Kayak Touring Rules
1. You are not allowed to camp in either Elizabeth Harbor or in Moriah Harbor.
2. You must carry out all solid and human wastes. Persons or groups renting or touring with Starfish will be required to bring or rent appropriate solid waste disposal systems and bring them back for proper disposal.
3. There is a $50 per person fine assessed to individuals or groups who do not bring back human and solid waste as required. Fine revenues will be donated to local conservation and ecology groups.
4. No permanent sructures are to be constructed on any island or land.
5. Groups without Starfish guides must prove competency and experience before being issued gear (*see participant screening information below).
6. Camping is only allowed on designated government owned land, or land where written permission has been obtained from the land owner. Starfish staff will identify eligible locations for you.
7. Campfires and cooking fires must be properly contained and tended in an open area free of combustible materials, ashes must be cast upon the outgoing tide, and all regulations as they pertain to the use, control, and prevention of fires are compulsory. No campfires allowed when winds are over 15 knots.
8. All fishing and other related activity presently prohibited by regulations of the"no-take" marine park should be adhered to strictly. (No lobster spearing in the harbor or out of season).
9. All activities are to have minimum or no impact on the natural flora or fauna.
10. Kayakers are to do all possible to avoid contact with bone fishermen, and steer clear of them as far as is practical. When in bonefish flats, hug the shoreline wherever possible, and never walk in the flats except in an emergency. The habitat of bonefish is fragile, and the livelihood of Exumians is dependent upon your understanding and avoiding by this practice. We have asked bonefishermen to report to us any infractions of the courtesy.

Kayak Rental Participant Screening

Paddlers in the Exumas can expect conditions ranging from flat calm to sea states to challenge even experienced paddlers. Knowing your ability level and your limits is essential to safe paddling in these beautiful islands. Renters at Starfish must possess the skills necessary to safely travel in a dynamic coastal environment.

If you have no previous experience traveling in human powered craft in open water conditions, this is NOT the place to learn on your own.

Generally speaking, during the winter and spring (December-April) winds come from the southeast blowing between 5 to 15 knots. Cold fronts coming off the US mainland can cause the winds to shift to the North and build to 20-25+ knots. These periods of strong north winds build up dangerous seas on the east side of the Exumas and create quite challenging conditions on the westerly, more protected side of the islands. These conditions can last anywhere from 24 hours to several days depending on the strength of the cold front before the winds clock back to the southeast and moderate again. Conditions the remainder of the year are characterized by generally lighter winds of more variable direction. July through November brings the possibility of tropical weather systems, including hurricanes, to the Exumas.

We do not recommend single boat trips. Single boat trips (one person or two people in one boat) create special concerns, renters should be fully aware of these risks.

Paddlers renting from Starfish must posses the following skills and knowledge:

· Basic kayak rescue skills - Kayakers should be familiar with and possess the ability to assist themselves and other kayakers in the event of capsize in open water. Paddlers must also possess a reliable method of self-rescue such as the ability to perform a paddle float rescue and/or a kayak roll.
· Kayakers should possess a basic understanding of and ability to interpret nautical charts.
· Kayakers must possess a basic knowledge of winds and tides and their effect on sea conditions.
· Previous experience in self-supported touring in an open water/coastal environment.
· Proper equipment selection.
· Proper menu planning and calculating total fluid needs.
· Be familiar with the abilities of everyone in their group and plan activities accordingly.