Lugano is often referred to as “Little Italy” as a result of its close proximity to northern Italy and the subsequent influence on food, culture, and even the people.
If you truly want to sample a 'taste of Maine', steer your course to Stonington and prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip!
Located 12 miles off the midcoast of Maine, lies the large island complex of Northhaven and Vinalhaven, known for its striking natural beauty and home to the largest lobster boat fleet on the East Coast.
Rugged, remote, and simply beautiful. Open stretches of sea, majestic headlands, rustic fishing villages, and undeveloped shoreline are just some of the reasons why we like this area.
Located 12 miles off the midcoast of Maine, lies the large island complex of Northhaven and Vinalhaven, known for its striking natural beauty and home to the largest lobster boat fleet on the East Coast.
A true wilderness experience offering panoramic views of one of the few natural North American fjords.
Join us for a relaxing lodge-based getaway on the shores of Lake George, known as the “Queen of Lakes” in the Adirondack National Park. September's crisp cool air provides a clarity to autumn's early colors that is hard to beat on the lake - the water is at its warmest, there are few tourists and, the days are still nice and warm.
Imagine kayaking through crystal clear water as you paddle in and around dozens of uninhabited, wilderness islands…
This is a terrific trip for paddlers of all skill levels who enjoy sleeping at the water's edge on a warm sandy beach at the end of a day.
While everyone else is talking about pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and the Caribbean sun, we want to take you on a complete and total escape experiencing not only the obvious but the sublime. Join us as we explore the lush tropical rain forests and jungles of Belize. Drop down into second gear as you encounter the colors of the Caribbean, the fabric of people, places, and Creole culture that make this small country so unique. Live the life of a beach-comber, take a week away from the hectic bustle and relax with us beach-side in your own private Cabana. Paddle the Cayes of Belize, indulge in the food of the islands, step back into the primordial world of the rain forest where you'll see flora, fauna, and become part of this tropical delight. Step back in time with a visit to a Mayan ruin dating back 4,000 years and meet the friendliest, down-to-earth people that call Belize home Please join us on this journey of discovery that will lead us down paths we can only imagine. Without a doubt, this will be an Adventure for a Lifetime and one you will savor for months afterward.
Jan. 7 - 15*, 2024
travel day to US
$3950 per person
based on double occupancy; singles add $400.
Price includes 8 nights lodging, kayaks, paddles, PFDs, transportation in country as noted on itinerary, meals as noted on itinerary, park fees, entrance fees to land-base tours as noted on itinerary, leadership, coaching and on-water safety by H2Outfitters Head Honcho, Cathy Piffath..
Enjoy one of our most popular trips as we experience the fall foliage of New England
Shadow & Light, Ocean & Rivers, Warmth & Hospitality - The People and Places of Portugal - The Green Coast
We have chosen September since it is a perfect month to visit... the days are crisp, clear,there are less people and hints of autumn colors begin to appear!
A 5-day Skills Development Program
Get ready for summer with our comprehensive on-water skills development workshop for all levels of paddlers. Whether you own a recreational kayak, sea kayak, or even a paddleboard you will gain a respect for the ocean environment and a skill level to help you safely enjoy it. Each day will have focused instruction on particular skills with ample time to practice and reinforce those skills on a paddle. There will be supplemental on land instruction and valuable discussions throughout the course providing both physical and mental skills development to include judgement and big picture understanding.
Over the five day period you will have the opportunity to refine and develop paddling skills from stroke work, rescue work, and group management. In addition, you’ll gain confidence in your trip planning abilities as you gain an understanding of wind and waves, and their interaction with land masses, ledges, and more. The bottom line is recognizing how all these variables affect us as paddlers and what we need to do to be safe out there. Strategies for dealing with these variables will be discussed, practiced and evaluated throughout the 5 days as we also explore the beauty all around us. If you paddle on the Maine Coast you will inevitably deal with fog. In this workshop you will learn how to read a chart, use a compass, and navigate your way even in foggy conditions. You’ll be taught using a simple orienteering compass, boat compass and chart so as not to rely on your GPS, which can fail. A great competency development week on the water.
