Is Torch Lake really that blue?

Hello. I’ve been seeing photos of Torch Lake all over my feed lately, and I honestly thought people were just aggressive with the saturation filters. But after doing some digging, it sounds like that "Caribbean of the North" reputation is actually legit. I’m finally planning a trip to Bellaire this summer, and I feel like you haven't really experienced Northern Michigan unless you’re out on the water. I was looking at starting our day from the Clam River area, specifically checking out dewitt marine through Getboat. It seems like a perfect spot because you’re right at the mouth of the lake but tucked away enough to avoid the initial chaos of the public launches. Plus, I heard they have a spot called the Clam Shack right there—is it actually worth the stop for a quick bite before heading out?

For the locals or anyone who spends summers there: how early do you actually need to hit the famous sandbar to snag a good spot on a Saturday? I’ve heard it gets pretty wild, so I’m wondering if there are any quieter coves nearby where the water is just as clear but the vibe is a bit more "chill" and a bit less "spring break." Also, if we decide to head north toward Alden, are there any tricky shallow spots we should watch out for?