Manitou to Beaver

Trying to plan a trip to Beaver Island. Originally thought about following the coast up to Harbor Springs then crossing to Beaver. The admiral said she would like to see the Manitou islands. Trying to reroute leaving Frankfort and crossing to South Manitou then North. I am looking for advice on crossing the Fox Island shoals and then on up to Beaver. Is this an easy open water trip or is this route treacherous? Things I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.

Made the trip to the Manitous and Beaver Island many times from Charlevoix. Nothing to be aware of that is not on the charts. However the wrecked cargo ship at the south end of South Manitou used to be a fun dive/snorkel. Now, though, the cormorants have taken over that area and often the stench is unbelievable.

Your route is a little unusual for a power boater. Most people doing the Manitou Islands would go to Leland from Frankfort. South Manitou has no docks for transients, only a commercial pier for the ferry. So you will need to anchor and dingy or swim to shore. Its natural harbor offers reasonably good protection in common summer wind patterns but no protection in an east wind which usually means bad weather is coming. Going to Leland does two things for you. You can fill your tank with fuel because you may need lots if it gets dicey. And, once in Leland you can pick a day when the weather is good for a day trip or overnight to South Manitou. I can remember more than one occasion when boats have been lost in the South Manitou harbor because the wind and waves put them on the beach and filled them with sand. Not sure why you want to go to North Manitou. There is a dock designed for park service boats that is not usable for your boat because of its construction. A fiberglass boat would be beaten up by the rough conditions there. Also, it is not usable on windy days particularly east winds. There is a small natural harbor around the corner that might work. North Manitou is uninhabited and remote. You can see the same habitats on South. We were told by the ranger there to watch were you walk because you might have to wait for a day to receive assistance if you for example break a leg. We have been to both islands. North is for backpackers. South is interesting for its history and sights. Great hiking there too.

We have not transited the Fox chain. The easiest and safest way to go to Beaver is from Leland or Charlevoix. Harbor Springs is easily accessible from all three ports. Once you are out of the Manitou Passage you are in the open waters of Lake Michigan. Make sure you go there in good weather with adequate fuel and a boat in good working order. This is a beautiful part of Lake Michigan. We will be there in a couple of weeks.

The only other thing I might add is flies can sometimes be a nuisance. Been there with nothing, and been there when they are dive bombing ...

mpatton said:

The only other thing I might add is flies can sometimes be a nuisance. Been there with nothing, and been there when they are dive bombing ...

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Mosquitoes, same thing. Chipmunks, same thing. The park rangers advise hanging any food from a tree if you over night. If you keep food in your tent, the chipmunks will be in the tent with you.

Also worth mentioning.... if you travel with a dog, your dog is NOT allowed on either island under any circumstances.

Honestly, other than touring and climbing the lighthouse on South Manitou, there is no real reason to go there via private boat. If you want to hike and camp enjoy nature for a few days, take the ferry from Leland.

tc410 said:

Also worth mentioning.... if you travel with a dog, your dog is NOT allowed on either island under any circumstances.

Honestly, other than touring and climbing the lighthouse on South Manitou, there is no real reason to go there via private boat. If you want to hike and camp enjoy nature for a few days, take the ferry from Leland.

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One thing we have done a number of times on a perfect day is to circumnavigate one of the islands. We buy some good sandwiches at the shop in Fishtown and then zip out to the islands and drop the anchor for lunch. When done, we take a slow cruise around an island and then head back to our slip in Leland. South is more interesting than North in our view. This is a great trip for guests because of the beauty of the place, and it is likely one of the best boat rides they will ever experience.

Phasma said:

Trying to plan a trip to Beaver Island. Originally thought about following the coast up to Harbor Springs then crossing to Beaver. The admiral said she would like to see the Manitou islands. Trying to reroute leaving Frankfort and crossing to South Manitou then North. I am looking for advice on crossing the Fox Island shoals and then on up to Beaver. Is this an easy open water trip or is this route treacherous? Things I should be aware of? Thanks in advance.

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One thing to be aware of is the shipping lanes. Radar is useful as the area can be prone to fog. And it can be quite rough in the passage. I took this pic last year because we have never been there when it was this flat. Could have water skied that day.

