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Communicating in the Apostle Islands

a small boat in a large body of water

What Should I Do if I Have a Problem While Sailing in the Apostle Islands?

Cell phone coverage throughout the Apostle Islands is limited and unreliable, especially when anchored away from the mainland or hiking on remote islands. Boaters and sailors should expect periods without service and plan accordingly before departing.

For more information regarding cell phone coverage in the Apostle Islands, check out this map created by the Red Cliff Band provides an overview of coverage in the Apostle Islands.

All Superior Charters vessels carry:

  • A functioning VHF marine radio
  • Required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment
  • Updated charts and navigation tools
  • Basic first aid supplies for onboard and shore use

If you go ashore to hike or explore:

  • Let someone on the boat know your planned route and expected return time
  • Stay on marked trails whenever possible
  • Carry water, weather gear, and a flashlight
  • Be prepared for little or no cell service onshore
  • Monitor changing weather conditions before leaving the vessel

If you experience a non-emergency problem while anchored, underway, or hiking ashore:

  • Return to your vessel if safely possible
  • Check your cell service and contact the Superior Charters office (715-779-5124) if during office hours (M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m. – Noon, Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Note: Leave a voice mail message as these are monitored periodically outside office hours
  • If no cell coverage, use your VHF radio to contact nearby vessels or marinas if assistance is needed urgently
  • Move to a safer anchorage if weather or lake conditions deteriorate
  • Conserve battery power on communication and navigation devices
  • Notify your shore contact once service becomes available again

The U.S. Coast Guard should only be contacted for emergencies involving an immediate threat to life, serious injury, fire, flooding, grounding, sinking, missing persons, or other situations where a vessel or passenger is in danger.

Examples of Coast Guard emergencies include:

  • Person overboard
  • Medical emergency
  • Missing or overdue hikers or boaters
  • Vessel taking on water
  • Fire onboard
  • Disabled vessel in dangerous conditions
  • Immediate risk of grounding or collision

For emergencies, use:

  • VHF Channel 16 for distress calls
  • Standard MAYDAY procedures when appropriate

For non-emergency situations such as:

  • Minor mechanical problems
  • Delays due to weather
  • Questions about anchorage conditions
  • Routine assistance requests

Boaters should contact Superior Charters, local marinas, towing providers or nearby vessels rather than the Coast Guard.

Before anchoring in the islands:

  • Share your float plan with someone on shore
  • Download offline weather and navigation resources
  • Review the Apostle Islands cell coverage map
  • Be prepared for little or no cell service overnight or while ashore
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