Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to make reservations? How can we do that?

• YES- Vehicle reservations are required by calling our office 231-547-2311 or 231-448-2210. Unfortunately, our system does not allow online booking. You must speak with a staff member.
• NO-TOUR reservations can be made online but are not required. In the summer, you can call the tour office directly at (231)448-2500 for reservations.
• NO-We do not accept passenger reservations. We operate on a first come, first serve system. Tickets can be purchase on the day of travel and are sold with no specific date and time stamp. Tickets can be used on any scheduled boat departure. They are valid from one year of purchase date printed on the ticket.

How soon should we call to reserve space for our car?

The sooner the better. We generally begin taking reservations in the middle of February. For hunting season, we allow reservations to be made before the new year. Spaces fill up quick.

Where do we park our vehicle?

• Free day parking is available through City of Charlevoix. One of our crew members will be happy to direct you to one of those lots when you arrive. All day lots are within walking distances.
• Overnight parking is located off site roughly one mile from the Charlevoix Dock location.
• Please check in at least 1 hour prior to departure time to purchase tickets, transfer luggage, and park your vehicle.
• There is a shuttle for drivers only to and from our overnight parking lots. Overnight parking permit is required.
• The shuttle bus will depart 30 min prior to boat departure time from our overnight lot and 40 minutes prior to boat departure time from the Island Airways Airport.
• Please leave all pets, passengers, and luggage at the ferry dock to park vehicle.
• We offer a one-way valet service to transport your vehicle to one of our overnight parking lots for $25. Unfortunately, we do not have enough space to accommodate incoming valet vehicles directly at the Charlevoix Dock. Please plan your arrival accordingly.

Where are you located?

103 Bridge Park Drive Charlevoix MI 49720. Our mainland office is in downtown Charlevoix on the south side of the Bridge. Please see map below, or Contact Us for more information. Get driving directions.

Do you have a waiting list for vehicles?

We do not have a waiting list for open vehicle spaces on the boat. What we do have is called “stand-by” and requires a confirmed reservation following the date of the stand-by reservation. EXAMPLE: You would like to take your vehicle on Monday at 8:30am, but the boat is booked full. The next available space is Tuesday at 2:30pm, so what we can do is put you on stand-by for Monday at 8:30am and confirm your space on Tuesday at 2:30pm. As a stand-by, your vehicle will be considered for loading if there is space left over after confirmed vehicles and freight are loaded. Most times in the summer, multiple stand-by vehicles can be loaded. If your vehicle doesn’t fit as a stand-by on the Monday 8:30am departure, then it will automatically be placed as a stand-by on the next departure (whichever boat is next), until your confirmed departure of Tuesday at 2:30pm.

Canceling or missing a stand-by reservation will result in the same penalties as missing a confirmed booking. You do not need to travel on the same boat as your vehicle but are responsible for removing your vehicle from our dock immediately following its arrival. IMPORTANT: Remember you must check-in for a Stand-By reservation. This way the captain and crew will have your vehicle on the dock ready to be loaded.

How long is the boat ride?

It takes just over 2 hours to make the 32 mile trip across Lake Michigan.

Are your boats wheelchair accessible?

We have two boats, the M/V Beaver Islander and the M/V Emerald Isle. The Emerald Isle is the newer of the two and is wheelchair accessible with a chair lift to the first passenger deck and handicap accessible restroom. The Beaver Islander does not have a lift, and passengers must walk upstairs to reach the passenger deck.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes, we are pet friendly! Pets are allowed on our boats if they are on a short leash. Pet tickets are $12 one-way and can be purchased in our office. Pets are not allowed inside the main passenger cabin without prior consent. The top deck is designated for pets.  You may also leave your pet in your vehicle – away from our driver – at no charge. You do not have access to the car deck while the boat is underway. Beaver Island Boat Company assumes no responsibility for the actions of pets. We also have PET POLICY BROCHURES upon request.

Are food/drinks allowed?

Yes! Pro Trip: pack a small carry-on cooler for a picnic on the way. You are welcome to bring food and drinks aboard. Alcoholic beverages are allowed. Please drink responsible. Third party vending machines have light snacks and drinks available for purchase.

What is considered freight? What do you charge for freight?

Each passenger ticket price includes one (1) backpack-size carry-on and (2) suitcases equivalent to fifty (50) pounds of luggage. Anything besides standard luggage is considered as excess freight and must be declared at check-in. Freight is $0.14 per pound ($5.00 minimum charge.)

For extensive amounts of freight/luggage, arrive 1½ hours before the departure. You may request to purchase a green “cage” (4’x’4’x6′) for $75.00. The price goes down based on how full the cage gets. For example, a half of cage cost $46.50. BIBCO reserves the right to charge itemized price or by weight. Cages are first come, first serve. See our FREIGHT page for more information. Note that any and all luggage will be charged as freight to customers not taking the same boat.

What is there to do on Beaver Island?

Beaver Island is nature based. It is home to 2 lighthouses, 7 inland lakes, 2 campgrounds, hiking & biking trails, fishing, 2 museums, numerous lodging accommodations, several restaurants, and various shops. You can rent kayaks, bikes and cars; go golfing, SCUBA diving; charter a boat to the outer islands of the Beaver Archipelago or take one of our GUIDED ISLAND TOURS to see the north end of Beaver Island. Beaver Island is 53 square miles and has over 100 miles of roads, so there is plenty to see!

What is your Smoking Policy?

Smoking is prohibited on all our vessels, docks, offices, and surrounding buildings. Thank you for understanding.