{"title":"Asia - TRAK Trips","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"french-polynesia-adventure-trak-tour-may-2026","title":"French Polynesia Adventure - TRAK Expedition: May, 2026","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eFrench Polynesia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuration: \u003c\/strong\u003e9 Days (with optional add-ons)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDates:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eMay 3-11, 2026 \u0026amp; May 15-23, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkill Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner-Intermediate \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eLed by world-class guides and TRAK instructors with deep regional experience, this all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime sea kayak trip will take place over 9 days, with a mix of local homestays and camping in the French Polynesian islands of Raiatea and Taha'a! C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eamp under the stars, take time to meet locals, and explore rarely visited islands and lagoons from the intimacy of your own TRAK sea kayak. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocated in the archipelago of Îles Sous-le-Vent are the islands: Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Maupiti, located 220 km northwest of Tahiti. Raiatea and Tahaa islands, which we will be circumnavigating, are sheltered by the same lagoon, offering us a perfect area for sea kayaking navigation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRaiatea, the \"sacred island,\" was the cradle of Polynesian culture with its large Taputapueta marae, where, according to oral tradition, the great migration began to Hawaii and New Zealand. The beaches are rare on Raiatea, but the innumerable motus (islets) have beautiful white sand and offer a sumptuous seabed for snorkelling. We will explore the Faaroa River, which is the only navigable river in Polynesia and runs through the heart of lush vegetation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSharing the same lagoon as Raiatea Island is Tahaa Island, also known as \"Vanilla Island\". It is the epitome of the tropical paradise - a natural and wild jewel placed upon the translucent waters of its lagoon. This environment is inseparable from the sea kayak experience. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWho is this Polynesia sea kayak trip for?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe trip is suitable for all levels of kayakers, from beginner to advanced. Previous experience in a sea kayak is not essential but highly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis trip is ideal for those who are ready to \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eleave behind the comforts of a hotel for an adventure which brings you closer to nature. Participants should be in relatively good physical condition - those who regularly practice any sport or outdoor activity should find the experience comfortable. Paddling time is around 6 hours per day. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGroup sizes are 8 people with 2 guides, and where possible, we try to match kayakers of similar experience in the same group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur trips are participatory, and you can contribute to meal preparation, etc, where you feel comfortable.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Your Guides\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this trip, TRAK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is partnering up with long-time TRAK Pilot, Zack Kruzins of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/suchaniceday.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSAND INC\u003c\/a\u003e, along with his good friend Patrice Duval. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4021\/files\/unnamed_6.jpg?v=1747246268\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eZack Kruzin's TRAK Story\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2012\/13, Zack lived aboard the shared cost live-aboard ketch Karaka (https:\/\/karaka.org\/) for over 1 year traveling the central and south pacific islands with 3 sea kayaks paddling everywhere he could guiding kayak tours to make enough money to eat and contribute to the boat along the way. In October 2013, Zack met Patrice while looking for someone to buy his plastic sea kayaks as he wasn't able to take them on the plane to New Zealand. This is when Zack was turned onto TRAK and the portability of a seaworthy kayak. He purchased his first TRAK and received it in June 2014 just in time to make a 16 day self-supported expedition in Haida Gwaii with Patrice and his wife Isa. He went on to use the boat on many different expeditions and travel in Australia, SE Asia, Canada, Baja Mexico, Patagonia and Antarctica. He is now a Level 3 TRAK Pilot, Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer, Wilderness First Aid instructor, and Senior Polar Guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZack now owns and operates Such A Nice Day (S.A.N.D) Adventures Inc., based on the northern shore of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada. When the season changes each year, he finds himself drawn to polar regions and everywhere in between. He has spent the past 20+ years leading and conducting paddling expeditions all over the world. His enthusiasm and zest for life are contagious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all the places in the world Zack has dreamed of how to return to one of his favourite destinations, French Poylnesia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Zack and Patrice have an extremely high level of experience traveling with the TRAK kayaks and kit all over the world. This expedition offers a very unique opportunity for any new TRAK owners to receive high level mentorship on how to do it themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4021\/files\/0559Patrice.3.jpg?v=1746042472\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePatrice Duval's TRAK Story\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, Patrice followed his teacher wife to French Polynesia for a 4 years teaching contract in 2012, when he discovered this kayaking paradise where there were no professional kayakers, he decided to set up his own business: Kayak Nomad Polynesia, offering day trips to Mooréa and muti-days on the islands of Raiatéa and Tahaa, an immersive experience close to the local culture.....