Kayak and Canoe The Crystal River

All Ages
2-3 Hours

Crystal River Kayak & Canoe Trips

Experience the beauty of the Crystal River! Our kayak and canoe trips offer a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy.

You’ll be amazed by the clear water and sandy bottom of the Crystal River located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Throughout our 2-3 hour trip, you’ll see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish.

Meet at our shop in downtown Glen Arbor. We will then load you and the equipment into our vans and drive you to the head of the river. Along the quick drive, our Kayak Valets will explain the river to you and answer any questions about paddling! At the head of the river, you will then embark on a 2-3 hour excursion for a fun and laidback adventure.

There are two portages which do require you to carry your boat around a small dam and then over a road. Teamwork is helpful!

You will then end up back at our shop where you can then plan the rest of your day in The District- biking, shopping, wine & more!

All Ages
1.5 Hours

Kayaking & Canoeing for the Fall of 2025 Only- 1/2 Trip Offering

For the fall of 2025, we are happy to still offer Crystal River trips while improvements to the river’s habitat are taking place!

Something extra special during the fall paddles are the salmon that run the river! They will often splash your boat as they swiftly make their way to Glen Lake to spawn.

Throughout our shorter trip, you’ll still see Northern Michigan’s true residents: White Tail Deer, Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, otters, turtles, frogs and endless amounts of fish.

Meet at our shop in downtown Glen Arbor. We will then load you and the equipment into our vans and drive you to the point in point. Along the quick drive, our Kayak Valets will explain the river to you and answer any questions about paddling! You will then embark on the hour to hour and a half excursion for a fun and laidback adventure.

Trip Experience

After checking in at our shop, you will be loaded into a van and shuttled out to the head of the river. This drive takes about five minutes. Once you’re dropped off at the head, you will paddle back to us at the shop and finish right where you parked your car! This typically takes anywhere from 2-3 hours.
Absolutely. Be prepared to get wet up to your knees. It is not unheard of for people to “tip” in their kayaks.
Never. Our river has a natural current, but you will not encounter any “white water” style water on the Crystal River.

What to Bring & Wear

Coolers, snacks, water, plastic bags to keep electronics dry, and a great attitude!
Water shoes, Crocs, Tevas, Chacos, or old sneakers are all great options. It is highly recommended that you wear something on your feet. We sell water shoes at our shop for $13.95.
Clothing: Wear clothes that you are okay with getting wet. A swimsuit is not required but encouraged. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
Discouraged: Socks in general, denim of any kind, large backpacks, sentimental items, or sandals without a strap on the back.

Reservations & Check-In

Reservations are not required but are highly recommended. Making a reservation online ensures that we have all of your information on file and gets you out on the river much quicker!
Crystal River Outfitters is located at 6249 W. River Road (also known as M22). Please arrive ten minutes before your reservation.
Never! Our vans run on a need-to-go basis. In other words, our vans run on your time, so when you are ready, so is your van!

Equipment & Restrictions

Unfortunately, our contract with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the National Park Service forbids us from sending paddleboards down the river. The fin on the paddleboard stirs up the sediment on the floor of our naturally shallow river, which can disturb the ecosystem.
We are required to provide PFDs to all of our paddlers. Paddlers 12 and under must wear them at all times. Those over 12 years of age just need to have them in their boat. Paddlers 6 and under are required to have a Type II PDF with the headrest.
Yes, but they must remain on a leash as required by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Family & Age Guidelines

No! Our river is safe for any ages. As for younger children taking their kayak, you know your kids better than we do, so if you feel like your child is at the age where some autonomy on the river would be beneficial, we are more than happy to provide that opportunity. We have child-sized single kayaks as well as tow-along ropes to clip to their kayaks.

River Etiquette

Most likely, they will not. It’s a small river with lots of nice natural sounds and occasional silence. Noise travels far and will inevitably affect the experience of other paddlers, fishermen, and residents of the river. We ask that our customers leave the natural river soundscape undisturbed and leave the speakers in the car. Thanks!