Sea Kayaking, 6-Day Sea Kayak Expedition - Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Fitness and Experience

• No previous paddling experience is required , however there is no doubt that the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the paddle. Prevailing weather conditions obviously play a leading role in determining the actual "degree of difficulty". Feel free to contact us to talk over any concerns you may have about your fitness or experience level.
• In our fully guided expeditions, we plan to paddle for approximately 4 hours each day, leaving plenty of time to snorkel the coral reefs, explore the coastline and relax in hammocks under shady trees overlooking the pristine
  waters of the Whitsundays.

What to Bring/Wear

• Insect repellent (Bushmans or Tropical Strength Rid work well)
• Sunscreen
• Personal Water Bottle
• Sunglasses
• Compact Camera (Waterproof ones are best)
• Hat
• Head Torch for the evenings
• Extra snacks for outside meal time (If required - however we feed you very well)
• Suitable Footwear (Tevas or neoprene booties are ideal)
• Personal clothing for paddling & camp wear (Most people choose to paddle in quick-drying long-sleeved shirts -rashies are ideal
• Don't forget to bring some warmer clothing for the evenings - It doesn't get very cold here - night time temp drops to say 18 degrees with day time temps in the mid 20's - to 30, however it is advisable to bring some warm clothing
  for the evenings - but don't pack too much!
• A Wind / Rain Jacket (lightweight if possible) is also recommended -just in case).
• Fishing gear (If you like to fish en-route)
• Alcohol (Wine or spirits are easiest carried)
• A good book for those quiet moments

Additionally we suggest that each paddler also bring:

• Heavy duty waterproof sunscreen & zinc cream
• Insect repellent ("Tropical Strength Rid" has proven effective)
• Aspirin / Panadol

What is Supplied

• A sea kayak/s for you plus all necessary paddling & safety equipment
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
• Drybags for the waterproof storage for personal gear
• All group camping gear (tents, stoves, cooking gear and eating utensils)
• Self-inflating sleeping mats, sleeping bag & sleeping bag insert
• Snorkelling gear ( mask, snorkel & fins)
• Group first aid kit
• Emergency satellite telephone

More Information

GROUP SIZE:

Maximum group size is 12 paddlers ( including guide/s) unless specifically requested ( eg school & corporate bookings).

CLIMATE:

The Whitsundays region has a warm subtropical climate. This means that the winters are mild with warm to hot summers.

GUIDES/SAFETY: 

We are staffed by qualified & experienced sea kayakers with local knowledge of the area, weather patterns, flora and fauna. They are also trained in first aid. Group numbers are limited to ensure personalised service and safety.

We make no compromises when it comes to safety and use only the highest quality equipment. Our modern single and double sea kayaks are extremely fast, stable and easy to manoeuvre with foot controlled rudders. The double kayak we use for our extended trip is the Sear Bear Packhorse by New Zealand Manufacturer " Paddling Perfection".

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES:

Every item of clothing and equipment must be carried in or on the kayaks so it is essential that you keep clothing and other personal items to a minimum. A suggested list of clothing and personal items is attached.

FOOD:

For fully guided trips, Salty Dog Sea Kayaking provide all meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on the last day of paddling. Our menu is prepared by our very own fully qualified chef using only the freshest ingredients. Paddlers are welcome to assist in the preparation of the evening meal. Vegetarians and those with other dietary restrictions are happily catered for provided sufficient notice is given.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

The Whitsundays offers excellent fishing, snorkelling and oyster gathering. You are welcome to bring fishing gear (hand lines are suggested) - there's nothing quite like a meal of fresh coral trout with rock oysters to cap off a great days paddling.

WILDERNESS CONSIDERATIONS:

Almost all the Whitsunday Islands are national parks and they provide a chance to indulge in what many believe to be the ultimate kayaking / camping experience. It is important however to ensure that our presence on these islands and in the marine parks causes as little impact as possible on the landscape as well as the local flora and fauna. Your guides are fully versed in minimal impact camping techniques and we ask that you follow their example and advice in this respect. 

SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL & MAPS:

An excellent background briefing of the Whitsunday Islands can be obtained by reading the" Bible" of the region, "100 Magic Miles" by David Colfelt or from "The Whitsundays Book" by the same author. Both are by Windward Publications Pty Ltd. Information on paddling in the Whitsundays is also found in a new book titled "An introduction to Sea Kayaking in Queensland" by Gerard Effeney & published by Gecko Books ( www.geckobooks.com.au )

Extensive information relating the local flora and fauna is also available from the Queensland Department of Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Numerous maps on the Whitsundays are available at outdoor.