Hector
Rios has been successfully guiding and instructing novice to experience
kayakers for over twenty-five years. Equipped with a wealth of
ability and skill, Hector gladly shares his knowledge and experience with
people of all ages. Tours cater to individuals from all walks of
life and all skill levels. Kayaking is a great team-building
experience for corporate groups. Hector loves working with children and
welcomes those kids with disabilities. (Learn more about Coastal
Bend Kayak Youth Camps below.) A pleasant demeanor, good sense of
humor and genuine care of his clientele ensures that all will have a safe,
educational and fun day on the water! Your professional guide is familiar
with most of the resident birds as well as the many migratory birds that
call the Coastal Bend home each winter. Tours by boat to see the
endangered Whooping Cranes are offered from mid-November thru early-April.
If fast fishing action is what you're seeking, your guides will take you
those shallow flats and reefs - fishing hotspots - where the trophy-size Redfish, Speckled Trout
and seasonal Flounder. You'll be fishing where
no boat has gone before and the peace and solitude offers a healthy
break from sometimes hectic lifestyles.
Certified by theAmerican
Canoe Assoc.
Details About
Tours:
Coastal Bend Kayak takes the time to
give proper instruction before anyone hits the water. Kayakers will be
given an introduction as to what to expect and what to do should an
emergency or possibly inclement weather or other situation comes into
play. A thorough instruction of all safety precautions is presented
as well as an "equipment check." This is followed by an "on the
water" demonstration by Hector Rios or one of his professional staff
members. And there's plenty more to learn once "you" are on the water.
Swimming isn't essential, but it could come in mighty handy if a sudden
squall blows through or if your kayak is damaged. As in any outdoor
activity - be smart, careful and always be prepared for the unexpected.
Accommodations
and Area Info:
The comfortable and cool, bed and
breakfast-style lodging allows for a Continental Breakfast as well as a
Departure Lunch. The bungalow sleeps up to six people and there is
plenty of parking. You'll have your own private entrance and save
some time to jump in the hot tub. There's a screened-in porch for
enjoying the cool breezes and a beautiful garden of flowers to gaze upon!
The lodging is "handicapped accessible" and HEB Grocery Store,
Restaurants, Downtown Shopping and sightseeing are the most popular
off-the-water activities. If you have a special need, please don't
hesitate to let Coastal Bend Kayaks know so that he can make your stay is
very pleasant. FREE LODGING
PACKAGE AVAILABLE WITH KAYAK TOUR HERE!
Coastal Bend
Kayak Tours
is located in the heart of the Texas Coastal Bend area along the Gulf of
Mexico and includes the communities of Aransas Pass, Port Aransas,
Rockport-Fulton, Ingleside, Gregory/Portland and the Corpus Christi
metroplex. We are just 20 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi, 3 hours from
San Antonio, 4 hours from Austin and 3 hours from Houston. HEB Grocery and
Wal-Mart are conveniently located and perfect for picking up those
last minute items like sunscreen, snacks and your favorite cold drinks.
There is an ATM located inside the store as well as gas.
Consider
Lessons or a Refresher Course:
As with any water activity, there are
risks involved in kayaking. Swimming ability is not mandatory, but nice to
know. All kayakers are supplied with a kayak, PDF and paddle.
Hector uses only sit-on-top kayaks so the incidence of roll-over is
greatly minimized. Training, preparation, good judgment and having
the right equipment are the best weapons against a difficult situation on
the water. If you're new to paddling--or you've been away for awhile--
then you should probably sign-up for a beginner or refresher course with
Hector Rios - your qualified instructor. Basic
paddling instruction & equipment rental is included at the start of each
trip.
General
Information for Group Tours: We accommodate singles, couples,
families, or groups on our trips. You’ll meet interesting people like
yourself from all over the globe, who share a spirit of adventure, a love
of nature, and a sense of humor. Expect to make some great new friends!
If you're a more experienced paddler who's looking to go out on your own,
you still might want to take a refresher course from Hector or at least go
out on a calm day and practice your roll and bracing skills before you
venture out on the water. Coastal Bend Kayak offers guided kayak
tours for every level of skill. All tours promote safety, fun, and provide
a fantastic learning forum for the young and old alike. All trips are
based upon the natural, ecological systems that exist in the Aransas Bay
complex waterways. Hector is a hands-on instructor who's patience never
seems to end. Equipped with a good sense of humor and thorough knowledge,
it's no wonder that folks keep coming back for his tours again and again.
