DO I NEED PREVIOUS KAYAKING OR CAMPING EXPERIENCE?
No previous experience is required. Every trip is expertly guided and suitable for guests of all ages and abilities. We teach you how to safely and properly control your kayak so you are able to relax and take in all of the natural beauty and magnificent wildlife of Yellowstone. We have both single and double kayaks available for everyone to enjoy. All the necessary kayaking equipment is provided, as well as camping gear on overnight trips. Our aim is to produce trips that can be enjoyed by people of every level of expertise, from novice to experienced.
CAN WE BRING OUR CHILDREN?
We take kids as young as 5 regularly, and all kids 12 and under are required to paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult. We do have a minimum age of 14 for our overnight trips due to the nature of camping in a remote wilderness location, where there is no plumbing or running water, and we filter all our drinking water directly out of the lake. On many trips we offer a youth discount. For more information please contact our office.
CAN I TRAVEL BY MYSELF?
Yes you can absolutely book as a single traveler. The 2 person minimum applies to the overall trip size in order for us to run the trip. By its very nature a kayaking trip is very social, you will meet interesting people and make plenty of new friends along the way.
WHAT KIND OF PHYSICAL SHAPE DO I NEED TO BE IN?
Regular exercise before any outdoors trip will add to your enjoyment, but our trips are geared towards anyone in good health and an active lifestyle. We’ve always felt that a positive attitude is more important than being in extreme athletic shape.
I HAVE A CAMERA, CAN I BRING THAT?
We’re avid photographers and always take cameras on trips. Give us a call and we’ll be able to have an informed discussion about camera and case options, conditions you’ll likely encounter and the range of photo opportunities on each trip.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
We schedule our trips to coincide with the best possible weather for the trip area. We believe in staying warm and dry. The weather in Yellowstone can vary greatly, and change quickly. Typically the days are sunny with temps in the upper 60’s to low 80’s, however it does get cold at night and early morning. Afternoon showers and passing thunderstorms are always possible in the mountains. We will provide all the necessary kayaking equipment. You should arrive dressed according to the weather, keeping in mind that while you wont ever be submerged in the water, you will get wet. Therefore dressing in layers is always best, with shorts or wind pants made of synthetic quick drying material, and shoes that you don,t mind getting wet. Having extra layers, and/or a change of warm dry clothes for after the trip ends, is also a good idea. If you have any questions any time, please don,t hesitate to ask.
WHAT CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING?
We will provide all the necessary kayaking equipment, and group camping equipment including top-quality tents. Suggested packing lists are available under the What to Bring sections on our website for both day trips and overnight trips. In general you should arrive dressed according to the weather, keeping in mind that while you wont ever be submerged in the water, you will be kayaking so you will get wet. Therefore dressing in layers is always best, with shorts or wind pants made of synthetic quick drying material, and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Having extra layers, and/or a change of warm dry clothes for after the trip ends, is also a good idea. If you have any questions any time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Although we leave this completely up to you, our knowledgeable office team is able to help in the event you can’t make up your mind on which great expedition to do first.
WHAT ABOUT SEA KAYAKING AND SAFETY?
Safety is the main priority for every Yellowstone Geyser Kayak Tour. Our guides are thoroughly versed in emergency procedures, and carry two-way radios to use in the unlikely event of an emergency. We make no compromises on gear quality and use only the best available. For our trips we use single and double sea kayaks that are stable, comfortable, stable and very seaworthy. Before each trip there is a comprehensive instructional session designed to familiarize you with paddling techniques and the equipment. After the sea kayak introductory session, you’ll get a chance to try out your new skills in a protected area. A level of expertise is quickly attained in these sleek, responsive craft. If your interest in kayaking goes beyond our introductory material, our guides will gladly provide further instruction in such areas as map reading, navigation, route selection, weather, and advanced paddling techniques.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
Our guides come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have been leaders in the setting of guide standards for the industry and in addition to the extensive experience required to become a Yellowstone Geyser Kayak Tour guide, we also conduct a rigorous course of training designed to ensure that our high standards for professional guides are met. All of the men and women who guide for us are dedicated outdoors people and naturalists with extensive wilderness kayaking experience, fully trained and certified in wilderness first aid. Many hold degrees in the natural sciences. We are well versed in the ecological and historical features of the region we live in and are eager to share our knowledge and experience.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Food is a key element of Yellowstone Geyser Kayak Tours. Delicious deli-style lunches are provided on all our day paddles. For longer multi-day trips, all meals beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the final day are included. Please make sure to let us know if you have any specific dietary restrictions. We do pride ourselves in preparing top-quality meals in a wilderness setting from the freshest ingredients available. Our menu is varied: substantial North American breakfasts and fresh coffee start the day, wholesome sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch, tried and true international favorites for supper and fresh baked goods almost every day.
DO YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR VEGETARIANS OR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGYS?
We cater for all dietary preferences. Our vegetarian clients are always amazed and very pleased with the variety and options we have for them. With other preferences or food allergies, we recommend you contact our office with specific questions, but we do have a variety of gluten, wheat or dairy free options. Kosher meals are possible upon request, though we may suggest you bring a few of your favorite foods from home.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I EXPECT ON MY TRIP AND WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
In order to reduce our impact on the environment we have a maximum of 8 to 16 clients depending on the duration of the trip. We feel this also gives clients and guides the opportunity to get to know each other better. Many of our clients forge lasting friendships on our trips, meeting up on subsequent paddling journeys.
HOW MANY HOURS PER DAY WILL WE BE KAYAKING?
Lets not forget this is a holiday! A typical day will see you for around 4 hours. This might be punctuated by a pleasant hike to a geothermal feature, wildlife viewing area or up to get a panoramic view of the incredible scenery. You’ll reach camp in time to do some exploring ashore on your own, relax, read your favorite book or chat with one of your fellow paddlers about the days’ adventures.
WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE YELLOWSTONE GEYSER KAYAK TOURS?
We have over 20 years of experience as a sea kayak expedition guide service, are leaders in sea kayaking instruction and enjoy an industry- wide reputation for safety, service and great food. We have guided thousands of paddlers on wilderness trips and are delighted that so many guests have become repeat clientele. Our trips are physically satisfying vacations that embody a spirit of adventure and are designed to be relaxing, safe, thought-provoking and fun.