Four ways to play on Lake Michigan
Standing on the beach, you’ve likely taken in some spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Sparkling waves, smooth coastal sands, and brilliant pastel sunsets on the horizon. But when you journey over the water, another awe-inspiring world comes into focus.
Caribbean blues in every direction, as far as the eye can see. Colossal dunes that slope, cliff-like, to the shoreline below. Houses peeking out of the forest. And people, now tiny, combing the beach.
It’s a sight that elicits many a ‘wow’ and ‘That’s Michigan?!’ In other words: Unforgettable. So in that spirit, we offer a simple guide to exploring the waters near New Buffalo. No matter your speed, here are four ways to play on the lake—and see the shore from some of its best angles.
Powerboat
Captain John’s Boat Tours
Adventure with Capt. John Hartmann up to the stunning Warren Dunes, down to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, or along the marshy Galien River. A Coast Guard licensed captain and lake life evangelist, Capt. John has been traversing this coast for over three decades. He’s a fountain of knowledge about local wildlife, landmarks, and lore. Choose a guided tour, open-ended leisure trip, or sunset cruise with up to six passengers, including kids. Tours have a two-hour minimum, and you’re free to BYO 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: yachts, jet skis, ski boats, and dinghies. $75–$3420
Sailboat
New Buffalo Sailing Excursions
Tailor an adventure for up to six guests on Capt. Stephen Adney’s 31-foot sailboat, as relaxed passengers or active crew. Educational family adventures, swimming excursions, and romantic sunset cruises are all in play. Steve, a USCG licensed captain, is famously hospitable, so don’t hesitate to share your vision. Excursions are two hours, with custom trips available when time allows. Sailboats may not always travel distances quickly, but they’re perpetually in sync with the lake’s dynamic flow. $400
PADDLEBOARD & KAYAK
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 woods 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. Third Coast also has kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and extra-wide ‘loungeboard’ rentals at Warren Dunes State Park, where paddlers are rewarded with long-views of the park’s 260-foot Mt. Randall. $25–30/hour
Uncle Jib’s Outpost
Want to paddle whenever the mood strikes? 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
FISHING CHARTER
Angle for Chinook and Coho salmon; steelhead, brown, and lake trout; and perch (depending upon the time of year) on boat charters of up to seven hours. Your captains are experienced fishermen, happy to share what they know. Charters accommodate up to six passengers depending on the boat, with equipment, bait, cleaning, and bagging included in the cost. All that’s needed is a one-day Michigan fishing license, easily obtained online. $800–1200
Far Out Fishing Charters | Fisher of Men | Dialed-In Fishing Charters
words Collette DiJohn Kemper, Lena Singer
images Alexander Kramer, Benjamin Sass, Jodi Bodtke
updated July 2026
