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FAQ

How much does a kayaking trip cost?

We offer kayaking tours for as little as $57 per person.

Please see our "Rates, Rentals, Services" page for complete information on all kayaking tours.

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 long 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.

It is important that you be able to sit comfortably upright in the kayak at a 90 degree angle.

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

Most kayaking trips 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 kayaking 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 late spring/summer/early fall (April 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.

You can expect to get very wet on our Dolphin Tours, and you may possibly tip over and fall out of the kayak. They are sit-on-top kayaks which are easy to get in and out of.

In the winter (November to March), we use covered kayaks that are much drier.

Where do we meet?

Each trip has a different launch site, as we conduct tours all over the Hampton Roads, VA area. We will e-mail a confirmation to every person who has made a reservation with detailed directions to the launch site and a list of what to bring. We ask that you use our directions as many of our launch locations are in remote areas or wilderness… please do not rely on GPS or mapping sites.

What type of kayaks do we use?

You have a choice of a single or double kayak. Most of the year, 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 March), 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.

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 than 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

How do I make a reservation?

You can use our “Register Online” function or give us a call. We will require a credit card over the phone to solidify your reservation. You will need to choose either single or double kayaks at time of reservation, as there is a limited number of each. We also need the names of all participants.

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 one week notice of cancellation, there is a full refund given; with less than one week's notice of cancellation, there is a 50% charge. With less than 72 hours notice, there is a full charge.

For groups of 7 or more, with more than two weeks notice of cancellation, there is a full refund given; with less than two week’s notice of cancellation, there is a 50% charge. With less than 72 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.

CANCELLATION POLICY

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 three 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 three 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.

RATES

Do you offer Group rates?

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

RATES

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 Our Trips page, and click to read about individual tours.

What time do the kayaking trips leave?

Our kayaking trips usually begin at 9 a.m. During the busy season, we will often do a second trip at 12 noon or 1 p.m. We can do late afternoon trips as well as sunset or moonrise trips.

Please view our Schedule page which gives our online calendar of upcoming kayaking tours with specific times.

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

Reservations are done on a first-come, first-served basis. A reservation is not complete until we have payment information. Especially during prime summer months, you will want to book rather early, sometimes weeks in advance, especially if you have 5 or more in your group.

Do you lead trips all year?

Yes we do, and Spring and Fall are some wonderful times to be outside and on the water. Check our web calendar for our tour schedule.

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

For the Dolphin trips, we have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old, but we ask the parent to completely read our adventure trip description to have the proper knowledge to determine if the child would be comfortable with the dynamics of the tour.

For other flat-water trips we will take children as young as 3 years of age. Please realize that if you have a young child in the front seat of a double kayak the adult will have to do all of the work of paddling a larger kayak with the extra weight of a child. For smaller children, we also have kayaks that have a third middle seat for the child. Call us with any questions you may have.

Can I bring my camera to take photos?

The rule of thumb, as far as cameras go, is don’t bring anything you wouldn’t be comfortable potentially losing in the water. We do take photos on our tours and post them on our photo gallery on our web site. Should you really want to take some photos, we recommend purchasing a disposable water-proof camera.

How many people are on a kayaking trip?

Except for large groups, we usually limit group size from 14-16 people. Often, it may only be 6 to 10 people.

Do I need a beginners kayaking class first?

You do not need to take a beginners kayaking 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.

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

We have a minimum number of 6 people required for any trip to go. We are more than happy to take a reservation for 1 or 2 people and then put the trip on our web calendar to attract other guests. If you want to pay the cost for the required 6 people, we are happy to run a tour for your smaller group.