Before You Go
Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching
Overview
Trip Snapshot
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, and sometimes the weather. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the exact dates of your trip.
| MEETING PLACE: | La Paz, Mexico |
| MEETING TIME: | Anytime on day 1 |
| RETURN TIME: | Day 11 for flights home (morning flights from La Paz or afternoon flights from San Jose del Cabo |
| TRIP LENGTH: | 11 days/10 nights |
| ACTIVITIES: | Whale watching, sea kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and nature walks |
Itinerary at a Glance
Please be advised that the Espiritu Santo Island and the Magdalena Bay portions of your trip may be reversed.
Day 1
Make your way to La Paz and check in to the Posada LunaSol hotel. The ride from the airport in La Paz to the hotel takes approximately 20 minutes; the ride from San Jose del Cabo takes about 3 hours. The evening is yours to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants.
Day 2
Enjoy an early breakfast and orientation with our guides at the hotel’s cafe. Any rental items you need can be collected and paid for this morning. Please plan ahead and have U.S. dollars for the rental cost, as credit card transactions may not be available at times.
Then, the group will transfer by motorized boat to the island of Espiritu Santo (approximately 2 hours).
Days 3 – 10
Sea kayaking and whale watching. Refer to the trip page for a detailed sample itinerary.
Please note: On days 6 and 10, we’ll return to La Paz. The remainder of both days are yours to explore the town on your own. The guides and hotel staff are able to offer suggestions for destinations and restaurants for dinner.
Day 11
You may depart anytime on day 11. If you’re flying out of San Jose del Cabo, an afternoon departure will allow time to get there. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight departure time.
Included in Your Trip Cost
- Skilled, professional guide service provided by our affiliate operator
- 7 nights catered camping
- 3 nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- High-quality double (tandem) sea kayaks & related equipment
- Personal flotation device (PFD) which must be worn at all times in compliance with safety regulations
- All meals from breakfast days 2 – 9, excluding dinner on days 5 & 8
- 2-person walk-in tent on a shared basis (there is an additional charge for a private tent)
- Sleeping cot with pad and pillow
- Camp chairs
- Eating utensils, cups, and plates
- Transfers as listed in the itinerary
- 27-oz Klean Kanteen water bottle
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Flights to and from La Paz or San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
- Roundtrip ground transportation between San Jose del Cabo and La Paz
- Airport transfers
- Single hotel room supplement and/or single tent supplement
- Sleeping bag for camping (sleeping cot, pad, and pillow are provided)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins, and wetsuit)
- Single sea kayak (for exclusive use of a single kayak, inquire with your OARS Adventure Consultant)
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
- Alcoholic beverages (other than happy hour) or sodas
- Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
- Gratuities
Single Hotel Room & Single Tent Supplement
Single supplements must be prepaid. If you are a single traveler and willing to share we will waive the single supplement if we’re able to pair you with another traveler of the same gender.
Rentals
Rental items can be collected, tried on, and paid for on the morning of itinerary day 2. There is an ample supply and various sizes of rental gear, so you do NOT need to advise of your rental preferences in advance. Please plan ahead and have U.S. dollars for the rental cost.
- Sleeping bag: $20
- Snorkel gear: $20 (includes mask, snorkel & fins)
- Mask & snorkel or fins: $15 individually
- Wetsuit: $20 (3mm with short legs & long sleeves; highly recommended for trips late November through April)
Getting Ready
Pre-Trip Checklist
☐ Purchase Travel Protection: In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can learn more about the plan we highly recommend and get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
☐ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 90 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.
☐ Reserve flights, shuttles, and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable. It is important to make reservations early as rooms may be limited during peak travel periods.
☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90 days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.
River Runners’ Responsibility Code
1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip.; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
8. Minimize your impact on the environment.
9. Wear the issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
10. Your children are your responsibility!
Essential Travel Documents
Passports
If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately because the process can be lengthy. If you do have a passport, find it and check the expiration date to see that it is valid for at least the duration of your planned stay in Mexico. Make a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and carry it separately from your passport. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with your emergency contact at home. If your passport is lost or stolen, a photocopy will help the local consulate speed up authorization for replacement. Also, check your passport for blank pages. If you do not have at least two blank pages in your passport, we recommend that you apply to have extra pages added.
Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. You may be asked for your papers at various times during the trip. If you are carrying a customs form, please keep it in a safe place at all times (we do not recommend carrying it in the passport because you often must submit the passport at hotels, where reception clerks can easily lose the form).
Visas
Visas are not required for US citizens to enter Mexico. For non-US citizens please check with the consulate.
Upon arrival in Mexico, you will go through customs. Your airline will give you a tourist card to complete while on your flight. Be sure that you have signed both copies of this form. Please have this document and your passport available for the customs officer. Keep your copy of this form in a safe place; you will need it to exit Mexico and return to the U.S.
Minors traveling with one parent or a guardian MUST have a notarized letter of consent from the other/both parents to take the minor out of the country.
Travel Arrangements
You should make arrangements to arrive in La Paz, Mexico on or before day 1 of your trip. Final information with details regarding your hotel will be sent approximately two weeks before your trip.
GETTING TO LA PAZ
Nonstop flights to La Paz (LAP) are offered by American Airlines, from Dallas, and from Phoenix. The most popular option is to fly to San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and take a 3-hour shuttle to La Paz. The other option is to connect through Mexico City (MEX). Numerous airlines fly direct between North American cities and the airport in Cabo (Cabo is also referred to as Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, and San Jose del Cabo–where the airport is actually located). Airlines include Air Canada, Alaska, American, Frontier, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, United, Virgin America, and WestJet. Airlines offering flights from Mexico City to La Paz include Aeromexico, Volaris, and Interjet.
Let us know if you’d like assistance with arranging your international flight logistics. Our partners at Exito Travel specialize in international destinations and we’d be happy to obtain a quote from them on your behalf.
Please do not purchase airfare until your departure has been confirmed by the minimum number of required guests.
Transportation between Cabo and La Paz:
- Shared shuttle service: Eco Baja Tours is an inexpensive, reliable, and efficient shuttle service. They operate several daily shuttles between the Cabo airport and the La Paz malecon, a short cab ride to the hotel. The cost is about $35/person one-way and takes approximately 3 hours.
- Private shuttle service: OARS can assist with arranging a private shuttle between the Cabo airport and La Paz. Prices are based on the number of guests.
- Local bus service: If you are already in the area, you can take the public Aguila bus to La Paz from local bus stations. Please allow plenty of time and flexibility.
- Flights: Service into La Paz is offered by Aereo Calafia. However, flights depart from Cabo San Lucas (CSL), not San Jose del Cabo (SJD).
- Car Rentals: It is possible to rent a car and drive to La Paz. Several major car rental agencies are represented in Cabo and La Paz, along with some local ones.
PRE- AND POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
This trip includes hotel accommodations for the nights of itinerary days 1, 6, and 10. If you plan to arrive early or stay late, OARS can assist in booking a pre- or post-trip stay at the hotel we use in La Paz.
If you decide to fly into San Jose del Cabo, you can stay near the airport or travel to Cabo San Lucas, a resort town at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, approximately 25 miles south of San Jose del Cabo.
Useful Information
Time ZoneS
Baja is located in the same international time zone as US Mountain Time (UTC/GMT -7 hours).
Money Matters
ATMs are available but can be unreliable. Many shops and restaurants accept US dollars but this can vary depending on where you are. Once in La Paz, you may want some pesos for purchases around town. You can change your dollars into pesos at the airport and banks (closed on weekends and holidays). Please note, no more than US$300 can be changed into pesos per month at the banks.
The closest ATM to our hotel in La Paz is about seven blocks away. Therefore, you may want to use an ATM or exchange money at the airport prior to your arrival.
