Porphyry Half Day Adventure

If you have booked a public tour:

If you are on a private tour:

Then most snacks are allowed.  But remember you are on a boat, the wind blows everything about, and the heeling sailboat spills things easily. For a short 90-100 min sailing tour around the harbour we actually suggest consuming something before or after the tour but we are not strict on this suggestion.  For longer tours – pack something nice, we’ll make a stop or two to give you time to enjoy your snacks.  Remember the boats, Frodo and the Journeyer, are licensed and as such you may not bring outside alcohol. That we are strict on – it’s Ontario law.

What to Wear for a 90-Minute Sailing Tour with Sail Superior:

1. Sunglasses & Hat: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare off the water.

2. Non-Slip Shoes: Put on comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction to stay steady on the boat’s deck.

3. Windbreaker: Bring a light windbreaker or jacket and a sweater/hoodie fleece. Even if it’s warm, the wind can make it feel much cooler on the water. Most days long pants, jeans are preferred. Some people even like to bring a woolly hat.

Remember, the weather can change fast, so these essentials will keep you comfortable during your short sailing tour with Sail Superior.

On the Catamaran, no heeled shoes, shoes that leave marks. You will be asked to remove inappropriate footwear before boarding. If in doubt bring some soft Croc type shoes, clean white soled runners. Going barefoot is fine but can be chilly.

On the Sailboat, most shoes except heeled shoes are ok.

On the Zodiac, runners/ hiking shoes and most anything except heels. You may be going ashore, it’s good to have trail shoes.

ALCOHOL & DRINKING on a vessel. Our monohull Frodo is licensed, and as such we are bound by the law in regards to monitoring your intake and service. If you are coming from a pre drinking function and are intoxicated you will not be allowed to board, this only relates to those in your party that are visibly intoxicated and not the entire group. We will deny service on board to anyone who is becoming intoxicated. We will insure that you have a designated DD or someone who is picking you up afterwards. It is our Duty to keep you safe. If your tour is cancelled due to any conflict with the above laws and policies you will not receive a refund or credit for your tour. Boating is a great place to have a drink, it is a dangerous place to be intoxicated. If you think you or your party will drink excessively we kindly ask you not to book a tour with us.

Since our boats are fully liquor licensed, personal alcohol is not allowed. There is a selection of wines, local craft beers, and ciders onboard. Should you desire something specific, simply let our captains know and we’ll do our best to arrange for it to be on the tour (at additional cost). All tours will be outfitted with servers as well as customized plans for cash and open bar services.

Catamaran tours: This is boat is not licensed and is a bareboat charter. Consumption of alcohol is only legal while the boat is at the dock or at anchor. Guests may bring their own alcohol. Strong spirits and red wine is not allowed. Remember the crew are there to keep you safe. If you think you or any of your party intends to drink to excess we kindly ask you to not book a tour with us.

Boating is a great place to have a drink or two; it is an extremely dangerous place to be intoxicated.

The Superior Rocket is not licensed and no alcohol will be permitted.

Sailing charters are an adventure for all; from the young to the young at heart. For anyone under 2 years of age we ask that you bring a PFD (personal flotation device) along and know that they’ll be seated with you for the duration of the tour. If you don’t have one, we will supply one upon arrival. Anyone 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult and will be supplied with a sanitized PFD upon arrival.

With private Zodiac tours, similar rules apply. Everyone is welcome with special considerations taken by the crew to maintain a safe, comfortable and exciting environment. Those under 2 will be asked to come with a properly fitted PFD while the rest of the group will be supplied with one upon arrival. The route and intensity of the ride will remain at the Captain’s discretion to ensure safety for all.

On mixed or non private Zodiac tours we do limit the age and size of children, and may even recommend some adults take a pass.  This is because the ride is advertised as a thrill speed ride and we will be heading out into the lake to meet any conditions that arise. Customers are expecting this and we cannot safety take small children into these conditions.

*Zodiac trips may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with serious neck or back pain. Let us know at the time of booking and we’ll help you find the perfect tour to experience this great lake! Trips up the Kaministiqua river are generally very relaxed and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Part of the wonder of the Lake is its ever changing conditions; the weather is no exception. Unless there is substantial thunder and lightning just prior to the tour and a ‘Small Craft Advisory’ issued by Environment Canada, everything will remain as scheduled. Be sure to monitor the weather prior to the tour and bring appropriate attire to stay as comfortable as possible. Our captains have the final say and will reach out to you in the case of a postponed tour. 

