Northeast Guide Service FAQ's
|
Frequently Asked Questions about Northeast Guide Service
and what you should know about our guided trips.
Whitewater Rafting & Inflatable Kayaking FAQ's
|
- Where and When Do We Meet?
All Northeast Guide Service guided trips meet at the Northeast Guide Service Greenville Maine Basecamp at 241 Pritham Avenue, Greenville, Maine.
Directions to Northeast Guide Service
White Water Rafting Trips
and
Inflatable Kayaking Trips
Meet at the following times, specific to the river you are rafting on. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and prepare for your adventure. NOTE: Trips do not wait for late arrivals - and late arrivals do not receive refunds or credits for future trips.
Kennebec River trips meet at 9:00 AM
Dead River trips meet at 8:00 AM
South Branch of the Penobscot River Canada Falls trips meet at 8:00 AM
West Branch of the Penobscot River Seboomook trips meet at 8:00 AM
West Branch of the Penobscot River trips meet at 8:00 AM
- Are Advanced Reservations Required?
Advanced reservations are required. We require a 50% deposit to confirm your reservation with the balance due 30 days prior to the trip date. You can confirm your reservation within 30 days if space is available. Once a reservation is confirmed you cannot lower the number of participants in your reservation, but you may be able to add additional participants if space is available. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
- How Should I Pay for My Trip?
Northeast Guide Service accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, personal check, cash, or money order.
All Northeast Guide Service trips go rain or shine. There is NO refund and you cannot transfer to another date due to inclement weather. You are going to get wet even on the sunny days!!!
- What About the Black Flies and Mosquitoes?
We do have pesky black flies and mosquitoes. The worst time for the bugs are in late May and June. But you never know when they will be out. The best thing is to wear clothing that covers you up. Also bring along some bug spray or we have some at our basecamp that is available for purchase.
- Where Can I Stay During My Trip?
We offer MANY cost-effective Lodging & Trip Packages that incorporate staying in campgrounds, cabins, Inns, or B & B's along with the total price for your trip. If you aren't familiar with the area, have a large group, or simply don't want to bother with finding accommodations this is the way to go! You can also book your own lodging by checking out our Lodging Page for more information or give us to call to help customize an all-inclusive trip for you and your family or group.
You may want to bring extra cash for wetsuit rentals, t-shirts, hats, fleece jackets, sunglasses, eye glass retainers (chums), pictures & videos of your trip, disposable cameras, bug spray, sunscreen, and, of course, your Guide's gratuity, which is always appreciated but never expected.
Add 5% Maine State Sales Tax to most Northeast Guide Service Trips and 7% Maine State Lodging & Meals Tax to all Northeast Guide Service Lodging & Meal Packages. A user fee to cover road access to the river and a State of Maine head fee is added to each rafting guest.
Kennebec River $5.00
Penobscot River $5.50
South Branch of the Penobscot River (Canada Falls) $12.00
Dead River $12.50
Northeast Guide Service takes pride in our small, personalized trips, where you feel like part of the family. We have some of the most experienced guides, hands down the best equipment, and maintain an excellent safety record. So you will always get the best trip in the industry.
Alcohol consumption and illegal drug use is prohibited prior to and during all Northeast Guide Service trips. We reserve the right to refuse any customer that we suspect to be under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug and that customer will NOT receive a refund.
- When Does The White Water Rafting & Kayaking Season Begin & End?
Our season runs from May - mid October, seven days a week. We run trips on the Kennebec River, Dead River, Penobscot River, Seboomook, and the Canada Falls Sections of Maine's exhilarating White Water Rafting Rivers.
- When is the Best Time to Go White Water Rafting or Kayaking?
Spring rafting offers exciting high water levels and flows. The Summer brings warm weather, swimming, and scheduled dam releases offer guaranteed Class IV and V whitewater. The beautiful foliage, less people on the river, and warm days make Fall a popular choice to enjoy the splendor of Maine.
- Is Lunch Included With Our Trip?
We include a full river lunch with all our full-day whitewater rafting & kayaking trips. Our lunch is served after the trip. Lunch includes choice of chicken, steak, or a veggie burger, our famous river rice, pasta salad, rolls, brownies, and iced tea or hot chocolate. Lunch is NOT included on our half-day trips.
- Will There Be Enough Water for My Trip?
Our highest water levels are usually in May and June, due to Spring runoff. But we are lucky that all our rivers are dam controlled. This gives us guaranteed daily scheduled water flows on all our whitewater rivers in Maine throughout our entire season. So you are guaranteed to get WET and have FUN!!!!
