THE WORLD BY SEA KAYAK
2016
About Us
Our Team
Al Bakker Founder
Megan Grover
Jane Newman
Managing Director & Senior Guide
Trip Consultant
Trip Consultant
Judd Hill
Matt Edwards
Eamon Larkin
Senior Guide/Chef
Senior Guide
Senior Guide
James Thorp
Toby Story
Sally Campbell
Senior Guide
Senior Guide
Senior Guide
Bob Powell
Enrico Carrossino
Josko Matusan
Senior Guide
Senior Guide
Senior Guide
Antarctic Splendor
Southern Sea Ventures was founded by Al Bakker in 1988 when he first guided paddling groups in the Yasawa Islands in Fiji. You can now experience 31 different sea kayak trips around the globe. Our guides' expertise ensures safe and comfortable holidays whether you choose a ship or yacht-based expedition, a hotel-based kayak adventure or a kayak/camping trip. Our guides have many decades of experience leading sea kayak trips all over the world. We work with a select group of partners to provide local expertise in culture, language and history of the regions we paddle through.
Things You Should Know Group Size Small groups, generally 8–12 participants. Minimum Age 14 years for easy trips, 16 years for all other trips unless privately arranged. Kayaks Single and double kayaks with sit in cockpits are used. Dry suits provided on all polar trips. Insurance Travel insurance is required for all trips and is a condition of booking. Cancellations, Changes, Transfers Please read the complete terms and conditions on the booking form before signing and returning it to us.
Trip Costs Based on ground costs and exchange rates at the time of printing this brochure (Sept 2015). We reserve the right to amend our prices if there are significant increases in ground or voyage costs and/or marked fluctuations in the exchange rate upon which the land content is based. Weather Sea kayaking can be subject to inclement weather beyond the control of Southern Sea Ventures which may affect an itinerary. Please read the Weather clause in our detailed terms and conditions.
Cover photos Top: Fiji Paradise Middle-Left: Raja Ampat middle-right: Corsica (by Brigitte Locher) bottom: Greenland Coast (by Aurora Arktika)
Choosing Your Trip To enjoy our holidays you should be moderately fit, appreciate the outdoors and have a sense of adventure. Grading is only a guide and trip difficulty will vary according to weather conditions.
We are always happy to discuss your paddling experience and suitability for a particular holiday and to suggest appropriate tuition at home to prepare you for the sea kayaking trip of your dreams.
We welcome active beginners on our Fiji, Tonga (Vava‘u), Melanesia and Hinchinbrook Island trips. On these trips, prior tent camping experience will help you prepare for the adventure.
On our ship-based trips we sleep and dine on board. Some previous sea kayak experience is required for our Arctic, Antarctic and Scotland trips. On the South Georgia Falklands voyage, Russian Far East and Subantarctic Island trips, a greater level of experience is highly recommended.
Our yacht based trips in Croatia and Raja Ampat are suitable for all levels of paddlers and we use the yacht as a floating base camp. On our longer 11-day Fiji Expedition, Tonga (Ha‘apai), Turkey, Croatia Explorer, Panama, Italy, Corsica, Iceland/Greenland expedition and Raja Ampat Odyssey trips, previous paddling experience is required.
SPITSBERGEN
Private itineraries can be organized in many of our destinations and modified to suit the experience level of the group.
greenland iceland norway sweden
scotland
sea of okhotsk italy
kamchatka kuril islands
croatia
turkey panama indonesia
australia
melanesia fiji
tonga
subantarctic islands falkland islands
south georgia antarctica
Trip Categories Southern Sea Ventures offers four types of kayak trips: camping, hotel, ship and yacht based. Each style of trip is designed to give you, the paddler, the best way to experience our amazing destinations.
Kayak/Camping Trips
Kayak/Hotel Trips
We offer self-contained sea kayaking and camping adventures to some of the world's most beautiful destinations. Our trips generally include all meals (while kayaking), camping and kayak gear, local transport, fees, permits and professional guides. Hotel accommodation, where included in our trips, is based on twin share.
Our sea kayaking and hotel based adventures are ideal for those who would like a little luxury in their lives! Our group hotels are mostly small, characterful and family-run. Our trips generally include all meals (while kayaking), kayak gear, local transport, fees, permits and professional guides. Hotel accommodation is based on twin share.
