A stunning geological panorama unfolds as we paddle past the cliffs and mountains that lie just beyond the shoreline. The fiery volcanic history of this region is revealed in multi-colored layers of pastel sediments towering skyward. Traveling along this pristine coast, we'll encounter only a few small fishing villages. From our beach camps, we'll be able to see a wild country filled with spectacular desert landscapes and a fascinating array of native plants and animals. The natural history in this region of Baja is outstanding and our expert naturalist will be there to help you understand some of the mysteries!

We invite you to join us on an exciting sea kayak exploration along the eastern shoreline of the Sea of Cortez. This is your opportunity to travel back in time to the coastal Baja of 30 years ago - unhurried, pristine and muy bonita! We are delighted to offer this wonderful adventure and look forward to sharing the excitement of this tour with you.

We meet in the quaint fishing town of Loreto, on the Sea of Cortez. From there we'll travel by van and skiff to our launch site at Agua Verde. This is a supported trip and skiffs or "pangas," as they are called in Baja, accompany us as we paddle. Besides providing a greater margin of safety and a resting spot for tired paddlers, the pangas carry all of our camping gear, fresh food and drinking water. Our kayaks will be light and fast, allowing us to paddle approximately 3-5 hours per day.

The turquoise water is an inviting friend after a day's paddle. With mask and snorkel we will be able to observe the fabulous underwater display of rock formations, coral beds, schools of tropical fish and even an old ship wreck. If we're lucky, sea lions, dolphins and whales may also be sighted. The Sea of Cortez is truly a world class marine sanctuary.

This sea kayak trip differs from our other Baja trips in that there is more emphasis on paddling. Weather permitting, we will usually be moving camp to a different beach location every day. We rate this trip suitable for beginners through advanced paddlers and we provide instruction in both double and single kayaks throughout the trip. While sea kayaking doesn't take a great amount of physical strength, it does require upper body stamina. If you are in reasonable shape and used to regular exercise, you will do fine on this trip, and the panga always goes last for a ride if you tire.

Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned Baja traveler, this exceptional sea kayak tour is waiting for you. Here is your chance to actively explore a pristine coastline with crystal clear water and deserted beaches few have ever seen. This is a sea kayaking adventure!

DAY 1: Travel day, arrive in Loreto and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore this charming little town. We will meet the group in the evening (time to be announced) in the hotel lobby for a trip orientation.

DAY 2: After transporting everyone to Agua Verde we launch our kayaks and begin the southward journey along the Baja coast, camping on secluded beaches each night.

DAYS 3-7: Welcome to "Baja Time," with spectacular sunrises, enjoyable hours on the water in our sea kayaks (approx. 3-5 hours per day), fishing, snorkeling, a relaxing happy hour, great food, an outrageous sunset and good conversation ...a hard schedule, but we can handle it!

DAY 8: Return to La Paz, lunch on route, check into the hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore La Paz. That evening we invite you to join us for a festive farewell dinner (restaurant meals are not included in the price of the trip).

DAY 9: Departure flights leave La Paz.

ITINERARY CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL OR BY DISCRETION OF GROUP LEADERS.

DATES & PRICES FOR BAJA SEA KAYAK LORETO TO LA PAZ

TRIP DATES: 9 Days
Oct. 9 - 17, 2010
Oct. 30-Nov. 7, 2010 - Chuck and Judy Nichols accompany this tour

TRIP PRICE: $1,350 (double occupancy). If you are traveling alone and willing to share a room, we will make every effort to pair you up with a single of the same sex.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS: Hotel rooms - to reserve a single hotel room or if we are unable to pair you with someone, you will be charged a single supplement of $115 (this also includes a single tent for the trip). Single kayaks - to reserve a single sea kayak for the trip, there is an additional charge of $50. There are a limited number of single kayaks we can bring on the trip. Single tents - to reserve a single tent, there is an additional charge of $25.

TRIP COST INCLUDES: Two night's hotel lodging (double occupancy) in Loreto on Day 1 and La Paz on Day 8, all land and water transportation from Loreto to La Paz, all meals on the kayak trip (lunch Day 2 to lunch Day 8), guides, kayaking equipment, double occupancy tents and support skiffs.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Round-trip airfare from the US to Baja, restaurant meals, taxis, airport tax or gratuities for the Mexican staff (which we suggest 5-10% of the trip cost to be divided among the Mexican staff).

