What would be best kayak for the price to paddle sheltered bays, coves & islands of L. Superior's Isle Royale?

Question

I'm planning a trip to Isle Royale this summer, to do some kayaking and hiking. Till now, I've been borrowing a friend's kayak to explore inland lakes in our locale. But I'll be buying my own kayak this spring, and am looking for suggestions (brands, etc.). I don't plan to paddle out into open waters on the big lake, but stay among the more sheltered, calmer waters, mainly for doing some photography and for pure recreational enjoyment. I'm not looking for any challenges, just some leisurely paddling.

Answer 1

For this type of kayaking i would suggest the "bic bilbao"

(its super stable)

Answer 2

I would look at outfitters on Lake Superior and rent a kayak.  It is better to have a kayak that is capable of more than you expect than have a minimaly (for the area) capable one.  

You will probably also want a wet suit.  It is cold in that water, all the year.

A friend went up there last summer on a kayak tour of some of the Apostle Islands.  She has a nice touring kayak but the ones that they had were much better for the water there.  They also supplied the wet suits and other safety gear needed there.

I would recommend that you get in contact with the Inland Sea Kayakers (www.inlandseakayakers.org).  They are a club from the Twin Cites area that is oriented to kayaking in Superior.  I have paddled with them a couple times on their wednesday paddles a Lake Calhoun (usual route Calhoun, Isles, Cedar, Brownie, and back).

They are a really fun group with a lot of knowledge.

They can easily tell you what you need to paddle any area near Superior.