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Guest Reviews
We receive many
excellent reviews each year from our guests as well as national publications
like Outside Magazine and National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
After each trip we send
out evaluation forms to our guests. We value their opinions and stride to make
improvements based on what they say. We enjoy reading the wonderful comments
from those who have traveled with us recently. Here are just a few of the many
comments about our sea kayak tours for you to read.
Comments from our Sea of Cortez guests
Comments from our Baja's Desert Whales guests
Comments from our Johnstone Strait guests
Comments from our Wilderness Islands
guests
Comments from our God's Pocket Resort
guests
Comments from our Sea
of Cortez guests
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This trip was a once in
a life time experience! I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the wildlife and the
food was good. I will be recommending this trip to everyone I know.
-- Doug
Lindsay, Sea of Cortez |
I just wanted to let you both know what an excellent trip Carloyn and I had
and I'm confident I can speak for the whole group as well when I say
everything was perfect. The guides were great the food was excellent and
organization was first class and a great group of people.
--Carl Scofield, Sea of Cortez
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and we are still talking about it as for us it was one of the best holidays ever. I can absolutely recommend SKA and we will be definitely going on another tour with them.
--Marianne Wood, Sea of Cortez Isla Carmen trip
All three guides were
exceptional. They did a great job of keeping the group informed, were very
sensitive to individual needs and abilities, very conscientious about safety,
enthusiastic, great cooks, wonderful personalities and helpful
instructors.
-- Jeri Kyner, Sea of Cortez
The trip was more than I
expected. It was a total immersion in a wonderful place. Scenery, marine life
& climate - all were intense. This was exactly the adventure I was looking
for.
-- Janice Maves, Sea of Cortez
Since this was my first
trip of this kind, I really didn't know exactly what to expect. However, the
whole experience was just great…the people, the first-rate equipment, the
area & nature, the guides, the food was wonderful, plus the weather and
traveling connections. I especially appreciated the equipment list you sent. It
all fit into my backpack and I was ready to go.
-- Arlene Perry, Sea of
Cortez
The food exceeded my
expectations by far and I have 12+ years experience in the restaurant
business.
-- Erik Sagerstrom, Sea of Cortez
I was most impressed
with the under water life…I saw an octopus, a spiny lobster, rays, sea
cucumbers, jelly fish and hundreds of tropical fish.
-- Erik Sagerstrom, Sea
of Cortez
The trip was
meticulously planned. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, funny,
safety-conscious, and the food was delicious. I had a wonderful time, and I'm
telling all my friends to go.
-- David Ellison, Sea of Cortez
The trip was perfect. I
cannot say enough good things about the guides, the meals, the activities and
hotel. We had the best time in our lives. Many thanks to your company for
making this a special time.
-- Bert Jones, Sea of Cortez
I've gone on 6 SKA trips
since 1997. The guides make a solo traveler feel right at home.
-- Chuck
Eagle Baja & Canada
On a scale of 1-10, I
give this trip an 11. SKA is an awesome organization with friendly,
knowledgeable guides and fantastic food.
-- Dragan Huterer, Sea of
Cortez
Could you provide us
with a copy of the recipes used on the trip? The food was absolutely
fabulous!
-- Nora McNally, Sea of Cortez
The trip was excellent:
the food, guides and scenery. Extremely well organized, easy transfers and
great equipment made it all very relaxing, enjoyable and fun with zero
worries.
-- Michael Weigel, Sea of Cortez
The trip exceeded my
expectations … outstanding guides, excellent food, well planned, beautiful
location. The weather was perfect…blue skies, sunshine and warm
temperatures with a light breeze. The kayaking and snorkeling were great.
--
Arthur Rosenshein, Sea of Cortez
All three guides were
wonderful, so knowledgeable about the area and giving their attention to all
kinds of details. They seemed very concerned about making the trip as enjoyable
as possible for us. We enjoyed getting to know them very much.
-- Arthur
Rosenshein, Sea of Cortez
The trip went way beyond
my expectations. It was so great. Everything about it is a wonderful memory -
the nature is just spectacular, the guides were great fun and very
knowledgeable, the camping and kayaking equipment were superb and the food -
were we really on a camping trip?