Fiji, Tonga, Australia, Panama, Turkey, Croatia, Raja Ampat, Sweden
Turkey, italy, Corsica and Sardinia
Kayak/Yacht Trips
Kayak/Ship Trips
Using traditional sail boats as our private base-camp gives us the flexibility to travel greater distances with the treat of paddling empty kayaks each day. Our yacht-based trips generally include exclusive boat charter, all meals on board, kayak gear, local transport, fees, permits and professional guides. Drysuits are included on the Iceland/ Greenland trip. Hotel accommodation, where included, is based on twin share and cabin configuration on the yachts is mostly comfortably outfitted twin berths. Iceland/ Greenland is more expeditionary in nature with only single bunks with sleeping bags.
Our ice-strengthened expedition ship, Polar Pioneer, and sister ship, Spirit of Enderby, provide a comfortable base for our paddlers in polar, subantarctic and tropical environments. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable; all cabins have outside portholes, airconditioning and ample storage space. The ships have medical services, a library, cosy bar and qualified chefs. Ship costs are subject to change in the event of significant fuel price increases. All ship-based costs are dependent on the cabin chosen. The ship cabin layouts are available on request.
indonesia, croatia, Iceland and Greenland expedition
kayak/yacht
kayak/camping
kayak/hotel
Scotland, Greenland, Spitsbergen, Antarctica, South Georgia, Melanesia, Subantarctica, Russian Coast kayak/ship
Trip Calendar
How to Book/Detailed Itineraries Our booking form with terms and conditions, experience forms, medical forms, waivers and trip itineraries are available to download from our website, or contact the office for more details.
South Pacific, Indonesia and Caribbean
Fiji Yasawa Desert Island Dreaming may–Sept Fiji Yasawas Ultimate Tropical Expedition jun & oct Fiji Fiji Private Adventures contact for dates Australia Hinchinbrook Island Group may–oct
Trip Grading
Tonga Vava‘u Islands apr–nov
PFD's (personal flotation device) are mandatory on all of our trips. All participants should be able to swim. On most camping trips the kayaks are loaded with camping equipment, food and clothing in expedition style.
Tonga Ha‘apai Islands jul–oct
● Easy–Moderate
Panama San Blas Archipelago Jan–mar
Suitable for active paddlers of all abilities Some prior paddling experience, in kayaks with spray skirts, in a variety of weather conditions is beneficial. We may encounter wind on these trips, however the water is warm and fairly protected.
Indonesia Raja Ampat Kayak & Live Aboard Oct–Nov Indonesia Raja Ampat Paddling Odyssey Nov–Dec
Europe and Mediterranean
Italy Corsica, Sardinia & Cinque Terre Odyssey oct Italy Ligurian Coast & Cinque Terre Kayak/Walk oct Croatia Croatia Explorer jun Croatia Croatia to Montenegro Kayak/Sail Odyssey Sept–Oct Croatia Croatia Kayak/Sail: North Dalmatia Jun
● Moderate Suitable for intermediate paddlers Participants should have experience paddling in a variety of sea conditions. These trips involve paddling longer distances sometimes in wind, swell and occasionally involve small surf landings. Paddling may occur in exposed and open water for parts of the trip.
● Moderate Plus
Sweden West Coast Sweden: Bohuslän Archipelago Aug Turkey Turquoise Coast may & Sept Turkey Active Turkey Kayak/Walk may & sept
Arctic and Scotland
Scotland Wild Scotland jun Arctic Across the Arctic Circle jun–Jul Arctic Jewels of the Arctic Aug & Aug–Sept
Suitable for strong intermediate paddlers These trips may encounter more difficult and varied paddling conditions. Participants should be fit, paddle regularly and have experience in open water, ocean swell, wind and some current.
