Take a tube to nearby waterways and explore on your own schedule
24 hours
Paddles, lifejackets
Take a tube to nearby lakes, beaches, and streams at your own pace. Rates are per watercraft.
Cancel at least 48 hours before start for a full refund. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Product ID: NHR3ET
4271 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749, US
Big Bear Adventures offers multiple activities that keep families coming back, from mini golf that's been a local favorite for decades to guided side-by-side tours and river tubing on the crystal-clear Sturgeon River. Dave stands out repeatedly as an exceptional guide who prioritizes safety while keeping groups engaged and entertained on the scenic trail rides. The staff generally gets praise for being friendly and helpful, especially when explaining everything to first-timers. A few operational hiccups pop up in recent feedback. Some visitors arrived to find no staff available to help, which meant missing out on activities entirely. River conditions can vary dramatically, and a couple reviewers felt the difficulty level wasn't communicated clearly enough, particularly for tubing trips after storms when debris made navigation challenging. Safety equipment like life vests and paddles aren't always standard issue. Most visitors leave thrilled with their experience though, and many specifically mention plans to return.
We’ve come to Big Bear Adventures for over 20 yrs. Kayaking is the best ever on the Sturgeon River. It’s always a highlight of our annual summer trips! Great service too!
Barbara Bulen
August 28, 2026
We’ve come to Big Bear Adventures for over 20 yrs. Kayaking is the best ever on the Sturgeon River. It’s always a highlight of our annual summer trips! Great service too!
Barbara Bulen
August 28, 2026
Float the Sturgeon River on a tube with 1.5- or 2.5-hour options
Take on the fast Sturgeon River in a sit-on-top solo or tandem kayak
Steer your own kayak-tube on the fast-flowing Sturgeon River
Work together on a stable raft float with shuttle to the drop-off
Choose a 1.5- or 2.5-hour guided side-by-side ride on scenic Northern Michigan trails
Shuttle service for your private solo kayak with flexible put-in options