This trip needs a better description. You kayak or paddle board along the docks looking for seals sleeping on the docks. I thought we'd see them on rocks or small islands. We never left the dock/marina area. We saw a sea lion in 2 different spots, and some birds. Was hoping for more. I know animals can't be controlled though. I think a weekday may be better for animal spotting as there is less human activity then. In one area, a band was playing loud music. It was good music, but likely scaring sea life away.
Alexi, our guide, was perfect. He was knowledgeable, personable, and skilled. We loved his accent (from Russia). He was easy to understand and his English was better than some Americans š¤£š„°. I find it neat to learn about people from different countries, so having a foreign your guide was a plus. Many thanks to Alexi for making the trip more enjoyable.
Response from Host
Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your experienceāit sounds like you had a mixed outing! Your description provides some valuable insights and details that could help future adventurers.
It sounds like the trip focused primarily on kayaking or paddle boarding around the docks, which is a bit different from what you expected. While you hoped to see seals on rocks or small islands, it seems like most of the wildlife was within the marina area. Seeing a sea lion and some birds is always a bonus, but itās understandable to wish for more variety in wildlife encounters.
You made a great point about timing your trip for better animal spotting. Weekdays can indeed be quieter, reducing human activity and creating a more serene environment for wildlife. Itās unfortunate that the loud music from a nearby band may have disturbed the sea life, as that can definitely impact their behavior.
On a positive note, it sounds like Alexi made a significant difference in your experience. His knowledge, personable nature, and clear communication skills seem to have enriched your time on the water. Itās always wonderful to connect with guides from different backgrounds, bringing a unique perspective to the adventure.
Overall, while there were some aspects of the trip that didnāt meet your expectations, itās clear that Alexiās presence helped make it more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your feedbackāit provides a well-rounded view for others considering a similar outing!