Arctic Spitsbergen Odyssey Jul & Jul–Aug Arctic Iceland & Greenland Kayak Expedition jul–AUG
Antarctica
Antarctica Antarctic Peninsula DEC–mar Antarctica South Georgia & Falklands Nov–mar
Melanesia
New Trips for 2016
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea Explorer Apr Melanesia Melanesia Discoverer oct Melanesia Secrets of Melanesia oct–nov
Subantarctic
Australia & NZ Galapagos of the Southern Ocean dec–jan new Zealand Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific dec
Indonesia
Melanesia
Corsica/Italy
Iceland/Greenland
Russian Coast
Russia Sea of Okhotsk jun Russia Russia's Ring of Fire may–jun Russia Siberia's Forgotten Coast jun–jul
South Pacific, Indonesia, and Caribbean
fiji, australia, tonga, panama, indonesia
Fiji by Nigel Malone
Fiji
Fiji by Tim Oehler
Yasawa Desert Island Dreaming
8 day trip 5 – 6 days kayaking ● easy–moderate On this tropical adventure, we paddle a loop among five of the northern Yasawa Islands. We camp by a traditional village and on an uninhabited island, surrounded by swaying coconut palms and white sandy beaches. Highlights include stunning sunsets, hidden limestone caves, friendly villagers and exquisite coral reefs.
Fiji Helpers by Toby Story
Yasawas Ultimate Tropical Expedition
11 day trip 8 – 9 days kayaking ● moderate plus
Adventurers only! A warm water expedition for a small select group of experienced paddlers. Utilising 26 years of experience we island hop the entire length of the Yasawa chain. With the help of our Fijian friends we seek out the very best fishing and snorkeling spots, magical camp sites and just get tropical! Don't miss out on this one!
2016 DEPARTURES
14 – 21 May 28 May – 04 June 02 – 09 July 09 – 16 July
16 – 23 July 30 July – 06 Aug 13 – 20 Aug 27 Aug – 03 Sept
Navotua Village by Eric Matson
10 – 17 Sept 24 Sept – 01 Oct 22 – 29 Oct
cost: Aud $2360 Based on minimum of 4 Pax
2016 DEPARTURES
13 – 23 June 08 – 18 Oct Cost: from Aud $2650 7 – 9 pax aud $2650 5 – 6 pax aud $2995 4 pax aud $3495
Fiji Private Adventures
4 – 12 day trip ● easy–moderate Paddle with family and friends! Private trip departures are available in Fiji. Cost depends on the size of the group and length of trip. Please contact our office for further details. Coconuts Forever! by Al Bakker
2016 DEPARTURES Please contact us for details.
cost: Please contact us for pricing.
South Pacific, Indonesia, and Caribbean
fiji, australia, tonga, panama, indonesia
Australia
Hinchinbrook Island Group
7 day trip 7 days kayaking ● Easy–Moderate
2016 DEPARTURES
Australia's most beautiful tropical wilderness. Hinchinbrook Island's mystique lies in its solitude and beauty. We explore this magical shoreline as we paddle past temperate rainforest and granite cliffs, keeping watch for manta rays, dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles. Photography, beachcombing and excursions to waterfalls enhance our paddling days.
15 – 21 May • 29 May – 04 June 12 – 18 June • 26 June – 02 July 10 – 16 July • 24 – 30 July 07 – 13 Aug • 21 – 27 Aug 04 – 10 Sept • 18 – 24 Sept 02 – 08 Oct • 16 – 22 Oct 30 Oct – 05 Nov cost: Aud $2090
Tonga Adventures Left–Right: Hinchinbrook Adventures
Tonga
Vava‘u Islands
8 & 10 day trips 6–8 days kayaking ● Easy–Moderate
Tonga Adventures
Humpback Whale
Kayak Tonga! The Vava‘u Group is a sea kayaker's dream. The cluster of 50 hilly coral islands with palm-fringed shorelines is separated by protected waterways teeming with life and is home to some of the friendliest people in the Kingdom of Tonga. Vava‘u is one of the best places to combine a South Pacific sea kayaking adventure with visiting villages, camping on uninhabited islands, whale watching, sailing, biking, snorkeling and diving. Join us on this exciting kayak adventure!
2016 DEPARTURES
21 – 30 Apr • 12 – 21 May 02 – 11 Jun • 16 – 25 Jun 07 – 16 Jul • 23 Jul – 01 Aug 04 – 13 Aug • 18 – 27 Aug 08 – 17 Sep • 29 Sep – 08 Oct 13 – 22 Oct • 03 – 12 Nov *8 day trips end two days earlier
Cost: from nzd $2495 8 day nzd $2495 10 day nzd $2945
Ha‘apai Islands
11 day trip 9 days kayaking ● Moderate The remote Ha‘apai Archipelago has the finest beaches in Tonga. We kayak between pristine coral atolls, explore lagoons and visit traditional villages. Bring your spirit of adventure and your snorkel—we are way off the tourist path!
