Pictured Rocks Cruises FAQs & Policies

Where is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore?

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located just outside of the city of Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and continues for miles east on the shores of Lake Superior. Munising is about 43 miles (45 minutes) west of Marquette and 61 miles (60 minutes) east of Grand Marais.

Where is Pictured Rocks Cruises and what are its hours?

We are open daily, from 9am 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

Where can I park?

There is ample parking available on-site with the majority of spaces located behind the ticket office.

How long is a Pictured Rocks Cruise?

The Classic Cruise and Sunset Classic Cruise are about 2 hours 35 minutes. The Spray Falls Cruise and Sunset Spray Falls Cruise are about 2 hours 5 minutes. 

What is the Spray Falls Cruise?

The Spray Falls Cruise and Sunset Spray Falls Cruise follow 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 30 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.

What are the Sunset Cruises?

The Sunset Classic Cruise and Sunset Spray Falls Cruise follow the same route as their respective, non-sunset cruise counterparts. The only difference is they depart later in the day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. This allows passengers to enjoy the rays of the setting sun on the Pictured Rocks cliffs.

Do Pictured Rocks Cruises sell out?

Yes, cruises frequently sell out. Pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended.

What is Pictured Rocks Cruises’ 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 Pictured Rocks Cruises home 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.

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.

Are group tours or group rates available?

Licensed tour group companies and school groups interested in bringing a group on one of our cruises can inquire with our ticket office directly, call (906) 387-2379 and leave a voicemail and / or complete the group tour request form here. Group rates are not offered during peak season (July and August) or on holidays/holiday weekends.

How do you purchase & redeem Pictured Rocks Cruises gift certificates?

Want to give the gift of a Pictured Rocks Cruises? Purchase gift cards!

Purchase of gift certificates and gift cards do not provide a reservation on any Pictured Rocks Cruise. Gift certificates and gift cards MUST be redeemed for a specific date and time. Use the gift card code to redeem for valid tickets online or call our ticket office for assistance redeeming and making a reservation, (906) 387-2379.

It is recommended that customers redeem and make a ticket reservation with their gift certificates/gift cards well in advance, as cruises frequently sell out and could likely be unavailable on short notice.

Gift certificates purchased in 2025 will expire October 20, 2025.

Note: Typically, discounted gift cards during the holiday season are the only time that Pictured Rocks Cruises offers sales or promo codes.

Are there restrooms on the Pictured Rocks Cruises’ boats?

Yes, all boats are equipped with restrooms.

Are food & beverages available on board?

A variety of sodas and bottled water are available for purchase (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 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.

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure. To secure the best seats, especially during July, August and holiday weekends, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your cruise begins.

What kind of seating is available on a Pictured Rocks Cruise?

We offer both indoor and outdoor seating options to cater to your preferences. Each boat has an upper deck and a lower deck with padded bench seating. Our upper, outdoor seating allows for unobstructed views, while our lower, indoor seating provides shelter from the elements in a heated cabin.

What should I wear and what should I bring on a Pictured Rocks Cruise?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Typically, layers of clothing are ideal. Temperatures on Lake Superior can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than temperatures on shore. A light jacket and sunscreen is always recommended. Don’t forget your camera!

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.

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.

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.