-- Vanja Dukic, Sea of Cortez
I had a fantastic time
on the trip. The guides were great … very professional, educational,
friendly and always willing to accommodate requests. They were an absolute joy
and they made my trip most enjoyable and memorable. Also, the food was
fantastic and exceeded my expectations.
-- Richard Hsu, Sea of
Cortez
I have not done any
organized trips before, but I have a hard time imagining that anyone could do
it better. This was a perfect combination of a wonderful variety of physical
activity, spectacular scenery, education about the surrounding nature, superb
food, relax time and impeccable organization.
-- Christie Hayes, Sea of
Cortez
Thanks so much for the
fabulous adventure in Baja! It was truly amazing and I will remember it always
as beautiful, nurturing and spectacular in every way.
-- Valarie Mandiloff,
Sea of Cortez
I give this trip an A
plus! It was a beautifully organized and everything worked like clockwork. All
we had to do was show up and paddle. I can't rave enough about the food. It was
delicious and there were lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Happy hour and
fresh cake were definite treats. I would definitely recommend this trip to
friends.
-- Ruth Kitchin, Sea of Cortez
I was impressed with the
organization of SKA down to every detail. You guys really run a responsible,
tightly managed outfit. I also enjoyed paddling alongside the dolphins and the
whale watching excursion (I was lucky enough to pet a whale). The memories will
last long after the Teva suntan stripes on my feet fade.
-- Lori Mayfield,
Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay Whale Watch Excursion
Thank you and your team
for a wonderful Baja holiday. This trip was everything I imagined and more. The
guides were fantastic…they did everything to ensure that we were having
fun, eating amazing meals and seeing as much of this fantastic area as we could
possibly experience. The whale watching was an added and unexpected
bonus.
-- Beth Mollineaux, Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay Whale Watch
Excursion
This trip far exceeded
my expectations. The location and wildlife were great, and the kayaking, which
I had never done before, was a blast, but by far the most wonderful thing about
the trip was the guides. All three of them are such special people: so
knowledgeable, kind, funny, strong and on and on - just really great people
that I am so happy to have now as friends.
-- Glasgow Phillips, Sea of
Cortez
The trip was fantastic
and it was everything we had hoped for and more. The group was great, the route
was enjoyable, the food was out of this world and the guides were fun,
professional and extremely knowledgeable about the local geography, biology and
culture of the area. They were very accommodating and flexible with the
schedule and our desires.
-- Dennis Woods, Sea of Cortez
We enjoyed being on the
water, the information the guides had about plants and animals (they knew a
lot!), the food was great and the night paddle was amazing!
-- Mindy
Hoffert, Sea of Cortez
One of the very best
trips I've ever taken! It was life changing. Ginni not only is an excellent
guide, but her genuineness and creative, artistic aspects added another
dimension to the trip.
-- Joni Harrison, Sea of Cortez
The trip exceeded every
expectation. On a scale of 1-10, this trip was a 20! From the initial
reservation to the farewell dinner, every detail was handled professionally,
promptly and enthusiastically. SKA is a tremendous organization.
-- Herbey
Andrews, Sea of Cortez
I don't think you could
find another outfitter that works as hard to ensure their guests have the
kayaking experience that they've dreamed of. All 3 of my SKA tours were
sublime.
-- Linda Eberle Baja & Canada
I could go on and on
about how much I enjoyed the trip and what a terrific job the people at SKA did
for us.
-- Steve Quinn, Sea of Cortez
As usual on SKA trips,
now my fourth, the clients never ceased expressing amazement with the
organization and each new exciting meal.
-- Robert Wallace, Sea of
Cortez
This was our first
adventure vacation, and we were, naturally, a little nervous. The guides were
extremely competent, and made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. I
would rate this trip absolutely a five-star vacation.
-- Scott Curtis, Sea
of Cortez
The guides are extremely
capable, knowledgeable and able to transform a group of strangers at the
beginning of the trip to good friends with very special shared memories by the
end.
-- Linda Eberle, Sea of Cortez
The food was simply
outstanding. I don't think I've ever eaten so well for a straight week in my
life.
-- Caryn Camp, Sea of Cortez
The guides were
terrific. They always seemed attuned to each guest to make sure we were all
attended to and having a good time. They were very accommodating with whatever
activity was suggested by the group.
