Sealegs Kayaking Tours

FAQ

1. Can I reserve my kayaking tour online?
2. Do I need trip cancellation insurance?
3. What is your cancellation policy?
4. Do we cook our own meals?
5. What type of meals do you prepare?
6. Do we set up camp?
7. Do we set up a new campsite each night?
8. What is the climate like on the Island?
9. What do we do if the weather is poor?
10. Do I have to paddle in a double kayak?
11. How much paddling each day?
12. Do I need to be athletic?
13. How many people will be in our kayaking group?
14. What are the age limits?
15. Where can I stay while on the Island?
16. Can our family or group book an exclusive tour?
17. HST and non-resident visitors?
18. Washrooms?
19. Do we pay park user fees and camping fees?

1. Can I reserve my Kayaking Tour Online?

You sure can. While we're not set up for online payments, you can request a reservation using our online form. The form can be reached through most areas of the site, anywhere you see the "book your tour today" icon, or click here.

You can also call Toll Free:1-877-KAYAK BC (529-2522), or email us at info@sealegskayaking.com. For more contact information, visit the contact Sealegs page.

2. Do I need trip cancellation insurance?

It is recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for our multi-day tours. Please see our cancellation policy (below) as it affects your registered program. Directly following are 2 local agencies that offer this type of insurance. Most travel agencies and insurance agencies sell these types of policies.

Ladysmith Insurance Centre
Therese and Brian Saunders 
250-245-8022
lis@insurancentres.ca

All About Travel & Cruise Centre
1-800-999-8113

3. What is your cancellation policy?

Multi-Day Tours:

A deposit of 50% is required to reserve your multi-day tour. The balance is due 30 days prior to your trip departure. The balance will automatically be charged to your charge card 30 days prior to the tour unless otherwise instructed.

A detailed package of information will be sent to help you with your trip preparation.

If cancelled 30 or more days prior to departure date you will be refunded and a $50 administration fee will be applied. If cancelled 0-29 day prior to departure - no refund will be offered unless Sealegs is able to fill your space. A $50 administrative fee will be applied..

Other Tours and Lessons:

Bookings can be made up to 24 hours prior to the tour or lesson. Full payment is due to book a day tour or lesson. If cancelled 30 or more days prior to tour/lesson a full refund will be offered. If booked by credit card, a 2% card cancellation fee will be applied. If cancelled 0-29 days prior to tour/lesson - no refund will be offered unless Sealegs can fill your space. A $10 administrative fee will be applied.  If your tour is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, we will try to schedule.  I we need to cancel, a full refund will be offered.

Rentals:

Bookings can be made up to 24 hours prior to the rental. Full payment is due to secure a reservation. If cancelled 7 or more days prior to rental a full refund is offered .

4. Do we cook our own meals?

All meals will be prepared by the Sealegs Guide team. We endeavour to provide nutritious, well-prepared meals in the field with consideration for special dietary requirements.

We use fresh ingredients and take great care to ensure a good variety of textures, colours, flavours using all food groups to prepare superb and memorable meals. When you're in the great outdoors there's nothing like a delicious, hearty well prepared meal.

Our clients often offer to help because they enjoy outdoor cookery or they want to learn more about it. You are more than welcome to participate but it is not a requirement.

5. What type of meals do you prepare?

Flavourful chicken stir-fry, pitas stuffed with loads of veggies and cooked chicken, prawns, seafood fettuccini, fish (red snapper, halibut, cod) smoked salmon, salads, fresh fruits, special desserts.

When you've been outside all day enjoying the west coast fresh air, good food and plenty of it starts off the day and tops it off just right.

6. Do we set up camp?

The Sealegs Guide team will choose the best site possible for our overnight tours and rest stops. They will also be responsible for setting up camp and ensuring no- trace policies are used when packing and leaving a site. Clients set-up & tear down their own tents & personal space.

7. Do we set up in a new campsite each night?

We like to camp for 2 nights minimum at each location. We like to set up a base camp which allows for more paddling and less time in breaking and setting up new campsites. This allows us to relax and enjoy our surroundings while maximizing the paddling day.

8. What is the climate like on the Island?

Summer weather is usually warm and sunny with highs ranging in the mid 20's Celsius (70 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Bringing a swimsuit is a good idea! It cools down notably in the evenings.

With all tours we recommend dressing for unpredictable weather conditions; especially rain. Check the current weather conditions here and, if necessary, use this handy converter.

9. What do we do if the weather is poor?

The best defense against poor weather is preparation. Sealegs will forward a Trip Preparation package to you upon registration.

Safety is our number 1 concern. We will not go out on the water if the weather compromises your safety.

10. Do I have to paddle in a double kayak?

Sealegs likes to use both single and double kayaks on all guided tours, however, doubles are recommended for the novice kayaker.

11. How much paddling each day?

We paddle 4-6 hours a day depending on our group and location. We paddle up to 2 hours at a stretch, stopping for beach walks, hiking, swimming, washroom breaks, resting, wildlife viewing or great photo ops! The pace is slow to moderate - again depending on the group.

12. Do I need to be athletic?

No!! That's the beauty of sea kayaking. It's for all shapes, sizes, ages (from '2 to 92') and abilities. We do travel for up to 2 hours at a time and it would helpful if you are in reasonably fit condition.

It is recommended that you check with a physician if you are in doubt about your ability to participate in a multi-day tour.

Please feel free to e-mail us or write us and one of our guides can recommend pre-trip exercises!

13. How many people will be in our kayaking group?

The maximum group size for scheduled multi-day tours is 12 plus 2-3 guides depending on the group. This may vary with Custom Groups.. In a National Park, the group maximum is 8 clients and 2 professional sea kayak guides. Our minimum multi-day tour group size is 4.

14. What are the age limits?

It is recommended that persons be 12 years of age & older. Families are welcome and encouraged to call about opportunities for special family vacations.

We endeavour to match your needs with our other guests. We take great care to match guides to client groups. Remember: custom tours can be arranged with groups of 4 or more.

15. Where can I stay while on the Island?

Sealegs Accomodations Links

16. Can our family or group book an exclusive tour?

Certainly. We welcome and encourage private tours. In fact when we first started in the business, the majority of our tours were custom made (Elderhostel International, school groups, Girl Guides of Canada). From these custom tours we were able to build our clientele and develop recognition and trust in the industry.

Many of our former clients took advantage of the openings in our Sealegs schedule to book private tours for their families and friends. Today, Sealegs still maintains openings in our schedule to accommodate our clients who know what to expect from a Sealegs Adventures.

There is no extra charge to book an exclusive tour!

17. Tax information for non-resident visitors?

Sealegs is obligated to charge a 12% tax (HST) on all products and services.  Click here for details.

18. Washrooms?

Our camping tours and some of our day trips do not always have the conveniences of home. Our guide team delicately handles this issue with a short orientation and review on bathroom etiquette.

19. Do we pay park user fees and camping fees?

All park user fees for camping are included in your registration fee.