Kayak Tours
Come
and explore Vancouver Island in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Adventuress offers tours anywhere from 2 hours to 4 days in length.
Pick your favourite... from fun local tours based out of the oceanside
areas of Nanaimo, Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach to spectacular
scenery on the West Coast to kayaking with the Orcas. Find
out why Vancouver Island has been rated as the Best Island, North
America by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler 9 years in a row!
Adventuress is from March to November, so give us a call
if you have a passion for paddling!
Do
you want to come out and try kayaking for the first time?
Are you just in this area for a few days and one of the things you
have promised yourself is to get out and paddle and experience the
West Coast lifestyle? Well, look no further. Adventuress
offers you tours to suit your level of experience and time schedule.
Take a look below and paddle away until your heart's content.
See 2012 Trips below... 2012 trips are now being planned and I am
working on the updates.. thank you for your patience.
If you have something particular in mind, just give Jan a call...
250.755.6702. Thanks!
Although
this is an all-women's site, Adventuress welcomes everyone to come
out paddling. Couples, families, tourists all come out and
kayak with Adventuress. So if you are a man reading this,
know that you are welcome or women bring your partners and families.
Do note though that some multi-day tours are specifically all-women
tours. Thank you.
Check
out some of Adventuress' You Tube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayMQdVJEurw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-X97iDBVws
Pictures Galore....
As this site is being
re-created for a brand new look, please see Adventuress Sea Kayaking
on Facebook for numerous albums of pictures of all our trips...
a feast for the eyes!
Facebook
Link
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Adventuress-Sea-Kayaking/89954975517
Groups
Adventuress also takes
out groups... from school to corporate to private ... see below
for one recommendation for a school group.
"It is my pleasure
to write this testimonial on behalf of Adventuress Sea Kayaking
and its owner/director, Jan Kretz. Ms. Kretz and I have planned
kayaking lessons for my grade five camping groups for the past two
years. Both experiences have been the highlight of the camp trip.
Students have spoken about it in grad speeches and many older siblings
and friends tell their grade five counterparts about it. Ms. Kretz's
classes include a 45 minute lesson on dry land, that includes safety
and methodology, then she takes the students out in the water for
a 45 minute paddle around Mark Bay (on Newcastle Island). She is
always sensitive to the students' fears about first time kayaking,
but by the end of each session, every student and staff member is
grinning ear to ear with their new found success. I would recommend
her program to any school group and I would be happy to speak to
anyone about it over the phone or by email." David
Plottel
Rentals
For those
of you who have paddled before, Adventuress rents single and double
kayaks and all the related gear. Instruction and personal
fit to the gear and kayak, weather report, tidal information and
where to see wildlife is all included! We have amazing paddling
out here and I know all the hot spots! Prices start as low
as $35 for a single kayak for up to 3 hours... prices and a rental
section will be added in the new site. Call Jan 250.755.6702
for more information. Thank you!
DAY
TRIPPIN'
Come
paddle the many and varied islands off the coast of Vancouver Island
with the Coast Mountains as a spectacular backdrop. Comprised
of more than 250 islands, the Gulf Islands offer a "Mediterranean
type" of climate, more than 200 species of birds, and the best
sandstone galleries on the coast. Paddle past seal and sea
lion haul-outs as they glide up to greet us. Hear First Nation
and local history. Peer beneath your kayak to discover the
rich diversity of marine life. Daily tours. Call to
reserve.
Phone our toll-free number 1.866.955.6702 or 250.755.6702 (Nanaimo)
or 250.248.4334 (Parksville) to confirm your dates. Gulf Island
Getaways run from March to October and if it is a nice day, give
us a call, we are open earlier in the year and later in the season
than any other kayaking company! Bring your friends and have
a special trip just for your group. No kayaking experience
is necessary. A gear list of what to wear and bring is sent
upon registration. All tours include instruction, top-of-
the-line fiberglass kayaks, and experienced, personable, certified
guides. Spectacular scenery is free!!
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Island Day Tour in Nanoose
This
four hour tour has us exploring the bays and rocky seashore
by kayaks in Nanoose. Wildlife abounds! Purple
seastars, sea cucumbers and sunflower stars lurk beneath these
clear waters. Seals and sea lions come out to greet
us as we paddle by. Bring a lunch and we stop for a
picnic on the beach. $69.00 includes basic instruction,
the kayak, gear and tour. |

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Sea
Lion Kayaking Tour
Come
paddle with us to see the California Sea Lions, who make Nanoose
their home from September to May. They are especially
good to watch in March when the herring are in the bays and
they cavort and splash as they feed. Bald eagles, colourful
sea stars and moon jellyfish complete our wildlife paddle.
