Water Activities in Door County

Door County Water Sports: Dive Right In

In Door County, nearly everyone lives by the water. But it’s more than just scenery. Our 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are the doorway to endless aquatic adventures and water-based recreation ranging from fishing, swimming, paddling, and boating to windsurfing, shipwreck diving, parasailing, and standup paddle boarding. The only question you need to answer is: the Green Bay side, the Lake Michigan side, or somewhere in between?

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Kayakers paddling beneath and escarpment.

6 Ways to Get On the Water

Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Get in a workout on the water or simply enjoy the feeling of drifting across the waves by way of a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. Door County has many rental providers that have everything you need, including boats, paddles, lifejackets, dry bags, and transportation.

Boat Tours
Gather friends or family for a day of adventure on the water. Let our local guides entertain you with stories from the past and fascinating facts about the surrounding waters and landscape. After a scenic cruise on the water, you'll have a new appreciation for both Lake Michigan and Door County as a whole.

Shipwreck Diving & Tours
With more than 275 shipwrecks in nearby waters, and Death’s Door’s reputation for causing most of them, our county is a haven for scuba divers, snorkelers, and maritime explorers of all sorts. Many shipwrecks rest in less than 60 feet of water, making them an easy destination to reach by boat or kayak. Check out the 135-foot Fleetwing up in Gills Rock or the Frank O’Connor near Baileys Harbor.

Boating
There’s no better way to feel that lake breeze on your face than in a motorized boat as it skates across the surface of the water. The many boat-rental businesses in the area can get you set up with a pontoon boat, speedboat, jet ski, and other water-sports equipment so you can take full advantage of the lakes.

Have a boat of your own? Explore the many beautiful marinas and boat launches located throughout the county and plan your perfect boat day.

Fishing
Door County boasts world-class fishing that draws anglers from around the country. You can also charter a boat and have an expert fishing guide help you reel in salmon, trout, or whitefish. Have your catch cleaned, cut, and smoked or wrapped so you can bring the taste of the lake home with you. Just remember to pick up a fishing license for anyone older than 16.

Inland Lakes and Rivers
It’s easy to get drawn to the big bodies of water that hug either side of the narrow peninsula, but often times the inland lakes and rivers are where you can find even more serene magic. Some, such as Kangaroo Lake and Clark Lake, are big enough for your power boat. Others, including Europe Lake, are better reserved for quiet, non-motorized boats like kayaks.