When You Are Ready – We Are Here
Dear Traveler,
It has been a strange and unpredictable world these past months as the pandemic has ebbed and flowed around the world. Like everyone, we are doing our best to navigate these uncharted waters. We have continued to operate throughout the pandemic and are happy that we’ve been able to provide much-needed respite and life-changing travel experiences for many. Our North America trips have been very busy and we’ve had a handful of other trips around the world, including Ecuador and the Galapagos; Croatia and Turkey. We have well-practiced protocols in place to be responsible travelers during these trying times. One of these is that our entire field staff, including guides, is vaccinated. As well, we require all participants on our overnight trips to be vaccinated. (*More details below)
We continue to believe in the transformative power of travel, and that your journeys build connection and meaning wherever you go. As well, they provide purpose and hope for those we employ and our partners around the world.
We invite you to contact us with questions and very much look forward to sharing this magnificent, magical and wonderful world with you!
Yours Faithfully,
Peter Grubb
Founder & President
And the entire team at Sea Kayak Adventures
Important Updates for Travel with Sea Kayak Adventures
Your safety, as well as the safety of our employees, partners and host communities, has always been a top priority for Sea Kayak Adventures. Since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic we’ve been operating with increased rigor and precautions. We take standards for hygiene and cleanliness seriously and regardless of the status of the pandemic, we will continue to take additional steps to protect our guests, employees and everyone we contact, from virus spread. Our health and safety measures are designed to address a broad spectrum of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (a novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID -19) and include everything from employee and guest use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), handwashing hygiene and cleaning product specifications to the cleaning of vehicles, boats and all the equipment used during our trips.
The decision about whether or not to travel is a personal one. As you consider your options, it’s key that you feel comfortable with the uncertainties of the world today. We are working hard to mitigate risk with additional operational precautions and procedures, but the risk of exposure to, or contraction of, COVID-19 cannot be eliminated. Participants of commercially outfitted trips must accept the inherent risk presented by the fact that it is not reasonable to expect the outfitter to effectively eliminate the virus from the environment.
Time in the outdoors is always rejuvenating, and now, may be more important than ever. Being with others to share the joys of nature, connection and camaraderie in a healthy, supportive atmosphere has always been central to what we do. On our adventures and tours, we plan to continue our operational procedures as detailed below. Our policy will continue to evolve as time goes on and we continue to monitor global, national and local health recommendations, but what will never change is our desire and commitment to keep you safe and provide a life-enriching travel experience!
Traveler Vaccine Requirement and Safety Measures:
Effective January 27, 2022.
With the safety of our travelers, guides, and host communities in mind, Sea Kayak Adventures requires all guests 18 and older on overnight trips lasting 3 or more days to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The Vaccine requirement, effective January 27, 2022 is applicable for all trips commencing May 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023. Any trip departing after May 1, 2023 will no longer require proof of vaccine for COVID-19. By proceeding with your booking or current reservation, you are acknowledging that you are or will be fully vaccinated prior to departure. SKA Guests will be required to provide proof of current vaccination status prior to their trip departure, or at the trip orientation meeting. Those not able to provide sufficient proof will not be allowed to travel and will forfeit any payments made to Sea Kayak Adventures.
Please see the FAQ section below for additional information and detailed answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Do I need to be vaccinated in order to travel with Sea Kayak Adventures?
Yes. As of January 27, 2022 all Sea Kayak Adventures guests on overnight tours, commencing May 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023 will be required to be fully vaccinated (see definition below) for COVID-19. Any trip departing after May 1, 2023 will no longer require proof of vaccine for COVID-19. All travelers will be required to follow and understand the entry/exit requirements of their destination country (and home country), which may require full vaccination. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure they meet all applicable entry requirements in effect at the time of travel.
I have a child under 18. Will they need to be vaccinated?
People under 18 years old are required to either be vaccinated or show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 24 hours of trip start.
When are you considered “fully vaccinated?”
You must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine. For most people in the U.S., this means two weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. For additional information, please see the CDC vaccine guidance.
What proof of vaccination will be required?
A digital copy, hard copy, or picture of your COVID-19 vaccine card will be accepted as proof of vaccination. Simply upload a copy of your proof of vaccination through your reservation portal on our website. Please note that our international destinations may have additional requirements and/or documents needed for entry.
Will I be required to get a forthcoming booster vaccination?
Our standard of vaccination requirement will align with CDC and FDA guidelines as to what constitutes current and effective vaccination status at your time of travel. For some travelers this may mean receiving an approved booster vaccine.
What happens if vaccination or testing guidelines change right before my trip?
If vaccination guidelines change within 30 days of your departure date, we will not require that you meet the updated requirements (for example, an additional dose of an approved vaccine as a booster). If testing guidelines change within 30 days of your departure, we may ask you to meet those new requirements up to 72 hours in advance of your departure date. However, if guidelines change more than 30 days prior to your departure date, then you will be required to meet those updated requirements, this could include an additional dose of the vaccine or negative test prior to departure.
Are Sea Kayak Adventures guides and staff vaccinated?
