Gills Rock: Plum Island & Pilot Island Lighthouse Cruise

Introduction

If you’re exploring Wisconsin’s Door County and love the idea of a gentle boat cruise packed with historic lighthouses and scenic vistas, the Gills Rock: Plum Island & Pilot Island Lighthouse Cruise deserves a spot on your itinerary. While I haven’t personally taken this cruise, plenty of travelers have and share a picture of a relaxing, informative, and visually stunning experience.

What we appreciate most about this tour is its affordable price point of $47, its friendly and knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to see iconic lighthouses like Plum Island and Pilot Island from a unique perspective. It’s perfect for those wanting a laid-back, educational journey that combines maritime history with scenic beauty.

One potential consideration is the weather—since the tour is on open water, it can get chilly or windy, especially on the upper deck. However, this is easily remedied by dressing in layers or bringing a jacket. This tour suits travelers who enjoy sightseeing with a laid-back vibe, historical tidbits, and a chance to relax on the water with friends or family.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

Affordable price point offers great value for a 1.5-hour scenic cruise.
Expert guides and captains ensure an informative, smooth ride.
Beautiful views of lighthouses, Washington Island, and the Passage of Death’s Door.
Flexible seating options—outdoor and indoor—cater to different comfort preferences.
Accessible for wheelchairs, making it inclusive for many travelers.
Weather considerations are important—dress in layers for comfort on the water.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

The Gills Rock: Plum Island & Pilot Island Lighthouse Cruise invites travelers to enjoy a 1.5-hour journey through the historic waters of Door County, departing from the charming Gills Rock. This area, famed for its maritime lore, is especially popular for lighthouse enthusiasts and those curious about shipwreck stories.

The boat itself is a 75-passenger double-decker, offering plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the scenery. During the cruise, you can choose to sit outdoors on the lower deck or cozy up inside in the interior cabin, which provides additional seating if you prefer some protection from the wind or sun. The upper deck provides the best vantage points for taking photos and soaking in the panoramic views.

Departure and Meeting Details

Your adventure begins near Charlie’s Smokehouse, where you’ll find parking signs guiding you to the designated lot. A short walk across the street leads to the boat, marked clearly with signage—making the meet-up straightforward even with luggage or kids in tow. It’s recommended to arrive about 30 minutes before departure, giving you plenty of time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.

The Route and Highlights

Once underway, the boat heads north into the Porte des Morts passage, better known as Death’s Door—a stretch of water notorious for shipwrecks but also breathtaking scenery. As you cruise, your guide and captain will share stories about the maritime history of the area, including legendary shipwrecks that have made this stretch famous.

The main sights are the Plum Island Lighthouse and Pilot Island Lighthouse. The Plum Island Lighthouse is particularly iconic, with its distinctive red structure standing sentinel on the island’s rocky shores. The Pilot Island Lighthouse is equally impressive, perched on the tiny island surrounded by deep blue waters. Many reviews highlight how close and clear the views are, with some mentioning that they appreciated the opportunity to get detailed stories about each lighthouse’s history from the guides.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll also catch glimpses of Washington Island, offering a stunning backdrop that adds to the overall scenic experience. The boat’s captain and guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and detailed narration, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. One traveler noted, “The captain gave us great views and a very smooth ride,” which is especially meaningful if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a gentle pace.

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Weather and Seating

Given the tour’s outdoor nature, the weather can influence your comfort. Reviewers mention the importance of dressing in layers—bringing a sweatshirt or jacket is advisable, especially if you tend to get cold easily or if the wind picks up. The interior cabin offers a cozy retreat if needed, while the upper deck allows for unobstructed views and photo opportunities.

Duration and Flexibility

At just 1.5 hours, this cruise fits well into a day’s schedule, especially if you’re exploring other Door County attractions. The tour often runs in the afternoon, which allows for comfortable daylight viewing and the possibility to combine it with other local activities. The boat’s capacity also ensures that groups are small enough for a personalized experience but large enough to foster a lively, engaging atmosphere.

Accessibility and Safety

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that a broader audience can enjoy the sights and stories. Plus, the boat operates with a focus on safety—smoking is strictly prohibited on board, and the crew emphasizes safety protocols throughout the journey.

Cost and Value

At $47 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the scenic vistas, educational narration, and the chance to see two famous lighthouses up close. Compared to other Door County activities, it offers a relaxed, family-friendly way to connect with the area’s maritime heritage without breaking the bank.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer highlighted the friendly and informative nature of the guides, noting that “the narration was very interesting,” and appreciated the smooth ride even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Another mentioned that the views of the lighthouse were stunning, and the entire experience was a great value for money.

A slightly different perspective is shared by a traveler who couldn’t do the original route because of strong winds. They still enjoyed seeing the bluffs and other scenery, and found the guides to be very informative, demonstrating the crew’s flexibility and professionalism in adjusting to weather conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for history buffs, lighthouse enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing way to see the beauty of Door County’s waters. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting a scenic outing with minimal effort. If you’re on a budget but still want a memorable experience, this tour offers excellent value.

Travelers with mobility concerns will appreciate the wheelchair accessibility, and those who enjoy natural beauty combined with storytelling will find plenty to love. However, if you’re seeking an active adventure or detailed nautical exploration, you might find this cruise more laid-back than some other options.

The Sum Up

The Gills Rock: Plum Island & Pilot Island Lighthouse Cruise offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty, maritime history, and relaxed comfort for a modest price. With friendly guides, flexible seating, and stunning views, it caters well to those wanting a light-hearted yet informative experience on the water.

While weather can influence the comfort level, packing appropriately and choosing indoor seating when needed makes this a dependable choice for most travelers. Its short duration makes it an easy add-on to a day of exploring Door County, especially if you’re interested in lighthouses and local stories.

This cruise provides good value for money, combining gentle sightseeing with engaging narration—an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. It’s best suited for visitors who appreciate scenic boat rides, maritime history, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a charming highlight of any Door County visit.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable experience without feeling rushed.

Is there indoor seating available?
Yes, the boat has an interior cabin with additional seating if you prefer some shelter from the wind or sun.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise the guides and captains for their friendly, engaging narration and detailed stories about the lighthouses and maritime history.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and accessible for wheelchair users. Its relaxed pace makes it appropriate for most age groups.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers and bring a sweatshirt or jacket, especially if you tend to get cold or if the weather is windy.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

In sum, the Gills Rock cruise offers an engaging, scenic, and affordable way to see some of Wisconsin’s most iconic lighthouses, learn stories of shipwrecks, and enjoy the water with friends or family. Its combination of good value, expert guides, and breathtaking views makes it a worthwhile addition to any Door County itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: