Clean, on time, polite, safe and affordable. What more could you want? Glad you asked. The staff went WAY above and beyond to get our luggage after our hotel dropped The ball and left it on the island. Thanks, Shepler's!! Customers for life!
Very nice boats to get you to the island. If possible do one of the cruises that involves the mighty Mac bridge tour. It's so cool to see the under side of the bridge. On the boat there is option for indoor or outdoor seating both are comfortable.
The trip was scenic and quick the day we went, and ran on time. Think twice about sitting on the open upper deck though; only the first few rows of seats in the right front (right behind the pilot house) stayed dry. Most of the passengers got sprayed over and over due to the choppy lake conditions. They looked like they had just gotten off a water ride at an amusement parkand it was cold that day! On our return trip we grabbed seats in the enclosed lower deck where it was much warmer and drier.
The perfect way to get to and from the island from town. This ferry isn’t the high speed version, but it offers a nice scenic visit to the island in relative comfort with great views. The top deck is popular but can be chilly except in the middle of summer. Access is pretty easy right from town. There’s also a free parking lot with a shuttle and most hotels in the area offer shuttles as well. Luggage is transported securely and easy to find and pick up once you arrive. They’ll even take it to most of the hotels on the island where you can meet up with it. On the island, you’re dropped off right downtown which is great for exploring.
Whenever I go to Mackinac Island I use Shepler's. They are very professional, courteous, and accommodating. They have plenty parking spaces and cars are kept in a well lit area. The prices are affordable. I've taken my bike to the island and it's definitely cheaper than renting a bike there. They have inside and outside seating for your preference. I would certainly recommend using Shepler's.
Other than parking a distance away due to close parking being reserved for those spending the night on Mackinaw Island. The ability to buy discount tickets for other attractions on the island was a big plus. We purchased our fare as well as a carriage ride and tour of the fort all at the same time for a reduced cost and headache. The ticket person at Shepler's also let us know in what order and where to do the ride and tour. It made for a very smooth day on the island. Also the ride to and from the island were frequent and smooth.
We took one of the earliest ferries of the day on July 5th and it was fantastic. The ride back was busier but we still only waited about 10 minutes for a ferry. The mayflies had to be hosed off in the morning (hazards of the lake!) but that actually was a funny experience and my kids thought it was cool. Nice comfy ride and the staff was friendly. The kids got stickers and a high five from one of the workers. We rode on top in the morning which was a bit chilly as expected, but the views are great. Especially nice was that we could easily walk from our hotel (though there's a free shuttle as well).
Great staff. Comfortable seats on board , above and below deck. Go early in the morning to avoid long wait times.
On time, great service! Transferred luggage seamlessly to and fro Grand Hotel. Very efficient and convenient! A well oiled machine of a business!
Loved it! :) Just smelled a bit but it was easy to get over, and wasn't aware that it went so fast ( it was really windy and cold on the top of the farry). That's why I put 4 stars.
The ferry ride was quick and smooth. Unfortunately we had to park in the off-site lot and take a shuttle. To park they put a sticker on your windshield Ours was stuck right where you need to see to drive, and it also does not come off
Not pleased that their website is misleading about parking. I wanted the on-site parking, but then found out upon arrival that it's not available. Nothing on the website indicates it may not be available. Then you have to walk five blocks, be shuttled, or do valet, none of which are appealing to me. Had the website been more accurate, I could have planned accordingly. Also, staff were not very friendly. I've ridden the boat a few times, and that's pleasant enough. But the logistics and staff did not make for the best start to a vacation.
Currently, there are thousands of mayflies on the boat and dock. No fans to deter the bugs, so you have to deal with it until the boat starts moving.