(231) 238-8181

Canoe Rental, Kayak Rental, Indian River Big Bear Adventures Mini Golf Big Bear Adventure Tube Rental

River Cats

Combine the thrill of kayaking, the camaraderie of canoeing, and the stability of a raft, and you end up with a Cat. Short for "Catamaran", our Cats are an inflatable tandem kayak with less chance of tipping over than canoes/kayaks. The sleek, yet "wide-track" design is fun and easy to paddle. Also comes with comfortable, inflatable backrests. Please Note: Cats are best on warm days as there may be a little bit of water where you're sitting. Recommended for: Two paddlers w/ basic paddling experience, who are willing to accept a challenge, but don't quite fit into the other equipment categories (not enough canoeing experience, don't want to try a solo kayak, or too small a group to fill a raft). 4 & 5 hr. trips: experienced only! Cat Rates: are per person (based on 2 people, which is the maximum).

Approximate Float Time 1½ hr 3 hr 4 hr 5 hr
Price Per Person $20 $29 $32 $35
Departure Times 9:30-5:00
every ½ hr
9:30-3:30
every ½ hr
9:30-2:30
every hour
9:30-11:30
every hour

Challenging Mid-Section Trip

We offer a "Mid-Section" trip for those who want the faster, most challenging part of the river, but don't necessarily want or have the time to do the Wolverine (5 hr.) trip, and/or wouldn't mind skipping the last 1 1/2 hrs. of the river (which is the easier section, has more homes/cottages, and at peak times more congested w/ rafts and tubes). This trip ends at N. White Rd, which is the most commonly used put-in point (and which we own). This trip is definitely for more advanced paddlers!

Put-In/Take-Out Rondo Access
to N. White Rd
Wolverine
to N. White Rd
Approximate Float Time 2½ hr 3½ hr
Rate per Person $35 $37
Departure Times 9:30-2:30 every hour 9:30-11:30 every hour

River Cat FAQs

(Click a question to view the answer)

  • Who would you recommend to take a cat?

    Cats are a great option for two paddlers with basic paddling experience, who are willing to accept a challenge, but don't quite fit into the other equipment categories. Cats are wonderful on a hot day, as the sleek catamaran design allows for you to get a little wet!

  • Who would you recommend to take green?

    Green is another great option for two to three paddlers (sorry, cannot allow 3 full sized adults) with basic paddling experience who are willing to accept a challenge. Unlike the Cat, Green is an inflatable canoe where you are not sitting in water. This boat is a perfect option for parents and an older child.

  • Can I fish on the trip?

    The Sturgeon River has a swift current that descends approximately 14 feet per mile. While fishing is a sport that you can enjoy on the Sturgeon, it is NOT recommended to do while paddling. There are many tight, narrow bends, overhanging trees/branches, and a swift current that will occupy you while paddling, and not leave you with time to fish. Also, there is a lot of private property along the river, and we must respect private landowners by remaining off their property. (Absolutely NO fishing allowed in rafts, tubes, cats, or other inflatables).