It'll cost $100 per person per day. $175 for the two of you. And because what's politically correct isn't always a bad thing, $250 gets you the Paul Erlich ZPG Special (a family of four). Bring some or all of your own gear (and have it pass the CK Usability Test), and the price goes down. This is Maine--we can talk about it.

Speaking of gear, here's what Camden Kayak provides: two-person tents (seam sealed, with flys--just in case you know), bags, wetsuits, cooking utensils, decent sea kayaks (Dagger or Wilderness Systems singles sized to fit), safety gear for each person such as pump, paddle float, spare paddle, flares, compass, etc. You bring what you're going to eat and wear. Here's a gear list.

The usual trip is 2-3 days. Depending on weather, we either start at Warren Island in Penobscot Bay, or paddle the islands of Muscongus Bay. We can go hard and get in some miles before making camp, or take a more leisurely approach. I tend toward the latter myself, but that's just my way of messing around in boats. Still, I can't imagine all I would've missed if I blew through the islands around here. (At a blazing 4 knots, too!)

Ever want the waist of Barbie and the lats of just about any action figure? Vanity aside, with the proper paddling technique, you're headed in that direction. Each trip includes a healthy dose of instruction. On-the-water instruction includes basic and more advanced strokes, J-Leans, braces 101, wet exits and rentry's, group rescues, and more.

So you'll be safe, have a good time, and leave with an appreciation for the islands around here. And, of course, a love for the ONLY way to explore them--sea kayaking. Who knows, you may even be inspired to do your bit to make sure they stay as unspoiled as they are.