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Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is “Paddles” Kayak Club Located?
Our kayak clubhouse is located at Mercer’s Creek on the east coast, in a quaint village called Seatons. There are
directional sign posts marked
“Paddles” Kayak and Snorkel Trips’ en route. Look-to-find-it landmarks include Betty’s Hope Sugar Plantation and close to the Long Bay area.
Check the map
We operate half day trips.
The morning trip typically departs our kayak clubhouse at 9.00am, returning
at approximately 12.15pm and the afternoon trip departs at 1.00pm, returning at
approximately 4.15pm.
What Activities Are Included?
I’ve Traveled Extensively, Don’t Want To Be Bored, Demand Value For Money And Am Looking For More Than Just
Kayaking...I
’m Not Easily Impressed!!
If you’re looking for a non-commercialized, off-the-beaten-track Eco adventure in a
beautiful and pristine marine park, this trip should certainly appeal.
We offer a fun-mix of fast motor boating, kayaking in mangrove
The North Sound Marine Park is
Back at the kayak clubhouse you’ll be treated to light refreshments, chilled aromatherapy face towels, floral
footbaths, separate changing rooms and toilets. Our local guides are so
knowledgeable, we reckon they have an answer for just about everything to do
with this island! If they don
’t, be assured the response will be delivered with typical quirky philosophy and
island humor :) You
’ll undoubtedly ponder at the appropriate wit!
The quaint clubhouse is a fisherman’s waterfront cottage that’s frequented by tropical birds, has a wild flower garden and a collection of
Caribbean art and artifacts. Folks frequently ask about possible vacation
accommodation in this peaceful place. Sorry, no can do!
How Do I Make A Reservation?
Simply email your request to labarrielc@candw.ag and specify the date you’d like to join us and whether a morning or afternoon trip is preferred. Tell us
how many persons are in your party and the age of children, if any. It
’ll help if you give the name of your hotel or ship so that we can confirm
pick-up time.
Our telephone number is 1 (268) 463 1944 - just dial the last seven digits if
calling in Antigua.
Our fax number is 1 (268) 463 3344
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
* In case of horrible weather and we must cancel our tour, your credit card will
not be charged.
* If you are staying at a hotel, we will be happy to reschedule your trip.
Generally, (happily) rain doesn
’t hang around here for very long!
* If you are arriving by ship, our representative will be on the pier to advise
about the weather situation.
* If, for any reason, your ship does not arrive in our port, your credit card
will not be charged.
* Customers with reservations who ‘don’t show’ on the day, will be charged in full. Sorry, but this is due to limited space
available.
*If your ship is late arriving in port...we’ll wait!
I’ve Never Kayaked Before, Is This Tour Suitable For Me?
The majority of persons who join us have never kayaked before. Our patient
guides demonstrate paddling technique before you set off. It
’s easy! No previous experience nor superior strength is required, however, you
should be moderately fit and be able to swim. This trip is not suitable for the
physically challenged, as you will be required to step on/off jetty
’s, boats and kayaks.
Life jackets and inflatable snorkel vests are provided.
Kayaking is conducted in shallow calm coastal waters around inlets, coves and
tiny uninhabited islands - no open ocean areas.
The kayaking segment in your half day trip lasts approximately one hour...we
have much to show you in and around the North Sound
If variety is what you’re looking for, this is it!
I Don’t Know How To Snorkel
No problem! Our helpful guides will assist with the right size fins, mask and
snorkel, inflatable snorkel vest and show you how to breathe.
(Inhale, exhale....see, it’s easy!)
They’ll accompany you in the water too, to get you started and direct you to the
reef.
As snorkeling is conducted at an offshore reef, you will be required to use a
boat ladder to descend into the water. Depth is about ten feet.
...I Don’t Want To Snorkel
If you don’t want to snorkel at the offshore reef you do have options:
1. Stay in the shade on the motor boat and be amused by the Captain.
2. Relax under a coconut tree on the beach and be utterly lazy.
3. Explore the uninhabited island and look for birds and lizards.
4. Swim in the azure shallows off the beach and allow the fish to nibble your
toes.
5. Bury your head in the sand and forget reality and the rat race back home!
How Much Does It Cost?
Our half day trip, including round trip transportation, all equipment, light
refreshments, guides and use of clubhouse facilities is:
Adults: US$55.00 per person
Children: US$45.00 per child (i.e. 12 yrs and under - minimum age, 6 years). Children must be able to swim and each child be accompanied by an adult. If
you
’re outnumbered by children, no problem, we’ll pair them up with our great crew.
How Do I Pay?
We accept Visa/Mastercard, traveler’s checks, or good old fashioned cash. By the way, US$ currency is accepted
everywhere on the island - you don
’t have to change your money into our Eastern Caribbean dollars.
I’m Staying At An Hotel - What Do I Do About Transport?
One of our guides will pick you up from your hotel lobby by private vehicle. Your tour begins the moment you’re picked up with a narration about ‘life on a small island’. We reckon you’ll learn more about Antigua from your driver than from any guide book! You’ll be driven back to your hotel in good time to have lunch or, more importantly,
happy hour!
