Private Group Tour: Nature Hike, Picnic, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding

This tour is available as a private customizable group tour for up to 16 people. Email info@TheNatureBus.com to arrange.

This portal is a PRIVATE GROUP TOUR (for Jessica’s group only). 

Tour Name: Nature Hike, Picnic, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Read the tour description below.

TOUR DATE: Friday, July 12, 2024

(No Rain-date; we reschedule in the case of lightning)

TIME: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – 3 hour tour (Private groups can select the time of day or evening for this experience.) 

GROUP PRICE: $560 for a group of up to 16 people

Partnership Fees: $280 for The Nature Bus + $280 for the Paddle Board Company (Pluse 2.6% credit card fee). The Nature Bus ticket = $287.28

*Important Note: We do not offer ANY refunds after tour is booked.

DEPARTURE LOCATION: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA  (Private groups can choose a different pick-up location)

DESCRIPTION: Hop aboard The Nature Bus at REI, and let the adventure unfold as we whisk you away to First Landing State Park. Picture this: a delightful guided Nature Walk through a forested trail, where Spanish Moss sways overhead, creating a magical canopy. Equipped with binoculars, unleash your inner explorer on a scavenger hunt, discovering nature’s secrets along the way.

Now, imagine unwinding on soft picnic blankets as you relish your scrumptious sack lunch or dinner, surrounded by the tranquility of First Landing State Park. It’s the perfect setting to savor the moment and soak in the beauty that nature generously provides.

But wait, there’s more excitement in store! Meet up with our friendly guide from a partner company, ready to introduce you to the world of stand-up paddle boarding. No worries if you’re a newbie – this experience is tailored for beginners. Brace yourself for a group lesson infused with FUN and games, ensuring laughter echoes across the water.

Join us for a day packed with nature’s wonders, where every step and paddle brings joy and discovery. Depart with memories etched in the heart and a newfound love for the great outdoors.

We look forward to seeing you on the tour! Check out all of the 5-star reviews, so you will be super confident that you will have an amazing experience! You can read these reviews at TheNatureBus.com > click the REVIEWS tab or click this link: https://thenaturebus.com/reviews/

If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595

Check-in and tour duration: Please arrive at the bus (REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA) at 4:30 pm (15-30 min before departure).  Seat selection is based on the order that each individual checks-in. The check-in procedure takes some time. Have your printed/signed waiver + ID ready. Departure is promptly at 5:00 pm. Return to REI approximately 8:00 pm. The tour is approximately 3 hours round trip: 5pm – 8pm (ish) – Flexible return time/Traffic + guest dependent. We “often” return later than the stated time due to a variety of reasons (one being that everyone is enjoying themselves). We do TRY to come back on time, but before purchasing your ticket, be sure you are ok with coming back later if that is how the day plays out.

“Adopt the pace of Nature: her secret is patience” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
– Expert pre-planning services by two (2) partnering companies
– Transportation: Departure from: REI 350 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach > travel to First Landing State Park, VB
– Air conditioned/heated, clean vehicle; this is a “school bus” with bench seats. It is a comfortable “eco tour bus” ready for adventures! (not a luxury vehicle with bucket seats)
– All fees (including gasoline, insurance, tolls, permits/admission fees when applicable to the destination locations; excluding food/drink)
– Admission to First Landing State Park (value = $7/car)
– A guided nature hike along a forested trail
– Scavenger Hunt game for each guest
– Loaner binoculars for each guest
– Loaner picnic blankets (4 guests per blanket)
– 5 gallon jug of ice water to refill guests’ sustainable water bottle (no plastic water bottles please)
– A paddle board experience, guided by an expert paddle board instructor
– A lifejacket for each guest
– Paddles for all guests
– FUN and GAMES out on the water!
–MEET YOUR GUIDE Cate:  https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/

THINGS TO BRING:

– Optional: Binoculars and/or camera for viewing wildlife (we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings as nature is unpredictable). Some guests like to bring a nature journal + pen(cil). We will have loaner bins for anyone who would like to borrow a pair. We will hold a driver’s license in exchange for bins.