It's important that children recognize and understand the importance of
the eco-system and Hector encourages parents to come along as well! You'll
receive expert instruction for a safe and fun kayaking adventure!
Age
and Swimming Experience You
are never to young or old to learn how to kayak, however....we recommend
age 12 for kids, and as for the other end of the equation...if you're old
enough to wonder if you can still do it...give Hector a call. You might be
surprised. It is preferred that a person know how to swim, but
certainly not essential. PFDs (personal floatation devices or life
vests) are provided and they will protect you. It is highly recommended
that you wear closed-toe shoes for your tour. Oyster beds and shell
reefs hurt feet; water shoes are OK too.
KAYAKING IS FOR
EVERYONE - ALL AGES AND LEVELS OF ABILITY!
Kayaks
and Equipment - Wear Closed-Toe Shoes...Always We
like to stay current with the top equipment in the business. Coastal Bend
Kayaks features Ocean Kayaks®,
Heritage Kayaks®
and Bic Sport Kayaks®, three of the most
popular names in today's kayak market.
Choose from a mixture of
single and double kayaks, with ample room for trip supplies. We go 2 per
tent for multi-day trips; singles will be accommodated where
possible. You'll be given a check list of items to bring when you book
your trip and reserve.
Experience
Level and Special Skills:
Beginner Level - If you have never tried kayaking before AND you are
not likely to be confident on the water, OR you just don't think you'll be
able to paddle far at all, then request a slower, more relaxed tour.
Hector will teach you the basics then take it very easy on a short tour in
a protected part of the bay or inlet so that you'll have a good idea of
how kayaking could be used to get you to some great places. Next time you
will be ready for a longer, more rewarding kayaking tour. If you are
already skilled, Hector will customize your trip to suit your interests.
MANY EXTRAORDINARY
PLACES TO KAYAK IN THE COASTAL BEND! Intermediate Level - If you are not timid around water and of
average fitness, you'll find the tour more interesting and exciting.
Generally, tours last from 4 to 5 hours with approx. 2 - 3 hours of
paddling. There are two breaks - one in the morning and one in early
afternoon to stretch and have a snack or cold drink...or just lay back and
enjoy the incredible beauty and pristine water surrounding you... so
peaceful!
Weather
The
regions we kayak through generally have moderate weather in spring,
summer, and early fall, but we can experience extreme heat, rain, or wind
and sometimes all in one day. Dress accordingly and be
prepared. The only predictable aspect of Coastal Bend weather is that it
is rarely predictable, be it a sunny, hot day that suddenly gives way to a
thunderstorm or a 60 degree day at the beginning of what is usually the
hot season. Average Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall - (Rare Occurrence)
First in Fall..................Mid-December
Last in Spring............First of February Note: Winter month trips schedules vary. Call Hector for off-season
tour dates and details!
Safety
& Guest Responsibility Although
no previous kayaking experience is required on our tours, as with any
adventure there is always an element of risk. While our trips are not
considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require
a high level of fitness, good general physical condition is necessary. If
you have any physical limitations or concerns please let us know. As we
are not qualified to evaluate your level of fitness we ask that you (and
possibly along with your doctor) determine whether or not you are able to
join one of our adventures. We just ask that you welcome your adventure
with an open mind and be able to laugh and have fun when encountering the
unexpected. Coastal Bend Kayak Tours is dedicated to providing safe,
environmentally sensitive, well organized, fun-filled adventures.
Selecting
the Right Tour Guide
It's important to find
a kayak guide who will take the time to tailor the tour and equipment to
the client's skill level. And paying more doesn't necessarily guarantee a
better experience. If possible, talk to other paddlers who've been on the
tour you're considering. And don't be shy about calling the guide
personally with questions. What will I need to bring? Get a detailed
list of everything you'll need for this particular tour. If this will be a
multi-day trip, what food services will be provided? Who will do the
cooking, and what kinds of food will be served? A good tour guide
will want to know as much about you as possible, especially helpful when
matching you with group paddlers of the same skill level.