Areas to be Covered
•Gear and equipment
•On-water skills development to include strokes & maneuvers; rescues; towing; judgement
•Navigation skills
•Trip Planning and route selection
*Group management
•Understanding wind, waves, tides & currents and learning techniques to help you manage your kayak when encountering these conditions
•Learn how to improvise in a variety of situations
•How to deal with an emergency situation
Location: Orrs island, Maine
Workshop Cost: $995 per person.
Time: 9am-4pm daily (the scheduled hours may fluctuate based on weather and conditions)
Upon registration, a gear and equipment list will be provided as well as a detailed schedule for the five day program.
Enjoy the Perfect Island Getaway off Maine’s Rugged Coast - Swan’s Island: 5 days - 6 nights
Gear up for this exciting adventure along mid-coast Maine. The long narrow bays fed by abundant rivers provide the adventurous paddler with much to see and explore.
Travel with us to the most remote and wild region of Costa Rica, the Osa peninsula and Corcovado National Park, home to the highest concentration of bio-diversity in Costa Rica.
This intricate network of undeveloped lakes, islands, and meandering rivers offers tranquil paddling opportunities surrounded by the brilliance of fall colors. Cool crisp nights coupled with warm fall days make for a perfect Adirondack autumn experience. Great camping, relaxed paddling and unspoiled views along the pristine shoreline make the Saranac Lakes a wonderful refuge from the day-to-day grind. If we're lucky we may hear the song of the loon before their southern journey begins.
$595 per person; $495 with your own kayak
Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with lunch on the first day through lunch on the final paddling day. We will meet at the put-in at 10AM on the 22nd and be off the water by 2PM on the 25th.
One of our favorite lake adventures is exploring our state's largest lake, Moosehead Lake, in Greenville, Maine. This is a car-camping trip so bring your Westfalia camper if you have one! This is a great opportunity to see Maine's famous moose, deer and smaller game as we paddle Maine's largest lake exploring its tributaries and surrounding marshes. Take a break from paddling and indulge yourself with a scenic hike up Mt. Kineo to capture an unbelievable view of the Moosehead Lake region.
$595 per person; $495 with your own kayak
Price includes campground fees, kayak, sprayskirt, PFD, wetsuit, paddle and meals beginning with breakfast on the 9/28 through breakfast on the 10/1. We will meet at Lily Bay campground on the evening of the 27th, paddle the 28-30th, and depart after breakfast on the Oct. 1st.
Located 12 miles off the midcoast of Maine, lies the large island complex of Northhaven and Vinalhaven, known for its striking natural beauty and home to the largest lobster boat fleet on the East Coast.
Join H2Outfitters’ Cathy Piffath, for a dynamic and informative women’s retreat along the Coast of Maine. Cathy is one of the country’s foremost instructors in sea kayaking and canoe skills.
Recognized as one of the “finest technical paddlers in the country”, Cathy has been sharing her insights and knowledge with paddlers around the world since 1982. You will be working one on one with Cathy on the water and on land benefiting from her calm demeanor, approachable teaching style, and in-depth knowledge of the ocean environment. Evenings you’ll have free to enjoy a wonderful dinner at one of the local eateries, taking a stroll over the unique Cribstone Bridge capturing wonderful photos of the sunset and the tranquil waters. With paddle and compass in hand you will come away with a fresh perspective and thorough understanding of the water-based skills you’ll need to enjoy sea kayaking safely. The supportive, communicative, and cooperative learning environment will provide a positive atmosphere for you to excel and to form lasting friendships with your fellow paddlers.
Dates: Sept. 12 -14, 2021
Location: Harpswell, Maine
Cost: $695 per person based on double occupancy; Singles add an additional $200
Price includes 2 nights lodging, 3 lunches, kayak and related equipment.
Summer homesteads to once-famous authors, poets, and explorers await your visit to this intriguing area known as the Harpswells.
