Port Austin Kayak & Bike

The checkout process was quick, but the person that helped us did not answer our questions and wouldn't give us a map when we asked for him (he said the brochure wasn't waterproof and that we should take a picture on our phones instead... I did not take my phone kayaking). I think the trail is a little overhyped and crowded. It also only took us about 2 hrs round trip even though they say it is a 4 hr journey. Life jackets smelled terrible and must not be cleaned regularly as at other rental places. Kayaking was a nice way to enjoy the beautiful Michigan summer weather though!

This place has a perfect set up for a day trip to turnip rock. I Highly recommend calling the day off to see the weather which can be unpredictable on the Lake. Also ask the desk for the wait time if you come in after 10 am. Stop by next door for a bite to eat after you paddle.

Nice place and friendly staff. they explain the route beforehands. You can book online or walk-ins are available as well. But I would suggest that you prefer online bookjng, as it gets booked very fast and during summer, chances of getting a kayak are very less for the walk-ins. I wish the owners provide tandem kayaks for the beginners. I have been there twice in 2017 and in 2020. In 2017, the water level was shallow near Turnip rock and for the most of the journey. People used to get on the base of the turnip rock as the water level was hardly 2 feet or so. But this year in Michigan the water level was high.

Really nice staff! Very informative! During the kayak trip, I had flipped my kayak and was able to float to the shore with help. Water was very cold, which they did warn us about. Another pair of kayakers helped guide my kayak to shore and we didn't lose anything. Felt like the safe thing to do was to walk back and get warm. Arrived back at the shop and talked with the manager and she was very understanding and reassured us that it's okay, this stuff happens. She was even nice enough to give me back half of the price of the reservation I made. I highly recommend this place! Very cool people!

Great experience! Booking a kayak was easy, they kept their website updated with weather forecast. Our first attempt to kayak to Turnip Rock was cancelled due to high winds. They called us early to cancel and immediately refunded ua for the trip. We were able to go out the next time we booked and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend.

We really enjoyed our kayak trip to Turnip Rock. The young man at the shop was really helpful and easy going. If you forget anything they have it there to purchase. They also have big bathrooms to change clothes in. The whole thing was easy and low stress. Maybe plan on finding parking on the street. Not a ton of parking in their lot- that was the only potential stress. We had a beer and snack at Paks after the kayaking and it was just a fun day!

I absolutely loved it! I went with my dog and the whole experience was so much fun! Turnip Rock, Thumbnail Point, and the Seacaves look just as beautiful in the pictures as they do in person. It is very underrated! The water was also shallow so it was nice to get out of the kayak and relax in the water. I'm definitely going again!

We did the kayak to turnip rock with our dog (2 year old 35 lb mini goldendoodle). She fit perfectly in the kayak and had the best time. There are parts of the trip where the water is only about 1 ft deep so we were able to let her get out and cool off. Port Austin Kayak was so awesome and supportive of us bringing her. Can’t say enough about them and their staff!

I think this is the only place you can rent kayaks for turnip rock kayaking. I reserve one for the day which what I suggest if you are going to visit Turnip Rocks. Paid 45$ for the whole day 14 foot wilderness pungo !

When they are actually open it really is a great experience. Worth doing for sure. Unfortunately they are usually closed at least 5 days of the week. No joke. Look at their Twitter feed where it updates you on if it's too windy or not, and about every 5 or 6 days the weather is good to rent out. Safety is important obviously, but maybe they need to lower the threshold on when people can go out. Anything over 5-7mph wind which is pretty much every day on the lake and they close. Hence why they are closed all the time. Don't take my word for it, check their Twitter and see how often they aren't open. I just checked the last 14 days, and they've been open 2 times. You just can't plan a trip here based on kayaking with them.