Tonga Time Out
2016 DEPARTURES
12 – 22 July • 09 – 19 Aug 13 – 23 Sept • 04 – 14 Oct Cost: Nzd $3595
South Pacific, Indonesia, and Caribbean
fiji, australia, tonga, panama, indonesia
Raja Ampat Paddling Playground by Matt Edwards
Indonesia
Raja Ampat Paddling Playground by Matt Edwards
New Trip!
Raja Ampat Paddling Odyssey
11 day trip 7 days kayaking ● Moderate
Indonesia
Luxury Paddling Trip!
Raja Ampat by Euphoria Travel
Raja Ampat Kayak & Live Aboard
Our new camping expedition in remote Raja Ampat is one for the modern day explorer! Raja Ampat abounds in pristine tropical beaches, sapphire seas and one of the world's most spectacular marine habitats. Kayak the tropical waters and discover palm-fringed tropical beaches, jungle covered islands, steep limestone cliffs and caves. We'll snorkel at every opportunity and delight in the underwater world, it's like swimming in an aquarium! Accommodation is a combination of tent camping on remote beaches or staying in simple homestays.
2016 DEPARTURES
28 Nov – 06 Dec cost: euro Please contact us for pricing. *Single Supplement applies.
10 day trip 8 days kayaking ● easy-moderate
Remote Raja Ampat is one of the world's most spectacular marine habitats. The archipelago abounds in pristine coral habitats, exotic birdlife and beautiful beaches. Using a luxuriously appointed traditional sailing vessel as our base, we'll explore the islands by kayak, visiting areas where few have paddled before. This is a dream list trip for paddlers, snorkelers and scuba adventurers! 2016 DEPARTURES: 26 Oct – 0 4 Nov
Kuna Women by Lou Southerden
Panama Cruising by Lou Southerden
cost: euro €3885
Panama
*Single Supplement applies. Price advised on request.
San Blas Archipelago
9 day trip 6 days kayaking, jungle hikes ● Moderate This unique Caribbean paddling adventure explores the San Blas Archipelago's 350 islands and cays, home to indigenous Kuna communities. An area of outstanding biological diversity, we enjoy beach camping on deserted islands and snorkeling over colourful coral reefs. Join us for a spectacular adventure! Kayakers Delight by Matt Edwards
2016 DEPARTURES
09 – 17 Jan 13 – 21 Feb 12 – 20 Mar cost: USD $2495 + Single Supplement: USD $110
Europe and Mediterranean
turkey, croatia, corsica, italy, sweden
Bonifacio, Corsica by Brigitte Locher
Fun in Italy by Al Bakker
Italy
Fun in Italy by Al Bakker
Corsica, Sardinia & Cinque Terre Odyssey
Explore the stunning coastlines of Corsica, Sardinia and the Cinque Terre towns on the Italian Riviera on this unique hotelbased sea kayak odyssey. Although Corsica has been part of France for over 200 years, it has its own distinctive culture, food and traditions. The diversity in scenery is amazing: with beautiful beaches, hilltop villages and historic ports to view from our kayaks. Sardinia's mountainous interior provides a stunning backdrop to our paddles on the clearest water in the Mediterranean. From Sardinia we cross to the Italian mainland and our third area of discovery, the Ligurian coast and the Cinque Terre. A fantastic finale to this superb trip!
Ligurian Coast
Ligurian Coast
Italy
New Trip!
13 day trip 10 days kayaking ● Moderate
Ligurian Coast by Al Bakker
Ligurian Coast & Cinque Terre Kayak/Walk
2016 DEPARTURE
14 – 26 Oct cost: euro €3850 + Single Supplement: contact us for cost
9 day trip 6 days kayaking, 2 days hiking ● Moderate Cuisine and culture; a feast for the senses! Exploring the Italian Riviera by kayak and foot is a fantastic way to experience the stunning sea vistas and picturesque jumble of the colourful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. We stay in small, family run hotels, experience local cuisine and superb Italian hospitality. Come and live la dolce vita on our fantastic Italian adventure!