The amount of cash you bring is subject to how much you plan to spend on meals that are not included, services in town, shopping, and tipping. We recommend bringing a minimum of at least $300 cash. Please keep in mind you might want to bring twice that much if you plan to generously tip your guides, as well as spend money on equipment rentals at our office, meals, drinks, and souvenirs in town. Traveler’s checks are not recommended as they are difficult to cash.
Health & Medical Info
Although we do not require any immunizations to participate, it is important that you be up-to-date on several standard immunizations and that you check with your physician prior to departure. The CDC also is a good resource for recommendations pertaining to international travel immunizations.
CPAP Machine
If you require the use of a CPAP machine and intend to bring one with you, be sure to alert your OARS Adventure Consultant prior to your trip to let us know the dimensions of the machine, description of battery(s), and any protective case(s). Travel-sized CPAPs are readily available and often come with a battery kit. You must assess the power needs of your CPAP and bring the battery(s) needed to operate it for each night of your travels. We’re typically able to accommodate the transportation of your machine and accessories on the trip; however, please understand that despite efforts to protect your equipment we can’t guarantee your machine and accessories won’t suffer water or impact damage and therefore we recommend additional protective case(s) for your machine & accessories.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan, and many allergy-restricted diets. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu.
We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep, and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone as it relates to safety, including the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy. Also, due to the constraints of cooking for a large group in a wilderness setting, the availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes).
BEVERAGES/WATER
Don’t drink water from the tap in Mexico. We carry sufficient drinking water along with us to provide for your needs throughout the trip. Water jugs are accessible in camp, at lunchtime, and before hikes for filling personal water bottles. Fresh drinking water is also available at the hotel, located in drinking containers in various locations. We recommend when you are out and about on your own that you drink bottled water.
Beverages / Alcohol
You will have the opportunity to purchase your own favorite soft drinks or alcohol prior to leaving for Magdalena Bay and Espiritu Santo Island. Our crew will chill your daily choice of beverages in the drink cooler each day during the trip. Sunset each evening is celebrated with happy hour, in which a cocktail is provided. You might have ice-cold, freshly squeezed lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila, or fresh pineapple and coconut-laden piña coladas.
BATHING
On Espiritu Santo Island, a solar shower is set up on the beach at camp for rinsing off the salt after you bathe in the sea with biodegradable soap. At Magdalena Bay, solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls.
THE PORTABLE TOILET
While the idea of a camping trip is appealing to most people, many are inhibited or reluctant because of modesty or uncertainty. To minimize our impacts, we carry out all solid human waste and use a portable toilet system. It is basically a small self-contained toilet basin that even uses water to flush. It is placed in a secluded spot a discrete distance from tent sites at each camp and is available from the time you arrive until you depart. Toilet paper and a convenient hand-washing station are provided.
POWER / ELECTRICITY
Mexico’s electrical system is the same as in the U.S. and uses the same type of plugs.
On most trips, we are able to provide charging for your electronics on our skiffs with a standard power strip (for use only in the daytime), and/or at camp in the common area using our solar panels or generators. You may want to consider bringing your own personal sources of power, but it isn’t necessary. We advise cell phones be kept on airplane mode to conserve battery life as there isn’t reliable cell reception.
Cameras
In addition to your regular camera case, we recommend using extra protection such as zip-lock plastic bags, a waterproof camera case, or a small day dry bag in the kayak, with padding. Water and dust can be a problem—so clean your camera every night with tissue, a brush, and lens paper. We strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover your camera—especially if it’s fine equipment. Make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries, and any other extras you will need.
Electronics & Technology
The use of electronic devices, especially music players and flying drones, on your trip may represent an intrusion into the wilderness experience of your fellow guests. We ask that you please be mindful of the impacts on others and respect the wilderness nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip and leave your drone at home.
Many of our guests travel with their smartphones even though there is limited or no cell service. On a trip like this, there is always the risk of water damage to smartphones and other electronic devices, even when they are stowed in a dry bag. If you intend to take your phone with you on the trip, consider investing in a small, waterproof case just for your phone.
