DO I NEED PREVIOUS KAYAKING OR CAMPING EXPERIENCE?
No previous experience is required. Our aim is to produce trips that can be enjoyed by people of every level of expertise, from novice to experienced.
WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Although we leave this completely up to you, our knowledgeable office teams are able to help in the event you can’t make up your mind on which great destination to do first. Many of our first time paddlers try Baja or the Queen Charlotte Islands. But be warned, with over 80% of our guests returning for another trip, it is very addictive.
WHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?
Regular exercise before any outdoors trip will add to your enjoyment, but our trips are geared towards anyone in good health and an active lifestyle. We’ve always felt that a positive attitude is more important than being in super shape.
WHAT ABOUT SEA KAYAKING AND SAFETY?
Safety is the main priority for every Tofino Expeditions trip. Our guides are thoroughly versed in emergency procedures, and carry two-way radios to use in the unlikely event of an emergency. We make no compromises on gear quality and use only the best available. For most of our trips we use fiberglass double sea kayaks that are stable, comfortable, and very seaworthy. Before each trip there is a comprehensive instructional session designed to familiarize you with paddling techniques and the equipment. After the sea kayak introductory session, you’ll get a chance to try out your new skills in a sheltered area. A level of expertise is quickly attained in these sleek, responsive craft. If your interest in kayaking goes beyond our introductory material, our guides will gladly provide further instruction in such areas as chart reading, navigation, route selection, weather, and advanced paddling techniques.
WHAT CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?
We supply all specialized paddling gear, kayaks, and group camping equipment including top-quality tents. Clients will receive a detailed packing checklist with their confirmation package and need only bring personal clothing and equipment specified for their particular trip. Our office is available to offer expert advice on the selection of clothing and equipment.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
We schedule our expeditions to coincide with the best possible weather for the trip area. We believe in staying warm and dry. Please call for specific details.
CAN WE BRING OUR CHILDREN?
Most of our trips are geared towards people aged 14 and over but through the years we have hosted families that have included younger individuals. For more information please contact our office. On many trips we offer a youth discount.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
Our guides come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have been leaders in the setting of guide standards for the industry and in addition to the extensive experience required to become a Tofino Expeditions’ guide, we also conduct a rigorous course of training designed to ensure that our high standards for professional guides are met. All of the men and women who guide for us are dedicated outdoors people and naturalists with extensive wilderness kayaking experience, fully trained and certified in wilderness first aid. Many hold degrees in the natural sciences. They are well versed in the ecological and historical features of the regions we visit and are eager to share their knowledge and experience.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Food on Tofino Expeditions’ trips is a key element (most of our guides feel like cooks that paddle to work each day). We pride ourselves in preparing top-quality meals in a wilderness setting from the freshest ingredients available. Our menu is varied: substantial North American breakfasts and freshly ground coffee start the day, wholesome sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch, tried and true international favorites for supper and fresh baked goods almost every day. In Mexico, we integrate local ingredients with supplies we have brought from home to yield meals that are unique, nourishing and delicious.
DO YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR VEGETARIANS OR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGYS?
We cater for all dietary preferences. Our vegetarian clients are amazed and pleased with the variety and options we have for them. With other preferences or food allergies, we recommend you contact our office with specific questions, as some of our destinations will not have a vast variety of gluten, wheat or dairy free options, in which case we suggest you bring a few of your favorite foods from home.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I EXPECT ON MY TRIP AND WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
In order to reduce our impact on the environment we have a maximum of 10 to 14 clients depending on the trip. We feel this also gives clients and guides the opportunity to get to know each other better. Many of our clients forge lasting friendships on our trips, meeting up on subsequent paddling journeys. We have a mixture of nationalities such as American, Canadian, British, Swiss, Germans and Australians. This makes for an interesting cocktail of trans-national conversations, stories and jokes around the campfire and on the water.
CAN I TRAVEL BY MYSELF?
People join our trips in all sorts of capacities. People on their own adventure, couples and groups of friends. By its very nature a kayaking trip is very social, you will meet interesting people and make plenty of new friends along the way.
HOW MANY HOURS PER DAY WILL WE BE KAYAKING?
Lets not forget this is a holiday! A typical day will see you for around 4 hours. This might be punctuated by a pleasant walk to a village, waterfall or to view an interesting piece of history. You’ll reach camp in time to do some exploring ashore on your own, relax, read your favorite book or chat with one of your fellow paddlers about the days’ adventures.
I HAVE A CAMERA, CAN I BRING THAT?
We’re avid photographers and always take cameras on trips. Give us a call and we’ll be able to have an informed discussion about camera and case options, conditions you’ll likely encounter and the range of photo opportunities on each trip.
WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE TOFINO EXPEDITIONS?
We have 25 years of experience as a sea kayak expedition guide service, are leaders in sea kayaking instruction and enjoy an industry- wide reputation for safety, service and great food. We have guided thousands of paddlers on wilderness trips and are delighted that so many guests have become repeat clientele. Our trips are physically satisfying vacations that embody a spirit of adventure and are designed to be relaxing, safe, thought-provoking and fun.