Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kayak trip cost?

We have trips from $45 (2.5 hours) to $90 (all day).  These prices include all kayaking gear. We also have group rates.  Please see the Rates, Rentals and Services page on this site.

How difficult is kayaking?

It is like riding a bike, but you must use your arms instead of your legs.  If you are not active and/or do not weigh more that 100 to 110 lbs., then you may want to bring a friend who is more experienced or athletic and share a double kayak.  You must get used to the balance and rhythm, but it is not difficult if you have any coordination.  We go at a leisurely pace.

You are the best judge of your strengths and weaknesses.  If you are not active with your upper body ( i.e. no yard work or heavy cleaning, no carrying heavy groceries), and particularly if you are not on your feet much and/or you get winded easily, kayaking may be too much for you.  For even our shortest trip, we may be on the water for as much as 2 hours.  We have had very active children who weighed as little as 80 to 90 lbs. paddle their own single kayaks and adults as heavy as 110 to 120 lbs. have some difficulty and need a tow.

How long are the trips, and how long are we actually paddling?

Most are as short as 2.5 hours (1.5 to 2 hours of paddling).  These are great for the beginner. After you realize how easy kayaking is, you will be ready for longer trips.  We have half-day trips, 4 hours (about 3 hours of paddling) that include drinks and a snack. We have all day trips, 7 to 8 hours (4 to 5 hours of paddling) that include drinks and a full lunch.

Will we get wet?

Yes. In the summer (May to October), we use sit-on-top kayaks that you can swim on and off of.  You will get wet at least in the seat and legs and more if there is any splashing.

In the winter (November to April), we use covered kayaks that are much drier.  Usually, just your hands get wet with some dripping from the paddle.

Where do we meet?

Each trip has a different launch site.  We e-mail a confirmation to every reservation with detailed directions to the launch site and a list of what to bring.

What type of kayaks do we use?

You have a choice of a single or double kayak.  If it is warm enough (May to October), we will use sit-on-top kayaks.  With these kayaks, you are on top of, not inside the boat.  Your legs are completely exposed, and most people can jump in and out of these kayaks while on the water.

In cooler weather (November to April), we use covered kayaks.  The doubles have large open cockpits almost like a canoe.  The single kayaks have smaller cockpits with your legs completely covered.  You can wear a spray skirt with these singles or not.

See Winter Trips for more details.

Should I reserve a double or two singles?

A double is more stable, easier and quicker IF both paddlers get along and paddle together like synchronized swimmers.  This is great for couples, siblings and parents with younger children.  For guests who are less experienced, nervous, not very active and/or do not weigh more that 100 to 110 lbs., it may be best to bring a friend who is more experienced or athletic to share a double.  There is an additional charge of $100 or more to be in a double with a guide depending on the length of the trip.

For the independent minded, the singles are the way to go if you are active and/or large enough.  We have had very active children who weighed as little as 80 to 90 lbs. paddle their own single kayaks and adults as heavy as 110 to 120 lbs. have some difficulty and need a tow.

What do I need to bring?

Footwear (Teva-type sandals, aqua socks, or old tennis shoes)

Water Bottle (hand-held size, like on a bike)

Sun Glasses and a strap to hold them on

Shirt (long or short-sleeved) for chillier weather

Hat or Visor

Bathing Suit--we do get wet!

Sunscreen (Be sure to apply BEFORE leaving home, to avoid greasy hands and slippery paddling.)

Jacket (if the weather appears to be cool)

Towels and change of clothing to leave in the car

What will I see?

Each trip is different.  We have chosen each trip to highlight a different environment from salt marsh to fresh water swamp to the Atlantic Ocean.  Please see the map with links to individual trip pages on this site for more details.

How many people are on a trip?

Except for large groups, we limit group size to 14.  Often, it may only be 6 to 10 people.

What time do the trips leave?

Our trips usually begin at 9 a.m.  For shorter trips, we will often do a second trip at noon or 1 p.m.  We can do late afternoon trips as well as sunset or moonrise trips.

Just ask or see web page ?.

Do I need to take a class first?

You do not need to take a class before going on a guided trip.  Our guides will instruct you in paddling and make you comfortable in the kayak as well as give instruction as needed along the way.  We do teach classes for those who wish to go unguided or increase their skill level.

How do I make a reservation?

We require advance reservation with a credit card over the phone.

We also need a roster of all the people who will be on the trip and who choose singles and who are in doubles.  We request a contact phone number where you can be reached the night before or the morning of the trip in case there is a last minute change or cancellation because of the weather.  After a reservation is made, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with detailed directions to the launch site and a list of what to bring.

What is the cancellation policy?

For groups of 6 or less, with more than 48 hours notice of cancellation, there is a full refund given; with less than 48 hours notice, there is a full charge.

For groups of 7 or more, with more than one week notice of cancellation, there is a full refund given; with less than one week’s notice, there is a 50% charge.  With less than 48 hours notice, there is a full charge.

For groups of 13 or more, with more than two weeks notice of cancellation, there is a full refund given; with less than two weeks notice, there is a 50% charge.  With less than 48 hours notice, there is a full charge.

If we cancel for any reason, weather or otherwise, there is no charge. If the trip is cut short because of rain or weather, there is no refund.

Are deposits required?

Yes. We require advance reservation with a credit card over the phone. 

For groups of 7 or more,we require a final roster and 50% deposit one week in advance and full payment more than two days before the trip.

For groups of 13 or more, we require a final roster and 50% deposit two weeks in advance and full payment more than two days before the trip.

If we cancel for any reason, weather or otherwise, there is no charge. If the trip is cut short because of rain or weather, there is no refund.

How much advance notice do we need to make a reservation?

Weekends in May and September and all week in June, July and August are our busiest times.  It is first come, first served.  The more notice you can give us ,the more likely you are to get the trip you want at the time you want.

If there is space available, you can get on that day’s trip if you call early enough or the following day’s trip.  You can leave a message on our answering service at any time to request a trip, and we will call back ASAP.

For groups of 5 or more,you will usually need to give us at least a few days notice.  It is best if you call a week or two in advance.

Is there a minimum number of people for a trip to go?

We have a minimum number of 6, June to August, and a minimum of 4, September to May, for a trip to go.  If your group does not make the minimum,we will schedule a trip for you and add others to fill the trip.

Do you lead trips all year?

Yes we do, and Spring and Fall are some wonderful times to be outside and on the water.  See Winter Trips page.

Do you offer Group rates?

Yes we do.   Please see the Rates, Rentals and Services page on this site.

Can you do custom trips?

Yes.   Just call or write and let us know what you want to do or achieve, and we will design a trip for your group.

Can I just rent a kayak without going on a guided trip?

Yes.  Please see the Rates, Rentals and Services page on this site for details.

How old do you have to be?  Can I bring my children?

For our flatwater trips, we have had children as young as two and Mom or Dad with two four year olds in a triple.

For the Dolphin trips, we have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old.

Do you teach classes for those who want to be able to go out without a guide?

Yes.  Please see the Kayaking Instruction on the Rates, Rentals and Services page.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. Everyone must wear a lifejacket, and swimming is not a requirement.