With great disappointment, Small World Adventures has decided to cancel our 2020/2021 Ecuador season.
We wrestled with the decision for months while closely following COVID-19 developments, working on protocols with doctors, weighing our team’s need to work and your desires to paddle against the risks of international travel. Ultimately, Don and I just do not believe it is responsible to encourage international travel at this stage in the global pandemic with cases spiking and governments reinstating lockdowns and travel restrictions. While we do think that COIVD-19 is something we will all have to learn to live with and we can’t let it control our lives completely, we believe this is not the time to offer international trips. With cases on the rise, we are concerned about the travel for our guests, and we don’t feel great about our options to help you with quarantine or treatment if one of you shows up to Ecuador with COVID or catches it there. We also worry that we could cause an outbreak in Ecuador, and many of the areas where we kayak do not have the resources to deal with such an event.
We hope that you all understand this choice and that you will keep Small World Adventures and Ecuador in mind when you plan your 2021/2022 winter kayaking vacation. We plan to be there for you next season (we are currently taking reservations) and we hope you’ll come join us?
Kayak Ecuador with the most experienced team in South America!
If you want to come kayak in Ecuador and have the best week of paddling of your life, look no further. Small World Adventures wrote the book on kayaking in Ecuador (literally)! We’ve been offering guided kayaking in trips in Ecuador since 1993 and we guarantee that we’ll send you home tired and happy after seven days of paddling Ecuador’s world class rivers. So what’s stopping you? Come kayak Ecuador!
Why paddle with Small World Adventures?
- We have the most experienced guides in Ecuador, hands down
- Deluxe food, lodging and transportation
- Over 50 modern kayaks to choose from
- 7 days of kayaking in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin with only 1 week off from work
- Class II through V
- November to March
- We wrote the Kayaker’s Guide to Ecuador
- SWA is a proud member of 1% for the Planet
- SWA makes regular donations to the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute and our guides and owners are ERI volunteers. When you book with SWA, you’ll be supporting the ERI
- SWA hires local guides, cooks, drivers, and hotel staff to ensure we do our part to contribute to the local economy
Current Conservation Efforts for Kayaking in Ecuador
Small World Adventures raised over $16,600 for the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute this summer with our Save the Piatua Fundraiser and gear giveaway. Because we love kayaking in Ecuador, we want to do everything we can to keep our rivers free-flowing. Our annual 1% for the Planet contribution also goes to the Ecuadorian Rivers Institute. We always encourage people to come kayaking in Ecuador because the more we can show the government that tourism is a sustainable and viable industry, the better off Ecuador’s rivers will be.
River Conservation Efforts at Home
Our guides and owners also work closely with American Whitewater to protect our North American Rivers as well. Whether it’s racing at Gore Fest or volunteering at Gauley Fest we do our best to get out there and show our support for the amazing folks at AW! Spreading the love of kayaking and providing a voice for the rivers is an important part of who we are.
Our Passion: Kayaking (especially kayaking in Ecuador)
Our Mission: To share our passion with as many of you as possible
Our vision: Protect our natural places for future generations by spreading a passion for, and knowledge of, these places
Kayak Ecuador with Small World Adventures from Small World Adventures on Vimeo.
What you’ll get when you kayak Ecuador with Small World Adventures
You will get the best guided kayaking vacation ever! If 7 days of non-stop paddling, delicious home-cooked meals, professional guides, safe drivers and comfortable lodging sound good to you, you’ve come to the right place. Are you a serious paddler looking for a seriously awesome kayaking vacation? We get that, and that’s why we work so hard to make sure that you get the most out of your week of kayaking in Ecuador. SWA owners spend four to five months each winter kayaking in Ecuador, and many of our guides live in Ecuador. After so many years of paddling Ecuador’s rivers, we know each run at each water level ridiculously well, which means we’ll get you seven days of the best whitewater that Ecuador has to offer. After all, we wrote The Kayaker’s Guide to Ecuador, so you know you’ll be in good hands. Come join us!
Nov/Dec 2019 Testimonials for Kayaking in Ecuador with SWA
“Our trip with SWA was nothing short of spectacular. Don and the crew did a great job of keeping everyone engaged on the river without scaring us. The paddling was world class, and the accommodations and food were top notch. A perfect blend of adventure and vacation.” Jack, Mucha Agua IV/V December 2019
“I have taken various trips for kayaking outside the USA, and this one BY FAR has been the best. It was a great boating experience and cultural experience. Our guides Don, Larry, and Andres were 10 out of 10! Darcy was extremely helpful for any questions that came up. I couldn’t ask for a better trip.” Jamie, Winter Whitewater III/IV November 2019
“I couldn’t be more happy with my experience with Small World. Best kayak trip in Ecuador of my life!” Ryan, Torrents IV November 2019.
Jan/Feb 2019 Testimonials for Kayaking in Ecuador with SWA
“Just sign up! Don and Darcy’s river knowledge in Ecuador is incredible and well worth every penny.” Eric, Mucha Agua IV/V February 2019
“An amazing combination of 20+ years experience and new guide enthusiasm! SWA is absolutely the people to kayak with in Ecuador, or any place in the world!” John, Torrents IV February 2019
“The instruction was superb and I’m definitely leaving as a stronger paddler. Thank you!” Stephanie, from Intro to Creeking trip IV- January 2019.
Who’s in Charge?
As of 2016, Don and Darcy are back as owner-operators of Small World Adventures. SWA has been guiding whitewater kayaking trips in Ecuador since 1993 and we are honored to carry on the tradition that we started with whitewater kayaking pioneer Larry Vermeeren. Come let us show you the amazing rivers of Ecuador. If you come in November, you can also paddle with Larry–SWA founder, guide, badass and ambassador-at-large.
1% For The Planet
SWA is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. As a business, we know our actions impact the world, and we are doing our best to make sure we leave a positive legacy.
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