Frequently Asked Questions

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 lines at the Team Leadership Center and Rowleys Bay Resort do NOT have any weight restrictions, all participants are welcome at these locations.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.