Pictured Rocks Sea Kayaking – Pure Michigan Minute
kayaking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There may be no better way to view the pictured rocks than by Kayak. Paddle the sea caves, let the waterfalls spatter your face as you pass beneath. What a sensory experience! Join Michigan’s adventure travel expert Byron Goggin as he shows you how to get involved in the sport of sea kayaking.
For more stories like these visit WildWeekendTV.com
Duration : 0:1:17
Trinidad and Tobago, Islands of Adventure
Trinidad and Tobago, two islands set in the Caribbean Sea. The name Caribbean conjures up images of blue seas and white sand beaches set against green hills. It brings to mind images of lying on the beach sipping pina coladas or rum and coca-cola. For the holiday traveler Tobago meets those expectations. For the outdoor enthusiast however, Trinidad and Tobago can be islands of outdoor recreation adventure with hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, bird and turtle watching, cycling through verdant countryside or kayaking past wildlife filled forests.
Trinidad and Tobago has a range of hiking opportunities with many of the hikes leading to waterfalls. Rincon waterfall in the Rincon valley on the north coast of Trinidad is a 250-foot vertical drop. The hike begins in the valley amidst small farms, fording several crystal clear streams and then winds uphill, culminating with a steep descent to the base of the waterfall. The 32 kilometer trail from Blanchissuese to Matelot on Trinidad’s north coast is considered a jewel. Along the hike one alternates from unspoiled rainforest to untouched beaches. Starting from Blanchissuese you encounter Paria Bay after two to three hours (depending on the hiker’s level of fitness). A short trail from the beach leads to Paria waterfall where there is a deep clear pool below the falls surrounded by heliconia, fringed lilies, and philodendron. If you choose to continue the hike after Paria Bay, the trail rambles over a succession of small ridges, crossing several small streams, until you next encounter Gran Tacarib, which is a 1.2 kilometer crescent shaped beach. From Gran Tacarib the trail continues to the Madamas river and then Madamas Beach. Both Madamas Beach and Gran Tacarib are nesting sites for Leatherback turtles, during the nesting season of March to September. After Madamas it is a continuation of the up and down hiking and crossing small streams and then the Petite Riviere river. The trail continues through abandoned estate lands with cocoa, coffee, tonka bean, nutmeg and papaya (pawpaw) until you arrive at the Matelot River and the village of Matelot.
For those who want to lie on the beach but also engage in some outdoor activity there are several less strenous hikes. Argyle waterfall on the outskirts of Roxborough in Tobago is an easy hike along the Argyle River to a three level waterfall. The hike to the Rio Seco waterfall on Trinidad’s north-east coast goes through semi-cultivated land and then through stately mora forests to a small waterfall with a refreshing emerald pool, ideal for swimming.
Both Trinidad and Tobago abound with birds and at almost every turn an avian spectacle can be observed. Trinidad and Tobago has some of the most diverse bird species to be found in one location with over 460. This variety in species can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the islands lie close to South America so migration is easier, resulting in unusually diverse fauna. Asa Wright Nature Center, is Trinidad and Tobago’s premier birding location and it has been widely recognized as one of the most successful eco-tourism stories in the world. The listing of birds that can be seen at this center is too long for this article but has been identified in the vicinity of 159. Some of these birds include; Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper, Crested Oropendola, Silver-beaked Tanager, White-necked Jacobin hummingbirds, Bananaquit, Red-legged Honeycreeper, White-chested Emerald hummingbird, Cocoa Thrush, Chestnut Woodpecker, Great Antshrike. This Nature Center is located at a height of approximately 1,200 feet in the hills of the Northern Range, seven miles from the town of Arima. It is reached by a single lane road that winds through verdant countryside dotted by small villages and isolated houses. There are numerous trails throughout the property and very knowledgeable guides.
Grafton Wildlife Sanctuary, Tobago, is a former cocoa and coconut estate that was destroyed by Hurricane Flora in 1963 and as a result was converted into a wildlife sanctuary. It is approx. 200 acres in size and is covered in secondary forest. There are three main forest trails. As you enter, the first trail on the right leads downhill and is relatively short. The second trail on the left also gradually leads downhill and then eventually climbs uphill. The main trail, which is directly facing the entrance, leads uphill and winds past several abandoned estate buildings and stables. There are benches along the main trail and at some points they provide panoramic views. There are at least three smaller trails that branch off from the main uphill trail but these are not always maintained. The three main forest trails are maintained. It is possible to spend an enjoyable hour or an intense four hours. The entire sanctuary abounds with birds of varied species.
Trinidad and Tobago are islands in the Caribbean Sea so there are myriad opportunities for kayaking. However for those who do not want to contend with large waves, ocean swells and ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a choice of sheltered saltwater and freshwater kayaking opportunities. Two kayaking areas of particular note are Bon Accord Lagoon and the Godineau River.
