Salty Dog Sea Kayaking - FAQ's
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
A medium level of fitness is required. if you are concerned about your level of fitness - then a half day kayaking tripis probably the most suitable trip for you. In need - feel free to give us a call to discuss.
I AM A BEGINNER, IS THIS OKAY?
Yes, we have beginners most days -half day or day trips are suitable here. If you wish to hire a kayak you need to have kayaking experience and there must be a minimum of 2 people.
DO I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?
No, we do provide life jackets and our kayaks are very stable. You must however inform the guide/s prior to the trip if you a non-swimmer & they will keep a close eye on you.
CAN CHILDREN COME ON THE TRIP
Absolutely! We like to encourage families. If your child is under 15, they must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per child, so they share the kayak). For smaller children, a half day trip is usually long enough, please talk to us in advance and we will endeavour to suggest a day when the weather is at its best.
ARE WE LIKELY TO TIP OUT OF OUR KAYAK?
No, our kayaks are specially selected for stability, comfort and storage space.
CAN I SAFELY BRING A CAMERA
If your camera is waterproof, then bring it along. We do have dry bags - but we would suggest that you leave your non-waterproof camera behind. Our guide takes professional photos along the way . You can purchase a disc of photos at the end of your trip - however there is no" hard sell" and absolutely no obligation to do so!
WHAT ARE STINGERS?SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT THEM?
Stingers are a jelly fish, & some do sting. In line with recommended procedures, we provide stinger suits with us for anyone wishing to swim or snorkel. These are made of lycra, are full length and zip up the front (a great photographic opportunity here !).
IS FOOD PROVIDED?
Yes, on our Half Day Trips, we supply drinks, fruit, cheese/crackers and nuts.
Our Full Day Trip, morning tea and a buffet lunch including salads, cold meats and breads are provided.
On our 6 Day Trips, all meals and snacks are provided from lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 6.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements at time of booking.
WHAT SORT OF SAFETY GEAR DO YOU CARRY?
Our guide carries extra water, first aid kit, flares, V-sheet, vinegar, maps, waterproof vhf radio, & mobile phone, (satellite phone on overnight expeditions). Each kayak has a pump and sponge. If you are hiring a kayak, we provide flares, V-Sheet, first aid kit, pump, sponge, vinegar and a VHF radio if you are likely to be out of mobile range. We suggest you bring a mobile phone (Telstra works best on the islands).
DO YOU CANCEL IF IT RAINS?
Naturally your safety is of utmost importance & we want you to enjoy your sea kayaking experience. We don't cancel if we have light rains, however if becomes torrential and this causes visibility problems - then we have to cancel or reschedule. Fortunately the rain here is warm!
Strong winds make life on the water difficult and dangerous so we cancel or reschedule trips if winds exceed 20 knots
ARE MOSQUITOS AND SANDFLIES A PROBLEM?
Not on our Day trips or Half Day Trips, however we recommend that you bring insect repellent if you are staying overnight on the islands
CAN WE FISH?
If you are hiring a kayak or are on a Six Day Expedition, there are areas that you can fish. Your guides can let you know the best areas and techniques - but won't guarantee anything!
CAN WE CAMP ANYWHERE?
The National Parks have specific campgrounds and you will need to book your sites with them before you head out on your trip. Most sites have adequate facilities such as toilets and picnic tables. There is no fresh water at the campsites so you will need to take sufficient water to last throughout your trip.
Please go to www.qld.gov.au/camping for more information. Once in this site, go to either Whitsunday Islands or Molle Islands. If you are on a guided overnight expedition, - the campsites are booked for you under our Commercial Camping permit arrangements.