Hector
Rios has been successfully guiding and instructing novice to experience
kayakers for over twenty-five years. Equipped with a wealth of
ability and skill, Hector gladly shares his knowledge and experience with
people of all ages. Tours cater to individuals from all walks of
life and all skill levels. Kayaking is a great team-building
experience for corporate groups. Hector loves working with children and
welcomes those kids with disabilities. (Learn more about Coastal
Bend Kayak Youth Camps below.) A pleasant demeanor, good sense of
humor and genuine care of his clientele ensures that all will have a safe,
educational and fun day on the water! Your professional guide is familiar
with most of the resident birds as well as the many migratory birds that
call the Coastal Bend home each winter. Tours by boat to see the
endangered Whooping Cranes are offered from mid-November thru early-April.
If fast fishing action is what you're seeking, your guides will take you
those shallow flats and reefs - fishing hotspots - where the trophy-size Redfish, Speckled Trout
and seasonal Flounder. You'll be fishing where
no boat has gone before and the peace and solitude offers a healthy
break from sometimes hectic lifestyles.
Certified by the
Coastal Bend Kayak takes the time to
give proper instruction before anyone hits the water. Kayakers will be
given an introduction as to what to expect and what to do should an
emergency or possibly inclement weather or other situation comes into
play. A thorough instruction of all safety precautions is presented
as well as an "equipment check." This is followed by an "on the
water" demonstration by Hector Rios or one of his professional staff
members. And there's plenty more to learn once "you" are on the water.
Swimming isn't essential, but it could come in mighty handy if a sudden
squall blows through or if your kayak is damaged. As in any outdoor
activity - be smart, careful and always be prepared for the unexpected.
The comfortable and cool, bed and
breakfast-style lodging allows for a Continental Breakfast as well as a
Departure Lunch. The bungalow sleeps up to six people and there is
plenty of parking. You'll have your own private entrance and save
some time to jump in the hot tub. There's a screened-in porch for
enjoying the cool breezes and a beautiful garden of flowers to gaze upon!
The lodging is "handicapped accessible" and HEB Grocery Store,
Restaurants, Downtown Shopping and sightseeing are the most popular
off-the-water activities. If you have a special need, please don't
hesitate to let Coastal Bend Kayaks know so that he can make your stay is
very pleasant.
We accommodate singles, couples,
families, or groups on our trips. You’ll meet interesting people like
yourself from all over the globe, who share a spirit of adventure, a love
of nature, and a sense of humor. Expect to make some great new friends!
If you're a more experienced paddler who's looking to go out on your own,
you still might want to take a refresher course from Hector or at least go
out on a calm day and practice your roll and bracing skills before you
venture out on the water. Coastal Bend Kayak offers guided kayak
tours for every level of skill. All tours promote safety, fun, and provide
a fantastic learning forum for the young and old alike. All trips are
based upon the natural, ecological systems that exist in the Aransas Bay
complex waterways. Hector is a hands-on instructor who's patience never
seems to end. Equipped with a good sense of humor and thorough knowledge,
it's no wonder that folks keep coming back for his tours again and again.
It's important that children recognize and understand the importance of
the eco-system and Hector encourages parents to come along as well! You'll
receive expert instruction for a safe and fun kayaking adventure! 
You
are never to young or old to learn how to kayak, however....we recommend
age 12 for kids, and as for the other end of the equation...if you're old
enough to wonder if you can still do it...give Hector a call. You might be
surprised. It is preferred that a person know how to swim, but
certainly not essential. PFDs (personal floatation devices or life
vests) are provided and they will protect you. It is highly recommended
that you wear closed-toe shoes for your tour. Oyster beds and shell
reefs hurt feet; water shoes are OK too.
We
like to stay current with the top equipment in the business. Coastal Bend
Kayaks features Ocean Kayaks®,
Heritage Kayaks®
and Bic Sport Kayaks®, three of the most
popular names in today's kayak market.
Choose from a mixture of
single and double kayaks, with ample room for trip supplies. We go 2 per
tent for multi-day trips; singles will be accommodated where
possible. You'll be given a check list of items to bring when you book
your trip and reserve. 
Although
no previous kayaking experience is required on our tours, as with any
adventure there is always an element of risk. While our trips are not
considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require
a high level of fitness, good general physical condition is necessary. If
you have any physical limitations or concerns please let us know. As we
are not qualified to evaluate your level of fitness we ask that you (and
possibly along with your doctor) determine whether or not you are able to
join one of our adventures. We just ask that you welcome your adventure
with an open mind and be able to laugh and have fun when encountering the
unexpected. Coastal Bend Kayak Tours is dedicated to providing safe,
environmentally sensitive, well organized, fun-filled adventures.