Water temperatures vary throughout the season. The temperature in May is between 40-50 F, in June 50-60 F, and will warm up to above 70 F in July & August. Depending on the weather, they can stay warm into September.
Wetsuits are required in early Spring & Fall. Northeast Guide Service requires that you wear a wetsuit on the river until June 15 and anytime after September 15. If you don't have your own wetsuit equipment, we rent full wetsuit (3mm farmer johns & 3mm tops), booties, and paddling jackets for $20 per person. All sizes from extra small to extra large are available.
If you have your own wetsuit and footwear you may wear it, as long as it meets Northeast Guide Service and State of Maine standards. You must wear our PFD's during all Northeast Guide Service trips. Helmets are required on all trips and if you have your own whitewater helmet you may wear it on the river.
- What Should I Wear for White Water Rafting and Kayaking?
We recommend a bathing suit, sneakers or river sandals, sunglasses (with a strap especially for prescription glasses); contacts are fine, synthetic long underwear (i.e., Under Armor™, Polypropylene™ & Capilene™). DO NOT wear cotton or cotton blend clothing! Also, consider a warm hat, and wool socks. And, don't forget a towel and a change of clothes for the end of the day!
- What Should I Bring With Me to the River?
We recommend that you do not bring valuables to the river or on your trip. Our vehicles are left unattended during the day and Northeast Guide Service does not take responsibility for ANYTHING left in our vehicles. Disposable cameras, bug spray, sunglasses, eye glass retainers (Chums or Croakies), and sunscreen are available for purchase and can be secured to you, the raft, or put into the Guide's drybag. If you have required medication you can also bring that along and put that into the Guide's drybag. Make sure that you lock all your valuables in your car and we have a safe place for your car keys.
- Do I Need to Have White Water Rafting or Kayaking Experience?
Experience is not necessary. However, minimum ages do apply for each river (beginning at 8 years). There is NO maximum age limit. Having normal health is advised and expected. Even non-swimmers are welcome (we use full floatation Us Coast Guard approved Type V vests). There will be 6-8 guests per raft, and your Registered Maine Guide will be with you at all times. We offer a detailed safety orientation before all whitewater rafting and kayaking trips to maximize your safety and fun!!!!
- What Does Northeast Guide Service Provide?
Northeast Guide Service provides everything you need to go white water rafting or kayaking; paddles, type V PFDs, helmets (required on all Northeast Guide Service whitewater rafting and kayaking trips), wetsuits (available for rental), state of the art self-bailing rafts, Registered Maine Guides, a full river lunch (lunch NOT included on half-day trips), all transportation, a photo slideshow of the days adventure, and a wet and wild ride!!!!
- Do You Have to Have a Minimum Group Size?
You may join an existing trip on any available date with any number of people. We offer trips seven days a week. For all overnight rafting and kayaking trips we require a minimum group size of 6 people. If you would like your own raft, Sport Rafts are available for most river trips (at an additional cost and minimum participant requirement). Sport Rafts are the smallest rafts on the river. Everything looks and feels bigger. Sport rafts are also driven by only the most experienced guides.
*Sport Rafts guarantee that you will have your own raft.
- Do You Offer Group Discounts for White Water Rafting?
We offer discounts if you book a trip with 16 people the 16th person goes white water rafting or kayaking FREE!!! Many discounts and specials apply to youth groups (church groups, boy scouts, girl scouts, college groups, project graduations, parks & recreation departments, military personnel, and corporate groups). Contact Northeast Guide Service for more details.
- How Long Are River Trips?
This varies depending on the river and the flow for the day. But the average distance is between 8 and 15 miles. This is approximately 3-6 hours on the river for full-day trips and 2-3 hours for half-day trips.
- What Time Are the Trips Done?
This varies depending on the activity, group size, water flow, and other factors beyond our control. On our full-day trips we usually arrive back at our basecamp between 4pm and 5pm. On our half-day trips we usually arrive back at our basecamp between 12pm and 1pm.
|| Back to the Top ||
Moose Tours and Wildlife Safaris FAQ's
|
- Where and When Do We Meet?
All Northeast Guide Service guided trips meet at the Northeast Guide Service Greenville Maine Basecamp at 241 Pritham Avenue, Greenville, Maine.
