Photos by Paul Langdon ©2007

2010 Sea Kayak Tours

The Bay of Exploits offers some very sheltered paddling among the many islands, or for the more adventuresome paddlers, the beauty of the exposed North East coast of Newfoundland. The past 4 paddling seasons have certainly been spectacular and bumper seasons for icebergs! They  came in all shapes and sizes and for our June and early July clients it's been literally iceberg overload. The largest of them stay with us until nearly mid July and provided fabulous photo opportunities  as well as plenty of ice cubes on hot days. Lets hope for a repeat performance for our 2010 paddling season!

Humpback and Minke  whales are also abundant during the caplin season and we sometimes are  treated to the larger Humpbacks putting on splendid displays of lunge feeding. Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Seabirds are abundant throughout the summer.

Besides the marine  life, the Bay of Exploits offers an amazing cultural experience. Paleoeskimo and Beothuk inhabited this land long before the Europeans discovered the rich natural resources, and have left traces of their time here for you to discover. European settlement of the region began about 500 years ago. First to come were the French, as depicted by the many remaining French place names, but they were eventually pushed westward by the British. Island communities, such as Exploits, had as many as 1000 residents at their peak circa 1900. Check out our 6 day tour for more information.

For inexperienced ocean kayakers it is best that you have a guide accompany you. They are familiar with the area, can offer some basic instruction, and work hard to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. We have a number of choices for you to pick from, so you can see something different every time out.

Half to Full Day Guided Tour Choices:

Our half to full day tours are ideal for those traveling the province who wish to take in a variety of activities. Each tour begins with a basic introduction to the sea kayak and then your guide will take you on a scenic coastal exploration usually to a local point of interest. There are many places to go but one of our favorite coastal destinations is the remote World War Two fortification that was constructed to guard the sea port of Botwood against foreign attackers. Now nearly reclaimed by the forest, nothing remains except the concrete bunkers and the massive platforms that held the 16 inch diameter guns used to defend the harbor. Massive fireplaces still stand among the trees where houses once stood.  We usually take an hour or so here to have lunch and explore before paddling  back to base.

Rates:  Half day...............$60.00/person

              Full day...............$ 110.00/person

              Group and Family discounts available. These tours are designed to fit your schedule but prior reservations are

              required.

Two Day and Three day tours:

If you are not ready to commit to an extended tour but still wish to experience a touch of rugged coastal beauty combined with camping, our two and three days tours may be just for you. Departing from our Lawrence's harbor facility or  the community of Fortune Harbor, we will take you on a journey beginning in sheltered waters and then out to the rugged headlands forming the Bay of Exploits. Camp in sheltered coves, feast on traditional meals and eat fresh wild mussels harvested by your guides. Bald Eagles and Osprey are abundant and you may even catch a glimpse of a Minke or Humpback whale feeding nearby.  

Please note that two and three day tours can be organized to fit your schedule but please contact us at least 30 days in advance.  

Rates:  Two day tour...............$299.00/ person.  Two day tours can be organized to fit your schedule but

                                                    please contact us at least 30 days in advance.                                  

              Three day tour...........$ 499.00/ person.  Book now  for June 18- 20, 2010

• Islands Exploits - Lawrence's Harbor to Exploits Island

  First settled in the eighteenth century, the village of Exploits was once a thriving fishing village of nearly 1000 residents. In the 1960s all except one man and his wife moved from the Island under the governments resettlement program. For most of the year the Island is practically abandoned but during the summer months it springs back to life with past residents and visitors with a passion to see and learn about this unique place.

  An unforgettable experience, this tour will take you from Lawrence's Harbor to the historic Island  of Exploits. Using the old village as a base camp you will explore and discover a large portion of what the Bay of Exploits has to offer. Paddle in the shelter of the Islands and hike the old village trails, this is truly a combo package of education and relaxation.

  You will be led by knowledgeable guides who are dedicated to your personal comfort and safety. Combine this with  fine traditional Newfoundland meals, evening campfires, wild mussel boils and local entertainment ( storytelling, music),  and we have no doubt you will consider coming back for a second look.

  Book now for the weeks of  June 27- July 2 ,  2010 or August 8 to 13, 2010. Follow the blue link "Islands Exploits" for rates and a sample itinerary.

Note:  To book any of our tours or to request more information contact us by e-mail or phone. We will get back to you as soon as possible.