Join H2Outfitters’ Cathy Piffath, for a dynamic and informative women’s retreat along the Coast of Maine. Cathy is one of the country’s foremost instructors in sea kayaking and canoe skills.
Recognized as one of the “finest technical paddlers in the country”, Cathy has been sharing her insights and knowledge with paddlers around the world since 1982. You will be working one on one with Cathy on the water and on land benefiting from her calm demeanor, approachable teaching style, and in-depth knowledge of the ocean environment. Evenings you’ll have free to enjoy a wonderful dinner at one of the local eateries, enjoy the beautiful sunset from just outside your door, or take a stroll over the unique Cribstone Bridge to soak it all in.. With paddle and compass in hand you will come away with a fresh perspective and thorough understanding of the water-based skills you’ll need to enjoy sea kayaking safely. The supportive, communicative, and cooperative learning environment will provide a positive atmosphere for you to excel and to form lasting friendships with your fellow paddlers.
Dates: August 14 - 16, 2021
Location: Harpswell, Maine
Cost: $695 per person based on double occupancy; Singles add an additional $200
Price includes 2 nights lodging, 3 lunches, kayak and related equipment.
Join H2Outfitters’ Cathy Piffath, for a dynamic and informative women’s retreat along the Coast of Maine. Cathy is one of the country’s foremost instructors in sea kayaking and canoe skills.
The island archipelago of Japan is a land of contrasting harmonies, and this ever present quality becomes a prevailing condition of our journey. The juxtaposition of nature and tradition against technology and development presents the backdrop for an adventure for a lifetime. From the busy seaport of Osaka to the sacred island precinct of Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, our group of paddlers will come to understand firsthand the complexities of this island nation. This is a voyage we have been taking since the late 90's and we have formed long lasting relationships with the local people, businesses, and the areas in which we paddle. Our group will participate in a traditional tea ceremony, relax at the end of the day in thermal Onsen hot springs, and indulge in gustatory delicacies unique to each region we visit. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is at once humbling and spiritual, sending a clear message of our ability to destroy, while leaving a lasting impression for hope. The ancient cities of Nara and Kyoto are on our agenda also, providing a clear view into Japan's past. All this is connected, appropriately, by in-country travel on the country's Shinkansen high speed bullet trains! And so, the principles of Wabi-Sabi apply as we venture from one realm to the next...
$5950 per person double occupancy
singles add $500
Price includes 10 nights accommodations in Japan, meals as noted on itinerary, all transportation once in Japan, kayaking equipment and guides, entry fees to other points of interest as noted on itinerary.
This new trip that we are introducing is going to focus entirely on the Chianti region.
Join us on a journey to one of the Mediterranean's island treasures, Sardegna, also known as the island of Sardinia, located just west of the Italian coastline midway to Majorca and the Bealeric Islands. We'll focus our exploration on the northern region of the island and the picturesque Maddalena island archipelago, its granite rock outcroppings sculpted by the wind and waves into dramatic landscapes against the sea. This is a paddler's trip, offering the experienced paddler opportunities to paddle diverse conditions, yet providing ample protected waters for those newer to kayaking to enjoy the incredible beauty one can only experience from the cockpit of a kayak. For sure, the rewards will be great as we lose ourselves in the adventure, finding some real gems off the beaten path. Expect to establish some long-lasting friendships with the people we meet as we share exceptional food and sustenance at the table.
Although part of Italy, Sardinia is in-and-of itself, a world apart. The native dialect, Sardo, has been identified as the closest living language to the Latin spoken by the ancient Romans. The island was once controlled by Rome's greatest enemy in the Mediterranean, Carthage, whose armies threatened Rome itself under the leadership of their famous general Hannibal Barca. The Bronze Age Nuraghic civilization left their mark on the island as well; these ancient builders constructed countless stone towers scattered through the countryside, an archaeological mystery waiting to be solved by those of us with the Indiana Jones-gene! Even the rock formations have an other worldly appearance, shaped by the Mistral, that harsh west wind that accelerates down the Rhone Valley, across Provence, and then out to sea sculpting the island's coast line into organic shapes. The result reminiscent of the smooth, flowing, carvings of sculptor Jean Arp if one uses some imagination. This is a place not to be missed!!
