Pack up for a day of fishing and fun with the Chevy Traverse. You'll be hooked on the spacious cargo area and advanced tech.
Photo courtesy of Bucket List Experience
Metro Detroit is ideal for water enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of exciting activities along its scenic waterways. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or an exhilarating adventure, Michigan’s lakes and rivers promise memorable experiences. From leisurely cruises to thrilling paddle sports, these adventures invite you to explore and unwind on the water in delightful ways.
Aloha Tiki Tours
50 Old St. Jean Street, Detroit
24800 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Turn your summer into an island adventure with Aloha Tiki Tours, where you can charter tiki boats. Perfect for small gatherings or large parties, these floating tiki bars invite you to “hula your way onboard” and sail around the Metro Detroit area. Guests can bring their favorite refreshments aboard for an unforgettable party experience. With boats accommodating up to 30 passengers, each two-hour cruise comes with an experienced captain, ensuring a safe and fun tropical getaway right here in Metro Detroit.
Detroit River Sports
14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit
Discover Detroit from a unique vantage point with Detroit River Sports, specializing in kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours. Operating from May through October, they offer guided tours exploring the picturesque canals of Jefferson Chalmers, the Detroit River, and nearby islands. Public tours are ideal for individuals or small groups seeking to learn about Detroit’s history and natural landscapes. For personalized experiences, private tours and lessons are also available, as are popular events like Paddle To Table. Their retail space provides gear, apparel, and repair services, making it a comprehensive resource for water sports enthusiasts.
Bucket List Experience
24030 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Bucket List Experience transforms Lake St. Clair into a vibrant hub of aquatic fun. Founder Adrian Reetz describes the experience as “making the water feel like a tropical getaway—right here in Michigan.” Offering stand-up paddleboard rentals, guided tours, sunrise paddles, and yoga sessions, their activities cater to individuals, groups, and families. Solo or not, this spot hosts all kinds of themed experiences and adventures to get you out on the lake. Bucket List Experiences promises not just paddleboarding, but a chance to create joyful, unforgettable memories on the water.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks provide an extensive array of water activities set against Metro Detroit parks. This premier park system offers beaches, boat launches, boat rentals, and canoeing/kayaking at multiple locations such as Kensington, Stony Creek, and Lake St. Clair Metroparks. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate abundant opportunities across the majority of parks, while family-friendly amenities like pools, splashpads, and waterslides ensure enjoyment for all ages all summer long. Adventure seekers can even experience windsurfing at select Metroparks. The 13 Metropark properties also serve as an educational resource, teaching visitors about local ecology, conservation, and history.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours
1340 Atwater, Detroit
Experience Detroit’s charm from aboard a riverboat with Diamond Jack’s River Tours. Offering both public and private sightseeing cruises, these one-hour tours provide breathtaking views and insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides. Guests will cruise past iconic landmarks, absorbing the culture and historical highlights of Detroit. The relaxing atmosphere makes this a quintessential experience for Metro Detroiters looking to explore and appreciate Detroit’s unique beauty from the river.
Whether you’re paddling along scenic waterways, cruising leisurely, or celebrating aboard a tiki bar, Metro Detroit’s water activities promise excitement, relaxation, and memorable experiences for your summer. Enjoy being on the water, and perhaps dine alongside it right after.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on June 23, 2021, and was authored by Aaron B. Cohen.