– Must have your COMPLETED WAIVER FORM: When you purchase a ticket for a tour, your name automatically appears on our tour “check-in list.” So, you do not need to bring your actual ticket. But . . . your signed waiver is your TICKET TO BOARD! We will collect this waiver at the door of the bus. Please print it at home, fill it in, sign it, and bring it with you. Here is the link to the required ADULT waiver form: https://thenaturebus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NB_Waiver1.pdf and here is the link to the required CHILD waiver form (must be completed by each child’s parent; a child without this form will not be able to board the bus or participate in the activities; no exception): https://thenaturebus.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/NB_5x7AssumptionOfRiskPDF.pdf

– You are required to show ID. Only the original ticket holder can board the bus (names appear on our check-in sheet).
– Please, bring your lunch/dinner. Pack your food into your own “very small” insulated lunchbox with ice pack (ie: the type children use for school lunches). We encourage you to “go green” by using washable/reusable containers instead of single use plastics. We provide picnic blankets and/or folding chairs.
– Bring a refillable water bottle filled with ice water. We encourage you to “go green” by not using single use plastic water bottles.
– We recommend that you also pack “pocket-snacks” in your pocket or backpack – ie: granola bars, power bars, trail mix, or something else that is very EASY to snack on while walking outdoors. Please respect our strict policy: Eating, drinking, chewing gum is not permitted on the bus. The bus is SO clean and we want to keep it this way. For fear of choking hazards, we do not allow anything (even mints) while the bus is in motion. 

– CASH! It is customary to tip 15% gratuity for eco tours. 

– Optional – $25 cash if you’d like to purchase a Nature Bus t-shirt! You’ll love it. The expression on the t-shirt is: “SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES!” Can only be purchased on board the bus and only with advanced ordering. T-shirts are light blue or grey (as supplies last). If you’d like one, TEXT us 757-288-9595 with your t-shirt order ahead of time. Text this exact information: your first + last name, tour name, tour departure date, size of t-shirt (sm, m, lg, xl), color selection.

WHAT TO WEAR? 
– Wear closed-toe shoes for the forest walk. Flip-flops/sandals are not appropriate foot wear for nature outings.
– Dress for the weather. Famous quote: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” by Alfred Wainwright (a Norwegian saying). And another saying: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain” (unknown author/motivational quote).  Hot days > sunscreen, sunhat, lots of ice water, comfortable walking shoes (bathing suit, water shoes, towel for some tours). Cold days > warm layers, hats, gloves/mittens, warm boots, air-activated heat packs/inserts for your socks and mittens (available at REI). Rainy days > rain jacket, rain hat, umbrella, comfortable waterproof footwear (trails can be muddy if it rained the day before). TICKS: For forested or meadow trips >protect yourself from insects/ticks!  We recommend long pants tucked into light colored (white) knee-high socks to easily see ticks. Bring insect repellent and/or “the bug suit” (a thin mesh jacket + pants) (Google: the bug suit). After nature tours, especially if you have been in a forest or meadow, be sure to shower immediately and do a thorough “tick check.” You can Google “how to do a self tick check” for accurate instructions.

Really important notes  “Know before you go” ~

*We go “light rain” or shine or cold. Please dress for the weather. In the case of light rain, we simply take cover and wait it out. In the case of very heavy rain, extreme wind or temperatures, we will move the tour to the pre-arranged rain date. Not all tours have rain dates. See above for date (and rain date) associated with your tour.  ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS for any reasons, including sickness/covid. Please stay home if you are not feeling well or have a fever. Food/Drink: Again, eating, drinking, chewing gum is never permitted on the bus. There will be opportunities to eat (off of the bus) during the tour. WATER is always allowed on board the bus, and recommended.  Arrival: Please arrive 15-30 min before departure. The check-in process takes some time. Seat selection is based on the check-in order. When we check you in, you will receive a temporary bracelet with a number on it. This is the order you will board the bus and select your seat. Some seats are more desirable than others. The “hot seat” is the back seat. Some bus seats have wheel wells.  Waiver: Other tour guests do not want to wait (and loose time on their tour). Please save everyone time at check-in by bringing your signed waiver. No restroom on board the bus; arrive early enough to use the rr at REI (opens at 10 am) or Fresh Market (opens at 8 am) before boarding the bus. The tour itinerary includes restroom stops. Departure: We cannot wait for latecomers because we must adhere to our planned itinerary. Therefore we must pull away at the exact departure time. We cannot receive telephone/text calls to let us know you are running late because we will driving and using the phone as a GPS.

*ALL OUR TOURS INVOLVE WALKING; GUESTS SHOULD EXPECT VARYING DEGREES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

The owner’s Samoyed dog, named Sequoia, may be on your tour! She joins us on SOME tours. A service dog is trained to help people with disabilities. Sequoia is NOT a service dog. A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and affection to people. Sequoia was certified as a Therapy Dog by TDI in 2021 (not updated). She is safe, friendly, sweet and has all of her vaccinations up to date at all times. (*note: if you are allergic or frightened of dogs, you may not want to purchase a ticket; you may also request to sit in the back, further from Sequoia). Want to learn more details about Sequoia and/or see a photo of her? MEET SEQUOIA:  https://thenaturebus.com/our-team/

• Please share on your social media and with everyone you know! Let them know you are going on a really amazing tour! Spread the word!
• If you have any questions, please text/call the owner. Suzanne 757-288-9595