Uncommon Adventures
About Us
We specialize in guided paddling adventures - both expedition style kayaking and lodge-based paddling retreats - in the Great Lakes, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and more. We also offer kayak skills training, outdoor cooking programs and ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Training. Our focus is small groups for trips (3-6) and friendly student/instructor ratios for classes (4:1 max)
Since 1984 we have been known for professional, ACA certified instructors, outstanding cuisine, and top quality equipment that helps create an enjoyable learning environment for everyone at all experience levels. No matter what shape or size you may be, we will work hard to help you blaze a pathway to your own paddling adventure.
Contact Us
6721 Grace Road
Reviews
Trip: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Trip
Guide: Jacob W.
Overall a very good trip. Lots of variety in activities, nicely balanced with self-directed down time. Jake and his crew were fantastic! Clearly experts in terms of technical skills in the various activities, but I think even more important in a trip like this they were broadly informed in the nature and culture around us. Sharing their local view of the environment around us made every aspect of our travels with them more interesting and inviting.
By Chris R. on May 19, 2025
Trip: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Trip
Guide: Jacob W.
Such a great set up all the way around! Michael had everything organized to a tee, Jake and his team, from drivers to guides to his office staff, they were all on time, helpful, fun, knowledgeable and just good people. Would recommend this trip, or any other by UA to anyone. And the food selection and presentation were incredible! Made for a memorable vacation for sure!
By Karna H. on May 05, 2025
Trip: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Trip
Guide: Michael G.
Another wonderful international adventure orchestrated by Michael Gray! We enjoyed surfing lessons, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, touring a spice farm, sampling delicious local cuisine (ceviche was DIVINE), and taking in Pacific views from the porch of our oceanfront cabana. A lot of logistics went into this experience and the Uncommon Adventures/Costa Rica Explorer partnership didn't miss a beat. Top notch activity guides and instructors in their skills, nature ethics, and joy for what they do--superb role models of pura vida!
By Jill L. on April 14, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
Guide: Michael G.
Fantastic trip on several levels: learning paddling trchnique in open ocean waters, the amount of wildlife, the people in the group, the food and overall fun. Highly organised.
By Marcos G. on March 02, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
Guide: Michael G.
The Bufadora coastline is a paddlers playground! This was such a fun and educational week in a breathtaking location with superb coaches. I stretched my comfort level and paddling skills in bouncy waters, surf, and rock gardening surrounded by dolphins, seals, and sea lions. Oceanside accommodations were comfortable (that view!), meals were delicious, and coaches and fellow paddlers were a joy to be around. The soundtrack of surf lapping the shoreline a few feet from where I slept is still echoing through my mind. I will cherish my memories of this very special place!
By Jill L. on February 25, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
Guide: Michael G.
Simply the BEST, as always!!!
By Cynthia F. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
Guide: Michael G.
Another great trip with Uncommon Adventures! Excellent venue, coaches, and challenges to improve my paddling. And, of course, great food!!
By Carol A. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Baja Rock Gardening Trip at La Bufadora
Guide: Michael G.
Great trip! great food/drinks and lots of new experiences and learning along an amazing coast.
By Scott D. on February 24, 2025
Trip: Tybee Island Ocean Skills (Manhattan Kayak)
Guide: Michael G., Lisa D., Tim Gallaway
I recently attended the Ocean Kayaking Skills course with Uncommon Adventures in Tybee Island, Georgia, and it was an incredible experience. Michael and Lisa are exceptional instructors—Michael’s infectious enthusiasm and Lisa’s thoughtful, no-judgment approach made learning both enjoyable and approachable. As a beginner, I felt comfortable sharing what I didn’t know, and they tailored a checklist of skills for me to work on. I felt their ability to meet everyone where they were and respond thoughtfully to their individual goals was impressive. They also fostered a fantastic group dynamic. Sharing meals, laughing, and supporting one another made the experience even more meaningful. Michael’s cooking (he’s a chef!) was another highlight, as my scale can attest to. I also learned a lot about caring for kayaks and equipment, as well as the fascinating history of the kayak (or qajaq), which Tim (another remarkable instructor) shared with the group. Michael and Lisa are well-respected in both the kayaking community and the regions where they run trips. This reputation enables them to craft unique, thoughtful experiences that go far beyond cookie-cutter itineraries. Their attention to detail was amazing—when I forgot my wetsuit, they even had a spare in my size ready to lend. This trip was unforgettable, and I look forward to more adventures with Uncommon Adventures. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
By Kimberly S. on December 30, 2024
Trip: Ocean Skills Week (Tybee Island) w/ Optional Assessment
Guide: Michael G., Lisa D., Kathryn Lapolla
By Mandy H. on November 10, 2024
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