FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL WE BE PADDLING IN DOUBLE OR SINGLE KAYAKS?
Kayakers will be paddling in tandem (double) 18 ft. Looksha T Tandem kayaks
manufactured by Old Town Kayaks. We will pair you up with a guide or
another person with an odd group number.
ARE SINGLE KAYAKS AVAILABLE?
No. We only offer tandem (double) kayaks, due to their stability.
ARE THERE WEIGHT AND SIZE RESTRICTIONS?
Yes, the maximum weight capacity for two paddlers is 625 lbs. The cockpits
are 16.5 by 35 inches in size, and they are elongated. The maximum width is
16.5 inches. If you cannot fit into a space of about 16 inches, it is highly likely
you will not be able to fit into this space. We have a demo kayak at the
building for you to sit in before committing to the kayak tour. Come on down
and try!
HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR THE TOUR?
Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure to check-in, receive gear
and review safety protocol prior to boarding. Tours will not be delayed to
accommodate late arrivals.
HOW LONG IS THE TOUR?
The kayak tour is approximately 4 hours long, plan to kayak around 1.5-2
hours.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. We
provide personal flotation devices that must be worn at all times. You may
leave items on the boat as you kayak.
ARE FOOD & BEVERAGES ALLOWED?
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages; however, we do
not allow large coolers or alcoholic beverages on board.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Please be prepared for rain or cold weather with appropriate layers. You may
bring food and beverages aboard. We recommend bringing sunglasses or a
hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes or sandals. Please keep in mind
anything can get wet. We sell floating waterproof phone cases in the office.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE?
Yes, the boat is equipped with restrooms and will be available the entire tour.
IS THE TOUR SAFE FOR CHILDREN? WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED AGES FOR KIDS?
It is best suited for children who are comfortable paddling in a kayak and
sitting in the front of their kayak by themself. Children cannot sit on their
parents’ laps. Please call ahead if you have questions.
CAN I BRING MY DOG ON THE TOUR?
No, pets are not allowed on our tours. In accordance with the Americans With
Disabilities Act, we do allow service animals but for safety reasons they
cannot be in the kayak.
DO YOU PROVIDE DRY BAGS?
We do not rent or sell dry bags.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We do paddle in light rain. The tour will run weather permitting with a safetyfirst mindset. Paddling will be done with the wind at the paddlers back whenever possible. If there is any lightning, we will load up immediately or
turn around.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE KAYAK EXPERIENCE TO GO ON THE TOUR?
No previous kayaking experience is necessary for this tour. A basic safety and
paddling demonstration will be provided before boarding the boat. There will
also be ACA trained kayak guides with a safety first mindset available at all
times and a passenger boat nearby for convenience and safety.
WHERE DO WE MEET FOR THE KAYAK TOUR?
You will meet at our office located at 480 W. Fletcher St. Alpena, MI 49707.
Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to confirm your booking, receive gear
and review safety protocol prior to boarding.
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENTS FO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash and all major credit cards.
DO YOU PROVIDE OUTFITTING EQUIPMENT?
We provide 18 foot Looksha T Tandem Kayaks, personal flotation devices and
spray skirts.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
A purchased tour ticket will be eligible for a refund or an exchange up to 48
hours before the scheduled tour time. If Alpena Kayak Tours cancels a kayak
trip, you will be provided with a full refund or an alternative to reschedule for a
later date. All exchanges are dependent on availability. No same day refunds.
NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES will be granted after the time of your scheduled
tour. NO EXCEPTIONS. To exchange or refund your ticket for another time,
please call us immediately at (989) 340-0067 and speak to our office staff.
Leaving a voicemail is not considered a form of cancellation. No tour will be
refunded once they have started unless we cancel due to weather. If you
show up with less paddlers than you have booked, you will be charged the full amount. No exceptions.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Alpena Kayak Tours reserves the right to cancel a scheduled cruise for any
reason up until the time of departure. Cancellations are unlikely EXCEPT in the
event of inclement weather. Typical weather conditions that warrant
cancellations are high winds on Lake Huron causing high waves along the
lakeshore, dense fog along the lakeshore, or severe lightning nearby. Weather
conditions on Lake Huron and Thunder Bay do change quickly and while we
are pleased to make as many trips as possible, safety is our greatest concern.
Please be advised of this especially if you are traveling from a long distance
or have an extremely inflexible schedule. You may call our ticket office with
concerns about a cancellation the day of your cruise. You must cancel your
tickets 48 hours prior to your tour by speaking to someone in our office.
Leaving a voicemail is not considered a confirmation. This also includes
changes to your reservation. No same day cancellations are accepted.
DO YOU TAKE LARGE GROUPS?
Yes. Please book tickets in advance to make sure seating is available. Or you
can contact us for more information. Please call us (989) 340-0067.