Directions to Northeast Guide Service
Moose Tours and Wildlife Safaris
Meet at 5:00 PM (May thru Aug) & 4:00 PM (Sept thru Oct).
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and prepare for your adventure. NOTE: Trips do not wait for late arrivals - and late arrivals do not receive refunds or credits for future trips.
- Are Advanced Reservations Required?
Advanced reservations are required. We require a 50% deposit to confirm your reservation with the balance due 30 days prior to the trip date. You can confirm your reservation within 30 days if space is available. Once a reservation is confirmed you cannot lower the number of participants in your reservation, but you may be able to add additional participants if space is available. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
- How Should I Pay for My Trip?
Northeast Guide Service accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, personal check, cash, or money order.
All Northeast Guide Service trips go rain or shine. There is NO refund and you cannot transfer to another date due to inclement weather. Sometimes this is the best time to see Moose!!!
- What About the Black Flies and Mosquitoes?
We do have pesky black flies and mosquitoes. The worst time for the bugs are in late May and June. But you never know when they will be out. The best thing is to wear clothing that covers you up. Also bring along some bug spray or we have some at our basecamp that is available for purchase.
- Where Can I Stay During My Trip?
We offer MANY cost-effective Lodging & Trip Packages that incorporate staying in campgrounds, cabins, Inns, or B & B's along with the total price for your trip. If you aren't familiar with the area, have a large group, or simply don't want to bother with finding accommodations this is the way to go! You can also book your own lodging by checking out our Lodging Page for more information or give us to call to help customize an all-inclusive trip for you and your family or group.
You may want to bring extra cash for rainjacket rentals, t-shirts, hats, fleece jackets, sunglasses, eye glass retainers (chums), pictures & videos of your trip, disposable cameras, bug spray, sunscreen, and, of course, your Guide's gratuity, which is always appreciated but never expected.
Add 5% Maine State Sales Tax to most Northeast Guide Service Trips and 7% Maine State Lodging & Meals Tax to all Northeast Guide Service Lodging & Meal Packages.
Northeast Guide Service takes pride in our small, personalized trips, where you feel like part of the family. We have some of the most experienced guides, hands down the best equipment, and maintain an excellent safety record. So you will always get the best trip in the industry.
Alcohol consumption and illegal drug use is prohibited prior to and during all Northeast Guide Service trips. We reserve the right to refuse any customer that we suspect to be under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug and that customer will NOT receive a refund.
- When is the Best Time to See Moose?
The Moose are more active in the Spring and Fall and the best time to see a Moose is in the early morning or late afternoon and evening hours.
- What Should I Wear for My Moose Tour and Wildlife Safari?
Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to be outside and to get your feet a little wet while entering and exiting the canoe on the pond.
- What Should I Bring With Me on my Moose Tour and Wildlife Safari?
Bring along your camera, binoculars, bug spray, a long sleeve shirt or jacket, (for warmth and to keep the bugs away), a rain jacket or raingear, and sandals or shoes you do not mind getting a little wet. We have splash jackets and booties available for a $5.00 rental fee.
- Do I Need to Have Canoeing Experience?
No canoeing experience needed. The paddle is less than one mile and the guide will be there to help you along and provide instruction if needed. We also offer Van Tours for those who would prefer not to paddle a canoe.
- What Does Northeast Guide Service Provide?
Northeast Guide Service provides all transportation to and from the remote pond location; stable Old Town Canoes with three seats, paddles, lifejackets, a Registered Maine Guide, a snack and a drink for your trip.
- How Long are the Moose Tour and Wildlife Safaris?
The Moose Tour and Wildlife Safaris typically last between 3 and 4 hours.
- Why Hire a Registered Maine Guide to See Moose?
We know where to find the Moose!!! Our guides are also well educated on all the local wildlife and have a vast knowledge of Moosehead Lake Region. They know where to hike, swim, and even where to have the best evening meal. We take care of all the details and let you enjoy yourself, while providing a safe experience in the North Maine Woods.
- Do you have to have a minimum group size?
You may join an existing trip on any available date with any number of people. We offer trips seven days a week. If you would like your personal tour, the minimum group size is 8 people.
- Are We Guaranteed to See Moose?
We can not guarantee anything in life. This is a wilderness safari and not the zoo. But we will guarantee that we will put you in the best possible place to see a Moose. We have proven spots and a 96% success rate.
|| Back to the Top ||
Northeast Guide Service Cancellation & Refund Policy
Northeast Guide Service Wavier and Release of Liability Form
| 
