At Down Under Discoveries, we strive to make our experiences as inclusive as possible. This guided kayaking adventure takes place in calm, sheltered waters with a scenic break at Dolphin Quay. We can accommodate a range of accessibility needs to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
🦻Low Hearing Accessibility
- Key instructions are provided with visual demonstrations, including kayaking techniques and safety briefings.
- Guides use basic hand signals to communicate essential information while on the water.
- Written safety instructions and itinerary details are available upon request.
Low Vision Accessibility
- This tour takes place in a controlled environment with experienced guides providing verbal orientation and assistance.
- Tandem kayaks are available so a participant with low vision can be paired with a guide or companion.
- Verbal descriptions of the surroundings and wildlife are provided throughout the tour to enhance the experience.
- The marina walk at Dolphin Quay is guided with verbal directions and assistance.
Limited Mobility & Wheelchair Accessibility
- This tour is suitable for individuals with limited mobility who can transfer into a kayak with minimal assistance.
- We use stable sit-on-top tandem kayaks equipped with seats that provide strong back support, offering additional comfort and postural assistance.
- A companion or guide can be partnered in a double kayak to assist with paddling.
- The launch site is a sandy beach, which may present challenges for some individuals with mobility restrictions. Guides are available to assist with launching and disembarking.
Cognitive Accessibility (Autism Spectrum & Cognitive Disabilities)
- We recognize that quiet periods can be important for those with cognitive disabilities or on the autism spectrum.
- While the kayaking portion requires concentration, the midway break at Dolphin Quay offers a great opportunity for participants to walk around in a quieter space, providing a change of pace and a more relaxed environment. This could be a good moment for reflection.
- Guides can offer quiet spaces when necessary, and we encourage participants or their guardians to discuss any specific needs with us before booking. Please reach out if you have concerns about how the tour’s pace may impact your experience.
🥜Food Allergies & Intolerances
- We can accommodate dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
- The Lily Paris Café provides all catering and manages food preparation with allergy considerations in mind.
- Participants with specific dietary concerns should notify us at the time of booking so we can coordinate with the café accordingly.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being Accessibility
At Down Under Discoveries, we believe that outdoor experiences can be transformative for emotional and mental well-being. We aim to make our tours a space where all individuals feel safe, supported, and encouraged to engage with nature at their own pace.
- Safe, Non-Judgmental Spaces: We create environments where individuals feel supported and understood, fostering engagement with nature that promotes healing, free from fear of stigma. Our guides are trained to provide empathetic support and are mindful of individual needs throughout the experience.
- Certified Eco Therapist Support: Head Guide Chelle Fisher, a Certified Eco-Therapist, has extensive experience supporting individuals facing emotional challenges. Her qualifications and personal journey make her deeply attuned to the emotional and mental well-being needs of participants, ensuring a nurturing experience for those struggling with emotional challenges.
- Flexible Transportation Options: For those with physical accessibility needs or facing transportation challenges, we partner with local organizations to help ensure access to our experiences. If you need assistance with transport, please reach out to us, and we will work together to find a solution that suits your needs.
- Financial Accessibility: We strive to make our experiences affordable and accessible for all. Throughout the year, we collaborate with local governments and NGOs, offering grants and sponsored programs to make outdoor wellness experiences more accessible to individuals, regardless of financial situation. Keep an eye on our socials for updates on available programs. If a financial barrier is preventing you from joining, please reach out – we are happy to discuss potential ways we can assist.
- Geographical Barriers: We understand that sometimes distance can be a barrier to accessing outdoor experiences. While the solution is often providing virtual or hybrid experiences or offering resources that allow individuals to engage with nature independently, please reach out if you’re facing geographical challenges. We’re constantly exploring options to bring our experiences to more people, no matter where they are located.
- Emotional Accessibility: For individuals experiencing emotional challenges, such as PTSD or anxiety, we ensure that our tours provide opportunities for sensory breaks, small groups, and calming techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or guided relaxation. These methods are integrated into our experiences to help manage overwhelming moments and create a calming atmosphere.
Additional Considerations
Companion Cards
- We accept Companion Cards for this experience.
- The companion will be partnered in a double kayak.
Assistance Animals
- For the kayaking component, assistance animals may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis, depending on their size and the feasibility of safely including them in a tandem kayak.
- Please contact us in advance to discuss options.
Please contact us to discuss your abilities, and we will do our best to accommodate where possible. For any questions, please reach out - we’re happy to assist in assessing whether this adventure is the right fit for you!