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South Carolina: Charleston Virginia: The Historic James River Bahamas: The Exumas Florida: Mangroves & Manatees New York: Adirondack Peaks |
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The Bahamian Exumas: Paddling, Pirates, and Phun Maan Turn down the furnace and escape winter’s chill. Come with us to the Exumas cays, islands once the hidden strongholds of Bahamian pirates, colonial cotton plantations and now a paddler’s paradise. The Exuma island chain, consisting of 365 cays, many uninhabited, offers unlimited paddling opportunities. Known for having consistently fine weather, warm water, abundant marine life, white sandy beaches, and protected coastal paddling, the Exumas offer a dream for paddlers. During our six day adventure we’ll discover all that the islands have to share. Vibrant coral reefs provide a framework for colorful schools of tropical fish and other aquatic life. It is a dynamic ecosystem, one which provides the opportunity to snorkel and explore its crystal clear depths, as well as offering North American paddlers a respite from the dreary winter back home. This is a trip that offers flexibility as far as time spent on the water or in your kayak. We’ll be moving at a relaxed pace throughout the day looking forward to great meals and deliciously comfortable lodging destinations. Here we’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the warm Bahamian evenings and discuss the day’s adventure. So pack up your bags, leave the cold behind, and join us for a trip in the emerald green waters of the Carribean! Pre-registration required. February 24th-March 2nd, 2008
Click here for detailed itinerary (The 24th and 2nd are travel days) |
Taking a break on one of the many white sandy beaches, this one complete with a geyser! Photo by: Cathy Piffath
Fresh fruit and vegetables round out a hearty lunch Photo by: Cathy Piffath
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| Mangroves & Manatees Explore Florida’s Hidden Secrets Imagine yourself drifting down a peaceful river lined with mangroves and white sandy beaches. You might catch a glimpse of a mother manatee and her calf gently swimming nearby as you listen to the early morning sounds of nature echoing along the riverbanks. Come explore Florida’s natural beauty on this journey and discover the hidden treasures of this water-rich peninsula. Pre-registration required. Location: North Central Florida March 23-29, 2008 $1495 double occupancy; $1875 single. Price includes six nights accommodations, meals as noted on itinerary, paddling equipment and guide(s). Arrive the evening of the 23rd, paddle the 24th through the 28th and depart on the morning of the 29th. |
More photos from our Manatees, Mangroves & Meandering Waterways Trip |
| Indulge in Charleston South Carolina’s Low Country Charm: Have you ever wanted to… Then, join us on this trip and you will see why H2Outfitters loves Charleston and its environs. We will begin our week’s adventure with a stay at the Middleton Inn at Middleton Place, a carefully preserved 18th century plantation that encompasses America s oldest landscaped gardens, as well as the Middleton Place House, and the Plantation Stableyards. While in this area we will paddle and explore the Edisto River, one of the Low Country’s blackwater rivers and also enjoy time on the Ashley River which flows along the Plantation’s property. These waterways offer you wonderful opportunities to see a diversity of aquatic life, displays of Spanish Moss draped from the live oaks, and wild flowers along the shoreline. Of course, we'll be sure to leave you with enough time to stroll through the flourishing gardens and trails that meander through this magnificent plantation. The second half of the week you'll experience the comforts and elegance of the Maison Dupre in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. Explore the city and its harbor by water, and enjoy a vantage point not shared by many others. Spend time on twisting tidal creeks, saltwater marshes, and along the low country's miles of coastal beaches. If you're more adventurous we may even play in some surf. Certanly a highlight of your trip will be indulging in Charleston’s finest culinary delights and partaking in the city's downtown beauty and nightlife. Charleston is known for its great dining and hopefully you'll enjoy the results of our years of research finding the best local restaurants and out-of-the-way eateries. Pre-registration required. Location: Charleston, South Carolina October 26-November 1st
Price includes six nights accommodations, meals as noted on itinerary, paddling equipment, transportation during the trip, and guide(s). Click here for detailed itinerary April: Arrive the evening of the 27th, paddle the 28th through the 2nd, depart the morning of the 3rd. October: Arrive the evening of the 26th, paddle the 27th through the 31st, depart the morning of the 1st.
