Pricing / Travel Info
 

2013 Pricing

Round Trip: $299 per person

One-Way: $199 per person

Inter-Island: $100 per person


College Students : 10% discount on travel in May, June or September with current college ID !!
Scan ID and email it at time of reservation to receive credit
  • We do not accept deposits.  Full payment is required to confirm your reservation. 
  • Round trip is defined as Houghton to either of our two points on Isle Royale and back (or vice-versa).  Example:  You can fly from Houghton Airport to Rock Harbor and then be picked up at Windigo for your return trip to Houghton Airport. 
  • Inter-Island trips (Rock Harbor to Windigo, vice-versa) are special requests that we may not be able to accommodate due to scheduling.
  • Unfortunately, we do not offer group discounts at this time.
  • Children under 2 fly free.   
  • Price does not include the $4.00 per day per person Isle Royale Visitor Fee we are required to collect for the National Park Service.  Children 11 and under are exempt.  The National Parks Pass does not cover this fee.  For more information, see the NPS website on our Links page.
  • Refund/Cancellation policy:  Within 5 days of departure, no refund.  More than 5 days, full refund minus 10% administrative fee.  If Royale Air Service cancels flying due to safety/weather or any other reason, clients will have the option of a refund on the unused portion of their ticket, or a rescheduled trip at a later time.  Rescheduled trips will be on a space-available basis.  We cannot guarantee seat availability for displaced passengers.  We will work with clients to find alternate transportation, but cannot guarantee success.  Please remember that Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness area.  Transportation options may be very limited.
 
Scheduling

     Royale Air Service is an "On-Demand" Air Carrier, meaning we take reservations and travel according to your plans, not on a set schedule.  Our season begins Mid-May and ends Mid-September.  For the most part we fly seven days a week in the peak season, which is Mid-July through August.  Early and late season may deviate slightly from this.  Please check our calendar on the Reservations/Contact page for details.

     In general, we begin service each day around 8:00am EST and fly to the island every two hours, depending on demand.  Returns/Pick-ups from Isle Royale usually begin at 9:00am EST and alternate every two hours.  Please remember that this is not a schedule, but a planning tool.  We may or may not fly at certain times depending on demand and scheduled aircraft maintenance.  The best way to confirm available travel days is to check the calendar on our Reservations/Contact page.  If any day is marked RED, it is not available.  Also, even if a day is showing available (BLACK), the time you would like may be already reserved by another party.  If you put your requests on the reservation form, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Travel Info

    *Air over a body of water is very stable.  Even on a windy day there is little or no turbulence on our flights.

    *The cost of operating a seaplane and our small capacity means we will always be more expensive than the ferry service. But factor in that our schedule flexibility may allow you to use less vacation time or avoid extra hotel costs and the price gets a lot closer.  Add to that spectacular sightseeing each way and no seasickness: And who wants to spend over 6 hours (each way) of their vacation just getting to and from their destination?  There really is no comparison.

    *Weight allowance for bags is strictly limited to 50 pounds per person.  We cannot carry large coolers or bulky items.  Soft-sided luggage / frameless packs are recommended, but not required. 

    *Cell phone coverage in Houghton depends on your service provider.  Most people have a tough time getting a signal in the area.  Coverage on Isle Royale is non-existant except for a few spots high on ridges with line-of-sight to the mainland.  We ask for local Houghton hotel contact info (if you know it) in order to keep you informed should there be any last minute changes.  Just be aware that cell phones may not work.

    *Hazardous materials and weapons are not allowed on the plane.  Regular camping equipment (small knives/hatchets) are allowed if packed in your gear.  Stove fuel (liquid or gas) will have to be purchased at the store at Windigo or Rock Harbor upon arrival.  White gas (coleman fuel) is always plentiful, but if you need special fuel or are traveling early or late season, please contact Rock Harbor Lodge (they operate the stores at Windigo and Rock Harbor) Links to verify store supply.

    *Houghton County Airport is served by Skywest Airlines (United Airlines) through Chicago.  If you are using their services, please leave plenty of time to make connections.

    *Parking is available for $4.00 per day from Houghton County Airport.  There is no action required on arrival, however, after your trip you will have a yellow envelope on your vehicle.  You can either pay for parking at the airport office inside the terminal or leave the envelope and money in the drop-box.  If you need directions to the Airport, please see our About Us / Directions page.

    *If you are traveling one-way and need to get to the airport from town or back to the Park Headquarters in Houghton after you return, please see our Links page for taxi information.  Cost is approximately $6.00-$10.00. 

    *Please remember that you are traveling to a remote wilderness island.  Careful planning is required.  Weather on Lake Superior can change rapidly, causing delays in hiking and transportation.  Since we have no control over the weather, we will do our best to adjust to the conditions and keep you informed through the Ranger Stations at Windigo and Rock Harbor.  Plan for some extra time on the trail and for your trip home.  Chances are you won't need it, but it will lead to a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.