The clear azure sea that offers us breathtaking ocean-bottom-views 60 or more feet below our kayaks will be the stage upon which we become the actors in this dynamic drama of ebb and flow. Lots of paddling to be found, secret places to explore, hidden sea caves, secluded beaches and the opportunity for some lively surf will be part of the action too. For land lubbers there will be opportunities to hike or bike instead, and of course time can be taken to find a cliff-side perch and simply watch the ever-changing sea.
At the end of the day, we will all have experienced some fun, some serious paddling, and an unequaled sampling of food and wine prepared in a traditional manner. Could be just the ticket for a great getaway!
Sept 17 - 26, 2020
PLEASE NOTE: The flight fromUS to Italy is an overnight flight so participants will need to depart the US on Sept. 16th to arrive in Italy on the 17th.
$3950 per person based on double occupancy; singles add $500
The Price includes 9 night accommodations in Inns or hotels, meals as noted on itinerary, in-country transportation once you have arrived at our first night's Inn as outlined on the itinerary, ferry to Sardinia, kayaking gear and safety equipment, and highly qualified & trained guides
This area is best characterized by its dramatic tides, cold arctic waters, and breath-taking views.
The magic of Acadia National Park cannot be overstated particularly on a crisp, clear blue September day that highlights the beauty of this national park.
The rocky coast of Maine offers adventurous explorers a variety of geology, wildlife, and paddling opportunities.
Portugal is an amazing country with its lively port cities of Lisbon and Porto, its spectacular hillside vineyards, producers of the world famous Port wine, flowing down to the meandering Duoro river, and its dramatic southern coast reflecting the waves rolling in from the Atlantic. But its the people, warm, friendly and inviting that really make this small country a gem; one can enjoy the sounds of the Portugese music, Fado heard often in the background, and enjoy sharing a meal of freshly caught fish with the locals. This is a place with a deep history; a place showcasing architectural wonders clad in beautiful tile work, and a place that blends the old with the new seamlessly. .
We'll begin our journey in the port city of Porto, located along the lower Duoro river that flows into the Atlantic. It's waterfront, lined with shops and restaurants featuring fresh seafood, comes to life each night with music, dance, and those out to enjoy a stroll along the river. The seven bridges that cross the Duoro from Porto to its neighbor, Gaia, offer wonderful vantage points to photograph this historic city during the day and at night. There are great architectural structures throughout the city, many of them adorned with Portugal's famous Azulejo blue tiles, beautiful gardens to wander through, and of course great restaurants and local shops to visit. Once we have gotten grounded and acclimated to the time change, we will head east towards the source of the Duoro river, near the border of Spain. We'll travel to our destination by train, one of the most scenic train routes in all of Europe, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding vineyards along the way.
It is here in the Duoro River valley where we’ll find the terraced vineyards that supply the world with Portugal’s namesake libation, Port wine. Look forward to paddling, hiking, and driving from the mountainous border with Spain to the coastal city of Porto. On the way we will stay at various Quintas, (winery sponsored hotels), agriturismos, and family run inns as we head down river. This will be the highlight of our visit, a fitting conclusion to our travels. It will be a fun and flexible trip with lots of interaction with the locals too. Space is limited so don’t delay if this catches your fancy!
May 2 - 10, 2020
* You will need to depart the US on Friday May 1 to arrive in Porto on Saturday May 2.
PRICING (pricing is based on double occupancy; singles add $400)
$3650 per person double occupancy; singles add $400
The lush greens of the tropical rainforest, miles of sparkling white sandy beaches, reflecting the intense equatorial rays of the sun, simmering volcanoes and misty crater lakes�.
