Price from:
1225 USD
An Adventure Along Maine's Most Rugged Coastline
Duration
- 5 Days
- 4 Nights
About
The easternmost region of Maine (known as Downeast) has a rugged, wild and gorgeous coast that makes it one of the most exciting areas for sea kayaking in the United States. The powerful tides, cliff-lined shorelines and frequent fog create challenges as well as opportunities for adventure. Only a tiny fraction of visitors to Maine reach this sparsely-populated region, but it contains abundant wildlife, dozens of rustic fishing villages and long stretches of stunning coastline that are only accessible by boat.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP:
- Paddling along the stunning cliffs of the Bold Coast
- Observing abundant wildlife, including seals and seabirds; also a fair chance of whale sightings
- Visiting classic Maine villages where lobstering is a way of life
- Camping on some of the most remote and wild islands of the Maine Island Trail
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Well-rounded, delicious meals and snacks – two of each breakfast, lunch and dinner (pack a lunch for the first day)
- Kayaks and other paddling gear
- Dry bags for packing your belongings
- Licensed Maine sea kayaking guide with a deep knowledge of the region
- Tent(s)
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:
-We require a slightly higher level of experience for this trip than we do for our shorter trips. However, you do not need to be an expert paddler to join. Since the group will paddle for several hours each day for 4 consecutive days we ask that each participant meet each of the following requirements:
- Prior experience with a multi-day paddling trip (could be canoeing, rafting, etc.)
- Prior experience paddling a sea kayak (sea kayaks are somewhat different than the “recreational” kayaks common on lakes and rivers)
- Prior experience completing a wet exit (capsizing in a kayak) and completing a capsize recovery (getting back into a kayak after a capsize)
- Ability to paddle at a moderate pace for several hours in one day (with plenty of island breaks)
- Ability to walk comfortably on uneven surfaces (such as following a short, rocky trail from a beach to a campsite)
- Comfort with tent camping
If you are lacking any of these requirements, we suggest signing up for one of our lessons or a shorter guided trip before booking this trip. That said, your guide will provide basic instruction, and there will be plenty of opportunities to improve your paddling skills along the way.
Booking Notes
#Important Information Below!
**CHECK-IN DETAILS** You’ll meet your guide and the other participants at our office on the corner of Warren Avenue and Hicks Street (233 Warren Avenue) in Portland at 8am on the first day of the trip. Please access the property via the first driveway on Hicks Street.
**PAYMENT**: You can pay your 50% deposit or complete balance by clicking on the link in this email or by calling our staff at 207-370-9734. If you need to adjust the number of participants in your group please let us know, and see the cancellation policies below for further details.
**TRIP PACKET:** A detailed "trip packet" with a packing list and trip itinerary can be found on the page for your trip on our website. Please review this document and make sure you have the items recommended.
**DIGITAL WAIVER & PRE-TRIP QUESTIONNAIRE:** You will be receiving a email from our waiver system, Wherewolf, shortly with our online waiver and pre-trip questionnaire. Each participant must complete this waiver and questionairre before their trip. Completing it as soon as possible allows us to better prepare to meet your group's needs and preferences. This questionnaire covers dietary restrictions, health matters, gear needs and other information that will help us prepare for your trip. Please make sure information for minors is included.
**OVERNIGHT PARKING**: Overnight parking is available at our 233 Warren Ave location where you will meet your guide. Access to the parking lot is via Hicks Street through the driveway behind our building. Bags and other personal belongings can be left in a secure location within the building.
**TIPPING**: Guide gratuities are never expected but always appreciated. You can provide a tip to your guide directly via cash or payment apps, or by responding to this email asking us to add a gratuity onto your booking.
**LEAVE NO TRACE**: We always strive to minimize our impact on the beautiful islands of the Maine coast. This involves carrying away all garbage we create and kindly sharing the sites we visit, as needed, with working fishermen, other paddlers and wildlife. We ask that you help us practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
**TANDEM VS. SOLO**: We use a mix of tandem (two-person) sea kayaks and solo sea kayaks on our multi-day trips. You may request a solo kayak if you have previous experience using one. That said, we find that tandems are best for many people because they are more stable, spacious, and faster.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel a multi-day trip booking…
- More than 14 days in advance: You will receive a full refund, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- Between 14 days and 2 days in advance: You will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 2 days in advance: You will not receive a refund, and we cannot apply any amount paid to booking on another date.
If you need to reduce the number of participants on a multi-day trip within 14 days we will reduce your total booking amount by 50% of the cost of each person that is being removed from the booking.