TRAVEL INFORMATION: THIS TRIP BEGINS IN LORETO AND ENDS IN LA PAZ. MAKE SURE YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY IS CORRECT!

WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS SEA KAYAK TRIP? You can expect a spirited mixture of singles and couples in their 20's to 70's from all corners of the US and a few international locations as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous domestic and international tours in the past. The ability range within most groups spans from novice to experienced paddlers, and everyone seems to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors and an active lifestyle. We will gladly supply references and the make-up of any trip that you are interested in joining.

ARE CHARTER TRIPS AVAILABLE? You bring the people and we'll take care of all the details! All of our sea kayaking, mountain biking, rafting and hiking tours can be chartered. We can also create a custom itinerary for your group with custom dates, trip amenities, special activities, etc. Call us to schedule your next trip 800-648-8488.

THE GUIDES: Our Baja staff includes an expert bilingual naturalist and an experienced Mexican crew, many of whom grew up on the Sea of Cortez. You’ll have a great time, feel well cared for, and this will be an unforgettable vacation.

HOW DIFFICULT IS SEA KAYAKING? This tour is designed with experienced paddlers in mind. You should be in good general health and accustomed to regular exercise, as sea kayaking requires a reasonable amount of stamina and upper body strength. We will provide kayak instruction and will be using double kayaks. Paddling with a partner in a double kayak is great fun and also allows pairing people of different strengths and abilities. We will be paddling approximately 3-5 hours per day and there is always room to ride in the support boat if you get tired.

SUPPORT BOAT: 20-foot skiffs accompany each trip for two main reasons - safety and convenience. We think this margin of safety is vital for beginners or those who tire easily. The skiffs bring up the rear, out of earshot, so they don't interfere with the tranquility of the daily adventures, and all of our camping gear travels in them so we are free to paddle lighter boats.

WEATHER: Spring and fall are the most ideal times for enjoying the Sea of Cortez. Fall trips (Oct & Nov) offer warm water (80 degrees F), good visibility for great snorkeling. Daytime highs in the 80's and 90's and little chance of rain or strong wind. An added attraction on fall trips is the opportunity to observe the Baja desert in bloom which follows the rainy season of August and September. Spring trips (Mar, Apr & May) offer 68-75 degrees F waters with warm calm days and air temps are in the mid 80's to 90.

DO I NEED TO EXCHANGE MONEY? Many restaurants in Loreto and La Paz do not accept credit cards. There is an ATM machine in La Paz. US dollars (not coins) are accepted at most establishments, but you will probably receive change in pesos. We recommend bringing at least $200 in US cash (more if you are a shopper!) in an assortment of denominations ($1, $5, $10 & $20's) to use for shopping, equipment rentals, restaurant meals, tipping guides and other incidentals.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? For the Mexican staff on the kayak trip (usually 5-6 people) we suggest 10% of the trip cost, which will be divided among the staff. We suggest 10-15% for good service in restaurants and a small amount for baggage and taxi workers (a good use for the $1 bills).

LANGUAGE: It is not necessary to be able to speak Spanish to get along in Baja, but it can be lots of fun, and the Mexican crew can always help you with the finer points of the language.

CAMPING FACILITIES: We'll be camping on white sand beaches in beautiful coves. A large shade tarp is set up for taking breaks from the noonday sun and at camp. Chairs are provided. The trip cost includes a quality 3-person tent that’s nice and roomy for two adults.

BATHING AND TOILET FACILITIES: Bathing is accomplished by first lathering-up in the salt water with saltwater biodegradable soap and then a quick rinse with fresh water from the solar shower. You might also consider bringing baby wipe towelettes for in-tent “bathing.” The toilet is a porta-potty system that is self-contained and uses water to flush. It is placed in a secluded spot at each camp and is available from the time you arrive until you depart.

