Winter Getaway Directory

October-November 2004

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Barbara Rod Tait

Southern Waters

Central America/Caribbean      Florida      Hawaii      Mexico      South Pacific/Southeast Asia/New Zealand

Northern Waters

British Columbia       Washington



Southern Waters

Central America/Caribbean

Island Escapades  
Salt Spring Island – a mecca for travelers who enjoy music, art, theater, nature exploration and wildlife watching. Costa Rica – exotic plants, birds and animals, spectacular diverse scenery, enticing options to explore. Island Escapades – excellent customized eco-adventures far and near since 1991. Sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, snorkeling, Bed & Breakfast/Cottage getaways. Phone: 1-888-529-2567 or 250-537-2553  Web: www.islandescapades.com  Email: escapades@saltspring.com 

Island Expeditions  
Offers tropical sea kayak adventures, rainforest river descents, jungle treks, ceremonial cave explorations, and Mayan ruin excursions throughout Belize and Central America. Programs from 3 to 21 days, from expedition camping trips to island base camps, with a blend of luxury lodges and research centers. Call 1-800-667-1630 for free Belize Adventure Guide or visit  Web: www.islandexpeditions.com or belizekayaking.com 

Sea Kunga  
Sea Kayaking and multi-sport trips in Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba and Panama. Paddle and explore pristine cayes and amazing Rainforests. Snorkel in calm, reef-filled waters and relax on warm sandy beaches. Hike and Bike the rugged forests and mountains of Central America. Enjoy the local cuisine, music and culture. All 3 to 12-day trips fully outfitted, with experienced guides. Phone: 1-800-781-2269  Web: www.seakunga.com  Email: info@seakunga.com 

West Peak Inn  
Sea kayaking in the Bay Islands of Honduras. West Peak kayak trips around the remote and mountainous island of Guanaja offer paddlers an abundance of wilderness adventures. Hike the fresh water creeks and snorkel through colonies of colorful fish. For a serene getaway far from the tourist crowds, plan a visit to the tropical island of Guanaja. Phone: 831-786-0406  Web: www.westpeakinn.com  Email: westpeak@vena.com 

 


Florida

Adventure Outpost  
Manatee Encounters - Join author/naturalist Lars Andersen on a kayak/canoe encounter with the endangered Florida manatee. Tours offered every week from October thru April. We also lead guided tours, year-round, to over 40 north Florida rivers. Phone: 386-454-0611  Web: www.adventureoutpost.net 

 


Hawaii

Hawaii Pack and Paddle  
Hawaii kayak trips with snorkeling and hiking to places of ancient Hawaiian culture. Four or eight day trips combining kayak camping, snorkeling, hiking, B & B stay and hot lava viewing at the active volcano. Paddle in sea caves and to remote beaches. Camp on palm-fringed beach. Phone: 808-328-8911 Web: www.hawaiipackandpaddle.com  Email: gokayak@kona.net 

 


Mexico

Baja Outpost  
Kayaking and Eco-tours, multi day and day trips at Loreto National Marine Park. Additional activities include whale watching, snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain biking, cave painting. Open year around. Beautiful bungalows, gourmet food and wonderful Mexican charm. Phone toll free from U.S. & Canada: 1-888-649-5951  Web: www.bajaoutpost.com 

Gabriola Cycle & Kayak  
KAYAK BAJA, MEXICO - 6 to 10 day trips for fit, independent adventurers who like exercise, beach life and lots of freedom on their holidays. Paddle mostly single kayaks. You bring your own camping gear and a few group meals. 16th year in Mexico. November – April, from Loreto.  Web: www.gck.ca  Email: info@gck.ca 

Global Havens  
Dreaming of a vacation on the beach? Come stay in one of our private waterfront homes in Canada and Mexico. Ask about our preferred kayaking properties! Toll free: 1-888-848-2231 Web: www.globalhavens.com  Email: info@globalhavens.com 

Immersion Adventures  
LA MANZANILLA, JALISCO, MEXICO Discover La Costa Alegre with Immersion Adventures! Sea kayak and snorkel over coral reefs; paddle through mangrove lagoons and scenic rivers. Kayaks equipped for fishing and sailing. Bilingual naturalist guides and birding specialists. Superb food! Proceeds help local conservation efforts. We also offer birding and cultural tours, and rentals. Phone: U.S. 888-367-0355 (toll free) Mexico 011-52-315-351-5341
  Web: www.immersionadventures.com  Email: dave@immersionadventures.com 

Nahanni Wilderness Adventures  
Explore Baja's beautiful desert islands in the Sea of Cortez. Local guide/interpreters. Based at Villas de Loreto. Trips: November, Christmas, March. Phone: 888-897-5223  Web: www.nahanniwild.com  Email: adventures@nahanniwild.com 

Tofino Expeditions  
Runs week-long Baja sea kayaking trips from November through April. Paddle the Sierra Giganta Coast, Magdalena Bay and the islands of Bahia Loreto. Full service trips with a focus on natural history interpretation and great camp cuisine. Free catalogue: 800-677-0877 Web: www.tofino.com  Email: info@tofino.com 

