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Wild Coast of Patagonia - Cabo Dos Bahias

Highlights!!
" Marine wildlife
" Dolphins and Sea Lions
" Small sheltered coves and beaches
" Marine birds: sterns, skuas, albatross.
" Innumerate number of islands

The Cabo Dos Bahias is an archipelago on the coast of Chubut province. It is made up of 40 islands, home to one of the densest concentrations of Marine Birds in Patagonia: Magellanic Penguins, Cormorants, Terns, Giant Petrels, Steamer Duck and Oystercatchers. The Cape is a rocky formation of volcanic material characterized by an intense red color. Following its coastline our attention is drawn to impressive geological formations. Spectacular bays, island and coves are everywhere making the kayak trip very entertaining and unforgettable. As we continue we realize that we are surrounded by wild life. On land we find Guanacos, Lesser Rheas and Maras. And in the water a large variety of marine birds and marine mammals such as: Common and Pale's Dolphin and Elephants seals. The water is an intense blue of crystalline transparency where we can observe the kelp forest from our kayak. The intention is to explore this archipelago imagining ourselves to be first explorers to land on this coast. It was in Caleta Hornos in 1535 the Spanish under the command of Alcazabal and Sotomayor they founded the Province of Nueva Leon, today known as the Province of Chubut.

Day 1: Arrival to Trelew airport. There you will be met by a guide who will take you to the town of Camarones.We will spend our first evening camping in Puerto Melo, along the waters edge. The next day our trip in Kayak begins. With our guides' instructions we will fit in our kayaks for the coming trip. He will give us a precise briefing of security, technique guide lines as well as environmental regulations. We take our time for practise and feeling comfortable with our kayaks, before we start.

Day 2: We start paddling to a very special bay with shallow waters and many of Small Islands, providing nesting areas for a diversity of marine birds. Our route continues to the amazing Arredondo Bay where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we paddle to Cayetano Island to set up camp. The distance of this day is about 20 km.

Day 3, 4, 5: After breakfast we start off to Bahia Huevo passing by Punta Guanaco and Valdes Island. During the afternoon hours we will be entering Caleta Hornos, our starting off point, to explore different areas of the archipelago. We will be camping three days in this sheltered inlet. We will be doing some hiking in this area, and it will also be our departure spot to explore some islands and sections of the cape: such as South Dos Bahias Cape, Leones islands and San Gregorio Bay. We will have covered 40 km approximately.

Day 6: After breakfast we break up camp and set off for Arredondo Bay where we will beach ours Kayaks to explore the coast line. We camp in Arredondo in that way we can get to know this singular bay. Distance covered approximately 15km.

Day 7: Back to Puerto Melo were our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Camarones, we will be visiting the protected area to the North and then to continue on to our hotel in the city of Camarones or Puerto Madryn.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport. End of the trip!

Important facts to keep in mind:

Tides: there is a big difference between high and low tide, an average of 4 meters difference. It is important as it means transporting the kayaks for between 100-200 meters, although most of the campsites are in areas where the depth is greater, so the kayaks must not be transported far.

The climate and particularly the winds is the factor that may influence navigation. This is the reason the distances covered each day have been calculated keeping this in mind and one day might be modified: one being shorter and another longer. A detailed daily itinerary will be available upon request, it is to be understood that changes in itinerary will be made due to weathers conditions. For these reasons we may have to camp in the same spot longer than planned.

About the Expeditions and Guides:
Specialized and experienced sea kayak guides, with many local scouting done. Our expeditions are always planned to offer trips that are totally personalized. Our familiarity with the area is the result of personal experience and many years living and exploring in Patagonia. In this way we seek to make the difference not only in which trip we offer, but also in providing personalized service and first hand knowledge on the field. Each trip is planned out in detail so as to capture the best in every destination. This means arranging the itinerary of each expedition to coincide with the greater concentration of wildlife, stable weather conditions and the best spots to camp.

The sea kayaks we use are trustworthy stable and especially designed for long sea kayak journeys. For this purpose we use double kayaks which provide greater stability and comfort, ideal for photography and observation.

Each expedition begins with a complete introduction conducted by the guide. This is an important orientation in which the guide will explain in detail everything you need to know about equipment, safety measures, rescue and self rescue procedures. Paddling technique will also be demonstrated, after this we find people easily well adapt to the kayak and paddling.

The majority of our programs correspond to medium difficult level. This implies that each participant must be up a sustained paddling or hiking for sustained periods: up to an average of 3-6 hours daily, depending on the weather conditions and rest stops. We will not get into the water during bad weather, such as strong wind or rain storms. In these circumstances we will stay in camp, enjoying other land activities. Although the group should be prepared for any eventuality of strong winds and temperature swings, that can occur surprising.

As the success of an expedition depends on the site visited, so also it depends on the quality of the food. On all of our trips we ensure that meals are varied, nutritious, and delicious! Meal time is very important, which is way we dedicate special attention to the planning of the menus. The guide is in charge of setting out the meal, while the group relaxes and shares their day's experiences.

Environmental guidelines and ethics:
One of our principal objectives is the conservation of the environment. We aspire to give a strong message of awareness of the importance of applying in protected areas actions and attitudes which minimizes the impact. As an example, remove from the visited area only our own impressions and images taken by the camera, essentially Leave No Trace actions. We promote the conservation of the culture heritage and natural environment through adequate information prior to the trip and during the same. In this way we hope that our guests have a unique experience and generate a wider environmental awareness.

Safety and other standards in this activity:
Safety is a priority in all the facets of this sport, which includes: the best equipment available, personalized attention, small groups. The commitment to safety, professionalism of our guides and the selection of quality menus for each expedition, are the aspects that make the difference.

About our Equipment:
All of our gear is of the best quality and fully adequate for the planned activity.
Kayaks: Double and single sea kayak specially design for long expeditions.
Kayak Gear: Life jackets, dry bags, neoprene boots, mittens, waterproof jackets and neoprene skirt.
Camping gear: The North Face Tents-double occupancy, thermal pads. MSR stove and gas stove.
Full completed Medical kit. GPS and VHF radios.

2010 Date: Nov 22- Nov 29

Cost per person: U$ 1750
Recommended time: October / March
Minimum group size: 2 persons
Client to guide ratio: 4:1
Maximum group size per guide in Single kayaks: 4:1 + Assistant Guide
Maximum group size per guide in double kayaks: 8: 1 + Assistant Guide
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights.

Included in Cost:
All group camping and cooking gear.
Ground transportation as mentioned in itinerary.
Scheduled hotel accommodations, based on double or triple occupancy.
All scheduled restaurant meals.
All meals while on the kayak expedition.

Not included in cost:
Airfares.
Any additional meals not mentioned in itinerary.
Personal camping gear and clothing.
All personal nature items; phone calls, laundry, room service and so forth.
Medical trip insurance.
Staff/Guides gratuities.