Yes, Sea Kayak Adventures requires vaccination for all staff where local/international jurisdictions allow.
I already booked my tour but I don’t want to be vaccinated. What are my options?
We understand that some people who have already booked their 2022-2023 vacations may choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Below is an outline of your available options:
Guests who booked prior to the change of policy:
If you have booked a trip prior to the announcement of our vaccination requirement (January 27, 2022), we can provide you with alternative options, which can include a credit, transferring credit to friends or family or a full refund.
If you purchased your travel insurance policy through Sea Kayak Adventures we can provide you with alternative options such as a voucher or credit, or a full refund.
Travellers who booked after the change of policy:
If you’re not vaccinated and you book a trip after January 27, 2022, our standard booking and cancellation policies apply.
Anyone wishing to apply for a full refund due to this policy change, for a 2022 or 2023 departure, must contact us no later than March 1, 2022.
How long do I have to cancel if I don’t want to be vaccinated?
We are asking for notification of cancellation by March 1, 2022.
Is my travel insurance refundable?
If your policy was purchased directly through Travel Insured International they will provide a voucher of commensurate value to be used on a future vacation or trip. If you purchased your travel insurance policy through Sea Kayak Adventures, prior to January 27, 2022, Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with alternative options such as a voucher or credit, or a full refund.
Will you require charter or private groups to be vaccinated?
Yes, we still require private charter groups to meet our vaccine requirements.
Will this policy change over time?
Given the constantly changing global health environment and newly updated medical guidance, our plans and requirements may evolve. Decisions will be based on current recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO). We reserve the right to modify our policies as required by state and federal governments and in consultation with the various entities we rely on for guidance. It will be your responsibility to stay abreast of changes by frequently visiting our site before your travels.
Will group sizes change?
Our groups have always been small, partly to encourage connections and to give you access to places larger groups can’t go, but also to provide you with plenty of personal space — and that was even before physical distancing! If you’re interested in smaller or private groups please contact an Adventure Consultant to explore private and custom options.
Do I need to bring/wear a mask?
Yes, please! We are asking all Sea Kayak Adventures guests to bring a face mask to be used whenever physical distancing of 6 ft is not possible as well as in vehicles or during other modes of transportation. This requirement will continue to be monitored and adjusted based on current CDC recommendations.
Will you be providing hand sanitizer?
Yes, we have hand sanitizer available during your Sea Kayak Adventures trip. We ask that you bring your own as well to use and for easy access throughout the tour.
Information, Communication and Support:
Our Team is Here to Help you Prepare - Our experienced staff is here to provide advice and answer any questions you have as you prepare for your adventure. We keep a constant eye on what is happening in the world and how it impacts our trips, including the current pandemic situation. To guide our decisions, we follow recommendations from the CDC and WHO, in addition to local authorities where we travel. We will communicate any pertinent information related to your trip by email.
Trained Guides and Staff Offer 24/7 Support:
Our organization is staffed for emergencies, and we'll be there to provide support for you and our guides in the field when needed. We have training and detailed internal protocols and support for any COVID related or other medical issues that may arise. Although many of our trips operate in wilderness environments, we carry satellite phones for emergencies and have other communication strategies in place so that guides have additional resources as needed. Our guides are trained in First Aid and CPR, and for this season are getting additional training regarding possible COVID-19 situations. This includes our long-standing protocols for evacuation should that be necessary.
Courtesy & Respect:
Since our trips are all group activities, we’ve always expected people to act with courtesy and respect towards others. We require all guests to wear masks in vehicles and whenever requested by guides, to maintain physical distancing and follow any other precautions that may be necessary to protect the health of everyone.
Maintaining Distance:
Choosing outdoor adventure in wild places affords opportunities to spread out. Sea Kayak Adventures is committed to maintaining recommended distances during all aspects of our trips whenever possible. Camping areas have plenty of space to spread out. Our camp dining areas will be more spacious than normal.
Meal Preparation & Outdoor Dining:
Our guides are trained to follow the recommended State and Federal guidelines for foodservice operations. For 2022 our guides will wear masks while handling food if this is a public health recommendation and/or required by local or regional regulations.
Additional Cleaning & Sanitation:
Additional precautions have been implemented to further clean and disinfect all surfaces of the various equipment we use, including kayaks, paddles, PFDs (personal flotation devices), transport operated directly by Sea Kayak Adventures, door handles, portable toilets, etc. Gloves, masks, and distancing according to current recommendations will be required of all staff.
Hand Washing & Sanitizing:
At camp hand wash stations will be set up as they always have been. Hand sanitizer will be available in our dining area. We encourage you to bring your own hand sanitizer too.
Bring a Face Covering:
Bring your preferred face covering, and we’ll supply a few extras on the trip in case you forget. Cloth masks, buffs, etc. are all good options. While we don’t anticipate needing to wear these frequently, there will be times when they are required such as at an indoor orientation meeting or when using group transport. We believe that traveling responsibly during this time means having recommended resources at your disposal should the need arise.
Traveling Solo:
You will have your own tent on any of our camping trips. We do have a supplemental charge for the use of a single kayak.