Villas de Loreto  
Villas de Loreto – Baja's first 100% non smoking resort! Sea kayaking at its best! Phone: 011-52-613-135-0586  Web: www.villasdeloreto.com 

Wilderness Kayak Institute  
Runs week long expedition skills courses in Baja November through April. The courses emphasize kayaking skills development and cover a range of information and techniques applicable to paddling anywhere in the tropics. Phone: 877-724-1808 (toll free)  Web: www.wildernesskayak.net  Email: info@wildernesskayak.net 

 


South Pacific/Southeast Asia/New Zealand

Active New Zealand  
The experts in small group, guided adventure vacations can offer you a range of hiking, paddling and biking tours around New Zealand — check out our site now and register for your free brochure. Phone: 800-661-9073  Web: www.activenewzealand.com/wave  Email: nzactive@nzactive.com 

Friendly Islands Kayaking Co.  
Adventures in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific. Sea kayak the Vava'u and Ha'apai Islands. Experience Polynesian culture, natural history, exquisite snorkeling, idyllic beach camps and fine cuisine! Whale watch in Vava'u aboard purpose built vessel, Tropic Bird! Web: www.fikco.com or www.whalediscoveries.com 

John Gray's SeaCanoe  
Tropical kayaking pioneer John Gray's SeaCanoe, in Phuket has offered award winning natural history by sea kayak since 1983. Also South Thailand, North Vietnam, Philippines, Hawai'i, Fiji. Seen worldwide on CBC, PBS, National Geographic and more. Phone: (66-76) 254-505/6/7 Web: www.johngray-seacanoe.com  Email: info@johngray-seacanoe.com 

Natural High Adrenaline Dealers  
Operate tours in the world famous Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. Guided 1-5 day catered or uncatered tours, paddle & walk combos, Freedom rentals with all necessary equipment supplied. Phone: 64-3-5466936 Web: www.seakayaknewzealand.com  Email: chris@seakayaknewzealand.com 

Pacific Coast Kayaks  
Tongatu Road, Ngunguru, Tutukaka Coast. Half and full day tours, and world class multi-day expeditions in the clear subtropical waters of NZ’s South Pacific. Choose from adventure-kayaking to tranquil eco-tours, snorkeling, fishing and sightseeing tours. We offer exceptional guides, a full instruction service, and also rent kayaks and equipment for self-guided groups. A Full Member of SKOANZ. Phone: 09 434 4262 Web: www.nzseakayaking.co.nz  Email: info@nzseakayaking.co.nz 

PaddleAsia  
PaddleAsia offers a wide range of kayaking opportunities for all ages and skill levels. We use real kayaks, not sit-on-tops. PaddleAsia specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations in more remote regions of SE Asia. PaddleAsia is Southern Thailand's pioneering mountain climbing company. We offer everything from easy hikes to multi-day expeditions. Phone: 076 240952 Mobile phone (in country): 01 8936558
  Web: http://paddleasia.com  Email: paddler@paddleasia.com 

 

Northern Waters


British Columbia

Blue Vista Resort and Sea Kayaking, Mayne Island,  
For a winter getaway close to Vancouver and Victoria come to beautiful Mayne Island and the adjacent Gulf Island National Park Reserve. We offer cozy cottage accommodation, kayak rentals and guided day tours year round. Great winter rates and accommodation/kayaking packages are available. Great winter wildlife viewing too!! Web: www.bluevistaresort.com 

Casa Blanca by the Sea B&B & Kayak Rentals  
The perfect BC Winter Get Away. Situated on Gabriola Island's sunny south coast, Casa Blanca provides a superb kayaker's winter destination. The Gulf Islands boast Canada's mildest winters, and the protected waters around Gabriola supply endless exploration opportunities—seals, sea lions, otters, eagles, awesome wind-sculpted sandstone bluffs, and a hot tub overlooking the ocean to look forward to afterwards. Come visit us this winter. Phone: 250-247-9824 Web: www.island.net/~casablan  Email: casablan@island.net 

Global Havens  
Dreaming of a vacation on the beach? Come stay in one of our private waterfront homes in Canada and Mexico. Ask about our preferred kayaking properties! Toll free: 1-888-848-2231 Web: www.globalhavens.com  Email: info@globalhavens.com 

Gulf Islands Kayaking  
December through April winter getaways to a Costa Rican paradise. 18th year in Costa Rica. Lodge-based, protected waters in the morning, surf and sea stacks in the afternoon. Single hardshell kayaks. Headland, cove and estuary paddling. Side trips to Corcovado and Cano Island National Parks. Combine with 3-day mountain birding tours. Phone/fax: 250-539-2442 Web: www.seakayak.ca  Email: kayak@gulfislands.com 

Inn of the Sea  
Let the natural splendor of the scenery inspire and refresh you on your winter getaway. Feast your eyes on the regal trees of the rainforest. Gaze out over the sea and watch the unmatched colors of a dramatic sunset (or sunrise). Just 90 minutes from Victoria and 20 minutes from Nanaimo, the Inn of the Sea is set on 3.5 acres of picturesque waterfront on Vancouver Island overlooking British Columbia’s pristine Gulf Islands. Enjoy fully equipped one and two bedroom vacation accommodation in a natural paradise. Phone: 1-877-384-3456 Web: www.innoftheseavacations.com  Email: information@innoftheseavacations.com 

