Spend time up north this summer with this guide to all of our favorite spots!
There’s something different about boating in Northern Michigan.
It’s not just the water, though the water is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere in the country. It’s not just the scenery, though miles of shoreline, rolling hills, and quiet coves make it feel untouched. It’s the way everything slows down when you’re out there. The way a single afternoon on the water turns into a full day of exploring, swimming, and discovering places you can’t get to any other way.
When it comes to boating in Northern Michigan, our Traverse City team knows the area best. These are their favorite spots that they revisit all summer long and consistently recommend to others looking to experience the area by water.
East Grand Traverse Bay
East Bay offers a little bit of everything and for many boaters, it’s where special summer memories are made.
One of the most unique experiences here is snorkeling the Metropolis shipwreck, a 125-foot schooner resting in shallow, crystal-clear water about a mile and a half south of Old Mission Lighthouse. You will find the sunken ship just 100-300 yards off Haserot Beach. On calm days, visibility is incredible, making it an easy and unforgettable stop. It’s not every day you get to swim above a piece of Michigan history.
From there, it’s hard to pass up the sandbars scattered throughout the bay. One local favorite is Petobago which is near the Maple Bay Area Natural Area. You’ll find shallow, warm water creates the perfect place to drop anchor, float, and relax for a few hours.
If you’re looking to mix boating with a little time on land, cruising north to Elk Rapids Marina is a must. Grab a day-slip, step off the boat, and you’re instantly in one of Northern Michigan’s most charming small towns. Walk to local shops, grab lunch or ice cream, and take your time exploring before heading back out on the water.
East Bay is the kind of place where you can plan a full day, or just see where the water takes you.
West Grand Traverse Bay
If East Bay feels exploratory, West Bay feels expansive.
Stretching wide with long sightlines and open water, it’s perfect for cruising, water sports, or simply enjoying the ride. But it’s also home to a couple of must-visit destinations.
Power Island sits just offshore from Traverse City and is one of the most popular boating hangouts in the area. Boats line the shoreline on warm summer days, with people swimming, grilling, and spending hours anchored in the clear water. It’s social, scenic, and always a good time.
Further up the bay, Suttons Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed pace. Dock your boat, walk into town, and you’ll find restaurants, shops, and incredible views of the bay you just crossed. It’s the perfect stop if you want to break up a day on the water with a laid-back lunch or dinner.
West Bay gives you room to roam, but always with somewhere worth stopping.
Torch, Elk, Skegemog, and Clam Lakes
If you’ve seen pictures of Northern Michigan boating, chances are they were taken on the scenic Torch Lake.
Known for its unreal turquoise water, these lakes are often compared to the Caribbean, and once you’re out there, it’s easy to see why.
The famous Torch Lake Sandbar is a centerpiece of the experience. On summer weekends, it turns into a gathering spot where boats anchor side by side in waist-deep water. People float, play music, and spend hours enjoying the sun and the uniquely clear water beneath them.
But the chain is more than just the sandbar. It connects multiple lakes and rivers, giving you the ability to cruise for miles, explore quieter stretches, and stop at Dockside along the way. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the water or just drifting through the Torch River, there’s always something new to see.
It’s one of the most iconic boating destinations in the Midwest, and for good reason.
Lake Leelanau
For a different pace, head toward Lake Leelanau. This area offers some of the most scenic boating in Northern Michigan, with stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline that feel rugged, peaceful, and completely removed from the busier bays.
One of the highlights is boating into Leland, home to historic Fishtown. This preserved fishing village sits right on the water, making it one of the most unique places you can arrive by boat. Tie up, walk the docks, and explore shops and restaurants that feel like a step back in time.
If you’re looking to get away from the busier bays, Lake Leelanau delivers a quieter, more laid-back experience. Calm water, beautiful shoreline, and a slower pace make it perfect for easy cruising and long days spent simply enjoying the surroundings.
Lake Charlevoix
If you want variety, Lake Charlevoix is the lake to check out.
This area gives you access to both big water and protected inland cruising, all within the same trip. You can venture out onto Lake Michigan for wide-open boating or stay within Lake Charlevoix for calmer conditions and easy navigation.
A favorite stop is Fisherman’s Island State Park, where you can beach your boat and explore miles of undeveloped shoreline. It’s quiet, natural, and feels far removed from everything else.
Back in town, Charlevoix offers a vibrant boating scene. Dock your boat and walk into downtown, where restaurants, shops, and waterfront views make it easy to spend an afternoon or an entire evening. You can also cruise over to Boyne City, another great destination with dockage, dining, and a welcoming small-town feel.
Charlevoix is the kind of place where every day on the water can look different and that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
Why Northern Michigan Is Built for Boating
Boating in Northern Michigan isn’t just about one destination, it’s about how many different experiences you can have within a relatively small area.
In a single weekend, you can:
- Snorkel a shipwreck in crystal-clear water
- Anchor at a lively sandbar
- Cruise miles of open bay
- Dock in a small town for lunch
- Explore quiet stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline
Few places offer that kind of variety.
It’s also what makes choosing the right boat so important. Whether you’re spending your days surfing on the bay, cruising long distances, or anchoring with friends and family, having a boat that fits your lifestyle changes everything about your time on the water.
Bringing It All Together
At Action Water Sports, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping families experience places exactly like these.
Northern Michigan isn’t just a destination, it’s where boating becomes part of your lifestyle. It’s early mornings on glassy water, long afternoons at the sandbar, and evenings cruising back as the sun sets over the bay.
And the best part? No two days ever feel the same.
If you’re ready to explore Northern Michigan from the water or you’re looking to upgrade how you experience it, our team is here to help you find the right fit. That way you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying everything this area has to offer.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the boat.
It’s about where it takes you.
