Reservation Package
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
THE BAHAMAS - SOUTHERN EXUMA CAYS RESERVATION PACKAGE Toll free 1 800 307 3982 | Overseas 1 250 285 2121 | [email protected] | kayakingtours.com SOUTHERN EXUMA CAYS EXPEDITION 5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS SEA KAYAK EXPEDITION & BEACH CAMPING | GEORGE TOWN DEPARTURE Please read through this package of information to help you to prepare for your tour. Please also remember to return your signed medical information form as soon as possible and read and understand the liability waiver which you will be asked to sign upon arrival. We hope you are getting excited for your adventure! ITINERARY We are so glad that you will be joining us for this incred- which dry out at low tide. This makes it a great place ible adventure. This route will take us into the stunning for exploring by kayak as most boats cannot access Exuma Cays. The bountiful and rich wildlife (including this shallow area. Our destination for tonight is either colourful tropical fish, corals, sea turtles and many Long Cay (apx 7 miles) or Brigantine Cay (apx 9 miles). species of birds), long sandy beaches and clear blue Once there we will set up camp, snorkel and relax. water will help you to fall in love with the Bahamas. DAY 2 After breakfast we will pack up camp and continue DAY PRIOR exploring the Brigantine Cays. The Cays are home to Depart your home for the Bahamas today or earli- several different types of mangrove forests. If the tides er if you wish. There are direct flights from Toronto to are right we will paddle through some of these incred- George Town several days a week or if coming from ibly important and diverse ecosystems which are of- other locations, the easiest entry point is to arrive into ten nursery habitat for all sorts of fish species, small Nassau. From here catch a short regional flight to sharks, turtles and many different types of birds. Our George Town on Great Exuma Island (see travel sec- destination for this evening is either Norman’s Pond tion for more details). Grab a taxi to your choice of ac- Cay (apx 7 miles) or Leaf Cay (apx 9 miles). commodation and settle in. We will meet you at a local bar and restaurant for our welcome orientation at 6pm. DAY 3 Here we will discuss our plans for the next few days Today there are many options including exploring an and get to know the others in the group. Then it’s time old salt collecting pond and protected mangrove for- for a good night’s sleep. (please note expenses on this ests on Norman’s Pond Cay, kayaking through some day are your responsibility). of the more exposed islands if the weather permits, snorkeling at a great reef and of course there is always DAY 1 time for beach combing including exploring a Cay that We will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast (times is home to iguanas. These iguanas are friendly and cu- will be arranged at the meeting the night prior; like- rious and really quite interesting to watch. Tonight we ly between 8:30 and 9am). We will then take all our will either camp in the same spot again or depending equipment and kayaks and transfer to the north end on the group desires and weather, move campsites. of Great Exuma to the village of Barraterre. After some kayaking instruction, we will pack our kayaks and get DAY 4 ready to start paddling. Once launched we will kayak Today we will move campsites and head towards Rat towards the Brigantine Cays. These mostly uninhabit- Cay, apx 7 miles (don’t worry the island doesn’t live up ed Cays are surrounded by very shallow sandy areas to it’s name!). Along the way we will stop at an abso- lutely picture perfect beach for a stretch break as this is ADDITIONAL DAYS also the trail head for a short walk to the highest point If you are lucky enough to be spending additional time in the Exuma Cays (123ft or 37m). From here we enjoy in the area, we are happy to help with suggestions, a great view out over the Southern Exuma Cays and but remember you will responsible for any additional usually a nice cooling breeze. We will arrive at camp expenses. in time for snorkeling or lounging on the beach with a book. SPECIAL NOTE The itinerary is weather and group dependent. As with DAY 5 travel to any international destination, logistics are vul- Today we will likely keep our camp on Rat Cay and use nerable to weather and delays, so please plan your on- it as a base for exploring several of the near by Cays. ward travel and post-trip obligations accordingly. We If tides and weather permit we will head to Square also require all international tour guests to purchase Rock Cay and try some snorkeling from our kayaks trip cancellation and interruption insurance. or a nearby beach. Then to Boysie Cay to check out a blow-hole and watch the power of the ocean on the exposed side of this perfect little piece of sand. The af- ternoon will be leisurely enjoying more snorkeling here or a nap on the beach. Then back to our campsite on Rat Cay for our final evening in the cays. MEETING LOCATIONS DAY 6 PRE TRIP MEETING - DAY PRIOR After breakfast we will pack up our kayaks one last WHERE & WHEN time and paddle from Rat Cay back to Barraterre on We will meet you at 6pm Hideaways at Palm Bay Hotel Great Exuma Island. Here we will be met by our trans- in Georgetown for our welcome orientation. Here we portation and will transfer back to Georgetown to the will discuss our plans for the next few days and get to hotel of your choice. This brings the tour to an official know the others in the group. close. TOUR START (DAY ONE) Often groups like to share one last meal and few cold WHERE & WHEN drinks together to celebrate the completion of an ex- We will pick you up at your hotel after breakfast (times cellent trip at one of the local restaurants. Most flights will be arranged at the pre-trip meeting the night prior leave in the morning or afternoon so it is likely you will likely between 8:30 & 9am. need to spend this evening in Georgetown anyway, so why not spend it with new friends? Meals (other than breakfast and lunch) and accommo- dation this day are NOT included in the tour price. Air- port transfers are not included in the tour cost, but can be easily arranged with your hotel. WHAT’S INCLUDED? WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED? Professional guiding service, all kayaking equipment Not included in the tour cost are accommodation (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and before or after the kayaking portion of your trip, flights, sponges), meals (lunch day 1 to lunch day 6), cook- airport transfers, taxis, travel/medical insurance, al- ing equipment, camping equipment including tents, coholic or carbonated beverages, rain gear, personal sleeping pads and sleep sacs, park and land use per- items (toiletries, clothing, etc.). Meals outside of the mits are included in your tour package. If you are plan- kayaking portion of the tour. ning on bringing any of your own equipment please double-check the packing list to ensure you have the appropriate gear and please let our office know in ad- vance of the tour to avoid us bringing duplicates. ABOUT THE PACKING LIST SANITATION The kayak cuts no grooves and leaves no scars, as generally designate a private area for you to answer it travels freely through the waters. However on land, nature’s calling. with the increasing number of kayakers venturing into new territory and seeking the un-traveled path, we Our guides will go over these details before the tour must respect our surroundings and be aware of our and if you have any concerns while on tour please do impact on these environmentally sensitive areas. Spirit not be shy to ask your guide. All paper and sanitary of the West makes every effort to ensure we leave our products will be taken out with us. area as we found it or better. Once on the kayaking portion of the tour there will be We will be using a portable toilet set up in a private no shower facilities, however the ocean temperatures place on this tour to pack out our waste for safe dis- are quite inviting and make it easy to stay feeling fresh. posal. Your guides will carry a toiletry bag, and will WHAT TO BRING The following is a list of suggested items recommend- If you have some of your own gear and would prefer to ed for your safety and comfort while on your kayak use it on your tour, please call our office in advance of tour. Jeans and nice tops are acceptable for most ho- the tour to let us know, to ensure it is appropriate and tels and restaurants, to avoid us bringing duplicates. TEMPERATURES The following is a list of suggested items to bring along. During an average March day in the Bahamas the If you have any concerns or questions about the list, temperature will reach somewhere around 24 degrees please do not hesitate to contact us. Celsius (76F) by early afternoon. Evening temperatures are generally in the vicinity of 21 degrees Celsius (70F). GENERAL ITEMS Overall, temperatures in the Bahamas during February o Passport & money belt – Ensure your passport is and March average around 21 degrees Celsius (70F).