InnChanter  
Welcome aboard InnChanter where you will enjoy luxury accommodation and gourmet meals in a wilderness setting. InnChanter, a heritage vessel built in the 1920s and refitted to take you back to the era of her creation, has five staterooms, a salon with fireplace, a library and a 700 sq. ft. sun deck. Moored in Hotsprings Cove in the heart of Clayoquot Sound, a short boat or plane ride north of Tofino, BC. A leisurely two kilometer stroll through lush West Coast rainforest brings you to a natural hot spring which pours through a series of natural pools to the ocean. Enjoy paddling, hiking, diving and fishing. Phone: 250-670-1149 Web: www.innchanter.com 

Island Escapades  
Salt Spring Island – a mecca for travelers who enjoy music, art, theater, nature exploration and wildlife watching. Cost Rica – exotic plants, birds and animals, spectacular diverse scenery, enticing options to explore. Island Escapades – excellent customized eco-adventures far and near since 1991. Sea kayaking, sailing, hiking, snorkeling, Bed & Breakfast/Cottage getaways. Phone: 1-888-529-2567 or 250-537-2553  Web: www.islandescapades.com  Email: escapades@saltspring.com 

Kaymaran Adventure Tours Inc / Ladner Outdoor Stor  
The Lower Fraser River estuary/delta provides an intriguing and very accessible venue for winter day paddles (idea for beginners) in addition to being a renowned birding and wildlife viewing destination. Kaymaran Adventure Tours is located in the historic village of Ladner immediately south of the Massey Tunnel, about a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Retail paddlesports (authorized Necky dealer) and family cycling centre. Guided KayakTours, kayak and canoe rentals. Direct water access. Excellent eateries, accommodation as well as biking/walking opportunities. 4860 Chisholm Street, Delta, BC. Phone (store): (604) 946-5070  Web: www.kaymarantours.com  Email: los@dccnet.com Note: E-mail for Ladner Outdoor Store

Kingfisher Cove  
Escape winter in the moderate climate of the Canadian Southern Gulf Islands! A private, oceanfront cottage on 3.5 acres bordering a marine park, now part of the Southern Gulf Islands National Park. Dock and moorage. Perfect for bird and wildlife watching, kayaking, relaxing and studying the brilliant night skies. Cozy, comfortable and eco-sensitive. Phone: 604-228-8079 Web: www.kingfishercove.com 

Mason’s Lodge  
Masons Lodge together with Zeballos Expeditions makes a great fall or winter getaway. Located only two and half hours' drive from Campbell River, on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, comfortable lodgings, good food and year round kayak rentals attract people looking for outdoor adventure. Wildlife viewing and bird watching, mushroom picking and hiking are just a few of the possibilities that you can enjoy in the Zeballos area. Ask about our winter getaway packages.
Phone: 250-761-4044 Toll free: 1-866-222-2235 Web: www.masonslodge.zeballos.bc.ca or www.zeballosexpeditions.com  Email: kayaks@telus.net 

Page’s Resort & Marina  
Page’s Resort & Marina on Silva Bay, near Gabriola Passage and the Flat Top Islands, offers furnished, self-catering cottages, with one or two bedrooms, kitchen, living-room, fireplace, and deck. Moorage and fuel for boats, space for kayaks. Children and pets welcome. From CDN$85. per night. Phone: 250-247-8931 Web: www.pagesresort.com  Email: mail@pagesresort.com 

Saturna Lodge  
Saturna Lodge is an elegant yet casual country inn with individually appointed rooms featuring water and garden views, private decks and ensuite baths, as well as a superb restaurant, spacious deck overlooking Boot Cove, lounge and private dining or conference area, with fireplace, sofas and satellite TV. Open mid-March to December 31st. Phone: 1-888-539-8800 Web: www.saturna.ca  Email: innkeeper@saturna.ca 

Zeballos Expeditions  
Masons Lodge together with Zeballos Expeditions makes a great fall or winter getaway. Located only two and half hours' drive from Campbell River, on the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, comfortable lodgings, good food and year round kayak rentals attract people looking for outdoor adventure. Wildlife viewing and bird watching, mushroom picking and hiking are just a few of the possibilities that you can enjoy in the Zeballos area. Ask about our winter getaway packages.
Phone: 250-761-4044 Toll free: 1-866-222-2235  Web: www.masonslodge.zeballos.bc.ca or www.zeballosexpeditions.com  Email: kayaks@telus.net 

 


Washington State

Willows Inn  
The Willows Inn is the perfect place for winter kayaking. Great near shore destinations are within an hour's paddle, such as Lummi Rocks and Clark Island. Return to cozy rooms, a warm fire, and a relaxing hot tub, and stare out into the watery great beyond from our covered deck while you sip a glass of wine. Phone: 360-758-2620 or 888-294-2620 Web: www.willows-inn.com