 If it starts to rain mid tour, we have covered spaces to shelter you, come in and let the captain and crew brave the weather. Some of the best photographs and images are when the weather puts on a show.

To maintain the safety and awareness of everyone onboard, no smoking/vaping or recreational drug use of any kind is permitted when on the vessels, or on any of the adjacent docks or waiting areas. Failure to follow this rule will cause the immediate end of your tour and return to the dock. Any fares will be forfeit.

Our skilled captains do their very best to ensure comfort and enjoyment of all onboard. Adjusting speed and course to the ever-changing lake conditions, we look to gather smiles from every guest. Similar to a snowmobile ride, the majority of tours are quiet comfortable to ride on; some have even compared it to flying in an airplane.  If at anytime you become uncomfortable simply let the captain know and they’ll adjust accordingly.

High wind can cause large waves. We will adjust speed and route to minimize the affect but be prepared to encounter possible rough conditions on the Zodiac.

You most certainly can! On very windy days we suggest that you tuck hats into a backpack or bag because there is always risk of them flying away. On Zodiac tours, we recommend that they be worn backwards or tucked into a bag. Sunglasses are best worn securely on your face or around your neck with a lanyard. All personal items are worn at your own risk!

With the speed of the zodiac combined with the ever-changing lake conditions, there is always a possibility of getting splashed. With our full-piece mustang floater suits, you’re able to enjoy all the thrills without getting your clothes all wet! On warm days, you’ll be dry before returning to the dock.

For any passengers two years of age and younger, we ask that they come prepared with their own personal floatation device to ensure proper fit and utmost safety. We do have PFDs for tiny guests and if you do not have one please don’t rush out and get one, use ours. But if you do have your own we have learned the youngsters really seem more at ease with their own. For all other passengers, Sail Superior has a range of PFDs as well as a Transport Canada certified life jackets for every persons onboard.

*Children 10 and under are required to wear a PFD at all times while onboard.

On select tours, of course! After a tough hike there’s nothing better than walking into the refreshing embrace of Lake Superior. Swimming off the boat is ONLY permitted with DIRECT CAPTAIN CONSENT. Be sure to ask your captain about swimming prior to leaving the dock and wait for the go-ahead before hopping in. Jumping in before getting permission creates a dangerous situation for all and results in the immediate termination of the tour, calling of emergency services and prompt return to the dock.  No refunds will be issued.

With our tours exploring such a wide area of the Superior wilderness, there may be moments without cellular phone service; that’s part of the experience! For safety reasons our crew will always have communication with shore as well as the vessel when on hiking adventures. Whether it be by phone or VHF radio, we will have constant access to communication.

Each vessel has limited onboard restroom capacity. Similar to an airplane facility, we ask that nothing be flushed but the provided toilet paper. Slightly different than the common flush toilets, just ask the crew if you have any questions, believe us, you won’t be the first!

The Zodiac has no onboard restroom.

Being on the water affects everyone a little differently. The captains will do their best to adjust speed course so to deliver the most comfortable experience for everyone. Should someone begin to feel a little queasy just let us know and come join us at the helm; being at the wheel is the best spot to steady yourself!

On private tours, we’d gladly welcome any four-legged canine companions. The safety of passengers and crew are of utmost importance so we just ask that the captains be notified and the furry friends be suitable for water travel. If it’s something new, perhaps a visit before the tour will help introduce them to the boats. For everyone’s safety, owners and pets will also be placed together throughout the tour. On catamaran tours pets must remain outside on deck with you and we will have a nice spot and a place to attach a leash. Remember that the pets are subject to the same conditions we are so sunscreen and/or lifejackets are never a bad idea! Please see our in depth booking policy regarding pets.

There is a small $5 fee for each pet traveling on-board with the exception of registered guide and hearing dogs, which are carried free of charge. The $5 is to reserve a spot for your pet and equip the boats with basic pet cleanup equipment. Proceeds will go to a local animal shelter/charity.