HOW IS THE FOOD? We serve great food and there is plenty of it! Meals are a combination of the best of American and Mexican cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. Barbecued chicken, fresh fish Vera Cruz style, grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of Mexican salsas, plus fresh soups and salads are just a few examples of our tasty menu. Vegetarian and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice to store fresh produce and indulge in luxuries such as cold sodas, juice and beer. Each evening we serve a cocktail and appetizer for "happy hour" so you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular Baja sunset while sipping something cold.

EQUIPMENT:

ARE CAMPING GEAR RENTALS AVAILABLE? The trip cost includes a quality 3-person tent that’s nice and roomy for two adults. Please make sure to list all equipment rentals on your TRIP APPLICATION FORM. You will pay for these rentals when you pick them up in Baja on the first morning of the trip with cash or traveler's checks - sorry, no credit cards.
Tents (double occupancy) are provided.

Private tent - $25
Sleeping bag & Thermarest sleeping pad - $25
Sleeping bag or pad separately - $15
Snorkel package of mask, fins & snorkel - $15
Mask, fins or snorkel may be rented separately - $10/each
Wetsuits - $15 (wetsuits are highly recommended for trips Nov through May)

KAYAK EQUIPMENT: Double kayaks will be used on this trip. The kayaks come complete with lightweight paddles, PFDs (personal flotation devices otherwise known as a lifejacket) and a nylon spray skirt. If you are particularly tall (over 6'2") or large (over 200 pounds) please let us know in advance so we will have the correct kayak for you. It may be possible to reserve a single kayak for experienced paddlers for $50.

DO I NEED A DRY BAG? A large dry bag for your clothing is optional, as your gear will be transported from camp to camp by skiff, not in the kayaks. However, we do suggest bringing a small dry bag or a day pack lined with a sturdy plastic bag to keep personal items handy such as a camera and dry clothes when kayaking or riding in the skiffs.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage capacity or film than you think you need. A portable hard drive may be the answer for digital storage. MAKE SURE YOUR BATTERIES ARE NEW! Also bring spare batteries, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush and a clean toothbrush to remove sand. For larger cameras we suggest a waterproof case or diver's dry box. Ziploc freezer bags are fine for small point and shoot cameras, but bring extras in case of leaks. Also, toss in a few silica gel packets to help control moisture.

FISHING GEAR: We offer fishing only on the Sea of Cortez portion of the trip. There are red snapper, mahi mahi (dorado), rooster fish, mackerel, trigger fish and several species of tuna that live in the Sea of Cortez. We have some fishing rods to share with the group, but YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN LURES. Fishing is done by trolling behind the skiff (two rods at a time) before breakfast on certain mornings or from your kayak (with your own fishing rod). IF YOU REALLY ENJOY FISHING, BRING YOUR OWN ROD AND LURES. You'll need medium-heavy spin tackle with 20-25 lb. line for trolling from a kayak and bottom fishing. For trolling from the skiff we suggest a stout rod and open face reel equipped with 30 - 40 lb. line. Lures should be large ocean types - rubber squid (white, red and purple), 4-5" Rapala Magnums or jointed Rebel Fastracs (red/orange, orange/yellow, blue/silver, black/gold, green mackerel/ or blue mackerel/silver) and large colorful spoons. They should all be rigged with steel leaders, and stainless swivels and snaps. Bring extra swivels, snaps and hooks to rebuild lures and a case to protect your rod(s). Note: Fishing equipment is very expensive in Mexico, so buy what you need in the states.

TRAVEL INFO & TIPS:

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, arrive at the starting point of your trip a day or two early. Many have told us this was one of the most important things they did to get ready for their trip. They felt rested and more acquainted with the customs and pace of life of their new surroundings

TRAVEL INFORMATION: THIS TRIP BEGINS IN LORETO AND ENDS IN LA PAZ. MAKE SURE YOUR TRAVEL ITINERARY IS CORRECT! The airlines that fly to both Loreto (LTO) and La Paz (LAP) are AeroMexico (800-237-6639) and Alaska Airlines (800-252-7522). Because flight schedules change periodically we suggest reconfirming your flight 7 days prior to your trip.

