Incredible Adventures Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour FAQs General Tour Questions  
  Muir Woods Tours FAQs
Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour Napa/Sonoma Wine Tours  
 

Yosemite Tours

Yosemite Frequently Asked Questions
Yosemite 1-Day Tour FAQs Yosemite 1-Day Tours  
  Yosemite 2-Day Tours FAQs
Yosemite Camping FAQs Yosemite Escape Camping Tours  
 

Whitewater Rafting Tours

American River Rafting Tour from San Francisco
   

 

 

FAQ's - General Inquiries
  1. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

    http://incadventures.com/about/cancellation-policy.html#cancellation
  1. Where does the tour start in San Francisco? We pick up at most hotels in the downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf area. We can arrange pick up at BART Stations along Market Street & at the Caltrain Station in San Francisco. We DO NOT pick up near the airport.
  1. Where does the tour end? Our guides will drop you off where you have been picked up unless you request to be dropped off at a different location that is reasonably on the way.

  1. Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?

    Yosemite Tours - The pick up is at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station. Muir Woods & Wine Country - Additional pick up include the Sausalito Hotel & the Mill Valley Park & Ride White Water Rafting & Wine Tour - Pick up at the Walnut Creek BART station
  1. Do you give a discount when booking more than one tour?

    Yes, if you book 2 or more tours, the subsequent tours will be $10 off.
  1. If I am in a hotel outside of San Francisco, where can I park my car? You can drive your car to the Best Western Americania and park there for $8 all day while on the tour. It is conveniently located at 121 7th Street & Howard Street.

    BART & Caltrain are available from many locations when you are not staying in San Francisco as an alternative to driving (see below for specifics).
  1. What if I am staying in the East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland) You can take BART into the city. Get off at the Powell Street Station and meet at the Renaissance Parc 55 hotel across the street (55 Cyril Magnin Street)

  1. What if I am staying in the South Bay (San Jose) Take Caltrain any day except Sunday (Caltrain doesn’t run early enough for our tours on Sunday). We will pick you up at the Caltrain Station (4th & Townsend).

  1. Where can I store luggage? Hotels often provide luggage storage, sometimes for a fee. For all tours, you can meet the guide at our office and store your luggage there at no charge.

  1. What is biodiesel and why are you using it? Why BIODIESEL?

  2. Are tips included? No, tips are not included and it is customary to tip the guide about $5-10 per person per day.

  3. Are you equipped for wheelchairs and baby strollers? At this time we are not equipped for wheelchairs and strollers, but Muir Woods and Yosemite do have wheelchairs available on a first come, first served basis. We can accommodate umbrella strollers that can fit under the seat.

  4. Can I book a private or group tour? Yes you can! The best way is to visit our Charter Request Page and send us an email with the information about you group.

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FAQs-Muir Woods / Wine Country Tours
  1. Which wineries to you go to? – We do not have a set schedule of wineries that we visit. Every day our guides take into consideration the tastes of their guests and customize the tasting around their palates. Our guides will always make sure to introduce you to a variety of different size wineries, to let you see family wineries that only sell their wine at their winery as well as larger producers that you may be familiar with from the wine store.

  1. Are wine tastings included in the price?The tour includes tastings at two wineries. The other 1-2 wineries you visit may provide complimentary tasting, or they may charge a small fee (tasting fee maybe applied to bottle purchase).

  1. Can I ask to visit a particular winery? Any requests are welcome, but please keep in mind the location, tasting fees, or group preferences may make it difficult for your guide to accommodate your request.

  1. Will we be able to get into a vineyard? That depends on the winery. Some wineries provide a tour of their grounds, while

    others focus more on the tasting itself.
  1. How many wineries are included in this tour? 3-4 wineries.

  1. Is lunch included in the price? Lunch is not included. Typically, you will stop for lunch in Sonoma Square, where there is a great diversity of dining options, or at one of the wineries.

  1. Are there any out-of-pocket expenses? At Muir Woods National Monument the entrance fee is $5 per person.

    Some of the wineries you visit may charge a tasting fee.
  1. How long does it take to get to Sonoma from Muir Woods? The drive takes about 45 minutes.

  1. How long does it take to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco?About 30 minutes.

  1. How long is the tour? - Muir Woods/Wine tours start with a pickup from your hotel between 8-9am and returns to the city between 5:30-6:30pm.

