Winter Sea KayakingSpectacular jewel-green waters, deserted white-sand beaches, coral reefs teeming with tropical fish�and not a cruise ship in sight. That�s the stage set by Mountain Travel-Sobek, The Adventure CompanyTM, for two off-the-beaten-path sea kayaking journeys in untrodden regions of the Atlantic and Caribbean. KAYAKING WITH THE KUNA INDIANS is a cultural and kayaking odyssey pioneered by Mountain Travel-Sobek in 1997. The Kunas have thrived for centuries in the beautiful San Blas Archipelago on Panama�s Caribbean coast and are one of the most organized and successful of indigenous cultures in the Western Hemisphere. They maintain a rich heritage that dates back 500 years and are widely known as the creators of intricate fabric designs called molas. After an introduction to a Kuna sahila, or community leader, and a chance to learn about life in a Kuna village, the group will embark on a nine-day kayaking excursion, moving island to island and paralleling a rich rainforest resounding with the screech of parrots and the roar of howler monkeys. Stops will be made in small Kuna villages en route. As if the Kuna culture weren�t attraction enough, this journey also offers some of the finest snorkeling in the world and fantastic days of exploration by sea kayak in a landscape where tropical mountains meet the sea. Twelve-day trips depart Jan 14, Feb 11, Feb 25, and Dec 22, 2000. Land Cost is from $2190 per person. SEA KAYAKING IN THE BAHAMAS is a great escape into the uninhabited isles of the Exumas Archipelago just off the eastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank. Sea kayaking here is easy amid snug coves and safe harbors that once were hideouts for buccaneers. Six nights will be spent camping on beautiful palm-fringed beaches, feasting on dinners of lobster and fresh-caught fish, and enjoying tropical sunsets. The daily snorkeling opportunities are superb, promising an array of parrotfish, angelfish, turtles, and much more. One extraordinary place the group visits is Thunderball Grotto, a huge cavern where scenes from the James Bond film Thunderball were filmed�and where the snorkeling is out of this world. Throughout the trip, a catamaran will accompany the kayaks to pick up tired paddlers or to transport anyone who can�t wait to get to the next beach. No sea kayaking experience is necessary, and this is a great trip for families, since kids can ride in the catamaran instead of paddling. Eight-day trips depart Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Dec 23, Dec 30, 2000, and Jan 6, 2001. Land Cost is from $1690 per person. Mountain Travel-Sobek Edited by Dave Shultz |
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