What you'll do:

You and your group board a private pontoon on Harsen's Island and spend two hours cruising the calm channels of Lake St. Clair, free to drop anchor, swim, paddle, or drift with music playing and drinks in hand.

• Choose your boat - Pick a 23-foot tritoon for up to 10 guests or a 16-foot pontoon for up to 7, both fully equipped for a self-guided cruise.

• Add kayaks or paddleboards - Rent paddle gear alongside your pontoon so the group can split up, explore, and reconvene at anchor.

• Stock up before you push off - Grab ice, beer, wine, seltzers, snacks, or bait and tackle from the on-site marina store.

• Order food dockside - Place a made-to-order food order at the marina before departure so the group eats a real meal, not just chips from a cooler.

• Pick your window - Rentals run 8 AM to 7 PM, so you can catch the morning calm, a midday swim, or golden-hour light in the late afternoon.

This is a day that feels like a getaway, not just an activity. The island setting and the calm water do most of the work.

Why we love it for your group:

• Private floating party - The pontoon is yours alone, so there's no sharing the dock, the playlist, or the vibe with strangers.

• True island escape - Harsen's Island sits off the Detroit-area shoreline and feels genuinely removed from the city, even though it's an easy drive and short ferry ride away.

• Cold drinks, zero planning - The marina stocks beer, wine, seltzers, and snacks on-site, so nobody has to haul a cooler from home.

• A go-to for bachelorette groups - This is one of the most-booked pontoon rentals in the Detroit area for bachelorette parties specifically.

• Something for the active crew - The kayak and paddleboard add-on gives anyone who doesn't want to lounge all afternoon something to do while the rest of the group relaxes on deck.

About this experience partner:

Middle Channel Marina, formerly Minnich's Marina, is a family-run marina on Harsen's Island offering pontoon rentals, kayak rentals, and on-site dining for groups visiting Lake St. Clair. New ownership has updated the facilities while keeping the low-key island character regulars have always come for. The marina caters especially to group outings, bachelorette parties, and birthday celebrations looking for a private, self-directed day on the water.

Additional information:

• Location: Harsen's Island, MI, accessible by ferry from the mainland.

• Rental capacity: Up to 10 guests on the tritoon, up to 7 on the standard pontoon.

• Rental hours: 8 AM to 7 PM.

• On-site supplies: Beer, wine, seltzers, snacks, ice, bait and tackle, and made-to-order food available for purchase.

• No pets allowed.