ENTERING MEXICO: You will need PROOF OF UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP (a passport, voter's registration or notarized copy of your birth certificate - a driver's license is not adequate). Make sure your PASSPORT IS VALID for the DURATION OF YOUR TOUR. Before you enter Baja, you will fill out a TOURIST CARD (you get it from the airlines or on your flight). You must keep the TOURIST CARD for the DURATION OF YOUR STAY IN MEXICO. You will turn in your TOURIST CARD at the airport before leaving Baja, so KEEP IT WITH YOUR PASSPORT and DON’T LOOSE IT!

TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control. For international flights, it is necessary to arrive 2 hours prior to departure. If you miss your flight and we need to provide a special shuttle for you to meet up with the group, you will be responsible to pay for all extra costs.

LODGING:

HOTEL SUGGESTIONS BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR TRIP: If you choose to arrive in Loreto prior to the trip or stay in La Paz after the trip, you will need to make hotel reservations. Below are our favorites.

HOTEL LODGING DURING THE TRIP: We will be staying at the Hotel La Pinta in Loreto on the first night of the trips and at the Hotel Posada Luna Sol in La Paz on the last night of the trip.

Hotel Suggestions in Loreto:

Desert Inn (4 Stars) restaurant-bar, swimming pool, private beach Phone: (800)542-3283. E-mail: reservations@DesertInns.com, www.desertinns.com/Loreto

Oasis Hotel (4 Stars) restaurant-bar, swimming pool, private beach, tennis court, price including breakfast, lunch & dinner Phone: (613) 135-0211 Fax: (613) 135-0795 e-mail: loreto.oasis@loretoweb.com.mx, www.hoteloasis.com

Villas de Loreto Hotel (4 Stars) 100% no smoking, B+B, A/C, Price including continental breakfast and use of bikes, Phone: (613)135-0586 Fax: (613) 135-0586 e-mail:villasdeloreto@loretoweb.com, www.loretomexico.com/loreto/hotels/villasdeloreto.htm

Plaza Loreto Hotel (3 Stars) In down town, colonial style Phone: (613) 135-0280 Fax: (613) 135-0855 e-mail: none

Motel El Moro (2 Stars) RV park, with 8 rooms, TV, A/C, Phone: (613) 135-0542 Fax: (613) 135-0542 e-mail: None

Jun'pero Hotel (2 Stars) Rate: In down town Phone: (613) 135-0028, e-mail: None

Hotels in La Paz:

Hotel Posada Luna Sol - 800-355-7140, (from La Paz) 123-0559 / This is a quaint Mexican Inn, reasonably priced and convenient to downtown and the Bay of La Paz. It has a warm friendly atmosphere where both English and Spanish are spoken, and our kayak trip will finish here.

La Concha Beach Resort – 800-999-2252, Fax: 619-294-7366, E-mail: laconcha@juno.com, Website: www.laconcha.com / A four-star hotel located on the beach north of La Paz with a beautiful pool and gardens.

Posada Santa Fe - 011-52-612-125-5871, E-mail: quintasol@baja.net.mx, Website: www.quintasol.com/posadasantafe / A romantic hacienda style bed and breakfast inn with a small pool, located near the water on the Malecon.

Hotel Lorimar - 011-52-612-125-3822 / Hotel Lorimar is tucked away off the main street and is a clean, comfortable hotel for the budget traveler.

SUGGESTED READING:

Baja California Plant & Field Guide, Roberts, N., La Jolla Natural History Publishing Co. Marine Animals of Baja California: A Guide to the Common Fish and Invertebrates, Gotshall, D.W., Sea Challengers, Los Osos, CA
The Sierra Club Handbook on Whales and Dolphins, Leatherwood, S. & Reeves, R.R., Sierra Club Books, San Francisco, CA
A Field Guide to Mexican Birds, Peterson, R.T. & Chaliff, E.L., Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA
A Desert Country Near The Sea, Zwinger, A., The University of Arizona Press
The Forgotten Peninsula, Krutch, J. W., The University of Arizona Press
The Girl of the Sea of Cortez, Benchley, P., Doubleday and Company, Garden City, NY

This equipment list was compiled from personal guiding experience and guest feedback from Baja trips beginning in 1985. It is not meant to overwhelm, but to educate and prepare you for the varied conditions we have experienced. By taking the time to go over this list thoroughly, you will begin to insure the quality of your trip.

