Family Sea Kayak Escape

Family time is the best time.

Time in nature is a close second.

Freshly made pizza and burgers might be right behind them...

With these in mind, we are offering a unique experience for families with children from 14 years and older or for couples to 'get away from it all' and relax away from people and technology.

Each group is exclusive - only your family and me as your guide - with two days to explore and experience the wonders of the West Highland Peninsulas away from the visitors and car parks.

Food is included from Saturday lunch through to Sunday lunch with the opportunity to make your own pizza or burgers from scratch on Saturday evening! Something for everyone.

Sadly, I will not be able to provide as much locally sourced food as previously. Hopefully this may change as the summer progresses and I will do what I can when I can. Sorry.

I am there to ensure you get the most from your trip by tailoring it to your experiences and aspirations and will offer advice as necessary, perhaps on efficient paddling or putting up your tent. I also look after your safety throughout the trip and will highlight any wildlife that appears or can be found and probably tell you as many local cultural or historical stories as I know!

While I certainly intend you to stay in your kayak and dry, occasionally people do capsize and fall in and it does (only occasionally) rain in Scotland, so please dress appropriately. Changing facilities are very limited at present, so please come ‘dressed’ for the day and do your best to keep the kayak upright!

You may be asked to help move and lift kayaks during the day, so please let me know if this is going to be difficult for you or if you have any medical or dietary concerns that may affect your participation in the day.

Above all, enjoy your adventure and keep your fingers crossed for an otter or eagle to make an appearance!

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have made alterations to our operating procedures.

Minimum age for these activities is 14 years; under-18's must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

Other than that, there are no specific requirements for paddle sport activities. As long as you have reasonable fitness, are generally mobile and of 'average' size, then you should not have any issues. If you are 6' 3" (190cm) or taller or over 16 st (100kg), you will not fit in our kayaks and should consider a Canoe Escape instead. Lack of previous experience is not a problem for us.

If you are not sure about your fitness, medical conditions, previous experience, height or weight, or you have an allergy or food intolerance, etc. then please do let us know at the time of booking so we can do our best to make your adventure more comfortable for you.

Please also check the 'What should the customer bring?' section as this contains essential equipment you need to bring.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

1. Sleeping bag
2. Sleeping mat
3. Waterproof jacket and trousers
4. Extra warm clothes for the evening
5. Head torch
6. Personal wash kit & small towel
7. Family first aid kit, including any personal medications

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

1. Waterproof jacket and trousers (avoid bringing your best Goretex for water-based activities)
2. Clothes to wear under your waterproofs (please avoid jeans and cotton clothes - outdoor or fitness clothing will be an excellent choice)
3. Extra jumper as it may be cooler on the water
4. Shoes to wear during the activity - these will get wet, so old trainers are fine
5. Sunhat and beanie (one for day, the other for evening)
6. Gloves for the evening
7. Sunglasses (with retainer cord)
8. Suncream and midge repellent
9. Water bottle and snacks
10. Lunch in a waterproof box
11. Spare clothes and towel (just in case)
12. Personal accident and possessions insurance

Day 1: 10:00 - Meet at Otter Adventures

Here we will give you a buoyancy aid and paddle in an appropriate size before heading on to the start location for your trip (wind dependent).

You will be travelling in your own vehicle in order to maintain social distancing.

After packing the kayaks, we will paddle to an appropriate wild camp spot with all equipment and food where we will spend the night under the stars.

Tents as well as cooking and eating equipment will be provided, but you will need to bring sleeping bags, mats and other personal comping equipment.

Day 2:

After a hearty breakfast, we will kayak back in the direction of our cars, hopefully by a slightly different route, where we will aim to arrive around 15:00. This gives us time to make sure everyone has their own equipment and to load the kayaks on the trailer.

Hopefully you will be on your way home around 16:00 with memories of an amazing weekend away from home, work and technology and stories to tell in the coming weeks.