-- Betty Jaeger, Sea of Cortez
The food served on your
camping trip deserves a special commendation. Really excellent, on par with
what you get in a first-rate restaurant.
-- Rudi Mayr, Sea of
Cortez
I especially liked the
special touches: voluminous instructions, directions & advice prior to the
trip; reservations for additional nights, new kayaking equipment, and
flexibility in kayaking itinerary and activities.
-- Pat Hollyday, Sea of
Cortez
The service was
excellent from the moment we landed at the airport until we flew out a week
later.
-- Stacie Holland, Sea of Cortez
This trip was just
outstanding - the scenery, the organization, the guides - it's hard for me to
imagine making it better. The personalities and skills of the guides were
amazing. Your taking the time to visit with us on the phone was also very
helpful. We hope someday to do another trip with you. Also, looking back at
everything you provided in the package, it was a real bargain. Thanks for
providing such a memorable experience.
-- Andy Anderson, Sea of
Cortez
The Baja trip, from the
outset, was a welcome surprise. The staff was friendly and informative. Once I
had committed to the trip, they stayed in touch, answered questions and mailed
a well-organized information packet. They even asked about food allergies and
aversions, and took my fickleness to heart.
-- John Briley, Sea of
Cortez
We had a glorious time
in Baja and were most impressed with the extraordinary coast and the pristine,
hospitable Sea of Cortez. Everything and everybody was wonderfully organized
and we felt really privileged to have such great guides, who were also
spectacular chefs. We look forward to being with Sea Kayak Adventures
again.
-- Ann Eno, Sea of Cortez
I would like to thank
you and your wonderful staff for one of the best vacations I have ever had. Our
guides were exceptional. The camaraderie among the staff and our unique group
was simply, magic. The food was divine and I was continually amazed at how they
could possibly make so much, so good and make it look so effortless.
--
Suzanne Anderson, Sea of Cortez
What a surprise to find
gourmet food on a camping trip. We were so impressed with your ability to
produce these wonderful meals.
-- Laurie and Bill Clark, Sea of
Cortez
As a single female, I
was a bit nervous traveling alone. All three guides made me feel comfortable,
safe and completely at ease.
-- Margaret Garner, Sea of Cortez
I have gone on eleven
other outfitted tours and I am not easily impressed. You have the best guides
in the business. I give this trip, your services and guides an A+. Thanks again
for a great adventure.
-- Terry Green, Sea of Cortez
We felt this was one of
the best vacations we ever had. We enjoyed our phone contacts with Nancy and we
felt very safe and well cared for by the guides. You are offering a wonderful
adventure. We especially enjoyed camping out under the stars, the other guests,
and being so close to nature. Thank you for making this possible.
-- Joseph
& Victoria Feldstein, Sea of Cortez
This is the fourth trip
I have had the pleasure of taking with SKA and I don't see how it could have
been better. The weather was great, the water warm and flat, and the group
seemed to enjoy each other.
-- Robert Bliss, Sea of Cortez
This was my first kayak
trip and I was amazed as to how far we actually paddled without being
exhausted. Your organization really shown! I had an awesome time on the trip
and did not want it to end.
-- Barbara Steps, Sea of Cortez
We saw whales on four of
the six days and especially enjoyed the blue whale fluking multiple
times!
-- William Feierstein, Sea of Cortez
A wonderful trip, more
than I expected! Rates as one of our top 3 vacations.
-- Mike & Dana
Wolff, Sea of Cortez
The extensive pre-trip
information and communication was one of the reasons why we chose your company
out of a list of outfitters.
-- Andreas Hubatsch, Sea of Cortez
We enjoyed everything:
the scenery, the helpful and knowledgeable guides, the amount and intensity of
paddling, the wonderful kayaks, the food, the snorkeling, the wildlife
sightings and the hiking.
-- Andreas Hubatsch, Sea of Cortez
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Comments from our
Baja's Desert Whales guests
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It has been a very
special week. The bird watching, beachcombing, dune hikes, food, friendship and
campfires have all been rich with meaning. But, of course, what proved most
exceptional was whale watching. That after all, is why I came. I wasn't
disappointed.
