Expeditions

Powerful change through adventure

Learn the fundamentals of traveling by boat, navigation, and camping while gaining leadership skills, developing personal responsibility, and forming community bonds that will serve you for years to come. Carry everything you need as you navigate sea currents to break camp at new island destinations every night.

You should be prepared to challenge yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally with the task of living outdoors with a small group for a week, but no previous experience is required. In fact, we love finding creative ways for nearly anyone to be successful on their trip!

Make nature your classroom, and immerse yourself in new breathtaking environments with a group of your peers. Enjoy hiking, fishing, talking by campfires, and some of the most satisfying work you’ll do this year. This is the kind of trip you’ll never forget.

GutMonkey works with experienced guides to offer adventures specifically designed for folks with chronic medical conditions. Course areas include River canoeing in Utah, Montana, and Nevada, Sea kayaking in Alaska, and ocean kayaking in th Puget Sound’s San Juan Islands

Example Course Outline

San Juan Islands, Washington State

Ocean Sea Kayaking Expedition

Nestled between the three great cities of Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria, British Columbia, are the San Juan Islands. Encompassed by the waterways of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Rasario Strait, these islands are often referred to as the “Rain Shadow” of the Olympic Mountains, offering an average of 247 days of sunshine annually. With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore, the area has become a world-renowned kayaking destination. These pristine waters are host to over 85 resident orca whales. Other treasured wildlife sightings may include minke whales, harbor and Dall’s porpoises, seals, river otters, and a variety of birds including auklets and herons. The region also boasts the second-largest bald eagle breeding population in the continental United States. The temperate climate, marine wildlife, and dynamic shoreline make the San Juans a paddler’s dream.

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Seattle

Arrive into Seattle mid day
Stay the night and intro to program

The Expedition

Sea Kayaking Expedition around the San Juan Islands
Itinerary will be dependent on weather and tides.
We will move camp each day, with a possible layover day
Fishing, crabbing, kayaking, hiking, and more…

Returning Home

AM departure for the ferry
Return to Anacortes by 10 am
Arrive in Seattle to fly out in the afternoon

Details

• Claim your seat in a boat: These highly desirable trip can accommodate small groups.

• Trip includes: Lodging, expedition food, guide service expenses, leadership training, tents, waterproof bags, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and some other camping gear.

• Guides: Qualified guides will provide a safe, fun, and meaningful adventure.

• Medical: A medical professional with bleeding disorders experience will attend every trip. Several of the guides and programmers have Wilderness First Responder certifications. Participants are responsible for supplying their own bleeding disorder treatment and extra emergency doses. We carry a medical kit.

• Participants: Adults 18 + years of age

• Tents: We sleep in 2-3 person high quality tents.

• Clothing: A guide will go over the clothing that you bring and supply you additional items, if appropriate.

• Cuisine: Healthy fresh food, vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and meats. We accommodate some dietary needs. This is seriously good backcountry food, folks.

• A documentarian will attend each trip. Your experience will help inspire others and educate your community.