Discover the Magic of Venice at Christmas time
Portugal is an amazing country with its lively port cities of Lisbon and Porto, its spectacular hillside vineyards, producers of the world famous Port wine, flowing down to the meandering Duoro river, and its dramatic southern coast reflecting the waves rolling in from the Atlantic. But its the people, warm, friendly and inviting that really make this small country a gem; one can enjoy the sounds of the Portugese music, Fado heard often in the background, and enjoy sharing a meal of freshly caught fish with the locals. This is a place with a deep history; a place showcasing architectural wonders clad in beautiful tile work, and a place that blends the old with the new seamlessly. .
We'll begin our journey in the port city of Porto, located along the lower Duoro river that flows into the Atlantic. It's waterfront, lined with shops and restaurants featuring fresh seafood, comes to life each night with music, dance, and those out to enjoy a stroll along the river. The seven bridges that cross the Duoro from Porto to its neighbor, Gaia, offer wonderful vantage points to photograph this historic city during the day and at night. There are great architectural structures throughout the city, many of them adorned with Portugal's famous Azulejo blue tiles, beautiful gardens to wander through, and of course great restaurants and local shops to visit. Once we have gotten grounded and acclimated to the time change, we will head east towards the source of the Duoro river, near the border of Spain. We'll travel to our destination by train, one of the most scenic train routes in all of Europe, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding vineyards along the way.
It is here in the Duoro River valley where we’ll find the terraced vineyards that supply the world with Portugal’s namesake libation, Port wine. Look forward to paddling, hiking, and driving from the mountainous border with Spain to the coastal city of Porto. On the way we will stay at various Quintas, (winery sponsored hotels), agriturismos, and family run inns as we head down river. This will be the highlight of our visit, a fitting conclusion to our travels. It will be a fun and flexible trip with lots of interaction with the locals too. Space is limited so don’t delay if this catches your fancy!
Sept 20 - Sept 29, 2019
* You will need to depart the US on Thursday the 19th to arrive in Porto on the 20th.
PRICING (pricing is based on double occupancy; singles add $400)
$3650 per person double occupancy; singles add $400
* What H2Outfitters provides:
9 night’s accommodations
Meals, as noted on itinerary
In country transportation
kayaking days
What You Need to provide:
International airfare (you will need to leave the US on the 19th to arrive in Porto on the 20th)
Fees for any activities/sights you opt to do
Alcoholic beverages and snacks
Gratuities for guides
Any transportation costs not included with itinerary
“Just had to say thank you! Thanks for a wonderful, fabulous, incredible trip! You gave me so much more than I expected and it truly changed my life, seriously. I don’t think I can find the words to thank you enough!”
When the goddess of love Venus emerged from the swells of the Tyrrhenian Sea, seven gemstones were lost from her crown as the waves crashed all around her. These seven stones became the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Gorgona, Pianosa, Giannutri and Montecristo. So these are the gems of Tuscany encompassing 600,000 acres making it Europe's largest marine park. The most famous and largest of these islands is Elba, dominated by nature with its long sandy beaches, small inlets, vertical cliffs, and transparent deep blue sea. The Etruscans mined metals here, to the Romans, it was a destination resort, and to Napoleon it was his home away from home during his exile. We'll visit small medieval villages, sample local fare rich in genuine flavor, and explore the stunning coastline of white sand, hidden cobblestone beaches,and rugged rock outcroppings.
From here, we'll journey to the heart of Tuscany, a region first inhabited by the ancient Entruscans, who cherished the hills, the land, and the air as a place of sanctuary. For Chiantigianos it is the place to cultivate the grape, harvest the olive, and to savor the sights, sounds, and scent of the hills. For us peregrinators, wayfarers as the Roman tourists called themselves, it will be a delight for the senses and truly an adventure for a lifetime.
5 days, 5 nights - lodge-based accommodation
June 30 - July 5, 2019
Arrive by ferry on the 30th, depart by ferry on the 5th.