  1. What is Muir Woods? - Muir Woods is a forest of old growth Coastal Redwoods trees.  The Coastal Redwood is the tallest known species of tree in the world and the only true redwood in California. 

  1. How long do we have in Muir Woods? - You will have approximately 1 ¼ hours to wander amongst the towering redwoods and check out the visitors center.

  1. Do I have to drink? - No, all wine tastings are voluntary.

  1. Do I have to buy wine? - No. It is not obligatory, though it is customary to purchase wines if you find some that you like. Additionally, many of the wineries we visit offer discounts to our tour groups.

  1. What do I need to bring? - Dressing in layers is recommended, since mornings can be cool and afternoons can be quite hot. You may brings snacks or water in the vehicle if you wish, although there will be chances to purchase those at various stops on the tour.

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FAQ's Napa / Sonoma Wine Tour
  1. Which wineries do you go to? Benziger Family Winery and Imagery Estate Winery are included in the itinerary. Your guide will determine the rest of the wineries, typically favoring small, family wineries that most visitors are not familiar with.

  1. Can I ask to visit a particular winery? Any requests are welcome, but please keep in mind that things like location, tasting fees, or group preferences may make it difficult for your guide to accommodate your request.

  1. Are wine tastings included in the price? The tastings at Benziger and Imagery are included in the price. The other 3-4 wineries you visit may provide complimentary tasting, or they may charge a small fee (tasting fee maybe applied to bottle purchase.
  1. How many wineries are included in this tour? You will visit 5-6 different wineries.

  1. Is lunch included in the price? Lunch is not included.

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FAQ's Yosemite Tours
  1. Are there places to eat in the park? Yes, food is available though it is recommended that you bring your own to maximize your time in the park, especially if you are planning to hike. 

  1. Are meals included? Meals are NOT included on the 1-day tour.

  1. What kind of clothing should I bring? During the summer, plan on cool weather in the morning and higher temperatures in the middle of the day. Late summer, July – September a bathing suit can be nice to have.  Snow and wet conditions can be in Yosemite Valley all winter, so heavier jackets, hats, gloves and possibly a change of socks are recommended.

  1. Do we have to hike in Yosemite? Hiking is not a mandatory activity. If you choose not to hike, your guide will gladly suggest alternate activities.

  1. If I don’t want to hike in Yosemite, what are my options? - There’s plenty to do and see in Yosemite Valley, including the Visitors Center,  Ansel Adams Gallery, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, gift shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of flat trails in Yosemite Valley where you can take a leisurely stroll.

  1. How long is the tour? - Trips start with a pickup from your hotel between 6-7am and return to the city around 9:00 pm.

  1. How long does it take to get to Yosemite? - Approx. 3 ½ hrs depending upon number of stops en route.

  1. What stops do we make? - Though we try to drive directly to the park, there will be at least one stop en route where you will stop at a local fruit stand in the Central Valley as well as a quick stop for breakfast. On the return trip a quick restroom/snack stop will be provided. Additional stops may be requested according to group demands. 

  1. Does the price include the park entrance fee? - Yes. The price includes hotel/hostel  pick up/drop off, park entrance fee, 1 ½ hr guided tour and tax.

  1. What will we see/do? What you will see and do is weather and group dependent. A typical trip includes a 1 ½ hour guided tour of Yosemite Valley with various stops for view points and short walks approximately  3-4 hours of free time to absorb the beauty of America’s tallest waterfalls and granite rock formations such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Cathedral Rocks.

  1. Will we be able to see the Giant Sequoias? - This is weather & group dependent. Access to the Giant Sequoias is limited in the winter months (Nov-June) instead we focus on the features of the Valley itself.

  1. What do I need to bring? - Winter in the mountains can be unpredictable so it’s best to be prepared.  You should bring with you trainers or hiking boots, warm layers (hat, gloves, & long underwear suggested), sun protection, water bottle and rain gear (jacket or umbrella). 

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Yosemite 2-day Fully Guided Tour

  1. Are meals included? Lunch the first day and breakfast the second day are included

  1. Can I bring my luggage? We ask that each passenger bring only one small, soft overnight bag because of space restrictions on the vehicle. Thing like towels and toiletries are provided at Cedar Lodge.

  1. What kind of clothing should I bring? Trips in the summer, plan on cool weather in the mornings and high temperatures in the middle of the day. Snow covers Yosemite Valley all winter, so heavier jackets are a must.

