4 WAYS TO PLAY ON LAKE MICHIGAN
A lakeshore story is half told from the beach. It’s true, soft sand, swaying grass, and towering dunes make a beautiful frame, but the art we’re all gazing at is the water—Caribbean blues and the endless, every-pastel-color horizon. So though it may be obvious, it might bear repeating: we’re not limited to experiencing the lake from its frame. Boats take us into the masterpiece.
With that in mind, we offer this simple guide to boating in New Buffalo. No matter your speed, four ways to flip the script and experience the wilds of the water.
SAIL
New Buffalo Sailing Excursions
Tailor an adventure for up to six guests on Capt. Stephen Adney’s 31-foot sailboat. Whether you choose to be strictly passenger or volunteer to crew, educational family adventures, swimming excursions, and romantic sunset cruises are all in play. Steve’s famously hospitable, so don’t hesitate to share your vision. Excursions are two hours, with custom trips available when time allows. $400
PADDLE
Third Coast Paddling
The Galien River is a perfect spot to find your sea legs—not quite the lake but a tributary that runs through a rare Great Lakes marsh preserve. Calm and smooth, choose to kayak or paddleboard through peaceful wood and wetlands rich with wildlife. Conveniently located at the New Buffalo boat launch (across the street from the beach), reservations are recommended but not required. $25-30/hour
Visit Website | Explore the River
Uncle Jib’s Outpost
Ready for the lake? Uncle Jib’s offers kayaks and paddleboards for half-day to full-week rentals, ideal for vacation home guests looking for extended access at the beach. Renters pick up and drop off at Uncle Jib’s downtown shop, with delivery available to some locations for an additional fee. $40-300
FISH
Angle for Chinook and Coho salmon, steelhead, trout, perch, and walleye (depending upon the time of year) on six-hour boat charters captained by experienced fishermen happy to share what they know. Boats accommodate up to six passengers, with equipment, bait, cleaning, and bagging included in the charter cost. All that’s needed is a one-day Michigan fishing license, easily obtained online. $500-1000
Far Out Fishing Charters | Fisher of Men | Get Hooked Charters
MOTOR
Captain John’s Boat Tours
Adventure up the coast to Warren Dunes, down the coast to Indiana Dunes, or along the Galien River with Captain John Hartmann, a 30-year New Buffalo boater and friendly lake life evangelist. Tours have a two-hour minimum for up to six passengers, with room for your cooler, snacks, and drinks. $225/hr
Oselka Marina
A four-generation, family-run enterprise since the 1950s, Oselka Marina is New Buffalo’s one-stop shop for motorized charters and rentals, both captained and drive-yourself. Choose a short cruise or an all-day adventure on a diverse roster of vessels, from yachts to jet skis to dinghies. $225-$2650
words Collette DiJohn Kemper
images Benjamin Sass, Jodi Bodtke, Dan Kelleghan, Far Out Fishing Charters
July 20, 2024