2
hours... $49/person. Daily tours.. call to reserve.
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Winchelsea
Islands Paddle
The
Winchelsea Islands are part of thirteen islands that make up the
pristine Ballenas-Winchelsea Archipelago and are recognized as having
national and international significance for their biodiversity values.
Come join us as we paddle through the Archipelago and stop for lunch
at an ecological reserve. There are several red and blue-listed
species on South Winchelsea Island including species of buttercup
and lichens. The island is also a nesting and resting place
for many species of birds, and California and Steller Sea Lions
who frequently use the shores as a haul-out area. Spectacular views
to the Coast Mountains, fresh sea breezes, exhilarating kayaking;
truly a day to remember
Tour
Length: 4 hours Cost: $69
Dates:
June 23, 2012
Full
Moon Howls
Experience
the magic of floating on the ocean by the light of the Full Moon.
Swish your paddle to see the bioluminescence create a light show
beneath the water. Each Full Moon, call to reserve. Tour
Length: 2 hours Cost: $49.00
Sunset
Paddle
The
best way to unwind after a busy day! Paddle into the sunset,
gaze at the glow of the setting sun, breathe deep and relax.
Tour length: 2 hours Cost: $49.00.
MULTI-DAY
ADVENTURES
Choose
from two, three or four days of touring. Take a look and find what
whets your adventure appetite! Want a little luxury?
Try the Fabulous Friends Weekend, 1 night at a waterview
B&B with 2 days of kayaking. These trips are just too
much fun and lots of excitement!!
Check
out Women's Transformative Journey by Kayak - a blend of
adventure and soul searching within the gentle wilderness of the
beautiful Gulf Islands.
Girls
Just Wanna Have Fun
Share
an adventurous time on the water with your girlfriends, Mom or daughter.
Laugh as only a group of all women can! Kayak through coastal
islands and over underwater marine gardens. Camp nestled in
the woods, go for a hike on the sea trail, or relax on the beach
with a good book while dinner is cooking. Tell tall tales
around the dinner table as you make new friends. No previous
kayaking experience is necessary. Tour includes kayak, gear,
camping equipment, meals, snacks and beverages,camping fees, and
instruction. Tour Length: 2 days
Cost: $259.00
Trip
Date: July 28 & 29, 2012
Girls
'n Guys Just Wanna Have Fun Weekend
Bring
your fella and come out for a fun getaway kayaking in the Gulf Islands.
Same great area and camping in a marine park. Beautiful beaches,
sunset views and hiking trails. All food, snacks, kayak, gear,
tent is included.
Tour
Length: 2 days Cost: $259.00
Trip
Date: To be determined..
" A big thank
you for all you did to create such a fun and exciting experience.
It was an amazing two days! Your warmth, patience,
and sense of humour made me feel like I found a new friend.
I have been telling everyone about my fun trip so be prepared
for new clients!"
Pamela
C.
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Women's
Transformative Journey by Kayak
Join
us in 2012.

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The
butterfly undergoes a major transformation process as part of
its normal life cycle. We too may be in a cocoon, hiding,
or simply resting and reflecting on our Lives. As we emerge
and change and go through our self discovery, our gift is a
new life, a chance to be reborn and re-create ourselves. |
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Begin
your journey by joining Adventuress as we paddle into a voyage of
discovery by kayak. This has been a long time dream ... to
create an experience for women where we meld the power of adventure
(using the kayak as its vehicle) with the deep healing and cleansing
power of the Wilderness to transform our lives.
This
unique wilderness trip is designed to renew your connection with
the wild world, while uncovering the meaning and power in your life
transitions and challenges. Through the adventure of kayaking
and contemplative exercises, you will tune into your sources of
guidance and fulfillment.
You
start your journey by bringing an intention of what you would like
to see change in your Life. This could be clarity about a job
situation, a decision about a significant relationship, or reconnecting
with a part of yourself that has too long been neglected. Whatever
your unique purpose, this journey of mind/body/spirit will be shared
in confidence within the warm and supportive environment of a group
of like-minded women.
Sometimes
we need to step back and gain some perspective on our Lives. We
need to take a breather, do something just for us, take a time-out
of the busyness of our Lives. This Journey is a gift you give
yourself.
Joining
me, Jan, on this trip with be Katy Lipkind. Along with being
a sea kayak guide, Katy holds an MA in Counselling Psycholgy with
a speciality in wilderness-based therapies.