-- Pat Fox, Baja's Desert Whales |
The trip was above and
beyond my expectations! I'd recommend it to anyone considering such
adventure.
-- Susan Hillstrom, Baja's Desert Whales
Touching a whale was
definitely the high point (the skin is actually quite soft -- except for the
barnacles) and a perfect ending to a perfect trip.
-- Louise Weed, Baja's
Desert Whales
A heartfelt note of
thanks for the most amazing trip. From my arrival in Loreto to our final
dinner, everything was excellent, and so professionally handled. Never had I
imagined how beautiful Magdalena Bay would be, how friendly the guides, how
delicious the food, how awe-inspiring the whales and how unique the entire
experience.
-- Sarah Tuff, Baja's Desert Whales
I loved the trip and it
exceeded my expectations. It was an incredibly wonderful experience that I
highly recommend to others. The whales are a definite highlight, but the
relaxed pace of exploring nature and enjoying all aspects of it, from the bird
life to the constellations, all make it a stimulating and inspiring
experience.
-- Lisa Jensen, Baja's Desert Whales
The trip was fantastic,
superb and wonderful. I wanted to see whales, and we were well rewarded from
the moment we arrived at our campsite when a baby whale "greeted" us by
breaching seven times in a row! Seeing and touching the whales was a very
emotional experience for me.
-- Wayne Holter, Baja's Desert
Whales
This trip was an
excellent investment of time and money. I would recommend Sea Kayak Adventures
to anyone interested in exploring our natural environment.
-- Joe Palena,
Baja's Desert Whales
What a wonderful trip
this was! We had such a wonderful time on Magdalena Bay and the Sea of Cortez.
The two weeks were very different, almost like two separate vacations. Both
trips were magical in their own ways, although the days spent in the company of
whales was perhaps the most magical of all.
-- Victor & Barb Zaveduk,
Sea of Cortez and Baja's Desert Whales
For people who like
physical activity, stunning beauty and kayaking, you can't go wrong with this
trip. The most enjoyable part of the trip for me was experiencing the Baja
whales.
-- Frances Kessler, Baja's Desert Whales
The whales were the
highlight of the trip, but the rest of it was also great…it is a beautiful
area and the guides were terrific. The most enjoyable part was watching the
whales from our campsite and being so close to them.
-- Laurel Luby, Baja's
Desert Whales
I enjoyed camping so
close to the proximity of the whales and their young. Each morning we would
wake up to the sounds of their breathing.
-- Lois Suzuki, Baja's Desert
Whales
This was a great trip
and fulfilled all our expectations. We had a great time and the whale watching
was superb. Our three guides were the best we have ever had on a trip. They
were personable, knowledgeable and friendly. The food was excellent and the
happy hour was a welcome addition compared to other companies we have
used.
-- David & Becki Sawyer, Baja's Desert Whales
The pre-trip information
you sent us was detailed and specific. It let us know exactly what to do and
what to expect.
-- David & Becki Sawyer, Baja's Desert Whales
For our group the Baja
trip was one of the most outstanding experiences we've ever had. I could go on
and on. You have got some tip-top fabulous and most delightful guides. They are
skilled, knowledgeable, kind and very wise about taking care of folks. You have
our highest praise for the guides and for the trip planning.
-- Margaret
Partlow, Baja's Desert Whales
The group that
participated in the whale watching were all overwhelmed with the experience and
it clearly put an exclamation point on an otherwise fantastic trip and forever
memorable experience.
-- Dennis Woods, Magdalena Bay Whale Watching
Excursion
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Comments from our
Johnstone Strait guests
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Here I was, kayaking for
the first time and I'm 50! Apprehensively, I slid into the kayak and started
paddling- it was the start of a journey that became one of the best adventures
in my life.
-- Elle Andra-Warner, Johnstone Strait
It exceeded any and all
expectations. It was one of the best trips I have been on and I have been all
over the world.
-- Carol Singler, Johnstone Strait
Our guides were truly
responsible for making this trip so exceptional. They were fun and adventurous
and their enthusiasm was irresistible. We could not have been in more competent
and assured hands.
