Frequently Asked Questions

Door County Adventure Center offers some of the most unique outdoor experiences in Door County, including guided kayak tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, zipline adventures, an aerial adventure park, segway tours, and team-building programs that are all backed by experienced guides who prioritize safety, education, and fun!

Unlike many tour operators that specialize in just one activity, we provide a wide range of adventures for families, groups, couples, and solo travelers. Guests can explore Cave Point’s beautiful shoreline, paddle above historic shipwrecks, soar through the air on a zipline, or explore Door County from a whole new perspective.

Our goal is simple: provide exceptional experiences that help visitors make the most of their time in Door County while creating memories they’ll talk about long after their vacation ends.

Due to the nature of the rustic setting of the Door County Adventure Center’s program sites and our other outdoor adventure programs (zip line tours, kayak tours, kayak/SUP rentals, etc.) participants should dress in layers. Any clothing that wicks away water should be your primary layer, followed by warming layers with an outer shell to protect your body in the wind and waves. Even in summer it can be extremely windy so be mindful of the forecast! Always wear comfortable clothes, being prepared for rain and inclement weather. Footwear is important; always wear closed-toed shoes, preferably sneakers or hiking boots. Please do not wear heels or sandals of any kind.

The Cave & Dunes Kayak Tour and Shipwreck & Lighthouse Kayak Tour are designed for those 10 years and older, since they can be adventurous tours on Lake Michigan. The Mink River Tour & Sunset Kayak Tour are more leisurely paddles, perfect for all ages.

We have no age limits on zip lining. Our youngest zipper was 11 months old! Kids just need to be able to fit into our children’s harnesses and can, when needed, tandem zip with an adult. Our oldest zip liner was 89, so the sky is the limit! Our zip line at the Team Leadership Center does NOT have any weight restrictions. All participants are welcome!

Questions about what kayak or zip line tour would be the best fit for you or your group?  Give us a call!  We’re happy to help you choose!

No experience is required! Our kayak and paddleboard rentals are available to beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Before heading out, our staff will provide basic instructions, safety information, and recommendations on where to paddle based on your experience level and current conditions. If you’re new to kayaking or paddleboarding, we’re happy to answer questions and help you get started.

If you must cancel we require a 72 hour advanced notice for a full refund.  Only if you notify us 48 hours in advance, you will get a 50% refund.  In the event you do not call 48 hours in advance of your reservation your credit card will be billed per your reservation.  If you do not show up it will be charged in full.

Safety & professional training is one of the things that sets Door County Adventure Center apart. Every one of our team members is CPR & First Aid certified. Our guides are trained & assessed according to international standards set by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and/or the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), in their respective fields. Our kayak guides are trained to the standards of ACA Coastal Day Trip Leader Training throughout their first season of employment with us. In addition, all kayak guides are required to participate in on-going practice of kayak skills such as rescues, navigation, group management, and open water paddling. Our zip line guides and ropes course facilitators complete an ACCT training and certification exam focusing on areas of zip line guiding, rescues, soft facilitation skills, technical belay skills, and ropes course management.

Yes, we have been operating as a professional climbing and kayaking company for more than 20 years. We have never had a citation, severe injury, or loss! Our professionally trained/certified staff and safety record sets us apart from the rest of the commercial outfitters in Door County.

All activities, initiatives, and climbs are on a “challenge by choice” basis. If something is pushing your personal comfort zone or physical abilities, please let your facilitator know.

Absolutely! Many of our guests are first-time adventurers, and no prior experience is necessary for most of our activities. Our experienced guides provide instruction, safety equipment, and support throughout your experience to help you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you’re joining a kayak tour, zipline adventure, Segway tour, or exploring our aerial adventure park, we’ll make sure you’re prepared and ready for a fun adventure!

Participants usually paddle about 2 hours in our Kayak Tours. We welcome any ability and experience level but it’s important to consider that the tours on Lake Michigan are the most adventurous.  If you have small children or have concerns about wave & wind then the best tour for you might be the Mink River Eco Tour since it is the most protected from conditions. Basic safety, boat control, and paddle stroke instruction is included before departing on all of the tours.

A guided tour includes an experienced guide who leads the adventure, provides instruction, shares local history and interesting facts, and helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Guided tours often visit unique locations and points of interest, such as Cave Point and the historic Australasia shipwreck.

A rental gives you the freedom to explore on your own at your own pace. Rentals are a great option for guests who are comfortable navigating independently and want a more flexible experience. If you’re looking for local knowledge and a structured adventure, we recommend a guided tour. If you’d rather create your own itinerary and explore independently, a rental may be the better fit.

Bringing valuables can be risky, but we do encourage guests to capture their adventure and the beautiful scenery of Door County. We offer picture packages for each tour using photos taken by our guides! This way, you don’t have to risk your personal belongings to capture life-long memories of your adventure.

If you do choose to bring your own phone or camera, we recommend using a waterproof phone case or secure camera attachment when participating in water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding. Please keep in mind that all personal items are brought at your own risk, and Door County Adventure Center is not responsible for lost, damaged, or water-damaged belongings.

Our sea kayaks vary in length from 14-22 feet, and have two bulkheads sealing off watertight compartments in the front and back of the boat. We require all guides and participants to wear a spray deck/skirt while paddling. Lake Michigan is COLD! The spray deck serves to keep water out of the cockpit, enabling the paddler to stay warmer and drier. Your time on the water will be much more enjoyable, reducing the potential for hypothermia. In the unlikely event of a boat capsize, the spray deck releases quickly. We love sea kayaking in its traditional form and use this type of boat for some of our kayak tours. Other kayak tours take place in a recreational sit-on-top kayak. Our rental kayaks are recreational sit-on top kayaks as well.