When are you open and where are you located?
We are open daily, from 9 am until the last boat returns to our dock, from mid-May through mid-October. We are in the Eastern Time Zone. Visitors will find us at the Munising City Dock located in the heart of historic downtown Munising.
Cruises depart from our location at:
100 City Park Drive
Munising, MI 49862
How long is the cruise?
The Classic and Sunset- Classic Cruises are about 2 hours 35 minutes. The Spray Falls and Sunset – Spray Falls Cruise are about 2 hours 15 minutes.
What is the Spray Falls Cruise?
The Spray Falls cruise follows the same route as the Classic Cruise but continues further along the lakeshore (weather permitting) to view an additional waterfall – Spray Falls. This cruise is usually* operated on our high-speed catamaran and takes approximately 20 minutes less than the Classic Cruise.
*On very rare occasions we are unable to use the high-speed catamaran due to immediately-necessary repairs or routine USCG inspections.
Do cruises sell out?
Yes, cruises frequently sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended.
What is the refund and exchange policy?
Purchased tickets are eligible for a refund or an exchange up to 24 hours before the scheduled cruise departure time. Refunds and exchanges must be requested through our ticket office, (906) 387-2379. All exchanges are dependent on availability.
Refunds will be processed a full refund minus all processing fees incurred on the order. Every exchange will incur additional processing fees of $1.50 / adult ticket and $1.50 / child 4-12 ticket on the order. Refunds and exchanges will NOT be granted after the time of your scheduled cruise even in the case of a missed departure.
If Pictured Rocks Cruises cancels a cruise, you will be provided with a full refund. If a cruise cannot make the complete route, patrons will be provided a partial refund dependent on length of cruise.
When might the cruise be canceled?
Check the main page for a current cruise status. Cruises are typically only canceled for severe weather that might result in danger to the passengers. Such weather may include strong winds and high waves, fog, or severe thunderstorms. Otherwise, our cruises run rain or shine, warm or cold. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is beautiful in every kind of weather. We do our best to keep passengers with already purchased tickets informed via email and text message if we foresee cruise cancellations, however weather and lake conditions can change quickly and forewarning is not always possible. Pictured Rocks Cruises reserves the right to cancel a cruise for any reason.
Is the seating on the boat assigned?
No. Choice of seating is decided on a first-come, first-served basis. Purchasing a ticket for a specific date and time guarantees you a seat on the cruise at that date and time, but it does not determine where your seat on the boat will be. Those lined up first for boarding will get the first choice. On holiday weekends and during the months of July and August, we strongly recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes prior to your cruise departure time.
What if we are going to miss our cruise?
Refunds and exchanges will NOT be granted after the time of your scheduled cruise even in the case of a missed departure. If you foresee that you may not make a cruise you have already purchased tickets for call our ticket office immediately, (906) 387-2379, and staff will help you with an exchange dependent on availability.
Refunds will be processed a full refund minus all processing fees incurred on the order. Every exchange will incur additional processing fees of $1.50 / adult ticket and $1.50 / child 4-12 ticket on the order.
When is the best time to take photos?
Mid-afternoon to late evening is the best time of day to take photos of Pictured Rocks. During the later day, the sun is low and shines directly on the most colorful portions of the Pictured Rocks cliffs.
Sunset cruises are often very popular with photographers because of the low, richly-colored light, and the opportunity to photograph the sunset over Lake Superior. Remember though…after the sun sets, the boat ride back to Munising is quite dark.
What should I wear, what should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A light jacket and sunscreen are always recommended. Temperatures on Lake Superior can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than temperatures on shore. Don’t forget your camera!
Are there restrooms on the boats?
Yes, all boats are equipped with restrooms.
Are the boats handicap accessible?
The Pictured Rocks Cruises team works closely to assist customers with any particular needs or special requirements. Our Classic Cruise boats are ONLY equipped to accommodate up to 28-inch, non-motorized wheelchairs. Our high-speed catamaran, used for Spray Falls Cruises offers the easiest indoor accommodations for wheelchairs.
*Please note that there is a full flight of stairs to any boat’s upper deck and a few steps down to the enclosed lower deck. Therefore, handicapped guest access can be somewhat challenging. For guests that must remain in a wheelchair there is limited indoor seating, which guests can get to with crew assistance (lifting). For guests with limited mobility, arrangements can be made for assistance getting to/from the boat, boarding the boat, and getting seated. For any further inquiries, please call us at (906) 387-2379 and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Are food/beverage available on board?
A variety of sodas and bottled water are available for purchase ($1 each, cash only) on board the boat. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. However, no large coolers and no alcoholic beverages are permitted on board.
Is smoking allowed on board?
No, smoking is prohibited.
Are strollers allowed on board?
No assembled strollers are permitted aboard the boats. Only small umbrella strollers that can easily be folded up and stored are allowed. Most passengers find that a car seat or body carrier works well if bringing an infant.
Can I bring my dog on board the cruise?
Pets are not allowed on board our cruises. We do, however, offer complimentary kennels on-site for the duration of the cruise, which have been recently renovated and are now climate-controlled. The kennels are equipped with sliding cage locks, but you are welcome to bring your own padlock or purchase a padlock on site for additional security.
In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, we allow service-animals aboard our boats. If assistance is needed in boarding the vessel, please contact us 72 hours in advance.
Do I get off the boat at any point during the cruise?
No. Passengers remain on the boat for the entire duration of the cruise.
Where can I park?
There is ample parking available on-site with the majority of spaces located behind the ticket office.