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True North Water Taxi
Bayfield - Madeline Island - Apostle Islands
True North Water Taxi is your gateway to adventure in Bayfield. We provide fast, friendly water taxi service from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island, including direct access to Big Bay State Park—one of the most scenic and family-friendly destinations in the region. Whether you're planning a beach day, a shoreline hike, or a backcountry camping trip, our private boat rides make getting there part of the fun.
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Our most popular route is our Madeline Island Water Taxi to Big Bay State Park, taking you straight to the beach—no car or ferry required. We also offer custom Madeline Island Water Taxi services, with flexible pick-ups and drop-offs at campsites, cabins, and shoreline locations. Safe, reliable, and operated by experienced local captains, True North Water Taxi is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Madeline Island and the Bayfield area by boat.
Big Bay Express
Our Big Bay State Park Express trip is the fastest and easiest way to reach one of Madeline Island’s most iconic destinations. We offer direct water taxi service from Bayfield, WI straight to the shores of Big Bay State Park—no vehicle or ferry transfer needed. Perfect for day-trippers, campers, and families, this express route lands you just steps from the park’s sandy beach, scenic boardwalks, and hiking trails. Whether you're heading out for a swim, a picnic, or a night under the stars, we’ll get you there quickly, safely, and stress-free.
The Water Taxi
We use the Whaly 455R, a rugged, dependable vessel built for both comfort and safety on Lake Superior. Made from double-walled high-density polyethylene, this boat is virtually unsinkable and incredibly stable—even in choppy waters. It’s used by rescue crews and harbor patrols around the world, which gives us (and our passengers) extra confidence out on the lake.
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We love the Whaly 455R for its open layout, shallow draft, and smooth ride. It can pull right up to beaches, docks, or remote shoreline spots—making it perfect for accessing places the ferry can’t reach. There’s plenty of room for passengers, gear, and even the family dog.
Whether we’re headed to Big Bay State Park, a campsite, or your waterfront cabin, this boat helps us get you there quickly, safely, and comfortably.
Meeting Location
Trips depart from our True North location at the address below. There is free parking there and facilities to use before your departure.
True North Water Taxi
112 S 1st St
Bayfield, WI 54814
ADVENTURE
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Full payment is due at the time of booking or boarding to secure your reservation.
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We understand that plans can change, and we do our best to be flexible:
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Cancellations made before we leave the dock will receive a full refund.
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Cancellations after departure for pickups and no-shows are non-refundable.
If weather or lake conditions make travel unsafe, True North Water Taxi may need to cancel or reschedule your trip. We do not operate during small craft advisories. In that case, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
If your plans change, please call or text us as soon as possible—we’re happy to work with you when we can.
