Frequently Asked Questions:

If you have any questions that are not answered below, please contact us by email or phone. We are looking forward to hearing from you and helping plan your sea kayaking trip to Nova Scotia.

 

 

Why book with Sea Sun instead of someone else?

We have 10 Good Reasons to book with Sea Sun. This checklist covers things like our exceptional level of customer service and our accident free safety record:

  1. People come first. You, our clients, come first and we have designed the Sea Sun experience throughout your time with us.
  2. Paradise with a dash of adrenalin. We are a specialist sea kayaking company, the first to open up the Prospect (Canadian Caribbean) Experience, and have used our wealth of experience to make sure that your experience is a unique adventure along the coastline of Nova Scotia.
  3. Sea Sun guides are outstanding. Our guides are outstanding not only because of their knowledge as very experienced outdoor professionals but also because of their ability to ensure each of their groups has an unforgettable fun time.
  4. Modern, well maintained equipment. All our equipment is modern, regularly replaced, easy to use and well maintained. All equipment is cleaned and inspected prior to reissue.
  5. Transport to and from our paddling routes. We can arrange a van pick-up from Halifax to bring you efficiently to our locations at competitive rates. At the end of your trip, our van will return you to Halifax. This service is free to most of our locations.
  6. Comfort and convenience provided by Sea Sun, Halifax. Our Coastal Exploration Certre in Halifax provides spacious, undercover areas for trip preparation and relaxation on return and many extra facilities for your comfort and convenience, such as our hot showers.
  7. Unique transport for renters to the water's edge saves precious time. We use purpose built vehicles/trailers to deliver and collect you and your loaded kayak from the water's edge for your group of four or more. This is unique to Sea Sun.
  8. Delicious catering. We have developed great menus for our catered trips, and we complement our menus with fare straight from the sea sometimes. (ie: mussels, clams, crabs)
  9. Sea Sun's comprehensive safety procedures and briefings provide ease of mind. Sea Sun has an impeccable safety record. We operate to a strict CRCA (Canadian recreational Canoe/kayak Association) codes of instruction and have developed safe paddling routes with weather changes in mind.
  10. Protection of the environment. We have an active policy of avoiding adverse effects upon the environment to ensure future sustainability of this fantastic and popular natural resource.

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I am an inexperienced or first-time kayaker. Is this a problem?

Not at all! At Sea Sun, we specialize in getting novice paddlers out on the water. Before every trip, we spend some time familiarizing you with the equipment, outfitting your accessories and kayak along with a discussion about the requisite safety issues.

Our launch site is located in a sheltered bay, which allows you to take some time becoming comfortable in the kayak. At your leisure, we head out on the open water to see the coastline or islands in the St. Margaret's Bay region.

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How can you reassure me that the trip is safe?

We operate with a maximum guide/guest ratio of 1:6 to ensure that there is adequate coverage. You are equipped with a Canadian Coastguard approved personal flotation device and the guides carry a cellular phone and/or VHF radio to maintain contact with our office. At the beginning of each trip, there is a safety talk given along with instructions for group control on the water.

Our guides are trained by Paddle Canada instructors and our company's safety policy is based on the guidelines of the Paddle Canada (formerly the Canadian Recreational Canoe/Kayak Association) and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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What is the weather and sea temperature like?

In Nova Scotia, July and August are certainly the warmest months. However, June and September are usually excellent shoulder periods. The months of May and October are typically chilly, but provide more secluded beaches and camping opportunities.

Water temperature during the summer are good.

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Where is Sea Sun located?

Sea Sun is located in St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia. We are about a twenty minute drive from Metro Halifax west along the divided hifhway known as Hwy 103.

From Halifax, take the 103 west for 15 minutes, then take Exit 5, turn left at the end of the ramp and drive south for 5 minutes towards Peggy's Cove. (Be sure to turn turn left after passing the Irving along Peggy's Cove.)

4 kilometers south along this road, take a right onto Nautical Way at Shining Waters Marine. Sea Sun is here on the water!

