Wanna get out on the water, but aren’t sure how to start? Ready to tackle a new adventure? Unsure about a new body of water you want to explore? Then consider taking a kayak tour to start you on your way.
What Are Kayak Tours?
Kayak tours are guided excursions in kayaks on all sorts of bodies of water: rivers, lakes, estuaries, or coastal waters. Typically, a tour will be led by an experienced guide who will give instructions, ensure safety, and offer insight into the local environment, wildlife, and history of an area. Kayak tours can often be catered to interests, ages, or ability levels.
Types of kayaking tours include:
- Wildlife Tours: Wildlife kayak tours focus on nature and help you observe the local fauna, like dolphins, manatees, birds, seals, and more.
- Eco Tours: Eco kayak tours emphasize environmental education and conservation. You will often get the chance to explore unique habitats like mangrove tunnels or wetlands, which raise awareness regarding the plight of our world’s waterways.
- Adventure Tours: If you are an adrenaline junky, then you might want to check out an adventure tour. You can find kayak tours designed for whitewater rapids or exploring remote areas. Some of these tours will require advanced kayaking experience.
- Family or Group Tours: With the entourage in tow, consider a family or group kayak tour. Designed for larger groups in mind, these tours are often mixed with a relaxed pace and time for bonding.
What Can You Expect on a Kayak Tour?
Before You Launch
- Meet at a designated location (either the launch site or the central tour center where you will be bussed to the launch site). Most kayak tours will equip you with all necessary items: kayaks, paddles, and life vests.
- Tour guides will run through a basic orientation and safety briefing, including kayak orientation, basic strokes (forward, backward, sweep, draw), and how to enter and exit the kayak safely. They will also establish basic rules and expectations for the group.
- You will have waivers and required paperwork to sign before launching as well. It is wise to arrive well before your tour to complete the requisite documents.
On the Water
- An average kayak tour length is anywhere between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of your tour, route and pace of your group. Of course, there are other tours like camping excursions that can last much longer, but usually, tours are a couple of hours.
- Your guide will lead your group along an established route. Adept guides will be there to point out wildlife and notable sights and keep the group together. They can also be a wealth of information about the ecosystem, local history, and cultural significance of the area.
- Whether you are intentionally focused on wildlife or not, a kayak tour will commonly encounter all sorts of exciting opportunities to see nature up close and personal. Keep your eyes peeled - above and below the water - and you will be rewarded.
- Many kayak tours include a break on the shoreline or an island for a snack, rest, or leg stretch.
Staying Safe on the Water
- Many tours cater to those with little to no kayaking experience, so they are a great place to start if you are a newbie. They will provide the necessary instruction and equipment to make kayaking accessible to all.
- Having an experienced guide along, who is trained in safety, rescue, and first aid, will ensure everyone in the group is comfortable and confident on the tour.
- While kayaking isn’t necessarily physically strenuous, it does require a level of light to moderate exercise endurance. You will also need to be able to be outdoors for several hours.
What to Pack
- Appropriate clothing. Wear comfortable items that can get wet, and allow freedom of movement. Consider packing a change of clothing for after the kayak tour as well.
- Sun protection. It is very important to be prepared for hours of exposure to the sun and water. Sunscreen, UV-rated clothing, a wide-rimmed hat, and sunglasses are all recommended.
- Water and Snacks. If they aren’t already provided by the kayak tour company, bring a water bottle and high-protein snacks to help you refuel and stay hydrated.
- Waterproof camera or phone case. You will want to capture these moments, but you are also in the middle of a watery grave for your camera / phone if it gets dropped or you capsize. Invest in a waterproof case or camera that can endure a quick dunk.
Why Should You Choose a Kayak Tour?
- Expert Guidance: Guides on these tours are excellent kayakers who can help you learn and develop your kayaking skills in a low-risk setting.
- Local Knowledge: Who better to take you on the local waterways than a . . . local. Guides for these tours are often well-versed in the area’s ecology, history, and wildlife. They can develop safe routes and point out interesting things you might miss on your own.
- Safety: Going with a tour provides safety in numbers and the safety knowledge of a guide. Most guides are certified in basic first aid and know the appropriate routes for your skill level and the current conditions. They are also equipped to call in rescue and emergency personnel if needed.
- Convenience: Kayak tours are highly convenient for the first-time paddler, the visiting tourist, or the group bonding employees. All gear is provided (and maintained), logistics are handled by the tour company, and routes are planned for you. You can rock up, take the tour, and leave - a truly hassle-free experience.
Kayak tours can be an excellent way for beginners or travelers to embark on a kayaking adventure. They are convenient, educational, and fun. Try one out today. Happy Paddling!