
Custom Tours // North America
Queen Charlotte BC: Mothership Kayaking
Departures: July-September • Price: Canadian Dollars $3300 + Park Fee + Gov’t Tax
This private cruise is limited to five people! Off the coast of British Columbia and home to the native Haida people, the “Gwaii Haanas” or “Place of Wonder,” is a wilderness paradise! Repeatedly ranked the #1 National Park in North America by National Geographic, it is common to see whales, porpoise, sea lions, sea birds, and the rare Tufted Puffin in this remote area. At low tide, kayaks are the perfect craft to unobtrusively view the rainbow explosion of marine creatures and witness black bears feeding on the shoreline. Ashore, hike among the pristine moss-laden old growth forests. Visit SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), World Heritage sites, and other villages for a glimpse into the culture of the Haida. You travel in comfort aboard a 42-foot yacht, fully outfitted for your cruise. Kayaks are nestled snuggly above the covered aft deck. With a well-oiled crew, these can be slung over the side and you can be away from the yacht within minutes. Whether paddling in hidden inlets or relaxing under a huge cedar tree, the remoteness and wildness of the Gwaii Haanas is magical!
This trip is great if you sign up on your own, but it is truly ideal for a group of five friends…Call today for availability!
We are back from an amazing trip to Haida Gwaii! Lot’s of seals, sea lions, whales, birds, bear, deer, raccoon and a marten. Jane, Abby, and the guide in training, Bev, were superb. Every day was unique and magic in its own way. So thank you for all you did to get us set up for this adventure of a life time…
-Lois V. Haida Gwaii July 2016
Trip Price TBA
Deposit TBA
Duration 9 days
- Private 5-passenger mothership
- Sea Kayak the Gwaii Haanas Park Reserve
- Visit Haida Gwaii World Heritage Sites
- Expert crew and guide
- Scenic small plane flight(s) into Gwaii Haanas Park
- All kayaking equipment provided
- Two nights lodging Queen Charlotte City
- All accommodations and meals onboard
San Juan Islands: 3 Day Expedition Whale Watch & Kayak
May – Sept • Price $599
With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore, the San Juan Islands are a superb kayak destination. Harking back to an earlier time when the islands were used by the native Lummi and Swinomish tribes as summer fishing camps, we traverse the waters as they did, using the wind and currents to aid us as we explore these beautiful islands. Experience the fun of sea kayaking and camping on a remote island accessible only by boat! The pristine waters of the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands are host to over 85 resident Orca whales. Other treasured wildlife sightings may include Minke whales, harbor and Dall’s porpoises, seals, river otter and a variety of different birdlife ranging from auklets to herons. This region also boasts the second largest bald eagle breeding population in the continental United States. Our trip is a mini-expedition: we take all of our gear and food in the kayaks for 2 nights camping to our remote island. The San Juan Islands are a sea kayaker’s paradise – these gems of the Pacific Northwest have been named by the National Historic Preservation as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations! No experience necessary. Enjoy sea kayaking in search of Orca Whales, fantastic sunsets, healthy and hearty food, and great camaraderie!
Trip Price $599
Deposit 50%
Duration 3 days
- Excellent kayak instruction provided
- Expedition-style camping and kayaking to various islands
- All camping / kayaking equipment and fees included
- All meals included...delicious and plentiful
- Expert Northwest-Native naturalist guides
Yellowstone National Park: Cross-Country Ski Safari
Dec – 1st week of March • Price $2295
Yellowstone awaits the winter adventurer with a wonderland of sights and experiences. Explore a quiet, pristine winter wilderness full of elk, bison, moose, deer, and coyotes. Experience Yellowstone’s warm winter heart as steam from its famed geysers and hot pools make geologic changes in the landscape. Thousands of acres of protected parkland provide access to miles of backcountry and track trails for the novice or experienced skier (no experience necessary). Each day will provide an opportunity to practice cross-country technique through ski instruction and escorted ski tours. The parkland provides vistas of incredible beauty … frozen lakes, wildlife in abundance, Old Faithful geyser, and thousands of thermal features. Visit Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. Enjoy premier accommodations within the park, gourmet dining, evening lounging, and the camaraderie of other ski adventurers. Optional: Yellowstone Grand Canyon Tour.
Just wanted to express my appreciation. I consider the week a quadruple whammy! Great physical activity in the splendor of a winter wonderland filled with thermal features and animal sightings surrounded by valued female camaraderie.
– Trudy G. Yellowstone X-Country Ski Safari 2010
Trip Price $2295
Deposit $500
Duration 9 days
- Abundant wildlife viewing and geothermal features
- Excellent cross-country ski trails
- Four nights standard lodging and three nights Snow Lodge-Premier rooms
- Round trip transportation from Bozeman, MT
- Snow shuttles to backcountry areas
- Knowledgeable naturalist and ski guide
Copper Canyon: Historic Rail & Lodges
Spring and Fall • Start at $2995
Deeper and broader than the Grand Canyon, Las Barrancas del Cobre, or the Copper Canyon, has been called “the most spectacular canyon system in all of North America”. It is a place of gold and silver, sparkling rivers twisting through steep canyons, sleepy Mexican villages and ancient legends. Adventure Associates was a pioneer of travel to this secluded region almost 30 years ago. Each day offers a new adventure: breathtaking canyon views perched from a first-class train, hikes to indigenous petroglyphs, and nature walks along the canyon floor to the “Lost Cathedral”of Satevo. Spend time exploring the colonial town of El Fuerte and the rough-and-tumble frontier town of Creel, followed by a dramatic change in scenery as we drive one vertical mile down the canyon to the most remote town in North America, Batopilas. The rich diversity of culture and topography of Copper Canyon is fascinating. The rim of the canyon is a pine, oak and mahogany forest while, a mile lower on the canyon floor, a sub-tropical environment of cactus, palm trees, and citrus trees flourish. Our trip is designed to immerse you in the canyon’s magic and culture, as we stay in rustic lodges of historical Mexican villas!