Refer to our Getting Here page for a map.

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Does Sea Sun provide transportation?

Sea Sun does provide transportation. We arrange dependable providers to provide our transport for us.

FYI-A taxi from downtown Halifax costs approximately $45.00 one-way so our options are usually cheaper.

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What is your payment policy?

All courses/trips under $125.00 value or one day or shorter are to be paid in full at time of registration and require 24 hours notice of cancellation for a refund.

All courses/expeditions over $125 or over one day require a 25% deposit (cheque/cash/credit card) in advance and are only refundable if notice is given 48 hours in advance. Organizers are responsible for all participants showing up failing 24 hours notice and will be billed 25% of trip/course price if participants are a no show. (This is to cover trip/guide/grocery costs.)

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I am hesitant about booking via email and confirming with my credit card.

Our new website will allow for secure transactions in real time as processed by Adventure Central, a fully secure provider that takes great steps to ensure security is met. Feel free to contact us by email or phone and ask for our list of references.

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What happens if you have to cancel a trip?

A booking for any 1/2 to full day trip requires twenty-four hours advance notice of a cancellation on your part. Overnight excursions require forty-eight hours notice and 2 and three day trips require 30 days notice.

In the event of a cancellation on our part due to poor weather, we will do our best to ensure that you are accommodated on another day or fully refunded.

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What type of kayaks do you have?

We have a large fleet of both double and single kayaks. Please let us know if you have a preference for yourself or your group. Novices are often more comfortable in doubles while those with more experience typically choose singles. However, this is only a guideline - your personal comfort level will be an important determining factor.

Most of our boats are North American style (with rudders), however, we do also carry English-style (more traditional) kayaks with drop down skegs instead of rudders. Our choice of models reflects characteristics such as stability, comfort, and tracking.

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What should we bring on our tour?

For a day paddle, there are a few items that you should always bring along: a change of clothes, wind breaker or rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Although we do provide food and water, you are welcome to bring along your favorite treats.

If you have registered for one of our multi-day trips, please check the required and provided equipment lists.

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Can I bring my own fishing rod, snorkeling equipment or climbing gear? How about my camera?

By all means. There is plenty of opportunity to fish on all our trips either from your kayak or from the rocky headlands. You may even be able to contribute to the menu!

Wetsuits are recommended for snorkeling, as the water is chilly at the best of times.

Sea Sun does not provide any climbing or bouldering gear. Most of the time, however, we will be able to provide plastic to cover your pad. There is ample space in the kayaks for all of your other equipment.

We advise most paddlers to use a disposable camera for on-water shots because we have seen many cameras mistakenly dropped in the water!

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Can I bring my own sea kayak?

Certainly, as long as it is a sea kayak with storage compartments. Sea Sun provides a 20% discount to participants who bring their own kayaks.

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What is Halifax like?

The capital city of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a vibrant and charming seaside locale. The city is ideally located for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Aside from the spectacular sea kayaking, you can spend time scuba diving, mountain biking, hiking, bouldering, climbing and deep sea fishing.

The waterfront of downtown Halifax is the focal point of the city, particularly during the summer months. In addition to excellent seafood restaurants, festivities along the boardwalk are commonplace. Enjoy the buskers, board the sailing ships or check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Halifax is also renowned for its host of lively bars and clubs for all ages and tastes. Don't forget to down a Moosehead or Keiths beer - a Halifax tradition! New traditions are growing with local brewer Propeller.

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Where do you recommend staying?

Please check the links page to view places we have approved.

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Do you have specific trips for families?

We endeavor to put families together to promote better group dynamics - please ask which of our trips already has a family booked, or mention to us if you would rather adult company only. We do recommend double kayaks for families.

We also have Family Day Sundays (all day) where immediate family members get a 2 hour rental for $15/person + tax!

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How much should I tip the guides?

5 percent of the trip fee seems to be average in the industry, but please allow your own judgment of our service to dictate your generosity.

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