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The Old Rice Mill at Middleton Place |
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Stopping for a picnic lunch on Deveaux Banks
Cobblestone street in the historic section of Charleston
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...on the Coast of Maine
2008 Dates: June 20-22, July 18-20, August 15-17 $750 double occupancy, $950 single Arrive Friday evening, paddle Saturday and Sunday.We will meet at 6 p.m. on the first day at the Harpswell Inn. |
An Island Lighthouse (photo by Jerry Monkman, EcoPhotography) |
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Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Frenchmen’s Bay Experience the Best of Both Worlds…. Sea kayak Maine’s magical waters by day, then relax in the warmth and comfort of a quintessential Maine Inn each night. Acadia National Park and the surrounding area have been an attraction to visitors and native Mainers alike. Rich in history, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities it has been a destination through the ages. On this five-day journey you’ll experience this region from afar and up close, a vantage point unequaled, from the seat of a kayak. The trip begins at the Island View Inn, a quiet waterfront turn-of-the-century summer cottage offering picturesque views over Frenchmen’s Bay and the mountains of Mt. Desert Island. Our first night here is our arrival night, an oppportunity for you to meet the others in the group and for us to discuss the week's agenda. We'll spend our first day exploring the coves, inlets, and the reversing falls located nearby giving us a chance to warm up and get a feel for the boats. Back at the Inn, you'll have the chance to kick back and relax before we indulge in our first group dinner. After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast we’ll paddle south out of Sullivan Harbor to Hancock Point, gaining a broader view of Mt. Desert Island as we approach our next waypoint. Nestled in the woods on Hancock Point is the Crocker House Country Inn, known for its fine dining and welcoming atmosphere. This will be our base for two nights, a perfect launching point to explore the cluster of islands off the Sorrento Peninsula, a few offering secluded nesting opportunities for the local osprey population. We’ll be looking for a quiet cobblestone beach for a quick stretch of the legs and perhaps a distant view of their nests perched high along the tree line. Leaving Hancock Point behind us, we’ll glide across Frenchmen’s Bay to Bar Harbor, the preeminent town on the eastern shore of Mt. Desert Island. If we’re lucky we’ll spot harbor porpoise swimming in unison and curious harbor seals breaking the surface to catch a glimpse of us as we traverse this large bay. Our final two nights will be at The Black Friar Inn, a cozy inn situated just outside the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. While here you’ll have a chance to visit the unique shops, indulge in the local fare, and enjoy the scenic views overlooking the bay. If time permits, we even suggest you stay a few extra days on Mt. Desert Island to enjoy the hiking, biking, horseback riding or general sightseeing in this area. This trip is appropriate for all levels of paddlers and is best suited for anyone who wants to capture the true essence of the Maine Coast in one week. July 20-26 , 2008 $1595 double occupancy; $1895 single occupancy Price includes six nights accommodations (two nights at each Inn), meals, paddling equipment, and guide(s). Arrive the evening of the 20th, paddle the 21st through the 25th and depart the morning of the 26th. |
Gliding across Frenchmen's Bay on a beautiful summer day Photo by: Cathy Piffath Taking a much needed rest and social visit...
The Black Friar Inn, a uniquely restored Victorian Home |
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Paddling into the Past on the Historic James River
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area. Finishing the trip in Williamsburg gives us an opportunity to stroll the streets of an authentically reconstructed colonial town that served as a hub for the plantations we visited earlier in the week. Pre-registration required. May 4 -10 , 2008 November 2-8, 2008 $1895 double occupancy, $2295 single Price includes six nights accommodations, meals as noted on itinerary, paddling equipment, transportation during the trip, and guide(s).
May: Arrive the evening of the 4th, paddle the 5th through the 9th, depart the morning of the 10th. November: Arrive the evening of the 2nd, paddle the 3rd through the 7th, depart the morning of the 8th. |
More pictures of the James River
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Down the Delaware For
Location: Reiglesville to New Hope, Pennsylvania September 5-7, 2008 Price includes two nights accommodations, Saturday meals, Sundy breakfast and lunch, paddling equipment and guide(s).
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More pictures of the Outer Banks are coming November 10-15, 2008 $1895 double occupancy, $2295 single occupancy Price includes six nights accommodations, meals as noted on itinerary, paddling equipment, transportation during the trip, and guide(s). Arrive the evening of the 10th, paddle the 11th through the 14th and depart the morning of the 15th. |
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Autumn In the Adirondack Peaks How about paddling through the crisp air of autumn? Better yet, how about a warm, cozy Inn to come back to after your day on the water? Sound good? Then join us for our Adirondack excursion on Lake George, New York's "Queen of Lakes". Launching from the quaint town of Bolton Landing, we'll spend two days exploring the numerous islands located in he narrowest part of the lake, known as "The Narrows". You'll enjoy spectacular views both to the north and south from this island archipelago and experience the beauty of dramatic mountain ranges rising to the east and west. The second part of our trip finds us exploring the northern half of the lake, home to many Adirondack-style homes, unique in their architectural design and blending in with nature. Here we'll also get to paddle beneath the towering cliffs of Roger's Rock cut by glaciers long ago as we end our journey in the village of Ticonderoga. Pre-registration required.
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September 4-8, 2008 (Paddling days are Friday-Monday) $1195 double occupancy, $1525 single occupancy Price includes four nights accommodations, meals as noted on itinerary, paddling equipment and guide(s). Arrive the evening of the 4th, paddle the 5th through the 8th, depart mid afternoon on the 8th. |
