What is the group size on your trips?

We keep the group size as small as possible, between 6-12 guests, depending on trip destination. Please check individual trip itineraries for max. group sizes.

What about safety?

Safety always first. We invest in Guide safety training and equipment maintenance. We carefully select our guides and begin each season with a comprehensive sea kayak rescue training. Additionally we use only the best kayak and safety equipment available. For communication in remote areas, our guides have VHF radios as well as high power cell phones. Coastal Spirits guides are skilled, well educated, dedicated professional outdoor leaders. Our guides also hold certificates in Wilderness First Aid.

Is there any kayaking experience required to join your trips?

For most of our tours there is no previous kayaking experience required. Anyone, regardless of his or her level of experience and abilities, can enjoy our tours. We offer kayaking instruction and safety procedures before setting out on our adventures. Many of our guests are first-time kayakers and our guides are experts at helping everyone relax and enjoy their journey. To find out whether a trip is suitable for you please look at the itineraries of each individual tour or contact our office..

Do you offer physically more challenging sea kayak expeditions?

Yes, check out our fantastic Magical Fjordlands Expedition http://www.kayakbritishcolumbia.com/tour6e.html
This tour is designed for guests with higher fitness levels.

What are the physical requirements?

Average physical health is required. Most of our adventures are not strenuous or physically demanding and do not require a high level of fitness. You should be capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day. Still, these are adventurous trips, every day is different and on certain days it might be a little harder to paddle than on others. If you have any health problems, let us know when you are making your reservation so that we will be able to accommodate your needs and abilities.

What are the age requirements?

Please check the itineraries of each trip for age requirements. The individual fitness level and mind setting is more important than age.

How many hours per day do you paddle?

Depending on the destination, the group's abilities and desires. Some groups like to paddle a lot, some don't. Our guides will adapt to the groups performance. For guests who like to paddle more than others, we usally ad evening paddles after dinner, while others can stay in camp.Our trips also include short rain forest walks, wildlife and plant interpretation and education, bird watching, swimming, camp fire, snorkling, enjoying great food, beachcombing, and, of course, time to rest, relax and enjoy the scenery and some of the best views on this wonderful planet.

How stable are the kayaks? Can they flip over?

The kayaks we use on our tours are very stable and designed for comfort and the likelihood of a capsize is minimal. Before we embark, we go over safety procedures, which includes preparation for rescues. If for some reason your kayak flips over, our experienced guides will help you get upright quickly and efficiently. By the way, double kayaks are more stable than single kayaks.

How is the weather in this area? What about weather related cancellations?

Our weather in the Pacific Northwest is generally pleasant from April through the end of September, air and water temperatures vary, depending on the areas you plan to tour. The water here is considered some of the warmest north of Mexico. We suggest our visitors be prepared for any type of weather by bringing a jacket and sweater, along with your usual summer clothing. Layering clothing is an easy way to be prepared. If it is cool, you'll be comfortable; if it warms up, you can always remove a layer. Weather related cancellations rarely happen.

Are insects a concern?

Since we always close to the ocean we don't have a problem with insects. You might encounter a few mosquitos depending on where your tour is scheduled. Due to the proximity to the ocean we have much less bugs than other places. Still, it never hurts to have some Deet or Off! in your personal kit. If you have allergic reactions to any insects, please let us know and bring along your medication, though we carry anti allergic medication with us and are familiar with their use.

What should I bring?

We provide high quality tents, fully equipped high tech sea kayaks and safety equipment, dry bags for personal gear protection and freshly prepared gourmet meals. You should bring your regular summer clothing, sleeping bag and mattress (you can rent these items), sun block, warm clothes including a jacket or coat, waterproof sandals or beach shoes, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear and any personal items you'd like. When your reservation is confirmed, we'll send you a package of information including this list.

What sort of wildlife can I expect to see?

The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife populations in the world. On land and water, you'll find hundreds of sea- and shorebirds, waterfowl, mink, otters, seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, deer, raccoons, cougars, wolves and bears and the always present bald eagle. If you are interested in a particular animal, inquire when you make your reservation. For example, orcas (killer whales) are most abundant in Johnstone Strait, though you may see them in other locations.

How do the camps look like?

We take great care to find wilderness settings offering solitude and beautiful scenery. Whenever possible, we choose camps near fresh water streams. On certain trips we operate base camps, on others we move the camps. This is also very much depending on the weather conditions and the groups performance.

Are there possibilities to wash? Are there toilets?

For your convenience we have hot solar solar showers available. You can also wash in crystal clear fresh water streams. For washing, we must request you use biodegradable, environmentally-friendly brands of soaps and cleaners to protect the environment. While toilet facilities aren't generally available, some areas have pit toilets. Your Coastal Spirits guide will select a designated area of the camp (where there are no pit toilets) and will ensure you'll have privacy.

What kind of food do you offer?

Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, German.....You name it!
We pride ourselves on the excellent food we provide for those on our trips. It's hard to believe how much food and incredients we carry in our kayaks. There is nothing like a delicious meal in the great outdoors! Our guides take pride in preparing wholesome, fresh meals. Sometimes we catch fish and gather other seafood to introduce our guests to the famous coastal cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.