In
addition to being experienced outdoor leaders our guides have
taken numerous courses such as the A.C.S.K.G (Association of Canadian
Sea Kayak Guides) Sea Kayaking leadership course, Advanced wilderness
first aid, C.P.R, Leave No Trace. All are experts at interpreting
nature and cultural history as well as comforting, safe, and fun
to share a campfire with!
What size are the groups?
The group size varies from 8 to 10 participants, usually accompanied by 2 guides.
Can you arrange private & custom trips?
Yes. We offer
private departures for all kinds of groups from couples, families
and friends to clubs and organizations.
You have to contact our office well in advance of your planned
departure date to ensure trip availability.
Can we bring our children?
Although most
of our trips have adults in mind, some of our itineraries are
suitable for strong and active teenagers. If you would like your
children to join you on a trip please call our office to obtain
more information.
The minimum age for our trips is normally 15 to ensure that all
our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking
and other activities involved.
What if I'm traveling alone?
Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay a single supplement fee. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a single supplement fee.
Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
No prior sea kayaking or camping experience is necessary. Anyone in good health with a positive attitude can enjoy these activities. Paddling a sea kayak is easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy kayaking.
We have created different trips for the varying interests of our clients, their abilities and expectations where our guides are trained to adjust according each circumstance. Don´t forget that this is your holiday so the most important thing is to enjoy it!
For all of our trips, we ask that you be in good health and fitness. You need to be comfortable being physically active all day long. On trips, you are expected to pitch your tent, help with group chores, and manage your own gear. Participants must be capable of helping with the loading and unloading of kayaks, carrying personal and group gear to and from campsites, and helping to carry the kayaks.
How much paddling will we do each day?
On full field
days, time on the water will typically be 4 - 6 hours per day
with plenty of time to relax, take scenic pictures, stretch your
legs and have lunch. Due to the weather situation, some days may
require longer paddling hours in order to reach the intended destination
for the day.
We also like to incorporate some hiking and of course leisure
time.
What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Single and double fiberglass touring kayaks are used on our trips. (Singles may be used by guests when deemed safe by guides). They are remarkably stable and seaworthy and are specially designed for this kind of expeditionary ocean travel.
What sort of wildlife might we see on the tour?
The peninsula is an outstanding faunal sanctuary where numerous species of marine birds and mammals congregate in its island-like isolation to breed, often in large numbers, and to find shelter and abundant food in the warm and productive waters of the peninsula and the surrounding coasts. A population of southern right whale uses the clear and protected waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José to mate and calve. Individual whales start to arrive by late autumn, and are present from May to December.
The southern elephant seal forms a mating and calving colonies on Punta Norte, Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada from late August to early November. This is the most northern colony of the species and the only colony on the Argentine mainland, all other colonies being on Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic islands. It is also said to be the world's only colony on the increase.
The nominated site is also important as a breeding point for the southern sea lion. Several other marine mammals are found in the area including a stable group of orca;they feed on a basic diet of fish and squid but will take both young and adult sea lions, elephant seals and adult right whales on the peninsula and elsewhere in Patagonia. A notable orca hunting technique is to rush into the shallow surf, beach themselves, grabbing the prey in their jaws, and manoeuvre back to sea with the next wave.
Terrestrial mammals are abundant. There are large herds of guanaco almost everywhere on the peninsula. Other species present include the big hairy armadillo, Mara or Patagonian cavy, a large rodent, Argentine grey fox, Culpeo fox, the weasel-like small grison Patagonian skunk and the pampas cat.
Península Valdés has 181 species of birds, of which 66 are migratory. Seven species of marine and coastal birds form nesting colonies on 12 distinct sites scattered throughout the Península. The Magellanic penguin is the most numerous with active nests amongst five different colonies. The second most numerous bird is the kelp gull. The lesser rhea is quite common. Other colonial birds are the neotropic cormorant, black-necked cormorant, great egret, black-crowned night-heron and common tern.
The site with the largest diversity of breeding birds is on Isla de los Pájaros where the American oystercatcher, the blackish oystercatcher and the flying steamer are also seen. The intertidal mudflats and coastal lagoons are important staging sites for migratory shorebirds, including red knot, white-rumped sandpiper and Hudsonian
What are the chances of seeing Southern Right Whales?
On our tours
we stand a high chance of seeing the whales.
Understandably we cannot guarantee what nature will dictate, but
we can tell you that this area has one of the highest concentrations
of Southern Right Whales on earth and this is where they spend
their mating and calving season. It is very likely that you will
see them, whether it be within reach from your kayak, or our beach
camp on the shore. Hearing the blow of a whale even from a mile
across the ocean will create a sensation of excitement.
What are typical meals on the trip?
Food on our
trips is a key element. We pride ourselves in preparing top-quality
meals in a wilderness setting from the freshest ingredients available.
Our menu is varied: substantial North American breakfasts and
freshly ground coffee start the day, wholesome sandwiches and
fresh salads for lunch, tried and true international favorites
for supper and fresh baked goods almost every day. We integrate
local ingredients with supplies we have brought from home to yield
meals that are unique, nourishing and delicious.
Vegetarians as well as special dietary requests can easily be
accommodated.
What is
the camp set up like?
All of our campsites are in wilderness settings. We seek out sites
with beautiful surroundings and those that offer solitude.
We provide all camping gear of the best quality: tents, camp tables and comfortable camp seats; you get the best beach sites and you don't have to worry about missing the wildlife.
Where do we wash? Are there toilets?
For those wanting to wash up, you have the option of using the ocean. For washing we do not suggest using any cleansing agents, but if you do please use biodegradable environmentally friendly brands.
Toilet facilities are not common in most wilderness settings, although some areas may have pit toilets. On the tour your guide will generally designate an area or system that works for ensuring your privacy. In your detailed info package we have some guidelines and suggestions for comfortably and correctly 'doing your business in the outdoors'.
What
about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns
about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest
care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always
in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially
trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations.
Before each trip your trip leader will provide a comprehensive
instructional session designed to familiarize you with paddling
techniques and the equipment.
What do I need to bring?
Usually all
you need to bring is your personal gear. A detailed clothing and
equipment list for each trip is mailed with the trip packet. We
supply all specialized paddling gear, kayaks, and group camping
equipment including top-quality tents.
Because we are self-supported on our paddling trip, carrying all
of our food and water with us in the limited space we have in
our kayaks, the goal of the list is to make sure you have the
essentials-and not much else.
What is included in the trip price?
All the trips and expeditions include:
- Professional
guiding service for each activity
- Lodging according to each program
- Group equipment and / or technical gear for each activity
- All transport services during the trip (shuttle service)
- 3 meals daily (B, L, D)
- Welcome dinner or farewell celebration meal according to the
program.