\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatrice met Zack on a Polynesian stopover, who was looking to sell kayaks that he transported on a round-the-world sailboat. Their shared passion for sea- kayaking and travel created a natural bond that would strengthen over the years as they shared expeditions around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 4 dream years came to an end in 2016 with the couple's return to their island of La Réunion, where Patrice works as a kayak instructor for his club, but also as an expedition\u003cbr\u003eguide for various service providers, as well as on polar cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Zack asked Patrice to share his knowledge of Polynesia by sea kayak to set up a\u003cbr\u003etrip, he was only too happy to return to this paradise with a long-time friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatrice holds a number of qualifications in outdoor sports, including a French “ brevet d'état“ in canoe kayak with sea-kayaking speciality and associated disciplines, a British Canoe leader in sea-kayak and a Paddle Canada trainee on multi-day tours. He takes part like coach in the ckmer symposium in Brittany, which he considers to be one of the best destinations for sea kayaking, with its varied landscapes and strong tides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Patrice, the very spirit of sea-kayaking is long distance travel, and with folding kayaks there are no barriers: the world is just a paddle away!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TRAK Kayaks","offers":[{"title":"May 3-11 2026","offer_id":47498790371568,"sku":"","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"May 15-26 2026","offer_id":47498790404336,"sku":"","price":2750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4021\/files\/Newsletter_Header_Garda_1.png?v=1759511396"},{"product_id":"palawan-expedition-trak-tour-may-2026","title":"Palawan Expedition - TRAK Tour: May 21-27, 2027","description":"\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: #13c0d7;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSome Kayak Experience Required \/ Focus on Cultural and Natural Interpretation \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003ePalawan, The Philippines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuration: \u003c\/strong\u003e6 Days, 5 Nights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSkill Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBeginner\/Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDates: \u003c\/strong\u003eMay 21-27, 2027\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/canva.link\/q4g3pe3j6pbmgo7\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/canva.link\/28gvwrr57838y1i\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ePacking List\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaddle Through Paradise: Discover the Timeless Beauty of Palawan by Kayak \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTucked away in the western fringes of the Philippine archipelago, Palawan Island is often called the “last ecological frontier”, and for good reason. It is a place where nature still reigns, where ancient limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and where lagoons shimmer in countless shades of blue. For kayakers, Palawan isn’t just a destination but it’s an experience, a journey through time, silence, and wonder. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Kayaker’s Dream Landscape \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaddling in Palawan offers a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking seascapes in the world. Unlike speedboats that skim across the water, a kayak allows you to quietly slip into narrow inlets, glide through peaceful mangrove forests, and approach remote beaches with minimal impact on the environment. Every paddle stroke brings you closer to nature, sea turtles surfacing beside you, reef fish darting through coral gardens below, and kingfishers calling from above. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn El Nido, perhaps the crown jewel of Palawan, kayakers can explore the iconic Big and Small Lagoons, where vertical limestone cliffs encircle calm, crystal-clear waters. The stillness is broken only by the sound of your paddle and the occasional splash of marine life. Drift into secret coves, find untouched beaches, and swim in warm, aquamarine waters surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- intro --\u003e\u003c!-- intro --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGetting There\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVia Plane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003eManila → Puerto Princesa → Van to El Nido \u003cbr\u003e(~6–9 hrs)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003eMore flight options (PAL, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia) may involve van transfers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVia Ferry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003eManila → El Nido (~13–19 hr trip) \u003cbr\u003eOperator: Atienza Interisland Ferries \u003cbr\u003eVessel Type: RORO overnight ships \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchedule \u0026amp; Fare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Departs Manila mid-week\/weekends (~6 PM), arrives El Nido next afternoon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- map --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1420686.2346657673!2d119.56107680665484!3d11.24494595950808!