2016 DEPARTURE
03 – 11 Oct cost: euro €2595 + Single Supplement: €400
Hiking the Vineyards by Al Bakker
Europe and Mediterranean
Zrmanja River Trip
turkey, croatia, corsica, italy, sweden
Fun in Croatia by L & J Barron
Wild Landscapes by Al Bakker
Croatia Exploring by Goran Safarek
Croatia
Croatia Explorer
11 day trip 9 days kayaking ● Moderate We begin our adventure from the island of Rab and paddle between eight islands, each with wildly different landscapes. Each open channel crossing takes us to new surroundings, from moonscape barren ground to lush forests and sandy beaches. Dolphins, Griffon vultures, ancient history and stunning scenery — don't miss out on this one!
2016 DEPARTURES
06 – 16 June cost: Euro €1495 + 1 day river option: €110
Croatia to Montenegro Kayak/Sail Odyssey
14 day trip 12 days kayaking ● Moderate
Croatia Culture
Guides favourite! The ultimate coastal adventure to southern Dalmatia and into undiscovered Montenegro! Using our wooden ship as our floating base camp, we enjoy day paddles to the fabulous islands of Hvar, Korcula and Mljet, the UNESCO world heritage sites of Dubrovnik and the Kotor region in scenic Montenegro. Discover limestone islands, quaint fishing villages, vineyards and medieval monasteries. A superb mix of paddling, culture and history!
2016 DEPARTURES
30 Sept – 13 Oct cost: from Euro €2795 8 pax €2795 7 pax €2925 6 pax €3050 + Single Supplement: €150
Croatia Kayak/Sail Adventure: North Dalmatia
10 day trip 7 days kayaking, 4 day hiking ● Moderate Using an eighteen metre gulet sailing ship, the Vila Vrgade, we kayak the best parts of northern Croatia. With over 1200 islands in Croatia's archipelagoes, this section of the North Dalmatian coast offers a smorgasbord of dramatic scenery and historical and cultural experiences. We'll explore ruins and forts from Illyrian and Roman times, small fishing villages, national parks, nature reserves and a geological park. Stunning cliffs, beaches, clear aquamarine waters and warm days make this an ideal paddling playground. Private Yacht: Vila Vrgade
Croatia Cliff Cruising
2016 DEPARTURES
19 – 28 June Minimum 6 participants. Private departures available upon request.
Cost: from Euro €2150 8 pax €2150 7 pax €2200 6 pax €2250 + 1 day river option post trip: €110
Europe and Mediterranean
Turkey Ruins by L & J Barron
turkey, croatia, corsica, italy, sweden
Turquoise Coast by Sally Campbell
Left & Right: Having fun in Sweden by Al Bakker
Sweden
West Coast Sweden: Bohuslän Archipelago 10 day trip 8 days kayaking ● Moderate
The west coast of Sweden is a first class destination for sea kayakers! Explore the thousands of granite islands and skerries, canals, fjords and picturesque fishing villages that make up the Bohuslän archipelago. Enjoy camping on wild beaches, cosy lodge stays and sampling the superb local seafood — a smorgasbord of Swedish adventure!
2016 & 2017 DEPARTURES Private departures available in August, upon request. Minimum 5 participants.
cost: Please contact us for pricing.
Turkey
Turquoise Coast
Turkish Surprises by Sandy Robson
8 day trip 7 days kayaking ● Moderate
2016 DEPARTURES
6 nights camping, 1 night B&B accommodation
07 – 14 May 04 – 11 Sept
From Köycegiz Lake to Göcek Bay, the sparkling turquoise waters give this coast its name and are framed by long beaches, rugged headlands and secluded coves. We camp on remote beaches, sleep under the stars, paddle beneath ancient Lycian tombs, visit hot springs and experience a wild and natural area of Turkey.
cost: from Euro €1175 9 – 12 pax €1175 6 – 8 pax €1225 3 – 5 pax €1325
Active Turkey Kayak/Walk
13 day trip 7 days kayaking, 4 days walking ● Moderate
Turkey at its best! Combine the 8-day Turquoise Coast itinerary with a four day walk along the world-renown Lycian Way. We start the 120 km kayak trip on the calm waters of Köycegiz Lake and the Dalyan delta before paddling along the spectacular Mediterranean Coast. Paddles are then exchanged for hiking shoes as we trek along a section of the world-renowned Lycian Way. Enjoy superb sea views, discover ancient ruins and overnight in little hotels along the way.