Together
we have created this experience to support women through their journey
grounded with their intention. Our visions: Katy's is
to support people in uncovering their innate health through accessing
the healing power that exists within the myriad wonders of the natural
world. Mine is to support and encourage women to push their
boundaries through facing the challenge of wilderness kayaking thus
inspiring the confidence to change their lives. Together we
offer women a powerful journey that will reflect your intention
and give deeper meaning to the process of transformation.
Cost:
$525 includes meeting the night before to begin grounding your process
and meeting your co-journeyers, 3 days of kayaking and camping in
the beautiful Gulf Islands, facilitated journey, kayak, gear, hearty
and healthy meals & snacks, and camping equipment.
For more information and to begin your personal Journey, call Jan
at 250.755.6702 or e-mail to receive your registration package with
more details.

Kayaking
by the sandstone sculpted cliffs in the Gulf Islands
Wild
Women on the Water!
This 3
day kayaking tour is for the adventurous woman; the one who wants
to get out there and test the waters and have an adventure; take
a little risk. It's time to leave the work and stress behind.
Come on out and paddle with the girls; laugh, see wildlife (and
I don't mean just us!), enjoy sunset beaches, campfires and take
in as much fresh air as you can breathe. We are goin' paddlin'
in the Gulf Islands! No kayaking experience is necessary.
This package
($559 no additional taxes, based on double occupany) includes:
- One night stay at Fiddicks Farm B&B*, a 30
acre organic farm with fabulous views of the Gulf Islands from
every room, a geothermal heated lap pool and a hot tub
- Welcome cocktails and appies
- 3 days of kayaking through the enchanting Gulf
Islands
- Kayak Babe training in strokes, launching and
exiting techniques & wet exits and rescues (oh come on you
are adventurous!)
- Healthy, hearty and at times downright sinful
food, beverages and snacks
- Kayak, gear, camping equipment & camping
fees
- 1 night of camping in the woods or on the beach
- Hiking the islands or enjoying the beach, your
choice!
- As much fun as you can handle
- For our out of town guests, free pick up from
airport or ferry can be arranged.
Trip Dates:
July 13-15, 2012
* Please
note that Adventuress has partnered with Fiddicks Farm B&B and
they will take your booking and accommodation reservation.
Date has been reserved for Adventuress. Call or e-mail Jan@adenturess.ca
for more details and registration package.

Fabulous
Friends Weekend
Now we
know that you girls like the fun of kayaking, but you did all your
camping stuff awhile back. A comfy bed, a hot shower and a
glass of wine on the deck overlooking a fabulous ocean view after
your day on the water exploring the islands suits you much better.
So gather
your best friends and come over to the Island (if you aren't here
already!) and let Adventuress offer you a little luxury.
The Fabulous
Friends package ($325/person based on double occupancy i.e. share
a room) includes:
- One night stay at a fabulous waterview B&B*
- Welcome cocktails and appies (and oh , we may
sneak in some chocolate)
- 2 days of kayaking the Gulf Islands with basic
instruction before the paddle begins
- kayak and gear
- yummy snacks, farm fresh breakfast, hearty dinner,
deli lunches and beverages
Trip
Dates: April 21 & 22; May 5 & 6, 2012
* Please
note that Adventuress has partnered with Fiddicks Farm B&B and
they will take your booking and accommodation reservation.
Date has been reserved for Adventuress. Call or e-mail Jan@adenturess.ca
for more details and registration package.
Gulf
Islands Escape
Escape
to the Islands for three days! Geared for the Adventuress
who wants to feel the wildness, surround themselves with quiet,
and get away from the bustle of their busy life. Paddle the
channels and the open waters in the Strait of Georgia and enjoy
breathtaking views of coastal mountains. Exposed ledges reveal
a favourite haul-out for harbour seals. Kayak under magnificent
sandstone cliffs and walk along white shell beaches. Camp
under the stars and enjoy hearty meals by the campfire. All
yours for the asking!
The Gulf
Islands Escape package($525) includes:
- 3 days of kayaking, 2 nights of camping
- kayak, gear and most camping equipment
- healthy and hearty menu, beverages and snacks
- camping fees
- basic instruction before tour begins
- all the fresh air and quiet that you can handle!
Trip Dates: July
18-20, 2012
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Thank
you for a fabulous kayaking trip. How do you replace
the "best kitchen in the world" and a sky bathed
in shooting stars? It was all absolutely wonderful.