:)
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Don’t Want You To Pick Me Up - I Have A Rental Car And I May Not Want To Return To
My Hotel Immediately After The Tour
We’ll simply give you directions how to find us, and probably recommend other
interesting places to visit close by or have lunch, once you leave our
clubhouse. Devil
’s Bridge, Long Bay, Pineapple Beach Club and Betty’s Hope are located in our area. Looking for a spectacular beach? Half Moon Bay
is a must!
to ensure a stress-free ‘meet and greet’ by the gangway of your ship. Our representative will stand near your gangway at
a pre-arranged time, holding a sign marked
‘Kayak Eco’. Once you introduce yourself to him, he’ll direct you to the reserved transportation at the end of the pier. Leaving
from our capital, St. John
’s, there is a 25 minute drive through small villages and countryside to our
kayak clubhouse. Upon arrival your host will welcome you.
Is There An Age and Weight Limit?
We recommend a minimum age of 6 years; the oldest guests we’ve met are fit folks in their early eighties!
Each two-seater kayak can hold a maximum weight of 400lbs.
I’m On My Own
No problem - if we don’t pair you up with someone, we’ll give you a single kayak. This
Can Children Join Us?
This is a great ‘soft’ adventure suitable for families. There’s never a dull moment plus it’s highly educational.
Children must be able to swim and an adult must accompany each child. Should the
number of children outnumber adults, we
’ll pair them up with one of our crew. No problem!
Children’s water shoes, paddles, fins, masks, snorkels and life vests are provided free
of charge, however, if they have their own, by all means bring them.
Do You Serve Lunch?
No, but we do serve a light snack, our famous nutmeg rum punch and non-alcoholic
tropical fruit drinks after the tour, at the clubhouse. We provide chilled
bottled water during the activities. We recommend you have breakfast or lunch
before joining the tour otherwise your rumbling tummy might interrupt the
guides narration!
Tell Me About The Kayaks...
Each 13ft x 3 1/2ft Ocean Kayak can seat two persons and the maximum total
weight per kayak is 400lbs. The seating is
‘sit-on-top’ style (not sitting in a cockpit, so no Eskimo rolls are required!)
Each person has a rigid seatback for maximum comfort and will be given a
two-blade paddle.
Tell Me About The Motor Boat...
We use 24ft flat-bottomed Carolina Skiffs - these are perfect for maneuvering
through shallow mangrove areas and the 115 hp Yamaha engines fast enough to zip
you in and out of the twelve uninhabited islands. The boat can seat fourteen
people comfortably and there is space to store your bags. Don
’t worry, you won’t have to paddle long distances to see the highlights of the area.
What Should I Wear/Bring?
* Wear your swimsuit under shorts/t.shirt or casual cover-up
* Bring a towel
* Sunglasses and a hat is a good idea
* Sun protection cream
* Bring a change of clothes - (underwear, dry shorts etc.)
* Shoes that won’t come off and you don’t mind getting wet. Teva’s and aqua socks are
flip flops are not!
Although we provide all equipment and water shoes, if you have your own snorkel
gear and water shoes, by all means bring them.
Note: Walmart, Dicks Sporting Goods, Target etc. sell great aqua socks/water
shoes for about $7.00 a pair. You
’ll find them an invaluable item for your vacation; comfortable and easy to pack.
Should I Bring My Camera? - What About My Bag And Belongings?
We’ll be showing you lots of beautiful scenery and panoramic views, so you may wish
to pop your camera into a plastic bag and bring it along. We don
’t recommend you take your camera in the kayak with you, (unless it’s a waterproof camera). Whilst kayaking you’ll be able to keep your bag, camera, towels etc. on the motor boat.
Tell Me About The Swimming – I’m Not Exactly An Ace Athlete!
You don’t have to be a strong swimmer to participate – we snorkel in a sheltered
area or off a beach and provide inflatable snorkel vests. You can wear a life
jacket whilst
kayaking and be assured our crew will be keeping a watchful eye on everyone.
Safety First!
I’m Pregnant, Can I Still Participate?
We don’t recommend our trip for ‘Mother’s In Waiting’.Our trip includes a fast power boat ride that ‘junior’ might find too bumpy and we wouldn’t want you to strain yourself whilst paddling – it’s a good upper body
workout.
If I Wear Aquasocks or Tevas, Will These Be Suitable For The Nature Hike?
Yes, the nature hike at (20 acre) Bird Island is about a seven minute trail walk
to the top via a
well used rock and stone trail. Flip flops are not suitable. Any waterproof
closed shoe is
perfect. We do have a limited supply of aquasocks to lend those who don’t have any.
Oh yeh, no grappling irons, ropes or acrophobia medication required J
I hope we’ve addressed the most obvious questions - if you need more information, please
don
’t hesitate to email us at labarrielc@candw.ag
Your safety, comfort and fun are important to us.
Hope you’ll be able to share our paradise with us!
Jennie and Conrad
“Paddles” Kayak Club,
Seatons Village,
Antigua,
West Indies
Tel 1 (268) 463 1944
Fax 1 (268) 463 3344
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