SEA KAYAK – the Barnard Islands

ITINERARY

Day 1:Our trip begins with a short transfer from Cairns or the Tablelands to either Kurrimine Beach or Mourilyan Harbour depending on wind direction and intensity.Our group is fully briefed on trip itinerary, safety – including stinger and crocodile awareness and weather conditions before packing the kayaks and departing. Our destination is either Stephens Island in the South Barnard’s group or Kent Island – one of 6 islands in the North Barnard’s group, depending on wind direction. The Stephens Island option entails an 8 km paddle over the shallows of King Reef where we have the opportunity of spotting turtles, dugong, dolphins and other marine life. The Kent Island option involves beach and island hopping for 12km with the opportunity of sighting Humpback Whales Megaptera novaeangliae as well as the marine life detailed above.

On arrival we set up camp and then explore the island, snorkel along the fringing reefs or have a siesta. In the late afternoon we enjoy a short paddle before returning to prepare a meal and enjoy refreshments under the stars

Day 2: We have an early start to explore the adjoining islands and perhaps beach the kayaks in an underwater sea cave and explore! There are opportunities to hike to the lighthouse on the summit of Kent Island, observe the abundant wildlife, snorkel around fringing coral reefs or just relax on the beach and take in the pristine atmosphere.

The Barnard Islands are listed as an Important Bird Area – IBA, because of the numbers of bridled, lesser crested and black-naped terns that breed there. More info about IBA can be found at www.birdlife.org/. And for keen birdos please see the Partial Bird List below.

After a midday rest and light lunch we embark on the 8 – 12 km return journey to our take out point.

Day 3: The 3 day adventure option allows us to extend our time on the water paddling between 30 – 35km, exploring all of the islands in both the North and South Barnard’s Group at our leisure and overnighting on both Stephens and Kent Islands – a truly remarkable adventure.

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE

• Itinerary planning and scheduling
• Off tour accommodation bookings if required. All off tour accommodation, meals and drinks are for guests own account
• Toyota 10 seater van for your comfort
• Guest pick up and drop off in Cairns or the Tablelands
• Double sea kayaks, all safety equipment including First Aid and EPIRB
• Water containers and associated equipment
• Marine charts, wildlife books and binoculars for guests use
• All cooking equipment and utensils, snacks, refreshments and meals during the tour
• Great Barrier Marine Park and National Park permit fees and charges
• Tents or hammocks, sleeping mats and sleeping bags if required – see comment over
• Interpretation of the local environment
• Professional qualified sea kayak guide and assistant guide/driver
• TAG also has access to a professional naturalist/ornithologist Dr. Steve Murphy. Steve’s services are by arrangement.

If you have your own, preferred sleeping equipment including small/lightweight tent or hammock, sleeping bag etc. and your own preferred eating utensils and hydration pack of 2 litres or more please feel free to bring these with you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PROVIDE

• Bandanna
• Sun/stinger smart clothing i.e. quick dry mid length shorts, long sleeve quick dry shirt or rashie or full length stinger suit
• Mid layer top for evenings
• Reef/rafting shoes with closed in toes – thongs are not appropriate
• Sun hat – broad brim with neck protection
• Light water resistant jacket
• Dry bag for camera and spare batteries, head torch and spare batteries
• Small personal first aid kit, suncream and toiletries
• Sun glasses
• Please keep clothing to a minimum for comfort and kayak loading.

WHEN WE RUN

TAG’s SEA KAYAKING trips are run in the cool dry season from April through to November.

Tour itineraries are subject to minimum numbers and are dependant on seasonal weather conditions and TAG’s broader programme.

While we will endeavour to run our tours as planned, weather conditions may result in a postponement of activities. In the event that you are unable to join an alternative tour refunds will be made.

PRICE

The all inclusive price for our 2 day Barnard Islands Sea Kayak adventure is $585/guest

The all inclusive price for our 3 day Barnard Islands Sea Kayak adventure is $750/guest

Minimum group size of 4, discount rates apply for groups of 8 – 10 guests.

The TAG team look forward to facilitating your unique kayak expedition experience.