Communication
Once you are on the trip there is limited communication with the “outside world.” Cell phone service is not always available. Our guides are able to use cell phones in many places for emergency service and in other situations communicate by marine band radio on the boats. If you have someone that needs to contact you about an emergency at home, they should call our office (800-346-6277) and we will relay the message to you. Keep in mind the message may not reach you immediately. For your family at home, you should define for them what you consider an emergency and provide them with instructions to call our office in the event one occurs during your vacation.
Fishing
We offer fishing as a side activity on the Sea of Cortez portion, not on the Magdalena Bay whale-watching excursion. Fishing on our kayak trips is done by trolling behind a motorized skiff (two rods at a time) from one to two hours before breakfast on certain mornings or from your kayak. If you want to fish, please come prepared with your own lures. We can supply a rod & reel, but you may prefer your own. Medium to small minnow-type, sinking lures are suggested such as a Rebel jointed Fastrac or mid-size Rapala Magnums (4.5 to 5 inches or 9-12 cm in length). Suggested colors include blue/silver, black/silver, black/gold, green mackerel/gold, or blue mackerel/silver.
The best fishing season in Baja is summer through fall. Therefore the best months for fishing on our sea kayak trips are October and November. Typical catches during these months include tuna, dorado, and sea bass. During winter months sierra mackerel are commonly caught. Spring provides varied options for catching a variety of fish depending on where you are and what lures you use.
Fishing permits are required for anyone age 13 or older who plans to fish. This includes fishing from our motorized skiff or your kayak. You can obtain a fishing permit in La Paz or can arrange it in advance online. Be sure you print your license and carry it with you.
Weather
We recommend checking one week before your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast for La Paz. Being properly prepared for weather variations is an important factor in fully enjoying your trip.
Average Air Temperatures in La Paz
| High (F°) | Low (F°) | |
| January | 78 | 56 |
| February | 82 | 56 |
| March | 87 | 58 |
Packing for Your Trip
We want you to be prepared and comfortable for your trip. Below you’ll find some general tips for how to dress and what to pack and a comprehensive packing checklist. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.
Clothing
During the day—Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and a synthetic or Merino wool shirt as a base layer if temperatures are cool. Additional layers for sun protection or insulation can be added and subtracted depending on the weather and temperature.
In camp—When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/skirts or shorts and shirts make great camp wear. Anytime the forecast calls for cool evenings and cold nights, a dry set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater.
Footwear
During the day—The best all-around choice is a sport sandal with a heel strap or an amphibious sport shoe. Sand and small pebbles will get into whatever shoe you wear. Sand in aqua shoes and semi-closed water shoes is difficult to remove and your feet remain wet inside, so most of us prefer open water/river sandals with no siding. When worn loosely, sand and pebbles are easily removed by rinsing your feet in the sea. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.
In camp—We recommend footwear with a sturdy sole due to the risk of kicking a rock buried in the sand or stepping on a sharp stick. Athletic shoes or light hikers you bring for hiking can double as your camp shoes. Flip flops or slip-on sandals or OK, but provide less protection.
If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first!
Headwear
During the day—Wide-brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. You may prefer a ball cap to wear.
In camp—When the weather is cool, you’ll want a beanie-style hat to wear in camp. They are the perfect remedy for bed-head as you rise from your sleeping bag to secure your morning cup of coffee or tea, or for retaining warmth in the evening hours after the sun sets.
To Avoid Being Cold
Synthetic or merino wool long underwear is a must-have on winter (Dec-early Mar) kayak trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather.
Rain Gear
Rain gear protects you from rain, wind, and the splash while kayaking. It is one of the essential items that all passengers should have no matter what time of year they are traveling. Look for a jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as secure closures around your head, neck, and wrists. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Lightweight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are also a must.
Please consider using reef-friendly sunscreen (sunscreens containing oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or octocrylene kill corals in even tiny doses). Please check the ingredients and respect Baja’s corals.
Bugs & Mosquitoes
Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. Due to the dry desert nature of Baja, it does not tend to be buggy. However, some years have sufficient precipitation to support mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent just in case.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size Ziploc™ bags. These bags can store products during the day while you are on the river. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of in the trash at lunch or camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies.
