A First Timer’s Guide to Exploring West Michigan by Boat

There’s a lot of exploring to be done in West Michigan, whether it’s the stunning coastlines to be explore by boat, or the charming towns to wonder through.

Exploring the area by boat requires plenty of preparation from safety gear needs to understanding regulations and choosing a suitable boat size for Lake Michigan.

Here are some of the basics when it comes to being a first timer and exploring the area of West Michigan by boat.

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Know the regulations and the gear required

Regulations are important to be knowledgeable about because if you’re not following the rules, then you’ll get yourself in trouble.

Michigan law requires that life jackets are provided for everyone and that all boats have navigation lights, sound signals and distress signals on board.

Your boat will also need to be registered and decals are added from the Michigan Dept. of State. Lastly, for Lake Michigan, larger boats offer more stability but smaller boats are fine for the closer and calmer excursions you might take.

Plan your route and stops

Be sure to plan your routes as stops before you go. It’s always good to be aware of what what places you’d like to explore and which areas are going to be points in which you take a longer excursion on foot.

With that being said here are some helpful suggestions to get you inspired:

• South Haven – This is a great place that’s known for it’s beautiful beaches and harbor.

• Saugatuck/Douglas – Offers plenty in the way of quaint towns that are adorned with art galleries and beautiful dunes to gaze in amazement at.

• Holland – A Dutch-themed town with beautiful beaches like the Oval Beach for example.

• Grand Haven – Most famous for it’s pier, lighthouses and the beach.

• Muskegon – Offers state parks, dunes and lighthouses.

• Whitehall/Montague – Provides access to the White River which is known for it’s calmer waters.

• Silver Lake – A unique spot for dunes and lighthouses.

• Inland Waterways – You could also explore the Mainstee River or the Grand River if you’d prefer some sheltered cruising. 

When you’re exploring West Michigan, these are some of the spots you’ll want to include on your excursions via boat.

Key experiences to prioritize

There are a number of key experiences that you should be prioritizing when it comes to exploring West Michigan by boat. These include the dunes as one example. Visiting Silver Lake State Park is a great way of seeing these stunning dunes, but it’s worth being aware of the off-road vehicle areas.

You can also take full advantage of lighthouse hopping, where you can see some iconic lights like the Little Sable Lighthouse and the White River Light Station.

Lastly, you could also consider town hopping, docking in towns like Charlevoix or Grand Haven for shopping, dining and local culture.

Essential tips for first-timers to know

For first-timers who are exploring West Michigan by boat, here are some useful tips worth knowing:

Check lake conditions

Lake Michigan weather changes rapidly, so it’s important to always check forecasts before heading out.

Learn your boat

Understanding basic navigation, anchoring and emergency procedures. It’s worth exploring your boat options with a West Michigan Sylvan boat dealer or ask a lot of questions when renting.

Start small

Begin with shorter trips in protected bays or closer to the shore before you attempt long lake crossings.

With these tips, you can hopefully have a fun and non-eventful time exploring the area by boat.

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