Sea Kayak -Patagonian Adventure Fjord.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Puerto Varas at 8h30, and from there we will depart on a 40-minute scenic drive along Lake Llanquihue to our base in Ensenada.
 
Arriving at the base we will distribute all of the gear and equipment necessary for the day. Once everyone is geared up, a 30-minute drive will take us to the mouth of the northernmost fjord of Patagonia—Reloncavi Fjord in Ralun Bay. The protected bay boasts ideal conditions and is a perfect place to start our journey.
As we row  round the first peninsula, we arrive at our lunch spot for the day. The small cove with sloping green meadows is where Señora Yolanda and her family have lived for four generations, and we are welcomed to the farm with open arms and a warm “mate” tea around the wood stove. Lunch consists of both hearty, home-cooked food, as well as the opportunity to share stories and experience the traditions of Señora Yolanda’s home.

After a fresh-brewed coffee and a short walk in the forest, it’s time to get back on the water. The second leg of paddling brings us past the snow-capped Yates and Hornopiren volcanoes… but don’t get too distracted with the view. If you keep an eye out, you can have the chance to see a rich variety of wildlife ranging from sea lions to dolphins (a local species that is smaller than dolphins found in other parts of the world), as well as a variety of birds including anything from pelicans to cormorants, and maybe even penguins.
Our transport is waiting for us as we cross the fjord and finish the day’s paddling at the entrance to Cochamo Village. You may have heard of Cochamo Valley— a place defined by massive granite walls, seemingly balanced between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and world- renowned among rock climbers and hikers. Tired and satisfied, we’ll arrive back to Puerto Varas around 6 or 7pm on the same day.   Frequently asked questions:

  -Do I need experience?

NO, you just need to know how to swim. We will begin the day with a complete safety briefing and a comprehensive practice so that we can ensure your safety and enjoyment. We use state of the art gear that is adapted for any skill level. After a day on the water with our passionate guides you can be sure that your skills will have improved.

-How cold is the water?

During the summer, the water temperature reaches about 17 degrees Celsius in the Reloncavi Fjord. We have been running trips in this area for years, and we are conscious of making sure that we provide the best possible gear for you to feel comfortable and safe on and in the water. We have a wide range of neoprene wetsuits and jackets that will suit your every need.

-What about the guides?

Being  operating trips in the area since 1999, and our staff prides themselves in being dedicated and knowledgeable outdoorsmen. Our native Chilean guides provide the opportunity for a deeper level of immersion and cultural experiences. Guides are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid and in Swift Water Rescue Techniques (www.iria.org), and each season for us starts with training workshops and additional rescue training in the sections of water that we work in. Our priority is the safety of the group so that your trip with us can be the experience of a lifetime, and we value the relationship between Ko’Kayak and our guests.

-What about the kids?

We have been working with families and children for years, and we know how to make sure that the little ones have a blast. Our tandem kayaks are perfect for a parent and daughter or son paddling duo, and the single kayaks offer an independent experience for teenagers. We have gear and equipment especially suited to the kids’ smaller size so that your young one can join in on all of the activities and paddling… and leave them tired at the end of the day! Our guides are all experienced in working with children, and many of them have their own kids out on the water. Kids must be good swimmers—please contact us when you plan a family trip.