Media kit

Media Kit2012

Since the industry’s first days, Tofino Expeditions has been guiding clients on wilderness sea kayaking adventures. Tofino guides first worked off the coast of Baja 25 years ago, and were the first to lead trips on the west coast of Vancouver Island, now one of the world’s premiere paddling destinations.One of the original coastal wilderness outfitters, Tofino Expeditions has been a proponent of minimum impact camping and travel since its founding. The company has expanded to offer trips around the world, but still holds true to these original principles.

One of the first, still the best

One hundred and fifty miles west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s southern coast is nearly perfect for sea kayaking. Dubbed Costa Verde, the landscape is colored by the verdant Atlantic rainforest bordered by calm aquamarine waters. Tofino’s Brazilian adventure is guided by Grant Thompson, the company’s owner and founder. A veteran sea kayakerhimself, Thompson pairs with a lifetime local, kayak guide, and art history professor. Participants on the 10-day trip not only see the best spots in Rio de Janeiro, but share an intimate meal and spend the night with the inhabitants of Pousa de Cajaiba, a coastal fishing village. In Paraty, they learn about the country’s cuisine from a famous local chef. During the day, clients will paddle through the warm tropical waters of Brazil’s southern coast, which are protected from Atlantic weather by Ilha Grande, or “Big Island.”

Brazil

Defined by more than two thousand soaring limestone inlets and a labyrinth of protected waterways, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s most spectacular sea kayaking destinations. A UNESCO Word Heritage Site, the bay’s name means “descending dragon,” after local legends that claim if was formed by a mythical beast. Tofino Expeditions provides kayakers a chance to not only see the beauty of Ha Long Bay for themselves, but swim in its jade waters, explore its hidden lagoons and caves, and meet with the inhabitants of its many coastal villages. The trip is based out of Hanoi – often called “The Paris of the Southeast.” Clients will stay in the city’s old quarter, and transport to Ha Long Bay is done by a 100-foot junk rigged sailing vessel. That vessel features double cabins with bathrooms, large deck areas, and a dining room manned by an expert chef.

Vietnam

Formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a true North American gem. Located off the northwest coast of Canada, the island chain was first inhabited by the Haida tribe, who built the towering wooden totems that remain today. Tofino’s 10-day tour takes paddlers around the islands, where they are often just feet from porpoises and pods of killer whales. Clients camp in the island wilderness and visit Skung Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage site devoted to the preservation of the islands’ towering, ancient totems. Travelers will spend a night with the Haida Watchmen: members of the Haida Nation who live on the island to watch over the totems.

Haida Gwaii

Croatia’s Dalmation coast is the last stretch of pristine coastline in Europe. The coastline is populated with more than one thousand sun-drenched islands, and steeped in history. Stones from towns and palaces built centuries ago butt up against the sea. The seaside towns are home to coffee shops and cafes, olive groves and vineyards. The medieval city of Dubrovnik, where Tofino’s tour ends, was dubbed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” by the poet Lord Byron. Tofino’s Croation expedition is based from a 100-foot “mothership” sailing yacht, which is fully equipped with a fleet of personal sea kayaks. Travelers will spend their nights in this luxurious and ornamented vessel, and will dine on gourmet Mediterranean cuisine prepared on board. By day, the ship will anchor and allow clients to paddle the azure coastal waters of the Adriatic.

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Croatia

With a warm climate and clear waters, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is an obvious choice for paddlers hoping to relax. Tofino offers Baja trips for kayakers of all levels and interests, from expeditions in the temperate Sea of Cortez to the remote shores between Loreto and La Paz.The Sea of Cortez is well known as a haven for wildlife like Fin and Blue Whales, and Tofino’s tour there is an excellent opportunity for novice paddlers looking for an introduction to the region. The Loreto to La Paz tour, meanwhile, is an established Baja classic, and holds a place on the life list of many experienced sea kayakers.

Baja

Galapagos

For wildlife lovers, there is no place on Earth like the Galapagos. Isolated from any other land mass for centuries, the islands have developed one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, populated by animals that never developed a fear of humans.Travelers who choose to see the Galapagos with Tofino will journey to the islands in the best yacht available, then tour their turquoise waters in kayak by day. The tour includes snorkeling trips with penguins, sea turtles and sea lions, as well as trips to off-lying islands and hidden places not visited by other tour operators.

Tofino Expeditions has detailed itineraries for tours all across the world, but isn’t limited by them. For those travelers with their own vision, the company provides custom tours of each of the regions it operates within. These custom tours are ideal for family trips, corporate retreats, or even just reunion trips for old friends.

Custom Tours

Media ContactAdventure Media

Matt MinichT: 970.568.7423 F: [email protected]