The azure waters of Buccoo Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon in Tobago are sheltered by the offshore Buccoo reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing Mangrove swamps of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white sand beaches along Pigeon Point and at the center of Buccoo bay. The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent Milford Bay, allowing one to kayak to the south-east from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point and into Milford Bay or vice-versa.
The Godineau River in south Trinidad, also known as the South Oropouche River, is one of the rivers in Trinidad that provides a year round kayaking opportunity as the water level is always sufficient. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangrove swamp to fresh water marshland to partially cultivated areas. A variety of birdlife can be seen on these kayak trips including Scarlet Ibis, Southern Lapwing, Osprey, Savannah Hawk, Wattled Jacana, Cattle Egret, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Lesser Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and a variety of migrating ducks (during the northern winter). This kayak trip can be started either from the sea along the area known as the Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area.
Trinidad’s network of old agricultural & oilfield roads plus (relatively) quiet country roads, along with hiking paths provide a range of surfaces and environments for cycling. In addition terrain ranges from flat land to rolling inclines to hillsides. For those with a preference for road biking almost every area of Trinidad has country roads with reduced vehicle traffic. The cross-country rider will be able to find undulating land with natural vistas. Those whose interest lies in mountain biking can find forest trails with logs, bamboo and streams across the trail requiring navigation and dexterity.
So the next time you are looking for outdoor recreational activity with a difference, experience Trinidad and Tobago, islands of Adventure.
brian ramsey
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/trinidad-and-tobago-islands-of-adventure-91900.html
Pictured Rocks Sea Kayaking – Pure Michigan Minute
kayaking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. There may be no better way to view the pictured rocks than by Kayak. Paddle the sea caves, let the waterfalls spatter your face as you pass beneath. What a sensory experience! Join Michigan’s adventure travel expert Byron Goggin as he shows you how to get involved in the sport of sea kayaking.
For more stories like these visit WildWeekendTV.com
Duration : 0:1:17
April and May Perfect on Sanibel for Family Fun
Ok, so your kids are not going to be satisfied just walking the beach, scooping shells, swimming, biking and boating.
They need to do more than that to feel like they have been on a vacation?
There’s no need for a moment of boredom when you vacation on Sanibel, for Spring Break or any time of the year.
As mentioned in earlier posts on this blog, the Sanibel Sea School offers programs for adults and children. For children with curiosity about their environment, there is no better way to learn.
The Sanibel Sea School promotes marine conservation. Through research and education, Sanibel Sea School teaches children and adults about marine ecosystems. Using the setting of the barrier island habitats of Sanibel and Captiva as an opportunity to touch, feel and understand, the school provides a close up of sea life. Through this experience, students will gain an intimate perspective of the ocean, its inhabitants and the tightly woven fabric of our global environment.
Completion of a class is awarded with a certificate of mastery, something your children can bring home along with their shell collections.
In addition to the Sanibel Sea School, C.R.O.W. (the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) offers children and families an opportunity to see how wildlife is rescued and treated successfully before release back into the wild. If your children have ever expressed interest in being a veterinarian, this experience will be fascinating for them.
And if they need a little more excitement, there are segways and scooters for rent on Island, parasailing adventures, and canoe and kayak rentals. And, just off the Island are the rides and games at Fort Myers beach. From March 21 on, the Water Park in Cape Coral will provide all the thrills your child needs in a family friendly environment.
Bored on Sanibel? Only if you want to be!
Sylvia Guarino
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/april-and-may-perfect-on-sanibel-for-family-fun-719314.html
Has anyone ever heard of a sea kayak called Cativa from Mason Marine ltd?
I found it on craigs list for a brand new 17ft. sea kayak for sale in Canada for $1,000 US dollars. It seems too good to be true. The pictures look fantastic, but I cannot find any reviews of this kayak.
After a quick Google search, it appears that Mason Marine is a yacht brokering company in Vancouver, BC, not a kayak manufacturer.
There was a boat made by Perception kayaks called the Captiva – a good solid poly boat, to be sure, but $1k? If it’s a Captiva, I’d say more like $600 depending on condition. The Captiva (discontinued a few years ago) was the big brother to their series of boats called the Carolina.
That’s the closest boat name to what you’re mentioning.
Cab you use an inflatable kayak/canoe on the sea?
Wanting to buy an inflatable kayak/canoe to paddle around the shore, can you use and inflatable kayak or is there special ones?
I’ve read the sea exploits of Canadian female who has paddled inflatable
kayak/canoe the entire west coast of mainland Canada. Also, portions of
USA north and south. She is still boating. Maybe what you need is a
special time of the month to be different.