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Yosemite 3-day Camping Tour 

  1. Do we need previous camping experience? No experience is necessary. We provide all camping equipment and our guides can help with everything. 

  1. What is included? - Six fresh meals, camping gear*, all fees, taxes, guide service & transport. Sleeping bag rental available for $20.

  1. How long do we have in the park? - On our trip you have three pretty full days to explore completely different areas of the park. We format the trip to balance group time with individual free time. Your guide will inform you on the different options available from challenging hikes to leisurely strolls. 

  1. What do we get to see? - Normally one day is spent in the Yosemite Valley, some time in the Giant Sequoia trees, and another in the High Country.  Yosemite Valley: Rock formations: El Capitan, Half Dome & Sentinel Dome.  Waterfalls: Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal & Nevada Falls (seasonal). High Country: May Lake, Glacier Point (optional)

  1. What do we get to do? - Hike, swim, rent bikes and ride around the Valley, raft, camp, relax around the campfire, meet cool people, enjoy nature.

  1. Who cooks/cleans? - Your guide coordinates meals and chores but everyone is expected to help out.

  1. What if I’m a vegetarian? - We can accommodate almost any dietary needs. Please be sure to let us know your food restrictions when you book the trip.

  1. Where is the camp and what facilities does it have? - We camp just outside of the park. The campground is near the Merced River (good for swimming) and has hot showers. 

  1. What do I need to bring? - Layers of clothing.  Weather in the mountains can be variable.  A fleece is never a bad idea in Northern California. Sturdy hiking shoes and a flashlight are a bonus though not necessary.  A sleeping bag is essential, and you can rent a bag from us for $20.

  2. Can I bring luggage? - Each passenger typically brings one piece of luggage. Luggage storage is available at our office at no charge.

  3. Will a single person have to share a tent or is s/he getting her own tent? - We use four-person tents, and they are shared by two people. Solo travelers pair up with another traveler of the same gender. If the group is small and there are extra tents and space at the campsites, you can have a tent to yourself.

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FAQ's White Water Rafting Tours
  1. Do I need experience with white water rafting? - The South Fork of the American River is an excellent river for first time rafters but we recommend it for rafters of all abilities because of its exciting and fun rapids,and reliable summer water flows.

  1. When is the best time to go white water rafting? - Excellent rafting is available from April to October on dam controlled rivers such as the South Fork of the American River. For thrill seekers looking for high water excitement we suggest booking your trip in May to early June when the river is at its peak due to melting snowpack. Summer months of June, July and August are the most popular times to raft, especially on weekends. If you can schedule your trip during midweek there will be less traffic on the river.

  1. What does Class III mean? - The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of I to VI with I being very easy and VI unnavegable. We have classified the rivers based on normal water flows but during times of high water difficulty levels may increase. We recommend a Class III river for begining rafters and Class IV for experienced rafters looking for more action. Class V rivers are reserved for the highly experienced paddler.

  1. What kind of raft do you use? - On most Class III and IV rivers, self-bailing paddle rafts are used for maximum fun and excitement. Each of the 4-8 passengers has a paddle to help power and maneuver the raft while the guide steers and directs the crew. On high water trips or for passengers with special needs, an oar raft where the guide rows the boat may be used.

  1. Who can go white water rafting? - Just about anyone in reasonable health and fitness can go rafting. The minimum age for a child on a Class III river (under normal water flows) is 8 years old with a minimum weight of 55 pounds. Class IV rivers require 14 years of age. There is no maximum age although anyone over 60 should be in good health and perhaps consult a physician. If you are pregnant, extremely overweight, or have back or heart problems, we do not recommend white water rafting. Swimming skills are not a requirement since your safety jacket will keep you afloat but it is recommended that you not have a fear of the water.

  1. What does Class III mean? - The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of I to VI with I being very easy and VI unnavegable. We have classified the rivers based on normal water flows but during times of high water difficulty levels may increase. We recommend a Class III river for begining rafters and Class IV for experienced rafters looking for more action. Class V rivers are reserved for the highly experienced paddler.

  1. What should I bring? - A swimsuit, shoes that can get wet (regular running shoes are fine) and a change of clothes.

  1. What is provided? - Safety instruction, lifejackets, wetsuits(during colder months), transportation and BBQ lunch.

  1. Where do we go wine tasting? - We visit the El Dorado wine country in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. There is a variety of wineries and your guide will pick one that fits the group.

 

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