Wine, Wildlife, And a Wonder of the World

Dossier Disclaimer:

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

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VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

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Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

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Important Notes

WEATHER

The weather from November through April is generally perfect, with highs during the day in the mid to upper 70s and lows at night in the upper 50s to mid-60s. There may be windy days that can have an impact on certain adventures, and there is the occasional rainy day in those months as well. May and June are a bit warmer during the day but still delightful, and the truly warm weather starts in mid-July. Hurricane season is exactly the same as in the eastern United States, and officially runs June to November. However, most storms tend to occur August to mid-October. 

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TYPES OF KAYAKS USED
Both 1-person and 2-person sit-in kayaks are available for use on this tour.

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What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.

Packing List

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Documents:

• Passport – must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival

• A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)   

• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage

• Plan to use cash (pesos) for small purchases, taxis and gratuities

• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)

• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)

• Money belt or concealed passport carrier to carry your passport, travel documents and money, hidden under your clothing

• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy these at any travel or outdoor recreation store)

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Essentials:
 

• One - three pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs give you more options)

• One- two pair nylon shorts (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys)

• Swimsuit 

• Sarong (optional but super handy for changing clothes, laying on the ground, etc.)

• One - three short sleeve button-up shirt(s) or t-shirt(s) (synthetic is best)

• One - three long sleeve shirts for sun protection (tight-weave nylon shirts with SPF protection made by companies such as Columbia, Patagonia, Exofficio or REI etc. Sun protection is essential)

• Rash guard or set of synthetic long-sleeve top and full length bottoms (for snorkeling, as some areas may have jellyfish present)

• Underwear (synthetic is best)

• One wide-brim, tie-on hat (the floppy nylon variety is ideal, as it packs well.)  

• One lightweight raincoat (a windbreaker that has some waterproof qualities will work as well)  

• Three pair light synthetic or merino wool socks

• One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking and for casual camp time

• One pair sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. (Chaco, Keens or Tevas are preferred but there are many other brands that are suitable)

• Extra synthetic or wool layers (e.g. long underwear) for warmth during cool evenings

Casual Pre & Post Activity Clothing:

• One - two other comfortable pairs of pants/shorts/skirts/dresses

• One - two short sleeve, long sleeve and/or button up shirt(s)

• One light sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings

• One pair pajamas 

• Underwear and socks

Gear and Other Essentials:

• One pair of paddling gloves (optional for all kayaking tours)

• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes (optional)

• One water bottle, 1 liter or larger (A bottle that fits in a daypack pocket or clips to the outside is ideal)

• One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off

• Camera/batteries/battery charger (Mophie battery packs  for all USB enabled devices are a great option) 

• Waterproof Camera Case (For non-waterproof cameras you may want to bring a small dry box or bag to use while kayaking)

• Binoculars (Optional but nice for bird and wildlife watching)

• Sunglasses, polarized are highly recommended for sun protection and enhanced clarity (Extra pair of sunglasses and glasses/contacts)

• Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses (Chums, Croakies or similar item)

• Flashlight or Head Lamp 

• Three to four kitchen garbage can liners – for wet clothes, dirty laundry, soiled shoes, etc.  

•  A few quart-size or 1-gallon ziplock bags for packing sunscreens, lotions or anything that might make a mess

• Books or E-reader, pen and note pad, iPod/small portable music player with headphones (optional) (we recommend 1-2 books at most; keep games and “extras” small in size and to a minimum)

• Towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great)

Toilet Kit/First Aid:

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)

• Insect Repellent Bug Spray or Bug Balm 

• Sun Screen and Lip balm with SPF 15-30

• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh

• Personal medicines and Prescriptions (Dramamine-motion sickness, Benadryl -allergic reactions, Advil or Aspirin, etc.)

• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked and salted skin

• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel

• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)

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Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

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