-- Margery Ricards, Johnstone Strait |
The trip was stupendous. It was a timeless experience from start to finish, luckily the guides stayed aware of hours and days because for me they ceased to exist. It was a week of bliss!
--Walter Crinnion, Johnstone Strait
SKA tours are "off the chart" wonderful. I don't know how you do it but you managed to have EVERY detail covered AND maintain an ease and peaceful "whatever you like" atmosphere at the same time. SKA clearly had appproached the tour industry with the idea of "What would I want in my ideal trip as a participant" rather than "What would my idea trip as a guide be." Bravo!
--Walter Crinnion, Johnstone Strait
How did you arrange for
orcas to greet us on the first day and humpbacks to bid us farewell at the end?
But seriously, the trip met my expectations and more.
-- Ralph Parks,
Johnstone Strait
The trip was more than I
could have imagined. It was, by far, the best "adventure" trip I have
taken.
-- Shari Kleist, Johnstone Strait
We truly enjoyed this
trip and consider it possibly the best vacation we have ever had. Your
attention to detail, care of your equipment and planning is evident in the
success of your trips. We are so glad you made our first kayaking adventure a
pleasant, memorable one. Keep up the good work.
-- Bob and Elizabeth Mills,
Johnstone Strait
We can't stop talking
about the sea kayak trip to everyone now that we're home. It was a wonderful
experience for us in every way. The guides, of course, were critical to its
success. We are recommending this trip and your company very highly to our
friends. Thanks for everything, from the personal and prompt attention during
booking all the way through to the end. You guys are first-rate.
-- Paul
& Ellen Biderman, Johnstone Strait
The scenery was awesome.
Waking up to snow-covered mountains and forested shorelines was worth every
cent. Add to that the delicious food, incredible wildlife, and wonderful people
and you have a great adventure.
-- Dave Werr, Johnstone Strait
We enjoyed seeing the
orcas as well as the natural beauty and tremendous biodiversity in the area - I
was very surprised by all of the intertidal life.
-- Bill and Annie Hopkins,
Johnstone Strait
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Comments from our
Wilderness Islands guests
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I particularly liked the
guides' unobtrusive attention to group safety, the subtle but high quality
service, the wildlife talks and their ability to alter plans in view of the
tides and weather.
-- Trevor Cattermole, Queen Charlotte
Strait |
Can you imagine the
excitement of preparing for a trip that all you want to do is see one bald
eagle and possibly a whale?
You spend months preparing, reading,
researching, shopping, talking with your fellow traveler..
Getting so
excited you think you are going to explode?
Can you imagine arriving in
the little town of Port Hardy, walking along the dock, trying desperately to
read the marine forecast on the window but making no sense of it. The energy of
your excitement continues. You barely sleep that night hoping that you have
packed all the right things.
Can you imagine wearing the worst get-up
you have ever been caught in public with and trying to eat your
breakfast?
Can you imagine getting on the water taxi, having your
stomach in your throat with excitement and then seeing your first whale?!! No
wait a couple of whales. Beautiful majestic Orcas! Strong, regal, magnificent,
peaceful....what a sight!
Can you imagine arriving in a little port and
knowing instantly why they have named this place 'God's Pocket'.
Can you
imagine the smell of salt water and seaweed? The sound of seagulls...The sound
of excited people calming down from the rush and bustle of the city.
Can
you imagine stepping in that kayak and dipping the paddle in to the water for
the first of many times that week?
Can you imagine paddling over swells
of massive amounts of water, tasting the salt in the air, watching your best
friend in front of you and all you new best friends all around you?
Can
you imagine finding your final destination for the day and it is more beautiful
than the first stop? The grass is green, the trees, are so stately that you are
humbled by the experience. The water is calm, the sky is blue, you look up and
see the grand bald eagle! Imagine! The first morning you are honored with the
presence of being woken up by the sound of whooshing feathers and the power of
mighty wings of the bald eagle. The sun is shining, the breakfast is ready, you
are so very ready to go! The whole week unfolds with such wonderful, peaceful,
commanding and serene experiences it is unimaginable unless you pinch yourself
and realize it really is you on this dream!
Can you imagine having the
Guides that have probably seen all this a thousand times being so excited to
see a 'barge of otters'.
