Port Austin Kayak & Bike

One of the best Kayak experience I had in my life. Beautiful weather was a blessing too. Checkin was breeze. Keep an eye out for email/text notifications as they very often convey if any change in weather is likely to take place. So it did happen on D-day & they informed to come early if possible as weather was expected to get rough in the afternoon. All in all we had a blast and wonderful weekend. I’ll always cherish this trip going down the memory lane. Thanks PAK for this amazing experience.

Excellent, friendly staff, they make the rental experience easy and convenient. They also have a nice shop and an outdoor place to grab a drink and eat (I didn't have time for that, but it looks really cool). Kayaking to Turnip Rock was an experience I will never forget. I want to go again and try the Broken Rocks trail.

Staff is very friendly...food was good. Not a huge selection, but good non the less! Great rum runners!!

The marketing for this trip was misleading. It is blasted everywhere in magazines and advertisements as a to do. However, when we spent our 2 days in town to kayak we weren’t able get out because it was “too windy”. 2/3 days we were there there weren’t any white caps on the water and wind seemed calm. We even got in the water at 9pm one of those nights because we were so hot. The 3rd day we could totally understand as there was wind and white caps. We weren’t the only ones mislead as there were many many couples around us just as frustrated trying to figure out what to do in the town. Some who had already paid a deposit. Their facebook page does not update you when you can go out. You walk in and they tell you yes or no. Meanwhile a bunch of kids just hanging out on their phones all day. not impressed. We would like to do this experience as we see so many great reviews and have it on our bucket list but it feels like a unicorn experience based on everyone around us and the locals. We visited many local spots and only found 1 local who had kayaks it. It was perplexing based on reviews and advertisements.

Online reservations are easy and quick. One note though, liability wavers can be signed online but you must select and click on that option. It does not come up automatically. However, if you miss it, as I did, there is no shaming by the staff. They don't even mention that you could have done it online. They just present the waiver for your signature. I so appreciate this. The staff are very friendly and efficient without rushing you. I also appreciate that. Their store has outdoor clothing and accessories in case you forgot something. They are a bit pricey, but can be very helpful if you need sunscreen or a hat, for example. If you are interested in more, there's an extensive selection of outdoor clothing and shoes. There's even an on-site restaurant with outdoor patio seating, very welcome in this time of continuing pandemic. I can't vouch for the food since I didn't eat there but the coffee is good!
Now to the most important part, the kayaking. It is wonderful! Being on the lake in such beautiful surroundings in a noiseless, self powered kayak (or paddle board) is my idea of fun and relaxing. Even a little rain and choppy water doesn't dampen my enjoyment. I've been there on bright sunny days and cool rainy ones. Both were great.
I've also taken both trails, the 4 hour Turnip Rock and the 2 hour broken rocks trail. Do both! Not necessarily the same day unless you are younger than I am. Short of having your own kayak and the wherewithal to transport and lift it on and off your car or trailer (those days are gone for me), Port Austin Kayak Rental is the best option around for getting on one of the great Lakes in a kayak and experiencing the joy of water, sky, and scenery along with a little much needed, for me, physical exercise.
If you are a little older and stiffer, make sure you a have strong companion to help you out of the kayak at the end of your journey. If I had been alone, I might have had to paddle back out into the water and dump myself overboard.
Although I am sure the staff waiting for the kayaks to return would have rescued me from my predicament once they realized it.
Oh, another thing they do is stagger the times of the appointments so that there are not so many kayaks out on the water at the same time. I do commend and encourage them to continue that. It would ruin the experience to be in a kayak traffic jam. Go on a little adventure of your own and enjoy the kayaking!

Nice trendy lunch spot with good food and relaxed atmosphere.

My husband and I had a great time. The kayaks were in good condition and 4 hours was the right amount of time to see all that we wanted. The staff was friendly and helpful

This was a very fun experience with my wife. It was a "journey" out to Turnip Rock, but it was worth it. The views & pictures we took were spectacular. Thank you Port Austin Kayak for showing us a great time.

Great service!!!
When you look at the map, it may look like a long long trip. Don't be discouraged!!! The trip isn't that long and it's so beautiful the whole way!!
We made appointment via on their website and it was smooth sailing!

Huron, no fault of PAK. Nice t-shirt shop. Nice helpful workers, that let us leave out a little earlier than our RSVP.
Saw a family of loons, an eagle, a big pike or musky, and even had a cool fly over, with a “hello” wing tip from 3 wart hog jets. Must RSVP for a weekend trip. Go in the week, if possible.