kayak adventure - need review

[texasag]

Sailing on AOS 6/6/04 and would like a full review of this excursion.

Thanks and Happy Sailing

[mammallama]

Didn't go on the kayak adventure, sorry, but we ARE going on the same cruise as you are. Found another family with three boys ages 15, 9 and 7 who will also be on this ship. Please join us in our roll call, June 6th WITNESS PROTECTION CRUISE. (It was a little joke because we couldn't find anyone else going on the cruise.) We would love to hear from you. Karen and family

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;6;6;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  to get me on the ADVENTURE OF THE SEA
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[mammallama]

Hey Texasag-- Here is a link to our roll call. Please join us!! [url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=1683059817&m=9483049477"]roll call for AOS[/url] Karen and Parrotheads

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;6;6;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img] to get me on the ADVENTURE OF THE SEA
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[cruzn4funtimes]

Tesas and mammallama - This is the tour to start your club! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] Thumbs up on the kayak adventure tour all the way. If you are looking for sun, fun for the whole family then this is it. We did this tour a few months ago - here goes.

Left the pier at about 8:30 the morning and got to the 'Paddles' kayak club. This is a quaint, local, club found in a little village right on the ocean - crystal clear at that. No hustle or bustle here - PEACEFUL. No tourists at all other than the one's on this trip. Very relaxed atmosphere right off the bat. Plants galore and two talking parrots entertaining all of us right away. Definitelty the Caribbean you think of when you dream of being there. Greeted by the hostess and staff who assisted all of us with reef shoes. Shoes were in good condition - felt no discomfort using these - which reminds me - everything was so clean! We were then escorted onto 1 of about 4 Boston Wailers for a quick 5 minute ride to where the kayaks were located. Crystal calm waters, mangroves and one charming kayak instructor (not to mention good looking) We got quick instruction and we were off. It was peaceful and not very difficult - which was what worried me. I initially anticipated rapids or something. (I didn't want it to be difficult for my kids) After about an hour of paddling and learning the history of the island - it was time to get back on the boats and head to a reef for some snorkeling. Snorkeling was fantastic. Water was waist deep and unintimidating. After at least an hour of that off to an island - lot's of exploring and hiking. Back to the place where we started where we had our pictures taken and were served rum and fruit punch and banana bread!

My rating can be summed up like this:

Customer Service: 5 Stars
Cleanliness: 5 Stars
Value: 4.5 Stars
Variety: 5 Stars (never got bored)
Family Trip Absolutely
Fun: 5 Stars

Truly a great trip! Let me know how it goes when you get back. Say hello to Anthony - he was our favorite!

[mrssbi]

All reviews sound fantastic. Does the company pick you up at the pier? I assume this tour is independent of the kyacking tour offered by the ship. It definitely sounds that going independent with paddles is the best way to go. Hopefully to those who have done this marvelous tour you can answer my questions. Looking forward to it..

[bUU]

I'm looking for information on how this compares to RCI's ship excursion, "Kayak & Snorkel Eco Adventure". Has anyone done both (or this other one, and can provide contrasting info)?

[barneyrubble]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe that the RCI adventure is the same tour as Antigua Paddles. I am 90% sure about this. Needless to say, this tour (Antigua Paddles) is absolutely fantastic. You'll be well cared for....