Last time I ran the Beaver Island coast (few years ago) it was littered with commercial fishing nets along the 100' drop-off. So watch for net pennants, bottles or what ever they might be using for a marker.

Thanks for all the input

Just made the run from Frankfort to Beaver Island, I have done a straight shot before but this time we did the stop for extra fuel in Leland and stopped in Round Lake in Charleviox for lunch then onto Beaver Island like sbw1 mentioned, much more enjoyable trip. Very seldom have I not run into fog between the Manitou Islands, this time coming back we stopped at South Manitou for a lunch break, beautiful day in the bay. Watched a mother Loon and babies, very cool, glad we didn’t see chipmunks!!

J.Wilt said:

Just made the run from Frankfort to Beaver Island, I have done a straight shot before but this time we did the stop for extra fuel in Leland and stopped in Round Lake in Charleviox for lunch then onto Beaver Island like sbw1 mentioned, much more enjoyable trip. Very seldom have I not run into fog between the Manitou Islands, this time coming back we stopped at South Manitou for a lunch break, beautiful day in the bay. Watched a mother Loon and babies, very cool, glad we didn’t see chipmunks!!

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Was fuel cheaper in Leland vs. Beaver?

I never thought to look at the price of fuel on Beaver Island, everything on the island costs more, just figured fuel would too. Prices have ranged from just under 3 per gallon at Manistee to 3.49 at Jacobson’s in Frankfort and LeLand. 3.29 at Straights in Mackinaw City

J.Wilt said:

I never thought to look at the price of fuel on Beaver Island, everything on the island costs more, just figured fuel would too. Prices have ranged from just under 3 per gallon at Manistee to 3.49 at Jacobson’s in Frankfort and LeLand. 3.29 at Straights in Mackinaw City

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Thanks for the info. We normally fill up after each leg to dollar cost average prices and keep our holding tank pumped. We do avoid buying fuel on Beaver due to prices. Beaver and Harbor Springs are usually the most expensive with Charlevoix right up there as well.

Hmm maybe we will stay an extra day in Leland and make a trip to south manitou. Return to Leland for the second night then onto Charlevoix -> Beaver leg. It looks like about 36 miles across to Beaver. This seems like a better plan.

Phasma said:

Hmm maybe we will stay an extra day in Leland and make a trip to south manitou. Return to Leland for the second night then onto Charlevoix -> Beaver leg. It looks like about 36 miles across to Beaver. This seems like a better plan.

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I believe you will enjoy Leland if you've not boated there before. Each of these harbors has a unique flavor that is fun. Leland usually has some of the better fuel prices, although a few years ago they were very high while dealing with dredging issues. The township just purchased a dredge last year. The harbor shoals in every year and needs to be dredged for access. The government was not reliable in its support of the community.

Ended up taking your advice. Leland >> Charlevoix >> Beaver. The return trip we went from Beaver >> Leland direct. We left Leland the next day and went out to South Manitou. What an incredibly beautiful place. Easily could have spent the night on the hook. The water was tourqoise, deep and Caribbean clear. Several boats on the hook. We talked to another captain that said they come every year and spend 3 days on the hook in the cove. Thanks for all of the input. It was a week in paradise!

Yes, the turquoise color of the great lakes. Totally great, and totally due to the Zebra mussel. Growing up in the 50's and 60's the lakes were not clear like they are now. One benefit that somewhat outweighs the negatives of the Zebra mussel.

Phasma said:

Ended up taking your advice. Leland >> Charlevoix >> Beaver. The return trip we went from Beaver >> Leland direct. We left Leland the next day and went out to South Manitou. What an incredibly beautiful place. Easily could have spent the night on the hook. The water was tourqoise, deep and Caribbean clear. Several boats on the hook. We talked to another captain that said they come every year and spend 3 days on the hook in the cove. Thanks for all of the input. It was a week in paradise!

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Glad you enjoyed the stay. South is a good anchorage when the wind is not from the east. We've had strong east winds today in Harbor Springs and were beaten up on the east wall. It took four strong guys to push us off the wall so I could relocate inside. On the island, there is no relief from east winds which also signal approaching bad weather.