How to Sea Kayak : The Cowboy Sea Kayak Rescue
Learn how to use a cowboy rescue to get back in your boat in this free sea kayaking video clip.
Expert: Jean Totz
Bio: President of Sweetwater Kayaks, Jean is also the Director of the Florida Gulf Coast International Sea Kayak Symposium at Sweetwater kayaks.
Filmmaker: Bob Hunt
Duration : 0:1:2
Different Kinds of Water Sport Activities in Phuket
Nestling in the gentle waters of Andaman Sea on the Indian Ocean, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Locating about 867 km south of Bangkok, Phuket is one of the magnificent tourist destinations in the world, with its amazing coves and bays, palm-fringed beaches, glinting island-dotted seas, superb accommodation and dining facilities, stunning deed of the century architecture, and abundant tropical landscape.
Phuket Cultural Center, Butterfly Garden and Sea Aquarium, Phuket Sea Shell Museum, Chana Charoen Crocodile Farm, Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai village, Khao Rang, and Ko Si Re, are just few among many of its interesting attractions.
Phuket also boasts of some brilliant nature attractions, such as Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, Phuket serves as a venue for a scope of gastronomic festivals such as Seafood Festival and Vegetarian Festival. Also, meaning mentioning is Phuket’s shopping and nightlife experiences.
Perhaps one of the train reasons why tourists gather to Phuket is due to its exceptional beaches. From active as well as fun beaches providing superb facilities to have a series of activities to quiet beaches blessed with brilliant coves backed by sumptuous hillsides, each of the Phuket’s beaches are famous for its sole charm and oddball.
Phuket’s beaches, among many others, are Patong – the most lurid as well as the most visited beaches in the island, Bangtao – one of the highest beaches in Phuket, Kata Beach and Karon Becah, Rawai – a faultless shore that home to entrenched unity of Chao Le people, Nai Han – a luxury-normal seaside which is renowned for its sparkler exonerate water and pallid fine polish, and Kalim – a private sand full with rocks and coral reefs. Many of the Phuket’s recreational activities turn around these beaches.
Boasting of more than 3000 kilometers of shores and a vary of superb beaches, Phuket is very a paradise for ocean lovers. All the Phuket’s beaches give superb options to enjoy an excess of water sport activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and jet skiing, among many others. Now we will argue some of the most admired water sport activities chosen by accepted of the travelers to Phuket.
One of the most admired water sport activities in Phuket is undoubtedly sailing, as it is a great way to explore the beauty of the Andaman Sea, apart from isolated islands and enchanting grimy beaches. Additionally, Phuket is considered one of the best sailing destinations in South East Asia.
Another much favored water sport activity in Phuket is sea canoeing. Sea canoeing through the Phang-nga, one of the world’s peak lovely attractions, would be a great experience, as it allows you to come through a range of waterway estuaries with dense forests composing mangrove and nipa palm which can be found stretched out in the sea. Farther, the bay’s seashore are amazing, with superb marble formations as well as soaring stun formations.
Popular water sported activity in Phuket also includes water skiing. Situating near the Loch Palm Golf Course, Hat Patong is considered a refuge for water skiing in Phuket. Options are also made vacant for cable water skiing in Waterski Cableway.
For those interested in sonorous sea fishing, Phuket’s offshore islands form a finished foot. Also, a must do water sport activity in Phuket is yachting, with a range of yachts and rapidity cruiser charter military that go with every take and leaning and preference.
Scuba diving is yet another popular water sport activity in Phuket, with such renowned diving destinations as Phi Islands, Similan, and Surin. There are also an assembly dive shops gift the army of veteran dive instructors. In addition, with an array of protected bays, Phuket forms a great destination for snorkeling.
An array of companies are now in the scenario to provide superb facilities to enjoy Phuket’s limitless water sport activities. Many of the proposal equipments that are mandatory to enjoy a water sport activity. For request, if you are a kayaking or a sea canoeing enthusiast, equipments such as kayak and canoe rentals are made open.
For those who want to try something rare or new during your trip in Phuket, then chief to Kata or Patong beaches to hire a jet ski. If you are an adventurer and want to make your Phuket break a memorable one, then fantastic options are presented for water sport activities like parasailing, along with facilities such as boats and other equipments to aid this activity.
With galore water sport options and facilities to wish from, a break to Phuket would unquestionably a remarkable experience.
Jenna Sawin
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/different-kinds-of-water-sport-activities-in-phuket-732987.html
Ocean Kayaks – a Buying Guide
Copyright (c) 2008 Arnold Hexden
Ocean kayaks are tremendous fun and as long as you are near to the sea you will have no problem learning how to do it. Ocean kayaks are different to river kayaks in so much as they are longer than the river kayak and are designed so that you can paddle over long distances. They also need to have far more room in them in order to carry gear an equipment.
