Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our kayaking tours. From trip preparation to how to get to our location here in British Columbia. If you don’t see the answer you are looking for, feel free to contact us as we are always happy to help!
We base our Orca Camp trip departure dates on historically good times to see orcas in the area of our basecamp. Of course they are wild animals, so opportunities and frequency are left to them! You can see these dates by choosing “Book Now” and clicking “Orca Camp”. All dates will be listed. If you have the flexibility, booking in the middle of the season will provide an ideal time to see whales!
We think our trips are an excellent way for solo travelers to experience a fantastic adventures with others. There is no additional “single supplement” on our expeditions at anytime and we don’t bunk you with a stranger. Our Orca Camp trips do charge a $600 solo traveler fee from July 10th – Aug 30th. There is no solo traveler fee for Orca Camp from July 1st to July 13th and from Sept 1 – Sept 17th.
No experience is required to participate in our kayaking tours. We recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and that you are in good physical shape. Our kayaks are stable, and safe to paddle. Wildcoast guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures prior to your first launch, and assist during your kayak tour with tweaking your technique. Learn more
Orca Camp
At Orca Camp, kayaking is the primary activity, next to always keeping your eyes out for orca, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to paddle. The advantage of basecamp is that you can paddle as much or as little as you would like. Kayaking is daily, and you’ll enjoy a shore lunch on a beach you’ve paddled to.
Guides tailor all paddling excursions to the group’s ability, dynamic, and of course weather conditions: so paddle itineraries vary. Guests looking to do more whale watching from the beach are welcome to opt out of any paddling excursion, and guests wishing for more time on the water are encouraged to arrange with guides a sunset or sunrise paddle!
Discovery Islands / Whales & Wildlife / Weekender
Discovery Islands, Whales & Wildlife and The Weekender are nomadic tours – so paddling is necessary to get to each campsite. Guides determine each days’ paddle and campsite based on the weather conditions, sea conditions, and group paddling skill/dynamic. Each day’s paddle is broken up by a lunch stop, and opportunities to see & learn about the wildlife along the way.
Guests don’t require prior kayaking experience to enjoy our trips – this is a fantastic opportunity to learn in an immersive and supportive environment. Learn more.
Yes we provide really excellent alternates for guests requiring a vegan, vegetarian, or other modified menu. These modifications don’t compromise on the quality, freshness, or portion sizing of each meal.
However, please note we are not a peanut or nut-free operation. While we do our best to provide a great menu, if you have severe allergies and/or dietary restrictions our adventures may not be suitable for you due to limitations of the wilderness settings we travel within.
(Note: special diets may require a small additional fee to cover the menu modification costs)
The maximum group size at Orca Camp is 18 guests with 3 guides at Orca Camp. All bookings are guaranteed: we do not cancel any of our Orca Camp dates if guest numbers are below that, so guests per trip can vary.
Discovery Islands or Desolation Sound tours have a maximum of 10 guests with 2 guides.
The equipment that we use at Orca Camp has a capacity of 300-400lbs depending on the model of the kayak. The equipment that we use on our Expeditions has a capacity of 180 – 300 lbs, depending on the model of the kayak. If you have any questions about accessibility or mobility required, please feel free to contact our team to discuss the best option for you.
Wildcoast trips involve lots of kayaking. In order for all paddlers to keep up with the group we typically set minimum age requirements of 12 years old on expeditions (Whales & Wildlife, The Weekender, & Discovery Islands) and 10 years old at Orca Camp. We require one parent or adult for every child 15 or under in the group.
If you are planning a family vacation and have children under these ages, please contact us to discuss your best trip options!
On our Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound trips, we equip guests with high-quality tents and sleeping bags that are ideal for the climate and expedition kayak camping – at no extra cost. This is so we can be assured you are best outfitted for the climate and conditions. This also prevents our guests from having to travel with cumbersome camping gear when flying.
If you are traveling with a friend or partner we will have you share a tent. If you are a solo traveler you will not be “bunked” with a stranger.
We provide our kayak vacation guests with a durable dry bag to pack your personal items into, and answer any last-minute questions you might have, with a short guide introduction the night of your arrival.
