Favorite part: all of it; especially tour guide Brett
Guidance to future travelers: book now! You won’t regret it
The Veteran kayak experience is without a doubt the “filet mignon” of kayak river tour experiences – no B.S. You get that boutique style feel and personal attention, while also having a great time in some of the most beautiful scenery - emerald waters, stunning rock formations, blue skies & wildlife; every inch of this adventure was downright quality and breathtaking.
SIZE/FEEL: The tour is kept small and intimate, but does not lack any enthusiasm or excitement.
TIMING: Part of what makes this tour so special is that it leaves earlier than most (be there for 8:30, you have been warned) and you are back ~1pm - this means less heat and less crowds. You also still have most of your day after the tour is over for delicious local food or additional sightseeing.
GUIDE: One of a kind; exceptionally qualified. Our guide Brett (also owner I believe) was spectacular. He has the Vegas cheer and tour guide charm but is exceptionally organized, passionate and informative about just about everything. Firm, but kind, he was responsive from 1st phone call, and patient with responding to all inquiries in writing or over the phone. That attention to detail and patience transferred to the water when providing guidance pre and post launch (not push-back, lol). He seems to have a genuine passion for not only the land/water, animals, history and sport (kayaking) but also for each and every guest. Knowledge of the area, nature, history and overall were extensive - ask a question and he prob knew the answer. He went above and beyond in my opinion on every level. The accent doesn’t hurt either lol
BOOKING: prompt, patient and detailed; bonus = communication by text & phone. Brett returned my phone call same day, with a 3 hour time difference (I am ahead); he responded by text after leaving a VM. Upon finally connecting, Brett patiently answered all questions wittily and honestly. Note: be sure to maintain awareness of time differences so you’re not calling at 5am like I did (oops!).
FOLLOW-UP, POST BOOKING: all needed details pertaining to launch time, items to bring, arrival address, etc were relayed clearly with plenty of time to prepare with no guessing or wonder ahead of time. Consistent communication was wonderful.
ON THE WATER: 1:1 personal interaction was plentiful with every guest for guidance as needed in addition to just casual exchange. Brett held some ice breaker trivia-style games to get the group bonded as we started paddling and kept the conversation going for the duration of the tour.
EQUIPMENT: Kayas were set-up at arrival; quality equipment and comfortable all around. Guide will get you set-up appropriately and in-person tutorial & explanations on paddling was easy to follow and worthwhile. There is storage in the kayak within arms length behind the seat, but expect items to get wet. Also dry storage in hatches on the kayak.
EXPERIENCE:
- The 4miles over 4hours breezed by with just the right amount of stops at the right times and places.
- We kept at a steady pace so that we were never bored, but the physical effort and speed was also not overwhelming.
- Stops were educational as well as recreational including a short hike, swim and socializing as well as survival and historical facts about the area.
- Beginner level or rapids experienced, it did not matter, you felt in control and like a pro the whole time.
PICTURES: for any social media junkies, Brett knew all the shots, spots and poses to capture all of needed ‘insta’ worthy photos. He was happy to take as many photos as you wanted, group or individual. Side note - I have seen this before, and I am shocked it is not recommended on more tours (I don’t know why it isnt) - but if most have iphones, find the best camera out of the group, and do all group photos from that one camera to then airdrop using Bluetooth post tour to others phones. SOOOOOO MUCH FASTER AND EASIER THAN MULTIPLE PHONES. SO GLAD he recommended this.
REFRESHEMENTS: Snacks and cool beverages were provided including fresh fruit, chips, popcorn and water. This was nice not to need to lug pack your own. Side note - if you’re lucky, he may surprise you with something special (keeping that one a surprise)!
BEYOND: gave great recommendations on local food, additional tours, parks, and scenery; he even offered his own time beyond the trip to ensure we found where we needed to go and connected us with additional tours and contacts he knew or recommended personally.
OVERALL: thought this tour was well managed, educational and a genuinely good time. Beautiful scenery, great physical challenge and learned a lot. Very excited to book another next time in Vegas!