Can you imagine sitting quietly in a kayak,
bobbing with the swells of such powerful water but gently being put back in
place so you continue your silent vigil with the otters?
Can you imagine
being totally on your own with a group of your new friends while gazing in
wonder at a simple sea urchin or an anemone or a starfish?
Can you
imagine finding a special place on a rock to silently spy on the seals as they
play with each other, then turning around only to discover you are being spyed
on by a deer?
Can you imagine lying on the beach in your tent on the
last morning saddened by the fact that you will have to go home today...its
dark, foggy, the air is still with silence. The stillness is broken by the
sound of a distant fog horn, but it gives you a feeling of comfort. Again you
slip back in to the comfort of the fog, listening for another sound, a bird
flying overhead, an unknown sound breaks the silence..could it be... I peak my
head out of the tent door to be greeted by fog and darkness. In the distance I
can hear the powerful sound of a whale, the once calm waters start rushing up
on shore, the grace and elegance of the whale can only be imagined while I hear
the spouting of this great mammal. What a wonder, what a treat, what an honour!
My friend and I lay there in silence, in awe. What a privilege to be able to
experience this event. I can hear others whispering, hushing, enjoying the
moment as well. I have shared my experience with them in silence.
Can
you imagine all this? Can you imagine your soul experiencing such
wonder?
Can you imagine holding your breath in total awe for a whole
week?
Can you imagine? I can, I have experienced it all and
more.
Thank you Maryanne, Kelda, Terry and Nancy and all the others that
made this wonderful experience a possibility, thank you from my soul.
--
Beverley Lee, Wilderness Islands 2005
The leadership from
Terry and guides throughout the trip was first rate in all respects including
attention to safety, kayaking instruction, camp set-up, meal prep, fellowship
and education regarding weather, tides, marine biology and history of the area.
We would not hesitate to travel with you again.
-- Mike & Esther Rogers,
Queen Charlotte Strait
The trip was a fantastic
experience! The whole thing: wilderness, remoteness, wildlife, food, people and
guides were excellent.
-- Mark Leather, Queen Charlotte Strait
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Comments from our
God's Pocket Resort guests
 |
As a pilot, I was most
impressed by the guides' knowledge of the winds, tides, weather and currents. I
felt safe and comfortable in their capable hands.
-- David Rifat, God's
Pocket
I felt like I was at a
five star resort eating meals at the lodge. The chef was especially
accommodating to people with special diets.
-- Barbara Yaschik, God's
Pocket
The guides were GREAT -
both very personable and knowledgeable. Although I'm twice their age and a
non-swimmer, I felt safe in their hands.
-- Jan Netzer, God's
Pocket |
The lodge was
incredible. We loved every moment and would give this trip a 10 out of
10.
-- Sandy Williams, God's Pocket
We chose this tour for
our family gathering because our 67-yr old mother would not have wanted to tent
camp, but loved the kayaking and being pampered each evening at the
lodge.
-- Connie Hvidsten, God's Pocket
Thanks for a tremendous
vacation. Your planning was fantastic and all of the events special. We really
liked our fabulous guides and God's Pocket Resort. Thanks again.
-- Warren
Arnold, God's Pocket Resort
The area was so
beautiful, the climate, to my surprise so temperate, and the kayaking so
pleasurable. Also the food was outstanding. The guides were great. I always
felt safe and well attended, and they were certainly a pleasure to have around.
I found them both very knowledgeable.
-- Sheila Zaretsky, God's Pocket
Resort
The food was fantastic,
guides were pleasant, helpful, energetic and fun. It was nice to sleep in a bed
and have indoor toilets and hot showers -- just decadent! I think many people
who don't especially enjoy camping and sleeping on the ground, would find this
a great trip.
-- Carol King, God's Pocket Resort
I've been on lots of
adventure trips and your guides are among the best.
-- Eugene Belogorsky,
God's Pocket Resort
The trip was great. We
enjoyed kayaking in such a beautiful area, going out to see the orcas, the
wildlife and great guides. The food was superb and we liked the attention paid
to specific food requests. The lodge staff were excellent and very customer
oriented. Having rooms made up every day was great.
-- Jim Gilliam, God's
Pocket Resort
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