Located 12 miles off the midcoast of Maine, lies the large island complex of Northhaven and Vinalhaven, known for its striking natural beauty and home to the largest lobster boat fleet on the East Coast. Here you will experience a full range of paddling opportunities from calm protected waters, to meandering channels through island thoroughfares, to the open seas along the southern coast. Pristine islands with white sandy beaches, deep penetrating coves providing shelter from the seas, and a meandering shoreline of spruce forest interrupted by simple to stately summer homes, provide the backdrop to our paddling experience. The adventure, however, reaches far beyond the seas surrounding this island archipelago. Take a walk down Vinalhaven’s main street, and a few side streets, and enjoy the wonderfully restoredhistoric homes with beautifully-maintained gardens, stroll along miles of maintained hiking trails taking in the smells, sights, and sounds of the forest, and meet the some of the colorful residents of the island at the local diner. This is a place not to be missed, a place that warrants at least a week to explore, and a place that will lure you back again and again.
Our home for the five days/five nights is a restored 1869 house situated on a quiet side street, just a mere 2-3 minutes walk from Vinalhaven’s main street and picturesque harbor. After a day on the water, enjoy sitting in a rocking chair on the enclosed deck reading one of the many books about the island history found in the living room, or pull out the scrabble board and challenge your fellow paddler to game of wits, or piece together a 1000 piece puzzle.
Cost: $1495 per person based on double occupancy; singles add $300
Price includes: Roundtrip ferry service from Rockland, accommodations for five nights, meals as noted on itinerary, kayaks and related gear, and professional leadership by H2Outfitters’ staff and Registered Maine Guides.
Portugal is an amazing country with its lively port cities of Lisbon and Porto, its spectacular hillside vineyards, producers of the world famous Port wine, flowing down to the meandering Duoro river, and its dramatic southern coast reflecting the waves rolling in from the Atlantic. But its the people, warm, friendly and inviting that really make this small country a gem; one can enjoy the sounds of the Portugese music, Fado heard often in the background, and enjoy sharing a meal of freshly caught fish with the locals. This is a place with a deep history; a place showcasing architectural wonders clad in beautiful tile work, and a place that blends the old with the new seamlessly. .
We'll begin our journey in the port city of Porto, located along the lower Duoro river that flows into the Atlantic. It's waterfront, lined with shops and restaurants featuring fresh seafood, comes to life each night with music, dance, and those out to enjoy a stroll along the river. The seven bridges that cross the Duoro from Porto to its neighbor, Gaia, offer wonderful vantage points to photograph this historic city during the day and at night. There are great architectural structures throughout the city, many of them adorned with Portugal's famous Azulejo blue tiles, beautiful gardens to wander through, and of course great restaurants and local shops to visit. Once we have gotten grounded and acclimated to the time change, we will head east towards the source of the Duoro river, near the border of Spain. We'll travel to our destination by train, one of the most scenic train routes in all of Europe, offering spectacular views of the river and surrounding vineyards along the way.
It is here in the Duoro River valley where we’ll find the terraced vineyards that supply the world with Portugal’s namesake libation, Port wine. Look forward to paddling, hiking, and driving from the mountainous border with Spain to the coastal city of Porto. On the way we will stay at various Quintas, (winery sponsored hotels), agriturismos, and family run inns as we head down river. This will be the highlight of our visit, a fitting conclusion to our travels. It will be a fun and flexible trip with lots of interaction with the locals too. Space is limited so don’t delay if this catches your fancy!
May 24 - June 2, 2019
* You will need to depart the US on Thursday the 23rd to arrive in Porto on the 24th.
PRICING (pricing is based on double occupancy; singles add $400)
$3650 per person double occupancy; singles add $400
* What H2Outfitters provides:
9 night’s accommodations
Meals, as noted on itinerary
In country transportation
kayaking days
What You Need to provide:
International airfare (you will need to leave the US on the 23rd to arrive in Porto on the 24th)
Fees for any activities/sights you opt to do
Alcoholic beverages and snacks
Gratuities for guides
Any transportation costs not included with itinerary
Proud to have been selected by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as "One of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth"
Opening weekends beginning May 27th . We will be open 7 days a week beginning June 12th.
• Prior to June 12th and after Sept. 6th please call us at 207-833-5257 to check on availability for a guided tour, instructional class, or rental. The more notice we have the better the chances are that we can set something up for you.
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