Founded by veteran adventurer Grant Thompson, Tofino Expeditions has guided commercial sea kayaking tours since 1988, making them one of the most experienced companies in the business. The company was among the very first to provide guided paddling tours of Vancouver Island’s west coast, which is now a destination on the life list of paddlers around the world. The company guides trips along the world’s finest coasts in Baja, British Columbia, Croatia, Brazil, Vietnam, Italy, and the Galapagos Islands.

1. Media Kit
2014/2015

2. Since the industry’s first days, Tofino
Expeditions has been guiding clients on
wilderness sea kayaking adventures
worldwide. Tofino guides first worked off
the coast of Baja 25 years ago, and were
the first to lead trips on the west coast of
Vancouver Island, now one of the world’s
premiere paddling destinations.
As one of the original coastal wilderness
outfitters, Tofino Expeditions has been a
proponent of minimum impact camping
and travel since its founding. The
company has expanded to offer trips
around the world, but still holds true to
these original principles.
One of the first, still the best

3. Venice has been dazzling visitors for
centuries. Tofino Expeditions’ kayaking
Venice kayaking tour explores some of the
many facets and mysteries of Venice and
the 212 square mile Venice Laguna. Sea
kayaks are ideally suited to exploring the
shallow protected waters of the Laguna
and Tofino Expeditions has custom
designed a trip that vividly illustrates the
special Venetian relationship with water.
This special tour encompasses a set of sights and experiences that are quintessentially
Venetian; gliding through canals, learning to paddle a gondola at a rowing club on the
Veneto, a private glass blowing lesson on Murano, and more. As with all of Tofino
Expeditions’ tours, there is a focus on cuisine as a window into the local culture. Guests will
dine on the freshest seafood and a range of classic culinary styles as well as sampling a wide
variety of typical vegetable dishes and other Italian favorites. Some dates of this trip can be
linked with Tofino Expeditions’ Cinque Terre and Sardinia kayaking tours to create the
ultimate Italian Kayaking experience.
Venice, Italy

4. Ideal for tried and true "foodies", this sea
kayaking tour includes a locavore
experience of Liguiria's famous gastronomy
as well as intimate access to breathtaking
landscapes. The Italian Riviera and Cinque
Terre--La Riviera di Levante--is one of the
most beautiful stretches of coastline in the
world. With a trip length of 5 days, the tour
is a great add-on to any Italian summer
vacation.
Steeped in history with the dramatic mountainous background, the towns of the Riviera
seem like a series pastel colored jewels set against the vivid blue of the Mediterranean. On
this tour, paddlers will experience the “Marineria” (the life of the sea) that is at the heart
and soul of this destination. Warm water, sun drenched beaches, great food and the
harmony of life at the sea’s edge have attracted artists, poets and writers for more than
two centuries. Kayaking the Riviera offers travelers the chance to observe Italy’s subtle
features and grand, sweeping views at a pace that also affords a truly immersive cultural
and culinary experience.
The Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre

5. Kayaking Italy—Cinque Terre and Sardinia
introduces paddlers to the turquoise waters,
spectacular scenery, and delectable cuisine
of the Mediterranean, while offering an
authentic snapshot of Italy’s marineria
culture . Starting in Genoa the tour takes
paddlers along the coast of the Italian Riviera
to the beautiful Cinque Terre National Park
where guests explore the dramatic coastline
of the five villages, stopping to sample local
gastronomy.
Short hikes take travelers through vineyards and olive groves where they visit local food
producers and enjoy farm-cooked meals. Other highlights of the tour include exploring the
crystalline waters of Sardinia and the Maddelena Archipelago, a national park and UNESCO
World Heritage Site (one of three on this tour), hiking to ancient ruins, visiting small farms to
sample locally produced wines and cheeses, discovering Genoa’s old quarter that dates back
to the Middle Ages and more.
Cinque Terre and Sardinia

6. The AmazonTofino Expeditions has created an Amazon
kayaking trip that combines unprecedented
accessibility with a genuine spirit of
adventure. Each day participants explore a
new and fascinating aspect of this
exceptional natural world. Using tropical
expedition sea kayaks led by naturalist and
aboriginal guides, guests paddle the river
systems of the Ecuadorian Amazon around
Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are the ideal
craft for exploring this region.
At the end of each days’ adventure, travelers return by motorized dugout canoe to the
comforts of one of the three deluxe jungle lodges the make up the accommodations on this
trip. Linking these jungle lodges together on this trip gives visitors unprecedented logistical
support and offers access to unique features of each area, including a truly remarkable
canopy walkway. Along with kayaking, guests have an opportunity to explore the forest
from the jungle floor to canopy, all with expert interpretation.

