About Us
Peaks Island Kayak - About
We are a small group of coaches, naturalists and athletes committed to deepening human connection to the natural world. We have operated in Casco Bay (as Maine Island Kayak Outfitters) since 2007.
OUR GUIDES are accomplished kayakers and naturalists who truly enjoy the sport and outdoor lifestyle - and the fantastic outer island kayaking venue we are lucky enough to have right at our Peaks Island doorstep! Lead guides always have multi-year guiding experience. All our staff completes rigorous training, and our requirements for lead guides far exceed state requirements. Most importantly, our staff really cares about your experience. We are proud that many of our guests have become lifelong paddlers!
OUR TRIPS and LOCATION We keep our group sizes small - well under the state mandated ratios - to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Each trip is tailored to the interests and abilities of our guests, tempered by the dynamics of the weather, the bay and nearby open ocean. Having an archipelago of islands as our base gives us lots of options for the days adventure. Casco Bay is a world-class kayaking venue; starting your trip from Peaks Island allows you closer access to the best it has to offer. Our guests are often repeats and sometimes come several times each season. Find out why!
OUR FLEET Our fleet of high end expedition-style single sea kayaks accommodates all sizes and abilities. Kayak hull shape and fit matters - different boats are suited to different people. We are passionate about giving you the best experience in your kayak as is possible. All of our sea kayaks are sit-in, have rudders or skegs, and at least two bulkheads. Our kayaks are a minimum of 16' long so you can enjoy the “glide” of kayaking and travel further, faster, and with less effort. Our fleet includes NDK, Valley, Necky and Wilderness Systems kayaks. We also have stable, sturdy double kayaks available if you prefer to paddle tandem.
Who We Are
Joe Dupont founded Maine Island Kayak Outfitters in 2007 and has led over 125 kayak trips and courses each year in Casco Bay and beyond. Joe has also managed Sea Kayak Companies in Baja and British Columbia. Joe is a registered Maine Master Guide, a UKCC coach, a recognized BCU Sea Leader, a whitewater canoeist and kayaker and he holds a Wilderness first responder certificate. Whether you want the best places to spot wildlife, work on your bracing and rolling skills, or prep for a multi-day adventure Joe has you covered.
Gray Lookner is a Mid Coast Maine native and has been a sea kayaking guide for 12 years and a backpacking guide in the Grand Canyon before that. He's passionate about preserving the unique nature and history of Maine's Islands. In the off season he works for the State of Maine and also enjoys sailing (when he can get his boat working) and playing his guitar
Where We Go
Our Home Base on Peaks Island is a spectacular location for exploring the best of Casco Bay. Historic forts, dramatic ocean-side cliffs, lighthouses, pocket beaches, and the thrill of the open ocean are just minutes away from where we launch our kayaks.
Further afield we have run trips in Quebec, British Columbia, Baja Mexico and the rugged granite islands of Maine's Downeast coast and Muscungous Bay. Let us know how and where we can get you on the water!