warmest, kayak and boat tours run daily, and the lighthouses are fully accessible. Late spring and early fall still offer great weather with fewer crowds. Winter shuts down most water activities, so plan accordingly.

Popular kayak tours and boat rentals fill up fast during summer weekends. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for July and August, especially if you're traveling with a group. Spring and fall give you more flexibility to book last-minute.

You'll need wheels to reach most tours outside downtown Green Bay - kayaking spots at Peninsula State Park, Cave Point, and Death's Door Bluff aren't walkable from town. Renting a car is your best bet, though check if your tour operator offers pickup from central locations.

Guides here add real value - they know where sea caves hide, which lighthouses have the best light at sunset, and how currents change through the day. For first-timers or anyone nervous about Lake Michigan conditions, a guide transforms a rental into an actual experience. Solo kayak rentals work if you're confident and know the water.

Most boat rentals and kayak tours accommodate families, though age and swimming ability matter. Check before you go - some tours require kids to wear life jackets continuously, others have minimum age restrictions. E-bike tours typically work for kids 10 and up depending on fitness.

Most kayak tours include the boat, paddle, and a guide who knows the local history and wildlife. Boat rentals are gear-only - you captain it yourself. Check what's provided: some tours throw in snacks or binoculars for spotting eagles, others don't. Life jackets are always included.

You can honestly do both. Paddle out to sea caves and cycle through bluffs if you want heart-pumping stuff, or take a sunset kayak tour and call it a day. Most people mix in a rowdy day (party bike tour, high-energy group boat rental) with quieter half-days exploring lighthouses by Segway or leisurely paddling.