Lycian Way by Sally Campbell
Turkey Cliffs by Sandy Robson
2016 DEPARTURES
16 – 28 May 18 – 30 Sept cost: from Euro €1850 7 – 10 pax €1850 4 – 6 pax €1950
Scotland and The Arctic polar pioneer
scotland, spitsbergen, norway, greenland, iceland
Scotland
Wild Scotland
11 day trip 8 – 9 days kayaking ● Moderate
St Kilda, Scotland
Joys of Scotland by Robyn Mundy
Join us on an expedition to kayak Scotland's stunning coastlines and remote outer islands. We'll encounter seals and puffins, seabirds, protected sea lochs, cliffs, caves and sea stacks. Ancient worlds, culture and natural wonders await us in this exciting paddling playground.
2016 DEPARTURE
13 – 23 June cost: from aud $8105
Arctic
Across the Arctic Circle Scotland, Norway & Spitsbergen
14 day trip 8 – 9 days kayaking ● Moderate Islands, archipelagos and fjords. From the northern Scottish isles to the rugged Norwegian west coast and onto the realm of the polar bear, this voyage offers dramatic scenery, countless paddling opportunities and wonderful wildlife. We kayak among caves and sea stacks, into quaint fishing villages and beside glaciers in Spitsbergen's arctic landscape.
2017 DEPARTURE ONLY
23 June – 06 July cost: Aud $TBa
Jewels of the Arctic Greenland, Spitsbergen & Iceland
14 day trip 8 – 9 days kayaking ● Moderate
Greenland Magic by Howard Whelan
Explore the world's largest fjords, fantastic geology and massive icebergs on this complete Arctic experience. From Spitsbergen, a breeding ground for polar bears, we cross to the NE coast of Greenland. See twisted skylines of rock pinnacles capped with snow and ice. An amazing paddling experience as we watch for narwhals, musk oxen and arctic hares.
2016 DEPARTURES
07 – 20 Aug 20 Aug – 02 Sept cost: from aud $9675
Spitsbergen Odyssey
11 day trip 8 – 9 days kayaking ● Moderate Life explodes during the brief Arctic summer and sea kayaks are a superb way to view walrus, seals, reindeer and millions of migratory birds. Narrow ice-choked fjords, towering mountains and glacial vistas in the land of the midnight sun are backdrops to the home of the magnificent polar bear.
Spitsbergen by Al Bakker
Spitsbergen by Al Bakker
2016 DEPARTURES
18 – 28 July 28 July – 07 Aug cost: from aud $7405
All costs are dependant on the cabin chosen. The ship cabin layout is available on our website or contact us for details.
Arctic Adventures polar pioneer
Iceland and Greenland
Greenland Beauty by Al Bakker
Lord of the North by Al Bakker
Greenland by Aurora Arktika
Walrus by Brigitte Locher
Greenland by Aurora Arktika
Arctic
Iceland by Aurora Arktika
New Trip!
Iceland and Greenland Kayak Expedition
11 day trip 7 days kayaking ● Moderate
This custom expedition combines the magic of Iceland with the raw wilderness of Greenland. Based from the simple comfort of our floating base camp — a sturdy 60 ft sailboat — we discover, by kayak and foot, new and inspiring adventures everyday. The wildlife is abundant, the landscapes are breathtaking and at the end of every day, gourmet meals and warm, comfortable bunks await. We set sail from Ísafjörður in Iceland to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful places in this country, before crossing the Denmark Strait to East Greenland. Polar bears, whales, seals and thousands of sea birds are common as we explore this magnificent and unspoiled region. Spitsbergen by Al Bakker
2016 DEPARTURE
26 July – 05 Aug *Trip ends approximately 16:00 on Aug 5 but we recommend a hotel overnight in case of delays.
cost: from Euro €3700 9 pax €3700 8 pax €4100< 7 pax €4550 6 pax €5200
