Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Ardea stand for?: Ardea (ër-de-ah), n. 1. the genus name of the Great Blue Heron and Great Egret whose grace and patience in its watery environs inspires naturalists around the world. 2. an ecotourism company specializing in place based learning adventures.
Q: What does it mean to be a Master Maine Guide?: A Master Maine Guide is a professional guide dedicated to promoting a quality, ethical and legal outdoor experience for all.; The Code of Ethics includes but is not limited to:

Obey all State and Federal laws
Cooperate with all wildlife officials and landowners
Provide quality service and equipment
Promote conservation and education and putting safety above all else.

All Registered Maine Guides have a commercial motorboat operators license and have completed at least one first aid course. They have also successfully completed a written test and an oral exam on the Maine outdoors and all applicable laws.; Guide’s Licenses are issued for the categories of Hunting, Fishing, Recreation, Sea Kayaking and Whitewater Rafting (for rafting trips on specific rivers). A Master Guide license is held by the most experienced guides, and often covers multiple categories such as hunting, fishing and recreation.
Q: What should I bring for a sea kayak trip?: Water and personal snack (shore lunch provided on full days); Sun protection (15+SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, baseball cap or wide brimmed hat); Appropriate footwear that is sturdy but OK to get wet (ie., quality sports sandals, not flip flops or old sneakers); Appropriate clothing (non-cotton shorts and T-shirt; windbreaker or fleece). For cooler days dress in non-cotton layers including light quick dry pants, fleece or wool sweater, and windbreaker or Gore-Tex shell.; To maximize enjoyment we recommend binoculars and a camera
Q: What does Ardea Provide?: Introductory paddle lesson with tier based paddling and outdoor instruction appropriate to experience and length of trip.; Highest quality Current Designs tandem and solo sea kayaks and Werner paddles.; Spray skirts, dry bags, and lifejackets for each participant.; Comprehensive first aid kit and paddling safety/rescue gear to ensure a safe enjoyable trip.; Our full day and overnight trips include gourmet meals featuring local organic delicacies will be provided.; Your Registered Maine Guides will also be bringing...; At least ten years’ guiding experience in Maine, Maritime Canada, and the Canadian Rockies that includes certification as a Master Maine Guide.; Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification.; Extensive background as a naturalist and environmental educator developing curriculum and lesson plans.; Over a decade of field work with research projects that include mistnetting songbirds in Colorado Rockies, winter surveys of harlequin duck and purple sandpipers, amphibian surveys and health screenings, and ecological monitoring surveys.; The enthusiasm, know-how, and training to provide a safe and enjoyable learning adventure.
Q: Can you recommend a B&B to stay in after our trip?: Yes, we have a number of lodges, cabins and hotels that we can recommend. We would be happy to send you our list.
Q: Why should I choose Ardea Eco-expeditions?: Small group size averaging less than six means more personal instruction, better wildlife viewing opportunities, and less environmental impact.; Master Maine Guides that have been leading trips throughout New England and the Gulf of Maine for over a decade with extensive backgrounds as naturalists and environmental educators.; Best equipment from the most reputable manufacturers (Wener Paddles, Current Designs kayaks, Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Astral PFDs, Immersion Research, and Mountain Hardwear). Better gear lasts longer minimizing waste and energy consumption while maximizing your enjoyment of your outdoor adventure.; We take the “road less traveled” thanks to thousands of hours of exploration. Leave behind the crowds and explore the “secret gems” of Maine and the Maritimes — Schoodic Peninsula, Great Wass Archipelago, the Bay of Fundy, the Maine Woods.; Direct involvement in research projects provides a more meaningful vacation experience while supporting important work of local non-profits and conservation organizations. It is hard to save the planet and help others in our hectic daily lives what if you could do that while on vacation? While in a beautiful place? While learning? While having more fun?; Our commitment to sustainable practices makes sense. Locally, Ardea supports Schoodic Peninsula farmers and fishermen — because we know that our neighbors and friends produce food that tastes better and is better for the planet. Our trips promote human powered travel by sea kayak, canoe, and by foot while adhering to the strictest Leave No Trace protocols.; Ardea EcoExpedtions LLC donates 1% of sales to non-profits that work to create a better world through social and environmental programs.
Q: You mention your company's unique philosophy — what is it ?: We offer unique life changing experiences for our clients that allow them to become active participants in improving human and natural communities.; We employ local people and create economic justification for wildlife and habitat protection.; We support local ecological research, conservation and community projects through donations of capital and labor.; We strive to create a business model which combines the best of ecotourism/voluntourism/traveler philanthropy programs with socially responsible business practices.; We practice principles of sustainability — locally by supporting Schoodic lodging and food providers (Mandala Farm, Grindstone Neck, Seal Cove Chevre, Bartlet¹s Winery) — and globally with carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental costs of travel.; We work to create a better world through social and environmental programs and doneate 1% of our sales to non-profit organizations.