When choosing ocean kayaks it is advisable to have tried the sport in advance, most people who take up ocean kayaking have experienced it whilst on vacation or college, however there are usually clubs or hire centers which will rent you a kayak by the hour.
Buying Ocean Kayaks
So you have looked on the internet and thumbed through catalogs, what is the next step? It is always preferable to physically see the kayak as this gives you a much better feeling of size and weight, so if there is a kayak store near to you go along there an talk to the sales person, write a list of questions or even make a mental note of what you need to know and generally quiz him about ocean kayaking.
The other benefit of being able to visit a store is that you can sit in the kayak and get a feel of volume and what ocean kayaking could feel like. Things to look out for are strength and robustness, look for a strong plastic kayak as there will be times when you will have to haul it over rocks and sharp pebbles. You need to feel comfortable in it as there may be times when you ill be sitting in it for long periods so make sure there is room to stow gear for your trip.
Solo Or Tandem Ocean Kayaks
Depending on your preferences you have a choice whether to go for a one man kayak or a tandem kayak. There are many families who just strap their tandem ocean kayak to the roof of the van and head for the beach. It can be great fun to share the paddling with a partner, so be sure to check out the range of tandems before making your final decision.
Where To Buy Ocean kayaks
Once you have made up your mind which kayak to buy there are many places to purchase them’ you could start with the shop which gave you valuable advice, however if you are on a budget you need to compare as many buying options as possible. Some of the more specialized boats can be expensive – so look for interest free credit.
If you have the cash and it is burning a hole in your pocket the best bargains are usually online, simply enter you requirements i.e. “ocean kayak” into he search engine and refine the results as you go. The chances are that you may even be able to pick up a cheap used ocean kayak on auction sites or classified’s like US free ads.
Which ever route you take for purchasing one of the many ocean kayaks on the market, once you own it you will have it for years to come and should you tire of it they sell well on the second hand market.
Arnold Hexden
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/ocean-kayaks-a-buying-guide-482690.html
Kayaking Excursions in La Jolla, San Diego Ca
The beach community of La Jolla Shores is located just north of downtown. This is a magnificent beach on the Pacific Ocean with rocky cliffs to the south and Scripps Institute of Oceanography to the north. There are sea caves in the cliffs that can be entered by kayak during light swell conditions. There is a large marine preserve directly offshore.
Kayak from La Jolla Shores and see migrating whales at eye level during Hike Bike Kayak’s three-hour tour. A guide, life jackets, paddles and a kayak are provided. No kayaking experience is necessary. Warm drinks and snacks are provided after the paddle. Participants MUST be in good health, be able to swim, and be over 10 years old. Hike Bike Kayak cannot guarantee sightings due to the nature of wildlife.
San Diego Tours also lets you kayak out from La Jolla Shores to watch whales as they migrate between Alaska and the birthing grounds in Baja, Mexico. The whales’ migration path is such that they come close to La Jolla Shores. Paddles, kayaks, life jackets and doggy life jackets are all provided. This is an active tour, though no experience is required.
Kayaking in the famous La Jolla Sea Caves is an exciting adventure. However, the combination of ocean swells and rocks with a kayak is potentially dangerous in certain conditions, so be on your guard. To visit the caves by kayak, just show up at Aqua Adventures Kayaking Center, located at 2164 Avenida de la Playa. After a brief discussion of the surf zone and ocean conditions, you can launch and paddle to the sea caves.
OEX Dive & Kayak Centers offer kayak rentals from three locations, with La Jolla being the premiere kayak spot in San Diego. Your rental will launch from and return to La Jolla Shores at OEX’s shop located at the end of Avenida de la Playa. They offer sit-on-top kayaks, the most stable of all kayaks. They have a large fleet of single and double kayaks ready and waiting to go at your leisure.
Another kayaking company is All San Diego Tours, which also offers sightseeing tours, bay cruises, and whale watching, trips to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Mexico and more. Allen’s Kayaks is another option open to anyone, whether you’re an expert paddler looking for specialist equipment or a complete beginner looking to try the sport. Some Hotels, such as the Catamaran Resort, offer kayaking as one of their water sport options.
For your safety, you should wear a wetsuit and life jacket and carry devices to signal for help. Taking a boating safety course is key to being safe, experts say, although you’re not required by law to take a course that teaches you how to kayak. Training courses can teach first-time kayakers how to maneuver the vessel in flat, calm waters such as lakes, and also in the ocean with its swells.
Adam O’Connor is the owner of San Diego Kayaking, which provides excellent free information on the La Jolla Sea Caves and what’s fun in La Jolla. Adam O’Connor is an expert in his industry and his website helps people find beautiful wedding halls in San Diego.
Adam O’Connor
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/kayaking-excursions-in-la-jolla-san-diego-ca-80455.html