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NATURALLY PENINSULA SEA KAYAK

Join us on our Exclusive Sea kayak trip, exploring the wildlife of Valdes Peninsula! '' The impressive geography of the northeast side of the San Jose Gulf would make anyone feel like an explorer of these Patagonian coast''

The San Jose gulf possesses a great variety of habitats allowing many species of marine fauna to live: from sea birds that nest in the area to shore birds which use the beaches to rest and feed up on their long migratory routes. We will observe Southern sea lion colonies and elephant seals. We will have the unique possibility of observing and learning all about the Southern Right Whale, that comes to these waters to mate, give birth and raise the young calves. It is hard to describe the emotion when you get to see them, due to their greatness, size, gentleness and curiosity. As if this were not enough, we will be surrounded by a very particular landscape, represented by small beaches and high cliffs with characteristic tertiary formations that make the days even more interesting and we can imagine how the sea was millions of years ago. Each day we will enjoy different aspects of Patagonia, from its magic sunsets, its famous strong winds, and the contrasting calm days, the silence, the transparent waters, etc. From the kayak you may live and enjoy each one of these attractions in a more active way in pure contact with nature.

Day 1:
Upon arrival to Trelew airport, you will meet an Expedition Guide, to drive you to the city of Puerto Madryn for a city tour and a visit the Ecocentro, which is an interpretation center of the Patagonian marine ecosystem. Afterwards we depart to Puerto Piramides, which is a small village located in Peninsula Valdes natural reserve. There we will be greeted with a welcome dinner in a cozy and comfortable hotel, followed by a description and orientation chat about expedition.

Day 2/7: In the morning we will drive to San Jose Gulf and departure site of our kayak expedition. The next five days will be spent enjoying and exploring the magnificent coast and wildlife of this Gulf. The paddling distances are 10/15 kms proxy. each day, that allows us a good margin to observe the different marine mammals, birds and other highlights, taking several hikes to enjoy these interesting sceneries. Relaxing and also enjoying excellent food accompanied by pure and wild nature. Through assimilating with our senses and accompanied by our guide's interpretation of the surroundings paddling this Gulf we will be able to enjoy:

Highlights!!
History and archeology
Geological formations of the imposing cliffs
Millions years old marine fossils
Clear and pristine waters
Southern hemisphere star filled nights and whale's sounds.
The most important population of the Southern Right Whale.
Marine and land birds.

Day 8: In order to have a first hand experience with a real authentic Patagonian ranch once the kayak expedition is completed we will drive to an Estancia, to rest, relax and enjoy some folk customs. Dinner will consist of a delicious Patagonian lamb cooked over the coals, accompanied with good and fine Argentinean Wine. Stories and photographs of the trip will be shared.

Day 9: At sunrise we start our drive trough the land part of the Peninsula Reserve reaching the Atlantic Ocean where we will be able to appreciate the diversity of wildlife and the impressive landscape. Driving upon the external coast of the Peninsula touching the points such as Punta Norte, Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada, we will be able to observe the principal continental Southern Marine Elephants Seals, Southern Sea Lions Colonies, Magellan Penguins and if we are lucky, we may have the chance to see Orcas. By the end of this journey will return to the city of Puerto Madryn. After we have settled in our hotel we will meet for a good by dinner.

Day 10: Departure day and transfer to the airport in Trelew.

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.

The Golfo San Jose is protected as part of the Peninsula Valdes Nature Reserve. We intend to observe all the characteristics of this environment, from its marine and land flora, the geology and the marine fossils, and particularly its waters, marine mammals, sea birds, invertebrates, molluscs and other inhabitants of the tidal flats, historical sites, etc. Special laws and norms exist to observe the marine mammals, but the concept basically is: we adapt to their behaviour and not them to us; and we must respect a certain distance that this involves. Regarding the Southern Right Whale we have great chances of watching them along the journey and especially in certain areas, but it always will be in situations when the whale is close to the shore. We will observe them, take pictures and understand their behaviour and observe their majesty. To later continue with our daily destination. The same thing occurs with different elements we may find; these could be arqueological or paleontological remains.

About 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.

2008 Dates: Oct. 10-19 and Oct. 24-Nov. 2

Cost per person: U$ 2350 (10 days)
Recommended time: October / December (whales season).
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: 10 days, 9 nights.

Included in Cost:
Permits to entrance at the Peninsula Valdes Reserve.
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.