Our Algarve expeditions are vigorous but not excessively rugged. We would like you to have done wet exits and bracing in rough waters. An advanced intermediate would be fine. Some days we will be covering rather long distances on the water so we expect all participants to be reasonably fit.
Age should not be a factor. Our groups nearly always include paddlers in their late sixties. We paddle together as a group and our speed is determined by the slowest paddler. Typically we average 4 km. per hour when headwinds are mild. The water is often flat but since this is the Atlantic Ocean we can have a week of moving waters. If it gets very rough we will go to some more protected areas.
We get on the water early. Early starts also get us to our daily destination early enough to stretch our legs and visit the area. The guides appreciate help getting boats and equipment on and off the water. Our kayaks are very stable, seaworthy expedition single models. Tandem kayaks are available on request.
We will start everyday from Sagres so we expect everyone will stay in Sagres.
Footwear: one pair of lightweight walking shoes and a pair of sandals and whatever you wear in the kayak which could be the same sandals.Flip flops are not acceptable as kayak footwear. There are more accidents getting into and out of kayaks than at any other kayaking moment. Flip flops tend to slip when wet and we can't risk slipping.
Kayaking wear; Some of these items you might not need but I prefer to err on the safe side. All this must be quick drying (i.e.) not cotton. Shorts or bathing suit suitable for wearing in any bar or restaurant, paddling jacket/rain and windproof. Paddling pants if you tend to get cold easily. A wet or dry suit is necessary for the April and May months and a comfortable idea for Oct. Long-sleeved shirt, some sort of head protection from the sun, sunglasses with strap. A buff is something I find very practical for sun protection.
Off water wear: Long pants, skirt, dress, t-shirts and other clothes you might like but do travel as light as possible.
What can I read to prepare myself for this trip?
Mr Page has written what could be the most enjoyable book on the history of Portugal. The paperback edition is available for about $25 in Portugal. Amazon has a new paperback edition for $242.48 (outrageous price). Amazon also has a kindle version for $12.94
All our expeditions will start and finish in Sagres, Algarve. We suggest you fly into either Lisbon or Faro and leave from either Faro or Lisbon. If you fly into Lisbon you can take the train to Lagos. For those flying from within Europe the Faro Airport is served by many low cost airlines. If you fly into Faro, you can take the train to Lagos or arrange a transfer service to take you directly to Sagres.We can pick you up in the Lagos train station
General travel information links:
http://www.iberia.com
http://www.united.com
http://www.americanairlines.com
http://www.kayak.com
http://www.quickaid.com
http://www.flytap.com
Portugal travel information:
A general search engine providing links
http://www.portugal.com
Official tourist site for all of Portugal
http://www.visitportugal.com
Official site for Porto tourist information
http://www.porto-tourism.com/tourist-information-offices-in-porto.html
The Portuguese airline site
http://www.flytap.com
Site for all of the Portuguese commercial airports. Gives names of all airlines serving the airport.
http://www.ana.pt
Online news service
http://www.theportugalnews.com
Temperature conversations from Celsius to Fahrenheit
http://www.metric-conversations.org
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov
http://www.weather-forecast.com/countries/Portugal
Check the time difference in Portugal or Spain. Portugal is on GMT but Spain is one hour ahead.
http://www.worldtime.com
Currency exchange rates
http://www.xe.com/ucc/con
ATM locations:
http://www.visa.com/atms
http://www.mastecard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator
Included
Experienced professional guides. 1 to 3 guide to client ratio.
Individual Expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wet skirts, and paddling jackets. We don't supply wet or dry suits but they would be advisable for the April and May dates.
Tandem kayaks are available on request.
Support vehicle for the entire expedition.
A small drybag for personal items needed while on the water.
Transfers to the launch sites.
Dinner on the first day and last day.
Bed and breakfast accommodations in single or double or twin bed rooms for the nights.
Bottled drinking mineral water.
Not included
Lodging or meals other than the welcome and farewell dinner.
Personal incidental purchases (souvenirs etc.)
Entrance fees for museums
Tips
Travel insurance
Travel to the pick-up sites (flights, trains etc.)
Kayaking has some inherent risks. Sickness and accidents can spoil an otherwise enjoyable time and really wreck a budget. Therefore, you must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. You must be covered against loss of baggage, illness, accidents, trip cancellation, and the very unlikely necessity, of emergency medical evacuation. Please revise the claim process and inform us of the contact information when you sign on to this expedition.
You will pay a trip deposit of 50% or your tour and the balance of your trip cost in cash.
If you are traveling from outside the Euro Zone it is usually best to exchange your money for Euros before you arrive in Europe. In our travel information links, you will find sites for ATM machines that accept VISA and Master Cards. Generally, ATM machines have a daily limit of 300 Euros. Most international airports have exchange banks. Traveler checks are not a good idea as they must be changed at banks and the process is very time-consuming.
Days in Portugal this time of year are usually sunny and comfortably warm and are similar to Atlanta, Georgia. 23 C (73 F) daytime, 14C (57F) nighttime. Evenings are cool but not cold. Rain is unpredictable but not common. A fleece sweater is suitable for cooler evenings. However, you should also be prepared for any cooler than usual weather. Having a windbreaker handy is always a good idea.
The electrical current in Portugal is 220 V 60 HZ. Most telephone, camera, and computer chargers are prepared for 100-240V and 50-60HZ. If this is the case for your electronics then all you need to do is have a European round two-prong plug adapter. If you plan to use your telephone you will want to ask your provider to set you up for roaming. Be sure to ask about the charges and be aware that voice connection is not the same as data connection. If you plan to use your smartphone for email you might find the charges are very high. A way to avoid this is to disable your phone date connection and only use Wi-Fi where it is available along our route. Most days we have Wi-Fi but not always.
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