No experience is required for our kayak tours! Our adventures are for everyone. Patagonia is a rugged and wild place with unpredictable weather, but we have the luxury of being based on a Mothership (private yacht), which allows for you and the guides to choose when paddling is appropriate. The Mothership also allows us to travel to the best areas for kayaking with ease. All that we ask is that you welcome adventure with an open mind and are able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected.

No. Our adventures are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require a high level of fitness. We just ask that you are capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day. The Mothership allows for the ultimate flexibility in terms of deciding when to kayak, if you feel like staying on the boat one day there is no shortage of beautiful views to enjoy or if you have had enough kayaking we can always call the Mothership to come and pick you up. Most important is an adventurous spirit.

Chile is well worth the effort to get there. There are direct flights to Santiago (the capital city of Chile) from many cities around the world. Direct flights depart from Toronto, Canada or Dallas, Texas almost daily and take approximately 10.5 hours. There are many flight options for getting to Chile and we would be happy to help you determine which route is best for you. Tourists from most countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, however they do need valid passports and are required to pay a reciprocity fee (only if landing at Santiago airport, no fee if coming overland) in USD (cash or credit card) upon arrival. You will also need to hold an onward/return plane ticket or a credit card and/or sufficient funds to cover the intended period of stay. There is a departure tax of $30 USD for international flights traveling over 500km away which is often included in your flight costs. For more information about the reciprocity fee, visas and flight details please see our travel details page.

No, there are no required inoculations for entry into Chile. We do however recommend a current tetanus shot, as well as protecting yourself further by receiving hepatitis A & B and typhoid fever shots. These inoculations are also not a bad idea for traveling to most countries around the world. If you plan on spending time traveling outside of the tour dates, it is also handy to carry a course of a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Ciprofloxicin which can help deal with mild infections.

No, Chile is a fantastic place to explore no matter what language you speak. Your guides and boat crew are able to help with translation, and all of the finer details of your tour are taken care of by Spirit of the West staff. The winery tour and wine tasting's are also in English. This being said, it is never a bad idea to brush up on a few common phrases and greetings. A smile and being able to say please and thank you in the language of the country you are visiting goes a long way. We will also send you some phrases to help get you excited and prepared for your tour.

Spirit of the West caters to all ages of adventurers. The Mothership style of tour we offer in Chile also allows for guests of all ages to participate. Please contact the office to discuss options for children under 12 years of age. For those concerned with being in 'their older years' we would be happy to discuss your physical abilities and ensure this is the right trip for you. The Mothership, however, does make for a great way to be able to get out and explore, but with the comforts and conveniences of home close by.

Paddling time will vary depending on our destination, the group's abilities, and desires, but is generally between 3-5 hours a day. Patagonia is ripe for exploring. We enjoy the process of traveling to each and every location for kayaking, spending approximately 50% of our time cruising through the islands and fjords on the mothership and approximately 50% of our time in the kayaks. This allows us to cover great distances and see highlights such as Glacier San Rafael (Southern Tour) and the Golfo de Corcovado (Northern Tour) in our time together, while also allowing for great kayaking. If time and location permits, we also like to incorporate some walking, fishing, beach-combing and time soaking in hot springs etc.

The kayaks we use on our tours are stable and designed for comfort. The likelihood of capsize is minimal, and generally only occurs in an uncommon situation. On our Patagonian tours we use all double kayaks (with the exception of one single kayak, which guests can rotate through), which are very stable.

If for some reason your kayak flips over, all of our guides have ample practice time on the water with rescue procedures in order to quickly and efficiently get you back in your boat. At this point we will take you to the nearest shore to change into some warm cozy clothing and then carry on with our journey or call the Mothership for a pick up. While we are out on the water, it is of the utmost importance that the group sticks together in the event of capsize or change of route plan.

Oh the Mothership, a paddlers' paradise! The Mothership allows us to kayak only when we feel like it and in the best locations for kayaking. This being said it can be quite beautiful to paddle in the rain, often the winds are lowest during light rains and Spirit of the West provides you with a good-quality paddling jacket. If anyone was to get cool, we can take breaks to warm up, or can always contact the boat for a pickup. The weather in Patagonia in February, March and the beginning of April is quite pleasant, similar to conditions in British Columbia in September. The temperature where we kayak in the south is significantly cooler than Santiago, but perfect for exercising without overheating. It is always best to come prepared for any type of weather and you will stay comfortable. Layering is the key, so that at any time if you need to warm up or cool off while on the water, it is possible to adjust your clothing.