Sleeping Gear
You can either bring your own sleeping bag or you can rent one from us.
Packing List
Equipment and Personal Items
☐ Sleeping bag (available for rent)
☐ Day pack or small dry bag (for hikes and/or keeping items in your kayak)
☐ Water bottle: durable and reusable (if you bring two you can keep one cold in a cooler)
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing spare batteries)
☐ Polarized sunglasses with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Quick-drying towel (such as those made by Rumpl) and washcloth
☐ Beach towel
☐ Toiletries
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)\
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are generally not a problem, but it’s always best to be prepared.
☐ Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities
Footwear
☐ Amphibious shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®); “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Athletic shoes or light hikers
☐ Hiking socks
Clothing
☐ Long-sleeved shirts: lightweight; for sun protection
☐ Long pants: lightweight; for sun protection
☐ Shade hat and/or visor or ball cap with securing strap
☐ Rain jacket & pants
☐ Swimwear: tankinis and board shorts are a great option
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 2-3 pairs for camp and in town
☐ T-shirts/tops: 4
☐ Lightweight fleece jacket and/or sweatshirt
☐ Casual town clothes
Additional Essentials (December – Early March Trips)
☐ Set of lightweight synthetic or Merino wool long underwear, top and bottom
☐ Heavy fleece top or insulated jacket
☐ Warm hat
Optional Items
☐ Snorkel gear (available for rent)
☐ Wetsuit (available for rent)
☐ Small, day-use dry bag (for personal items in your kayak)
☐ Paddling gloves (for sun protection and warmth)
☐ Kayak seat pad (particularly for shorter individuals, to increase height in the cockpit)
☐ Sarong or sundress: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels
☐ Small bags: stuff sacks, zip locks, or similar for organizing items in your travel bag
☐ Binoculars
☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Earplugs (for the nights in La Paz, to reduce noise coming from town)
Packing Your Gear
Pack light! We prefer not to overload our boats with lots of excess baggage. For example, bring a small to mid-sized duffel (approximately 14″x14″x24″) for clothing and personal items. If bringing your own sleeping bag, bring another duffel of similar size for your sleeping bag, pad, and pillow OR you can combine them into one larger duffel (approximately 18″x18″x35″). Plus you will want to bring a small day pack or dry bag for extra clothing, water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera to have with you daily. If you bring your own snorkel gear and wetsuit, that may be yet another bag you have while on the trip.
Extra Luggage
Items you do not want to bring to Espiritu Santo Island or to Magdalena Bay may be left at the hotel in La Paz.
Valuables
We recommend that you leave your valuables at home. While on the trip you can store your passport, wallet, and other items in your duffel or leave items at the hotel in La Paz.
HELPFUL LINKS
- Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore and 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.
Reminders
GRATUITIES
Tipping is optional but appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, who will then distribute them appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff. If you plan to tip, plan ahead and have cash – either US dollars or Mexican Pesos.
SOMETHING VOLUNTARY
In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1 per person per day donation to Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waterways worldwide. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to worldwide watershed protection, and your contribution is tax-deductible. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations and Deposits
A $500/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
| 90 or more days before your trip | Deposit |
| 89 – 60 days before your trip | 50% of the trip cost |
| 59 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.
We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
Canceled Trips
OARS International and the outfitter Sea & Adventures, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 30 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS International trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Travel Protection
Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Learn more about the plan we recommend.
Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.
In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
Liability Release / Assumption of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release/assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS International’s cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
Responsibility – An Important Notice
O.A.R.S. International, Inc., Sea & Adventures, Inc., and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which they have no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in sea kayaking, particularly during rough water conditions. Sea kayaks, skiffs, or other boats do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We are experienced in accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. However, we need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips.
OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.
Sea & Adventures, Inc.
Sea & Adventures, Inc., a travel partner of OARS. International, is the operator of this trip. A representative will meet you at the start of the trip and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.
