REI Adventures is a guided trip program run by REI Co-op, not a retirement account

REI Adventures offers guided outdoor trips — kayaking, hiking, camping, and other activities — organized and led by REI Co-op. These are not investment accounts or retirement savings vehicles. If you arrived here looking for information about retirement savings options for kayaking enthusiasts, you're on a different page than you need.

REI Adventures trips are commercial tour packages. You pay a fee upfront, REI provides the guide, equipment, and logistics, and you participate in the activity. The trips range from day outings to multi-day expeditions, and they're open to people of various skill levels depending on the specific trip.

This guide explains how the program works, what the costs typically cover, what to expect before and during a trip, and how to find information about specific kayaking adventures.

Key Takeaways

  • REI Adventures trips are guided outdoor experiences you book and pay for directly, not retirement or investment products.
  • Trip costs vary by location, duration, and difficulty level, and the price usually includes the guide, some meals, and use of REI equipment.
  • You book trips through REI's website or by calling their trip desk, and you'll need to provide information about your experience level and any physical limitations.
  • REI Co-op members receive discounts on most trips, so membership can reduce the overall cost if you plan to take multiple adventures.
  • Trip cancellation policies and refund terms depend on when you cancel relative to the trip start date.

How to find and book a kayaking trip

REI Adventures trips are listed on REI.com under the Adventures section. You can filter by activity type (kayaking), location, difficulty level, and trip length. Each listing shows the dates, the cost, what's included, what you need to bring, and the guide's name and experience.

To book, you create or log into your REI account, select your trip, and complete the booking form. You'll be asked about your skill level, any injuries or physical conditions that might affect your participation, and your emergency contact information. This information helps the guide prepare and ensures the trip matches your abilities.

You can also call REI's trip desk directly. A staff member can answer questions about a specific trip, help you choose based on your experience and goals, and book over the phone if you prefer not to use the website.

What trip costs typically include and exclude

REI Adventures pricing varies widely. A half-day kayaking trip in a popular location might cost $100 to $200 per person, while a multi-day expedition to a remote area could cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more. The listing for each trip specifies what the price covers.

Most trips include the guide's services, use of REI equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket), instruction or orientation, and some meals — usually lunch on day trips and breakfast and dinner on overnight trips. Lodging on multi-day trips is sometimes included and sometimes not; the listing will say.

Costs that are usually not included are transportation to the trip starting point, meals not listed in the trip description, personal gear you're expected to bring (like a wetsuit or water shoes), gratuity for the guide, and travel insurance. The trip details page lists what you need to bring and what REI provides.

REI Co-op membership discounts on trips

REI Co-op members receive a discount on most REI Adventures trips — typically 10 percent off the listed price. The discount applies automatically when you book if you're logged into your member account.

REI Co-op membership costs $30 for a lifetime membership (one-time fee) or $20 per year for an annual membership. If you plan to take two or more trips per year, the membership often pays for itself through the discount alone, plus you earn a dividend on all REI purchases.

Non-members can book trips at the full listed price. You don't have to be a member to participate in an REI Adventures trip, only to receive the member discount.

What happens between booking and the trip start date

After you book, REI sends a confirmation email with your trip details, a packing list, directions to the meeting point, and the guide's contact information. Read the packing list carefully — it tells you what REI provides and what you need to bring.

A few days before the trip, the guide may contact you by phone or email to confirm your attendance, answer last-minute questions, and discuss any physical limitations or concerns you mentioned during booking. This is a good time to ask about water conditions, weather expectations, or anything else that affects what you should bring.

Arrive at the meeting point 15 to 30 minutes early. The guide will do a brief safety talk, fit you with equipment, and answer any questions before you start.

Cancellation and refund policies

REI Adventures cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel. Most trips allow a full refund if you cancel at least 30 days before the trip start date. Cancellations made 14 to 29 days before the trip usually result in a 50 percent refund. Cancellations within 14 days typically forfeit the full amount.

These timelines vary by trip and location, so check the specific trip's cancellation policy before you book. The policy is listed on the trip details page.

If REI cancels the trip due to weather, low enrollment, or other reasons on their end, you receive a full refund or the option to rebook on a different date.

Skill levels and what each trip expects from you

REI Adventures trips are labeled by difficulty: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and sometimes informed. A Beginner kayaking trip assumes you have little or no paddling experience and focuses on basic skills and flat water. An Intermediate trip might involve moving water, longer distances, or more technical paddling. Advanced and informed trips require prior experience and fitness.

The trip listing describes what skills you'll need and what the guide will teach. Be honest about your experience level when you book — the guide uses that information to set the pace and focus of instruction. Overestimating your ability can make the trip less enjoyable for you and the group.

If you're unsure whether a trip matches your level, contact the guide or the trip desk before booking. They can tell you whether the trip is right for you or suggest an alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own kayaking gear to book a trip?

No. REI provides kayaks, paddles, and life jackets on all trips. You may need to bring personal items like a wetsuit, water shoes, or a dry bag depending on the water temperature and trip length, but the packing list tells you what's required and what's optional.

What if I'm not physically fit or have an injury?

Tell REI about any physical limitations, injuries, or medical conditions when you book. The guide uses this information to assess whether the trip is safe for you and to adjust instruction or pacing if needed. Some trips may not be suitable for certain conditions; the guide can advise you.

Can I bring a friend or family member who isn't an REI member?

Yes. Non-members can book and participate in REI Adventures trips. They just won't receive the member discount. Each person books separately and pays the full price unless they're also an REI Co-op member.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the trip?

REI may cancel or reschedule a trip if weather makes it unsafe. The guide monitors conditions and decides whether to proceed. If the trip is cancelled, you receive a full refund or can rebook on another date. If conditions are marginal but safe, the trip usually goes ahead as planned.

How do I know if a kayaking trip is right for my skill level?

Read the trip description and difficulty label, and contact the guide or trip desk if you're unsure. Be honest about your experience — the guide wants to match you with a trip you'll enjoy and complete safely. If you're between levels, ask whether the guide recommends Beginner or Intermediate.