The diversity and abundance of wildlife in Patagonia is fantastic. With river run-off from the mountains, ocean currents, tide rips, eddies and upwellings these waters are full of life. From the rich marine life of colourful plants and invertebrates to seabirds including penguins, shorebirds, and waterfowl to mammals such as otter, seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales, we keep a constant eye to the ocean and enjoy each unique experience and encounter with wildlife. For those with an eye for whales, and in particular Blue Whales, the Northern Tour will have a much better chance for viewing these majestic beauties. What we always try and remind our guests is that wildlife is just that, 'wild', and we will do our best to provide for viewing opportunities, but do not guarantee sightings.

2011 was our first tour to the area that the Blue Whales frequent. It was incredible. We spent the better part of a day watching between 4-6 individual Blue Whales, surface and feed in the beautiful Gulfo de Corcovado. The population of whales that are found in this area is thriving and the chances of viewing them is quite good. This being said they are wild and viewing is also weather dependant as the areas they frequent is quite open and exposed. We have found that it is best to view the whales from the comfort and safety of the Mothership. Being the world's largest mammal they can move quickly and being able to reposition in the motor boat makes for more enjoyable viewing. It also allows us to view whales in conditions not conducive to kayaking. Understandably, we cannot guarantee what nature will dictate, but if 2011 was any indication of future viewing, you are in for a treat. Hearing the blow of the world's largest mammal even from a mile away will create a sensation of excitement. Note we also abide by regulations say that we must not paddle or approach within 100 meters of the whales—this is out of respect for their space as well as safety for us.

The Noctiluca (our Mothership) is a fantastic wooden vessel made in the traditional local boat building style of the Chiloe people, but with modern touches for safety and comfort. There is plenty of space on the boat to find moments of solitude either on the rear covered deck, in the comfortable salon complete with comfortable couches and a wood stove, in your bunk below deck, in the wheelhouse enjoying a cup of coffee with the Captain while enjoying the view or on the outer decks watching the world pass by. The boat has 3 guest cabins, one with 4 single bunks and two double rooms for couples (or two people who are very friendly with each other!) Remember that we take a maximum of 8 guests on this tour, which allows for plenty of space and individualized attention.

The boat provides all the comforts of home, just in a compact form. Guests share two heads (bathrooms) which are each complete with a toilet and a hot shower. We are able to store plenty of fresh water on board for cooking, drinking and bathing (showers of moderate proportion, no 20-minute showers please). While out in the kayaks your guides will generally designate an area or system that works for ensuring your privacy and the health of the ecosystem.

Everything that you should need to enjoy Chile is included. Accommodation from night one of the tour through to day twelve, pick up and drop off at the airport if arriving during one of the Spirit of the West pickup times, domestic flight from Santiago to Balmaceda, all food and non-alcoholic beverages (wine and beer will be provided while on the Mothership), all kayaking gear, bedding, dry bags, a paddling top (for use during the kayaking portion of the tour), guides, tours and admission fees during the Spirit of the West Tour. What is not included: international airfare, costs associated with passports, gratuities, alcohol while not on the Mothership, personal purchases such as souvenirs, toiletries etc, your personal clothing and luggage, arrival and departure taxes, reciprocity fees and/or transport costs if arriving outside of our pick up times.

If you would like to express your appreciation to the guides and/or boat crew through a gratuity, please know that such recognition is greatly appreciated. There are no rules for tipping amounts or styles as it is an expression of thanks from you. A suggested amount is approximately 10% to 15% of the trip cost divided amongst guides and crew. You are welcome to adjust this as you see fit.

The options are endless. Your guides have been fortunate to spent time in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Columbia over the years and would be happy to share some of our experience with you. We have also developed relationships with several other business and tour companies in Chile who are able to help you enjoy activities and experiences such as being pampered at a remote lodge complete with hot springs, fly fishing on one of many beautiful rivers, horseback riding across the dunes or through the pampas ecosystem, bird watching, touring the city and visiting museums or theaters, tasting your way through a variety of culinary and wine experiences and so much more. Please don't hesitate to contact us in the office and we can get a sense of which activities would suit you best.