Thank you for introducing us to Adventuress"
Fran
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Broken
Group Islands
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Situated
in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the
Broken Group Islands offer spectacular paddling among countless
islands and islets. Mature forests of Sitka spruce, western
hemlock and western red cedar grow to towering heights. Paddle
in the sheltered waters or go for the gusto and thrill to
the open seas. |
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Peering
over the sides of our kayaks, we are entranced by the rich
diversity of the sea's underworld. Starfish, sea anemones,
crabs and moon snails are just a few of the inhabitants that
go about their daily marine lives below these waters. The
distant barking of the sea lions becomes louder as we near
the sea lions' haul-out and watch them cavort in their favourite
waters. |
No
previous kayaking experience is necessary. Instruction is
given before each tour begins. Good health and a reasonable
level of fitness is required. We paddle anywhere from 4 to 6 hours
in a day with stops every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Bring your sense
of humour and adventure for this once in a lifetime trip!
Tour
Length: 3 days Cost: $599
Tour includes kayak, gear, all camping gear (except sleeping bag
and pad) and healthy and hearty meals, snacks and drinks.
Check out our photo gallery for pictures from our trips. www.facebook.com/adventuress.sea.kayaking.
Trip
Dates: June 16-18, 2012, June 26-28
4
day trip July 5-8... come join us for a 4 day tour out to the beautiful
Broken Group Islands. One extra day cause there is so much
to see!!
$699.
Johnstone
Strait
Have you ever wanted to
kayak with the Orcas, but didn't know how to go about it?
Well, look no further - Adventuress offers you the perfect
tour to visit the playground of these friendly giants. This
is the home of the Killer (Orca) whales, one of THE best places
in the world to view them in the wild. They gather here to
feed in the rich salmon waters from May to October. What could
be more of a thrill than to hear the whoosh of their breath
and the splash of their bodies as they swim up the Strait
in their ancestral fishing grounds. Adventuress always adheres
to whale watching guidelines in order to minimize any disturbance
to these "blackfish" (the Native term for Orcas).
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Thanks so much
for the wonderful trip. It was such a treat to be
waited on and not have to worry about meals and packing
and routes. The kayaking was fantastic - in retrospect
- and the whales, sea lions and dolphins -awesome as always."
Patti
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Orcas are
by no means the only wildlife to see here. Pacific white-sided Dolphins,
black bears, eagles, minke and grey whales, and porpoises all make
Johnstone Strait their home.
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Our
days are spent exploring clusters of scenic islands, paddling
into majestic Coastal Mountain views, and stepping back into
time as we wander through an abandoned native village.
Nights are spent enjoying hearty meals around a glowing campfire,
swapping tall tales, and enjoying each other's company. |
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This
tour is for an intermediate paddler due to challenging weather,
wind and wave condition that we may encounter. Instruction
is given before
each tour begins. Good health and a reasonable fitness level
is required.
We
paddle anywhere from 4 to 6 hours in a day with stops every 1 1/2
to
2
hours.
Trip
includes kayak, gear, all camping equipment (except a sleeping bag
and pad) and healthy and hearty snacks, drinks and meals.
Extensive pre-trip information is sent out upon registration.
Tour Length: 4
days Cost: $759.00
Contact
us for a complete list of what to bring and any other questions.
We would be happy to assist you!
Trip
Dates: August 23-26, 2012
Desolation
Sound
The
area was named Desolation Sound by Captain George Vancouver who
first sailed here in 1792 and saw the silent and remote coast. It
is the largest and perhaps best-known marine park in British Columbia
and is considered by many boaters to be the one of the top three
cruising grounds in the world -- along with Fiji and New Zealand's
Bay of Islands.
The pristine waters of Desolation Sound are surrounded by steep
evergreen mountains. Set back from the park to the north, east and
south are the snowcapped peaks of the Coast Mountains that soar
from the tideline to heights of 2,400 metres.
One
of the prime attractions of these waters is their warmth in summer
months, which makes them ideal for swimming and snorkeling. So bring
your swim suits, because we paddle to a bay for lunch and then,
after a short walk, immerse ourselves in a freshwater lake.
This
is a marvelous place to explore by kayak, paddling among small coves,
inlets and islands. Ashore, interesting tidal pools and marshes
will enthrall you with an abundance of marine organisms, birds and
waterfowl. We paddle over colourful marine gardens alive with giant
sunflower stars, orange sea cucumbers, spiny red sea urchins and
so much more.
This
tour is scheduled for September when the rest of the boaters of
this popular area have all gone home. Trip includes
kayak, gear, all camping equipment (except a sleeping bag and pad)
and healthy and hearty snacks, drinks and meals. Extensive
pre-trip information is sent out upon registration.
Tour
Length: 4 days Cost: $725.
Trip
Dates: September 11-14, 2012
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