Sea Caves Assisted Boat Tour ( You Drive )

• Beginner Sea Cave Boat Experience “Bunny Hill” Adventure

The guide is not exercising navigational control and is not acting as captain or operator of any vessel. All navigation and operation decisions are made solely by the boat operator.

This is the beginner-friendly way to explore Lake Superior’s most approachable sea caves — you operate your own rented boat, and a separate vessel is on the water in the same area to share local history, point out features, and provide general area orientation. It’s simple, safe, and designed for adventurous beginners who want to get on the water in control of their own trip.

 

 

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Important – How This Works

 

You rent your boat directly from an independent boat rental company under a separate rental agreement.

 

You are the sole operator of your rented vessel for the entire trip.

 

The informational vessel is operated by an independent contractor who does not own, operate, or work for the rental company.

 

The informational vessel remains in the general vicinity to share local knowledge and answer questions, but you determine your own course and operate independently at all times.

 

 

 

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Boat Types – Know What You’re Getting

 

Groups of 2 – 14-foot aluminum fishing boat, tiller-driven, open design, bench seats.

 

Groups of 3+ – 16-foot boat with steering wheel and cushioned seating.

 

Groups of 4–6 – 18-foot Lund with steering wheel and cushioned seating.

 

 

If you book as a pair, know that the 14-footer is the most basic — rugged and hands-on.

 

 

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What This Experience Is

 

A self-operated boat rental with another vessel present in the same area for local insight.

 

Focused on calm, shallow waters in Chequamegon Bay with beginner-level sandstone formations.

 

Designed for people who want to control their own vessel while still having access to someone who knows the area.

 

 

 

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What This Is Not

 

Not a charter or cruise — you operate your own boat.

 

Not a guided navigation — you choose your own course.

 

Not a luxury trip — these are open, functional boats.

 

 

 

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Who It’s For

 

People who want to explore sea caves at their own pace.

 

Families and beginners comfortable operating a small boat.

 

Adventurers seeking an active, hands-on experience.

 

 

 

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Tour Details

 

Duration: 2 hours

 

Approximate distance: up to 8 miles round trip (at your discretion).

 

Location: Thompson’s West End Park Boat Ramp, Washburn, WI

Google Maps Link

 

Skill Level: Beginner

 

You operate your own boat from start to finish.

 

 

 

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What You Might See

 

Chequamegon Bay sea stack formations and  sea caves.

 

Local wildlife such as eagles, swallows, and otters.

 

 

 

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Final Word

 

You’re in full control of your own boat for the entire time. The other vessel is there to share area history, point out features you might otherwise miss, and ensure someone else is on the water nearby. It’s a safe, beginner-friendly way to get a taste of Lake Superior without surrendering the wheel.

 

 

Participant Agreement, Assumption of Risk, and Liability Release

 

READ CAREFULLY – THIS DOCUMENT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

 

This Agreement is entered into between the undersigned Participant (“Participant” or “I”), the Boat Rental Company identified below (“Rental Company”), and the Independent On-Water Contractor identified below (“Independent Contractor”).

 

1. Parties and Roles

 

1.1 Boat Rental Company – Provides the vessel, fuel, required safety gear, and any accessories under a separate vessel rental agreement. The Rental Company does not provide vessel operators, captains, navigators, or on-water guides.

1.2 Independent Contractor – Operates their own separate vessel in the same general area during the Participant’s rental period. The Independent Contractor is not employed by, contracted by, or acting on behalf of the Rental Company. The Independent Contractor does not operate, control, or navigate the Participant’s vessel at any time.

1.3 Participant – Rents and operates a vessel from the Rental Company under a separate rental contract. The Participant is the sole operator and is fully responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel.

 

 

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2. No Navigational Control or Direction

 

2.1 The Independent Contractor may provide general area information (e.g., points of interest, environmental conditions, historical facts).

2.2 The Independent Contractor will not:

 

Steer, control, or physically handle the Participant’s vessel

 

Give helm commands or moment-to-moment navigation instructions

 

Board or operate the Participant’s vessel under any circumstances

2.3 The Participant chooses their own route, speed, stops, and maneuvers, and assumes full responsibility for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

 

 

 

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3. Assumption of Risk

 

3.1 I understand that operating a small motorized vessel on open water involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:

 

Collisions with other vessels, structures, or submerged objects

 

Capsizing, swamping, or sinking

 

Weather changes, wind, waves, and reduced visibility

 

Cold water immersion, hypothermia, or drowning

 

Equipment malfunction or mechanical failure

3.2 I voluntarily accept and assume all such risks, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable, and accept full responsibility for my safety and the safety of my passengers.

 

 

 

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4. Release of Liability

 

4.1 In consideration of being allowed to rent and operate a vessel and have an Independent Contractor present in the same general area, I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless:

 

The Rental Company and its owners, officers, employees, and agents

 

The Independent Contractor and their owners, officers, employees, and agents

from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any injury, loss, damage, or death sustained while participating in this activity, including those arising from the negligence of the released parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

 

 

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5. Participant Responsibilities

 

5.1 I certify that I have sufficient boating skills to operate the rented vessel safely without assistance.

5.2 I am solely responsible for the operation, navigation, and control of my vessel at all times.

5.3 I will comply with all federal, state, and local boating laws and regulations.

 

 

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6. Governing Law

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

 

 

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7. Acknowledgment of Understanding

 

I have read this Agreement in its entirety, fully understand its terms, and voluntarily sign it. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Rental Company or the Independent Contractor for claims arising out of vessel operation.