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LAND’Ssake

Eddies and ecology

Seascape Kayak Tours offers sustainable, culture-rich adventures in Canada and Costa Rica

Depending upon the season, clients of Seascape Kayak Tours can enjoy whichever one of three destinations is the current base of operation: from the incredible Bay of Fundy tides, to the dramatic icebergs of Newfoundland, to the rich biodiversity and warm tropical waters of Costa Rica. Under the leadership of founder Bruce Smith, Seascape prioritizes creating itineraries that allow paddlers

to explore each of these areas in an environmentally responsible manner.

Whether novice or veteran, you can simultaneously experience beautiful scenery, tremendous wildlife and the hospitality of coastal inhabitants. You will travel in a very small group in order to minimize impact on fragile coastal ecosystems. Expect to share a meal with local school children or fisher-men, and to have the opportunity to buy fresh

produce grown locally by small food producers so that money is returned to the community.

Seascape’s Costa Rica base is in the Reserva Curu, a small wildlife refuge on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. This location provides easy access to the park’s extensive system of hiking trails, the crystal clear waters of the Pacific, a beautiful

beach, a freshwater estuary, excellent snorkeling, the Tortuga Islands and incredible wildlife. Bruce has worked closely with the park to develop a comprehensive system of recycling, composting toilet facilities and programs for local school groups to develop paddling skills and an understanding of the marine ecosystem.

Seascape observes Leave No Trace practices according to stringent guidelines that minimize the impact

on both aquatic and terrestrial environments. The company also minimizes energy consumption by

using products such as energy-efficient light bulbs and environmentally friendly cleaning products made with natural ingredients and that are biodegradable. The outfitter offers free paddling for local school groups if they are willing to assist with coastal clean-up activities.

“Seascape began as an outgrowth of my passion for paddling and a desire to share special marine environments with others,” Smith said. “As a tour operator, we have a unique opportunity to provide visitors with an understanding and awareness of our oceans as a precious resource. This will lead to participants helping to protect these special places.”

SUSTAINABLE OUTFITTER

Bruce Smith

COMPANY

Seascape Kayak Tours

WEB SITE

www.seascapekayaktours.com

— Francis Figart

WHAT PADDLERS SAID ABOUT BRUCE “Bruce has an innate love and respect of all living things. He sees the need people have to be cared about and that same need in Mother Earth. He has touched our life with his ability to combine the two in Seascape Kayak Tours.” — April Reis

“Seascape has enormously helped me overcome my fear of water. In fact, because of them I plan to enroll in swimming lessons and in our retirement my husband and I would love to become kayak junkies.” — Anne White

“Bruce leads by example along with a quiet, strong, direct style. He developed individual relationships with each of us and was able to create special moments for each of us that stand out in our memories of this wonderful trip.” — Elizabeth Hertz