The Bass Islands are a paddling Jewel in Lake Erie. There are many adventures to be had, including:
Shoreline - There is more than 200 miles of shoreline amongst the islands to paddle. There are nature areas, sights like the Benson Ford Ship house and the spectacular Perry's Victory's Monument. Look for the Needle' s Eye along the shore of Gibralter Island, Lake Erie's only natural sea arch.
Open Water Crossings and Islands - Chose to paddle from the mainland, cross between islands or cross the Put-In-Bay Harbor, there are many open water crossings of 5+ or more miles. Start in the Bass Islands and make the 7+ mile crossing to Pelee or Kelleys Islands. Visit the vineyards and Manilla Bay on North Bass Island. Check out the Scheef East Point Nature Preserve on South Bass Island. Explore an abandoned lighthouse on Green Island, Paddle around the rattles on Rattlesnake Island. and find the Needles Eye in the Put-in-Bay Harbor.
Day Paddling - Starting from the South Bass Island state park you can day paddle to any number of 10 islands within an afternoon. Bring your charts and your imagination.
Visit the Historical Sights - When you paddle the waters around South Bass Island you're paddling history. These are the same waters and harbors that Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry used to fight the Brittish in the war of 1812, the Great Lakes only Naval battle. Don't Give up the Ship! Visit the Perry's International Peace memorial and visitors center by foot or by kayak.
Kayak Sailing: The South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous is also the largest gathering of kayak sailors in the mid west. Many of those sailors utilize Falcon Sails for their adventures. Falcon Sails has been a long-time supporter of the SBIKR and we encourage anyone to check out their amazing product.. www.falconsails.com.