Our Orca Camp guests stay in Wildcoast’s spacious safari tents. You also will have use of our 10L durable dry bags for storing any day-bag items needed during kayak excursions.
Our helpful packing list can be found here to be sure you come best prepared!
We require the full cost of your trip to be paid at time of booking.
Full payment is required at the time of booking. When booking directly with Wildcoast Adventures Ltd., guests may choose between our Standard Rate or Flex Rate. The cancellation policy that applies to your booking is determined by the rate selected at the time of booking.
Our Standard Rate follows our standard 90-day cancellation policy and is best suited to guests who are comfortable making firm travel plans and/or have independent travel cancellation insurance.
If we receive your cancellation notice:
For an additional 10% Flex premium, the Flex Rate provides greater flexibility for guests whose plans may be subject to change.
With the Flex Rate:
The Flex Rate is intended to provide additional flexibility and is not travel insurance. Guests who require coverage for medical emergencies, transportation disruptions, or other circumstances outside the Flex Rate’s terms should consider purchasing independent travel insurance.
Wildcoast Adventures Ltd. does not provide refunds for cancellations due to medical reasons outside of the cancellation terms associated with the rate selected at the time of booking.
We strongly recommend that guests consider travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage, including coverage for medical reasons where appropriate.
Tip: Check with your credit card company or travel insurance provider to understand what types of coverage are included with your policy, such as medical, trip cancellation, trip interruption, or “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage, and the amount of coverage provided.
Wildcoast Adventures Ltd. reserves the right to cancel a trip prior to departure due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances outside of our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, force majeure, extreme weather or logistical issues that may prevent the safe or practical operation of a trip. The trip might also have to be extended or shortened due to the above reasons.
If Wildcoast Adventures cancels a trip, guests will be offered a full refund.
Wildcoast Adventures is not responsible for incidental expenses or consequential losses incurred as a result of a cancelled/adjusted booking, including but not limited to non-refundable airfare, accommodation, transportation, equipment, or other travel expenses.
Wildcoast Adventures will make every reasonable effort to contact guests as soon as possible if it appears that a trip may need to be cancelled.
Except where otherwise required by law, refunds or credits outside the terms outlined above will not be provided. We strongly recommend that guests purchase appropriate travel insurance to protect against unexpected circumstances and non-refundable travel expenses.
Wildcoast Adventures standard cancellation policies apply to all trips. Should you need to cancel outside of these parameters, you will need to contact your insurance company for reimbursement and the amount of our reimbursement will depend upon the insurance you purchased.
As part of planning your adventure with us, we strongly recommend you purchase “Cancel for any Reason” Travel Insurance (CFAR). In the ever-changing world of COVID-19 where national, state and local regulations are unpredictable, this insurance protects you.
Before purchasing your insurance package ensure it covers all of the areas you would like it to mitigate both for you and the other members of your party. For example, as many travelers discovered this past year, it is unlikely that your credit card travel insurance includes coverage due to pandemics. Also, note that travel insurance policies require that you purchase the insurance in a timely manner, typically between 72 hours – 21 days of paying for your adventure. Below are some options to get you started.
Manulife (must be purchased within 72 hours trip booking)
Crum and Forster – Worldwide Trip Protector Plus (75% CFAR)
John Hancock – Gold (75% CFAR)
Tip: check out Insurance brokers Aardy.com or Squaremouth.com for more options and cost comparisons
Tip: check out Visitorscoverage.com for more options and cost comparisons
Disclaimer: Wildcoast is not an insurance provider or insurance expert, the above information is provided only as a courtesy. Please carefully review any policies you purchase to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
Most accommodations (hotels, resorts, AirBNB) you are staying at prior to your trip with Wildcoast offer free luggage storage – simply check with the host. Alternatively, luggage can be stored at our shop. Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labelled with your name, tour and trip dates.
Free parking is available behind our shop on Quadra Island while you are on your tour with Wildcoast. Many of the accommodations in Campbell River and on Quadra Island also have free parking included with your stay – please inquire when booking with your hotel provider.
Gratuities (tipping) are optional and not included in the cost of your tour. Tipping is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have provided great service to you on your tour. Amounts are entirely a personal preference; however $5-10 per guide, per day can be used as a general rule.