A welcome combination of restful and energizing, new sights and sounds, beautifully contrasting colors, deep silences, roosters crowing, tires bumping over rocky roads, and complete blackness of night at the bottom of the canyon.
-Ruth H., Copper Canyon Rail & Lodge Exploration, October 2007
Trip Price $2995
Deposit $500
Duration 9 days
- World famous Chihuahua al Pacifico railway from Los Mochis to Creel
- Explore charming Batopilas and the "Lost Cathedral" of Satevo
- Visit with Tarahumara Indians and learn their ancient traditions
- 9 nights small hotels and rustic lodges
- Expert bilingual guides
Apostle Island Kayak Adventure
June – September • Start at $1695
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a 22-island archipelago on the South Shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its red sandstone sea caves, sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and historic shipwrecks. Sea Kayaking in the Apostle Islands is great for both novice and experienced paddlers. There are also plenty of opportunities to hike, play on the beach, sight-see, pick fresh berries and enjoy downtime.
Amazing bonding experience with nature & other inspiring women. I especially appreciated how the guides took special care to include my 12-year-old daughter, educate her & make her feel special.
-Jennifer V., Apostle Islands August, 2015
Trip Price $1695
Deposit $500
Duration 6 days
- Explore ship wrecks, sloughs, caves and lighthouses
- Visit local farms for fresh produce,cheeses, berries
- 5 nights/six days in Bayfield, WI - Apostle Is
- Lodging in comfortable cottages
- Round trip transportation from Duluth, MN/li>
- Sea kayaks, paddles, and PFDs
- Knowledgeable naturalist and kayak guides
Canyon lands Nat'l Park, Utah: White Rim Trail Mountain Bike Tour
April – November • Price: Starts at $1695; Based on group size – 6 minimum
The White Rim Trail is located in Canyon Lands National Park and sandwiched between the Green and Colorado Rivers. This classic mountain bike trail travels through country carved by the relentless forces of wind and water. Wingate sandstone cliffs tower above us and beneath ancient layers of rock containing fossils, petrified wood and relics of an era when the entire region was a vast inland sea. As far as you can see, the horizon is a maze of undulating canyons; rugged, remote and beautiful.
Our ride begins on top of a 6,000′ plateau and then descends a course of switchbacks to the White Rim Trail a thousand feet below. The trail follows a rugged 80+ mile jeep road which contours an immense red rock canyon with surfaces of packed dirt, slick rock, and loose sand; everything you expect in a great day of desert riding. Vistas stretch out for miles in 360‐degrees. A photographer haven!
The tour is suitable for novice through advanced riders who are in good physical condition and able to ride 3 ‐ 6 hours a day. For the novice mountain biker, there couldn’t be a better place to learn and practice new techniques. For intermediate and advanced riders, the White Rim Trail will test your skills and max‐out your fun‐meter. Riders can set their own speed, therefore, accomplished riders can push for a work out, and recreational riders can find a comfortable pace.
This trip is yours for riding, hiking slot canyons, viewing ancient ruins, taking a dip in the river, sleeping out under the stars or just kicking back at camp and taking in the spectacular views. Our meals are delicious, and our guides are seasoned experts who will help you make this the best week of riding you’ve ever had!
People have asked me what I enjoyed the most on my adventure. I don’t have a single answer. I was amazed at the outfitter’s truck calling all our food and gear, meals and relaxing in evening, the biking was challenging, exciting, and fun; the short hike into the canyon was magnificent and the sheer beauty was something you couldn’t get enough of.
-Nancy F. White Rim Biking 2016
Trip Price $1625
Deposit $500
Duration 7 days
- Ride in an amazing geological paradise
- Four nights tent camping and two nights hotels
- RT transportation Moab to Canyon Nat' Park and park fees
- Fully supported 4-WD drive gear and kitchen vehicle
- Delicious meals Lunch Day 1- Lunch Day 5
- Seasoned and expert guides
- Daily riding clinics, bike repair tools, trip library
Established in 1987, Adventure Associates is an ecologically sensitive adventure-based travel company specializing in small-group, international and domestic active travel. We are passionate about creating custom adventure travel programs.
Our programs involve moving beyond the familiar and learning about ourselves and our world in the process. We are committed to fostering an ethic of care with respect to self, the natural world, diverse cultures, and one another.
TESTIMONIALS
HEAR FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
“We didn’t just see the amazing sights from a distance as observers, but with all the hiking we actually experienced the landscape first-hand and participated in a wonderful adventure. I am very happy and pleased to have been a part of this fun and educational adventure.”