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1763682802269!5m2!1sen!2sca\" width=\"100%\" height=\"450\" style=\"border: 0;\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccommodation and Camping \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn Day 0 and Day 6, accommodations will be arranged at a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecomfortable hotel or resort in the El Nido area—serving as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003estaging point before and after the expedition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDuring Days 1–5, participants will camp on open beaches, following Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeals \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKayak Philippines has partnered with a trusted local provisioning team to handle meal planning and logistics throughout the expedition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis team will travel aboard the support banca (local boat) and manage the camp kitchen setup and food preparation. Expect hearty, rustic meals inspired by regional Filipino cuisine, using fresh local \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eingredients!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupport Crew \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA dedicated crew of local guides and boatmen will accompany the expedition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey will handle boat support, assist with camp logistics, and contribute invaluable cultural insight throughout the journey. Their presence ensures smooth coordination and a deeper connection with Palawan’s people and traditions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommunications \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCellular service is generally reliable in towns, but may be inconsistent or unavailable once we are off-grid and island-hopping. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf staying connected is critical, we recommend bringing a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin) or renting a satellite phone. These tools offer location tracking and basic messaging capabilities at a reasonable cost. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLuggage Storage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKayak Philippines will provide secure storage for your luggage bags, non-expedition gear, and town clothing at our El Nido staging hotel\/resort. Please ensure that all essential items (e.g., original travel documents, valuables) are securely packed and brought with you on the expedition. We also recommend placing photocopies of key documents (passport, ID, insurance) in your stored luggage as a precaution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-c365f64c-7fff-dccb-5576-9d2f3616c226\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- map --\u003e\u003c!-- itinerary --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMeet your guides\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"one-half-column-left\" style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"263\" width=\"395\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4021\/files\/Copy_of_Mick_Profile.png?v=1763683848\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trakkayaks.com\/blogs\/pilot\/harvey-tapan?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=102684cba\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHarvey Tapan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: Manila, Phillipines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvey Tapan is a multifaceted professional, known for his roles as a co-founder and managing director of Kayak Philippines, as well as a chief photographer and director at Third Eye Visual Creative Services. With a strong background in media, Tapan has seamlessly blended his passion for kayaking with his expertise in photography. As a kayaker and kayak guide, Tapan emphasizes the importance of sports tourism in the Philippines, believing it can significantly enhance the country's appeal to visitors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvey actively participates in promoting kayaking experiences, such as free kayaking sessions that showcase stunning views like that of El Nido \/ Coron Palawan, Hundred Island Pangasinan, Taal Volcano, and other major kayak destinations in the country which he organizes at Kayak Philippines' boat camp in Puerto Atalaya, Tanauan, Batangas. In his role as a kayak leader, Tapan not only leads excursions but also fosters a community around the sport, encouraging both locals and tourists to engage with the natural beauty of the Philippines through kayaking.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvey's professional photography skills complement his kayaking activities, allowing him to capture and share the breathtaking landscapes and experiences associated with the sport. This unique combination of skills positions Harvey Tapan as a prominent figure in promoting kayaking and sports tourism in the region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_default\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"TRAK Kayaks","offers":[{"title":"May 21 - 27 2027 \/ Hold my paddle! (Deposit only)","offer_id":48320642679024,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"May 21 - 27 2027 \/ Pay in Full","offer_id":48970642784496,"sku":null,"price":2350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4021\/files\/Palawan.png?v=1763684627"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.trakkayaks.com\/collections\/europe-trak-trips-copy.oembed","provider":"TRAK Kayaks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}