CLOTHING FOR BAJA TRIPS: Oct. & Nov. trips usually have warm nights (75°-80°F), warm sunny days (80°-90°F) & warm water (76°-82°F). In Dec. - Mar. expect cooler nights (50°-60°F), breezy afternoons (70°-80°F) & colder water (62°-68°F).

__ Traveling clothes to and from Baja - leave at hotel in a small pack during the trip
__ Sun glasses with strap - bring spare pair especially if prescription, polarized lenses are best
__ Wide brimmed hat or baseball cap for sun protection, adjustable fit or with a tie for windy days
__ Bandanna - multiple uses from a towel to a sunshade for your neck
__ T-shirts - 3-4, cotton or light wt. synthetic, use plenty of sunscreen with sleeveless tops
__ Long sleeved shirt - light color & light wt., for sun protection for fair skin
__ Synthetic long underwear top - for sun protection and warmth while snorkeling
__ Sweatshirt or pile shirt
__ Swimsuits - 2
__ Underwear
__ Shorts - 2 pr., quick drying nylon, can be used for swim suit
__ Long pants - (1 pair / light wt. synthetic for sun & bug protection)
__ Rain jacket - Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon, keeps the chill & splash off on skiff rides
__ Socks - 2-3 pr., to wear in walking shoes, & for blister prevention in sandals & swim fins
__ Sports sandals w/ secure straps and buckles or stretchy nylon water shoes - to protect feet on beach & in kayak, we suggest a pair that will stay on your feet - avoid flip-flops, wear sandals with thin (bike) socks to prevent blisters if you haven’t worn sandals lately
__ Tennis or light wt. walking shoes - for camp & day hikes
__ Gloves for paddling - A MUST to protect tender hands from blisters, short or long finger bicycle or paddling gloves

PERSONAL ITEMS FOR ALL BAJA TRIPS:
Ziploc bag all liquids & creams to protect from spills.

__ PASSPORT - PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IT DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING YOUR TOUR! Make a copy of the Photo and Signature pages and carry them separately from your passport. This will make replacing your passport much easier if it gets lost or stolen.
__ Toilet kit - travel size toiletries, avoid sharp instruments in all carry on bags
__ Biodegradable salt water soap, and/or baby wipe towelettes (Please note: while Dr. Bronner's is a biodegradable soap, it DOES NOT lather in salt water. Products like Campsuds, Joy or Dawn work well and are also biodegradable)
(AVOID SPILLS: Put all liquids & creams in Ziploc bags to protect from spills)
__ Earplugs - A MUST for sleeping in foreign hotels which are usually noisier than what we are used to
__ Baby wipe towelettes - travel pack w/ 10-15 towelettes, for quick clean-ups
__ Sun screen & lip screen - sweatproof/waterproof SPF 15-45 depending on skin type, water reflects a large portion of the sun's rays & swimming removes your sunscreen
__ Skin lotion
__ Insect repellent - 2 oz. bottle of a product with a low % DEET (Cutters, Muskol, etc.)
__ Anti-itch meds - Benadryl tablets, Sting-ease or Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites
__ Sm. personal first aid kit - to treat sunburn, muscle pain, headache, minor cuts, blisters, & digestive problems: aloe vera gel, Tylenol, anti-inflammatory, anti-acid, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Band-Aids, 1st aid tape, antibiotic cream, sleeping pills, cold & sinus capsules, eye drops, prescription meds (NOTE: ALL PRESCRIPTION MEDS MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER W/ YOUR NAME ON FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL)
__ Towel - quick drying, thin cotton or synthetic camp towel
__ Water bottle or canteen - 1 qt. plastic Nalgene bottle or a Camelbak hydration system that can be worn over your PFD, or attached to the kayak for hands-free drinking
__ Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries - bring a spare bulb & extra batteries, too
__ Sm. daypack - for hikes and for your gear in the kayak if you don't have a small dry bag
__ Extra Ziploc bags in assorted sizes - there is always a need for them on a trip
__ Seat pad for sitting in kayak (inflatable camp seat)

CAMPING GEAR:
Comfortable tents are provided and both sleeping bags w/ sheets and Thermarest pads are available for rent.
__ Sleeping bag w/ stuff sack - 50F rated, compact, synthetic fill (rentals are available & come w/ a sheet)
__ Sheet - cool comfort on warm nights
__ Sleeping pad - Thermarest air mattress (rentals are available) or closed cell foam pad

OPTIONAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRIPS:
__ Seasickness medication - if you think you might need it, bring it...just in case. Dramamine II is a non-drowsy product that you take 30 min. before you get on the water. There are also wristbands & ginger supplements that may also be affective seasickness preventatives.
__ Pee-jar - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! To prevent those "late night walks to the john", order direct from www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/, 1qt. plastic Nalgene water bottle w/ a standard top for men (item# 5521040032) & a wide top jar for women (item# 0021180032), and after the trip rinse it out with Clorox and it is clean for another trip
__ Sm. inflatable pillow - suggested for paddlers shorter than 5'10" to elevate your torso & make it easier to reach the water with your paddle making paddling less tiring - it is more comfortable for your butt & great for sleeping, too
__ Sun protective clothing for the sun sensitive - you can burn through many common fabrics (especially wet cotton), but clothing & hats are now available with a SPF factor. For the ultimate defense against the sun, couple the use of sun protective clothing with a wide brim hat & sun block applications.
__ Camera with a new battery - water & sand-proof camera case (Ziploc bags work for small cameras), plenty of assorted film ASA 100-400 or memory cards, spare battery, small lens brush & tissue
__ Waterproof camera case – we suggest a Pelican Products dry box sized to fit your camera, www.pelican.com/main.htm
__ Binoculars, pocket knife, paperback, journal, Frisbee, hacky-sac, small musical instrument
__ Fishing gear & license - see FISHING GEAR above
__ Snorkeling gear - mask, fins & snorkel in a mesh carry bag (rentals are available)
__ Wetsuit - 3-5 mm full suit for Nov. - May trips, rash guard suit also advised
__ Clothespins - 8, for hanging wet clothes, towels & bathing suits on your tent
__ Clothing donation - Help us help the unfortunate by bringing a sm. plastic bag w/ clean, used adult or kid size clothes, warm jackets, sweatshirts, shoes or sandals. Our friends in La Paz distribute these items to help the kids & adults in remote fishing villages in Baja. Muchas Gracias.

PACKING TIPS: Here are the basics and a few options that seasoned kayakers have come to appreciate.
For simplicity, we suggest packing in only two bags, a CARRY ON SIZE DUFFLE and a LARGER DUFFLE BAG.

(For Traveling to Mexico)

__ Carry-on bag - legal carry-on size duffel bag or dry bag that will fit all your clothing, personal gear, toilet kit and all irreplaceable items
__ Duffel bag or dry bag - for your camping &/or snorkeling gear, this bag will be checked-in with the airlines (if you want to travel light remember that camping & snorkeling gear can be rented in Baja)
__ Pack an extra small bag (empty) to leave your traveling clothes at the hotel during your trip. (On Loreto to La Paz trips - this pack will be taken to the hotel in La Paz.)

(For the kayak trip)
__ Carry-on bag - pack with your trip clothing & personal gear, this bag will be carried on the support skiff that accompanies the trip, travel clothes can be left in hotel
__ Duffel bag or dry bag (your checked-in bag) - for any camping and snorkeling gear you brought, this bag will be carried on the support skiff that accompanies the trip
__ Daypack - useful for day hikes (weather permitting) & as a deck bag for your daily necessities (rain gear, binoculars, camera, film, sunscreen, etc.) to waterproof it line this pack with a good plastic bag
__ Plastic garbage bag and Ziploc bags - pack a few extras w/ your carry-on & duffel bag, there's always a use for them on a kayak trip (dirty clothes, camera, protect liquids & creams from spilling, etc.)
__ Sm. waterproof bag - OPTIONAL, sm. dry bag (10" Dia. 18" H) to carry daily necessities with you on your kayak, this will be your deck bag

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Patagonia - the top source for the best outdoor clothing www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your camping gear needs www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear www.rei.com of travel clothing & outdoor gear www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing www.sierratradingpost.com
NRS - a good source for dry bags, gloves and paddling gear www.nrsweb.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting polarized sunglasses www.zealoptics.com
Deep See - a good source for dive skins and wetsuits www.deepseeinc.com

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.