|
Kayak Eco-Tours FAQs
(Kayak Fishing FAQs are below)
Why use the kayaks? Our tours are not the typical canned tours where raccoons that have become used to humans are hand fed. We venture deep into the natural environment. The wildlife there is just that ... wild. They shy from large boats and loud noises. We use the kayak transport board to get us near to an area and then deploy the kayaks. So, there are no long aggressive paddles ... just the opposite. The kayaks, along with being very stable and easy to paddle, are quiet, stealthy and unobtrusive to most wildlife. They allow you to get as close as possible the wading birds, for example. Further, these trips are as much an educational experience as anything. The kayaks are an excellent tool. With the kayaks, we can get up close to things. Close enough to touch. We can actually pick up the "ball of oysters" and to see the crabs and critters that live in the small eco-system. The experience is much more intimate.
What if I do not want to paddle far? You do not need to. The long distances are coved in the transport boat. We only deploy the kayaks once we arrive. We have some guests that choose to stay in the boat or roam the beaches while others are on the paddle tour. We do encourage you to join the paddle part of the trip, however. Your Everglades Experience will be much more complete if you do.
What is the difference between the 3 hour and the 6 hour tour. The three hour tour, obviously, last approximately three hours long. Most importantly, however, it is designed to be an educational ECO tour led by a naturalist. We make sure that the pace is slow and the we take the needed time to stop, observe and explain. The six hour tour is much more of a true sea kayaking paddle to tour ,,, day trip.. We cover much more water and distance. While there is plenty of ECO interpretation on the tour, it is not the primary intent.
What can I realistically expect to see? It is nature and it is wild. Every trip is different. Some days we are fortunate to see a lot of wildlife, some days less. That is up to Mother Nature. However, all our guides are experienced outdoors men and women, naturalists and educators. We will have a handle on where the wildlife is on a any given day, but we only can view what is there. Most days, you can view ospreys, various breeds of herons and egrets, pelicans, numerous species of shorebirds and raccoons. Most every tour, manatees are typically spotted from the transport boat. However, our guests also commonly see rosette spoonbills, bald eagles, various hawks, white pelicans, owls, sea turtles, kites and black vultures. We have seen wild hogs, bobcats, white-tail deer and even black bear on some occasions from the kayaks. You really never know until you are there.
What do I Need to Bring? We have ice water and soft drinks aboard in large iced cooler. You are welcomed to bring anything else that you wish to eat or drink. Just please adhere to our "Leave No Trace" policy. Clothing appropriate for the season and the day's weather is needed. The transport boat is open and we travel swiftly. A light jacket is needed on most trips. Sun protection is always a good idea ...hats, sun block, etc. Along the beaches, you may wish get out of the kayaks and walk in the water or you may wish to take a bit of time on the beach by yourself. Protective footwear, that you do not mind getting wet, is a good recommendation. Bring a camera (in a plastic zip lock bag if it is not waterproof). Binoculars and field glasses are also a good idea. You will also need to complete a Kayak Rental Release Form (PDF).
Will I get wet? The kayaks that we use for the ECO tours are state-of-the-art "sit-on-top" kayaks. You actually sit on a comfortable cushioned seat with very good back support. You simply sit down in the seat just as you would sit in a chair. You do not crawl into these kayak as with other types. They are sealed and will not fill with water or sink. They are dry, very easy to paddle and very stable. However, as you paddle, drops of water can run down the paddle shaft. This paddle drizzle can get on your legs. Many wear shorts or light fast drying pants (like nylon fishing clothing) when on these trips ... some bring the pants from their rain suits ... others swimming suits.
How long are the boat assisted tours? There is about ½ boat trip each way the paddling part of the trip is about 2 ½ hrs. The boat trip alone is "worth the price of admission". These trips are not canned, so the times can vary depending on the day. If you have a time ocnstraint, please let us know at the begining of the tour.
Are the kayaks stable? Yes, very much so, and they are very easy to paddle Many actually use the kayaks as fishing platforms and some fishermen even standup to fish while in the kayaks.
What about alligators? The everglades area is famous for alligators. During the raining season (June through September) we commonly see them on our tours. However, they are fond of fish and fowl. A person in a kayak simply does not resemble anything close to a wading bird. The alligators are not a problem. They keep a safe distance away, however, so do we. In the dry months of winter, most of the alligators are not in the areas that we frequent on the power boat assited tour and it is uncommon to see them. However, on the three hour ECO Kayak ECO, we see them commonly.
What about to cancellations? Everglades Area Tours requires a credit card with a deposit to secure your reservation, Once confirmed, we will send you a confirming email with all the needed details. As we are using boats and kayaks in a wet environment, we have found through time, that using a credit card for the balance of your tour fees makes everything simpler . As a matter of convenience, we will charge the balance of your trip to your card within several days of the trip. Should you wish to pay with cash, please let us know ahead of time.
Fortunately, we are in an area where weather rarely forces us to cancel a tour. We have many choices and options in this wonderful area. However, the captain and guide has the ultimate responsibility for your safety and will make all "GO and NO-GO" decision. In the case of a "NO-GO" decision, you will have an option to re-schedule, receive a full refund or join another tour that is not affected.
Everglades Area Tours.com (EAT) wants you enjoy our tours and have a great time so you can tell others!!! All our tours are reserved in advance. However, we realize that situations occur that alter travel schedules and plans. If you cancel your tour prior to 14 days from the schedule tour date, your deposit will be completely refunded. If you cancel the tour within 14 days prior to the tour date, you will be offered a option to re-schedule the tour to another date. However, if the tour can not be rescheduled, the deposit amounts may be forfeited or a gift certificate issued for the deposited amount at EATs sole discretion. If a tour date is cancelled within three days of the tour date, the complete tour booking fees may be forfeited or the trip re-scheduled at the sole discretion of EAT.
|
