NorDoor Cruises

by "The Shoreline"

Lighthouse, educational, and scenic boat tours departing from the tip of Door County

"The Shoreline" is all settled in for her long winters nap.

We can't wait to welcome you back in Spring 2026!
The captains and crew of The Shoreline wish you and your family a joyous winter season.

If you're looking for a great gift, consider a SHORELINE gift card, or stop by our store for FOPPI gear! Gift cards for Shoreline experiences are available below in the booking area.

Private Cruises

Experience the waters of the NorDoor Cruises on a more personal level with our private cruises and charters. Select a pre-built cruise or create your own. We can accommodate groups of 1 to 14 for your cruise. Bring snacks, dinner, drinks, games, music....whatever you want to help make your trip memorable!

Our private cruises are perfect for any occasion, whether you're looking for a romantic cruise for two, or a party for 14 -

let NorDoor Cruises by The Shoreline help you create a magical memory you and your group will never forget!

Proceeds benefit historic preservation projects on Plum & Pilot Islands.

NorDoor Cruises by The Shoreline

We are excited to offer regularly scheduled Death's Door Lighthouse Cruises, as well as numerous private tour options - including trips to Rock Island State Park, the ghost town at Fayette, Michigan, and past the ruins of the Poverty Island Lighthouse and the St. Martin Island Lighthouse.
Cruise proceeds are applied toward Historic Preservation and Restoration projects on Plum and Pilot Islands.

Cruises depart from Gills Rock or other locations as arranged.

Dock Address for navigational purposes only:
12747 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI 54210

Our boat is docked in the marina in front of The Shoreline Resort, located at that address.

Please contact us at 262-613-4680 or TheShorelineCruises@Gmail.com with any questions

Our Captains are licensed and USCG Masters Certified.

The Shoreline is certified for 14 passengers and is inspected annually by the US Coast Guard.

MAP

The Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands operates as a non-profit organization, including operation of Nor'Door Cruises/THE SHORELINE to provide educational tours.
You can donate to support the operation of THE SHORELINE using the button below.

Float the Boat Donation

Meet the Crew

Our passionate crew is excited to welcome you aboard THE SHORELINE!

All captains are licensed and US Coast Guard Master Certified. The Shoreline is annually inspected by the US Coast Guard.

Master Captain

Jim Robinson

I got involved with Plum and Pilot Islands shortly after the Coast Guard turned over control of those Islands that eventually led to this area being part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I started transporting FOPPI volunteers to Plum Island from the beginning of that organization. I have been a scuba diver for 59 years and former PADI Instructor #946. I have dove many area shipwrecks here, Lake Huron and Lake Superior and have been cave diving in north Florida for 56 years. We currently enjoy camping in our camper van traveling the Country. I am a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master, 100 ton. I have been a Captain for 30 years. Crossed Lake Michigan numerous times staying at every port in mainland Michigan from Ludington north to Lake Huron, every port in Door County and many in Bay of Green Bay. Ran dive charters to shipwrecks in Door County and Upper Michigan waters and involved in the discovery of two new wrecks. Logged hundreds of hours running in Door County and Upper Michigan waters around the Grand Traverse Island chain including Plum and Pilot Islands.

Master Captain

Stiles Meredith

I have been volunteering as Captain on the Shoreline since the 2022 season. It has been a great experience for the last 4 years. I have met many people that are interested in and passionate about the lighthouses on Plum and Pilot Islands. Nothing quite like a day on the water on The Shoreline. When I’m not volunteering for FOPPI, I enjoy pickleball, golfing, boating, and spending time with my family.

Master Captain

Ben Young

I started helping on The Shoreline in 2024. I come from a long line of Great Lakes Captains, and am proud to carry on my family’s rich maritime heritage and history. My great grandfather was the last civil lighthouse keeper on Pilot Island. While nothing beats a day on the water, I also like to hunt, fish, go camping, travel, learn about family history and have a general love for the game of baseball.

Master Captain

Scott Nelson

I am a native of Northern Door County, growing up on a farm not far from Gills Rock. I discovered at a young age that my love for the land was not equaled by my love for the water. I worked on charter fishing boats as summer jobs while in high school. A trip to visit the Coast Guard Station on Plum Island led me to becoming a Coasty and eventually serving at the Plum Island Station. I have been a member of FOPPI since 2012. I am recently retired and have obtained my credential as a 100 ton master of power driven vessels. I am excited to share my experiences and knowledge of the heritage and natural history of the islands and northern Door County.

Master Captain

Alan Hunsader

Al is a proud Door County native In addition to captaining The Shoreline, Al also works on the tug boats in Sturgeon Bay.

Master Captain

YOUR Photo Here

Become A FOPPI Captain!

Volunteerism with a hefty serving of adventure!

Volunteer Deckhand

Deb Meredith

Northern Door County and its surrounding waters hold a special place in my heart. Volunteering as a crew member on the Shoreline means I get to share the stories of this amazing place with our passengers. I am so grateful that through this volunteer experience I have also learned so much about the rich history, unique geology, and diverse animal and plant life of this place I love so well.

Volunteer Deckhand

Sally Dery

I was thrilled to become a volunteer crew member on The Shoreline in 2022. Being out on the water sharing our story with visitors is the best job ever! Off the boat, I enjoy swimming, nature hikes, gardening, golf, and pickleball.

Volunteer Deckhand

Pete LeMere

I have always been fascinated by lighthouses and the lives and duties of their keepers. As a long time member of FOPPI I find being a Shoreline crew member as another enjoyable way that I can help with the restoration and preservation efforts!

Volunteer Deckhand

Barb Jacobs

I have been volunteering on Plum Island since 2010. I love working with the FOPPI crew. Also worked and crewed on The Shoreline for many years. My last trip was on a 5 -mast tall ship in the Carribean.

Volunteer Deckhand

Ginnie Harney

I grew up on and around this water and these islands and they are a part of who I am. I was a teacher for 38 years and when I had the opportunity to become a deckhand and docent in 2022, I could think of nothing better than being able to share my love of this place. I also enjoy gardening, running, swimming and biking, scrapbooking, skiing, hiking and knitting and can usually be talked into trying something new!

Volunteer Deckhand

Jon Wall

After attending the Door County Volunteer Fair in May of 2023, I found a home with the Friends of Plum & Pilot Island as a member of the crew of the Shoreline. Since growing up on the Niagara Escarpment in the Town of De Pere, I haven’t wandered too far off the “Ledge”. Not hard to fill the day up here. When not volunteering, I’m biking, running or skiing around the Door. I’m also an umpire for the Door County League. In my free time, you might find me at a live music venue or enjoying the sunsets and campfires at the top’o the thumb. Hope to meet you on the Shoreline!