7. One hundred and fifty miles west of Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil’s southern coast is
nearly perfect for sea kayaking. Dubbed
Costa Verde, the landscape is colored by
the verdant Atlantic rainforest bordered
by calm aquamarine waters. Tofino’s
Brazil kayaking tour is guided by Grant
Thompson, the company’s owner and
founder.
A veteran sea kayaker himself, Thompson pairs with a lifetime local, kayak guide, and art
history professor. Participants on the 10-day trip not only see the best spots in Rio de
Janeiro, but share an intimate meal and spend the night with the inhabitants of Pousa de
Cajaiba, a coastal fishing village. In Paraty, they learn about the country’s cuisine from a
famous local chef. During the day, clients will paddle through the warm tropical waters of
Brazil’s southern coast, which are protected from Atlantic weather by Ilha Grande, or “Big
Island.”
Brazil

8. Defined by more than two thousand
soaring limestone inlets and a labyrinth
of protected waterways, Vietnam’s Ha
Long Bay is one of the world’s most
spectacular sea kayaking destinations.
A UNESCO Word Heritage Site, the
bay’s name means “descending
dragon,” after local legends that claim if
was formed by a mythical beast.
Tofino Expeditions provides kayakers a chance to not only see the beauty of Ha Long Bay
for themselves, but swim in its jade waters, explore its hidden lagoons and caves, and
meet with the inhabitants of its many coastal villages. The trip is based out of Hanoi –
often called “The Paris of the Southeast.” Clients will stay in the city’s old quarter, and
transport to Ha Long Bay is done by a 100-foot junk rigged sailing vessel. That vessel
features double cabins with bathrooms, large deck areas, and a dining room manned by
an expert chef.
Vietnam

9. Formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a true North American gem. Located
off the northwest coast of Canada, the island chain was first inhabited by the Haida tribe,
who built the towering wooden totems that remain today.
Tofino’s 10-day tour takes paddlers around the islands, where they are often just feet from
porpoises and pods of killer whales. Clients camp in the island wilderness and visit Skung
Gwaii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site devoted to the preservation of the islands’ ancient
totems. Travelers spend a night with the Haida Watchmen, members of the Haida Nation
who live on the island to watch over the totems.
Haida Gwaii

10. Croatia’s Dalmation Coast is the last
stretch of pristine coastline in Europe.
The coast is populated with more than
1,000 sun-drenched islands, and
steeped in history. Stones from towns
and palaces built centuries ago butt up
against the sea. The seaside towns are
home to coffee shops and cafes, olive
groves and vineyards.
The medieval city of Dubrovnik, where Tofino’s tour ends, was dubbed “The Pearl of the
Adriatic,” by the poet Lord Byron.
Tofino’s Croatian expedition is based from a 100-foot “mothership” sailing yacht, which is
fully equipped with a fleet of personal sea kayaks. Travelers will spend their nights in this
luxurious and ornamented vessel, and will dine on gourmet Mediterranean cuisine
prepared on board. By day, the ship will anchor and allow clients to paddle the azure
coastal waters of the Adriatic.
Croatia

11. With a warm climate and clear waters, Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is an obvious choice for
paddlers hoping to relax. Tofino offers Baja trips for kayakers of all levels and interests, from
expeditions in the temperate Sea of Cortez to the remote shores between Loreto and La
Paz.
The Sea of Cortez is well known as a haven for wildlife like Fin and Blue Whales, and
Tofino’s tour there is an excellent opportunity for novice paddlers looking for an
introduction to the region. The Loreto to La Paz tour, meanwhile, is an established Baja
classic, and holds a place on the life list of many experienced sea kayakers.
Baja

12. Galapagos
For wildlife lovers, there is no place on
Earth like the Galapagos. Isolated from any
other land mass for centuries, the islands
have developed one of the most unique
ecosystems in the world, populated by
animals that never developed a fear of
humans. Travelers who choose to see the
Galapagos with Tofino will enjoy a multi-
island exploration by kayak, getting a truly
up close and personal experience. The
itinerary coincides with the finest weather
as well as the greatest diversity of wildlife
activity the Galapagos has to offer. Guests
enjoy accommodation in boutique hotels,
gourmet food, and unparalleled
wildlife viewing

13. Tofino Expeditions has detailed itineraries for tours all across the globe, but isn’t limited by
them. For those travelers with their own vision, the company provides custom tours of
each of the regions it operates within. These custom tours are ideal for family trips,
corporate retreats, or even just reunion trips for old friends.
Custom Tours

14. Media Contact:
Adventure Media
Stephanie Norby
254-423-2568
snorby@adventuremedianews.com