Abkenoc Guiding and Adventure Learning

Josh Hale

2023-05

My family of four took two trips with Oliver - a kayak adventure and a fishing expedition. On both trips, Oliver was a great guide and we happily recommend his services. The kayak trip was gorgeous and showcased views of the Maine coast that we could not have experienced in any other way. We also had a great experience out on Oliver's boat for a half day of fishing. Oliver had all of the right gear and instruction to make for an exciting day. In addition to the fish we hauled into the boat, we also saw ospreys, eagles, seals and a number of cool sights on shore. Oliver is great, you won't regret taking a trip with him.

Raimund Koerver

2023-05

I still can't believe how lucky we were to have booked Oliver's tour out of all the available tours. Oliver is an incredibly interesting person, has lots of knowledge about Maine and it’s wildlife and surroundings and is just an overall excellent guide. My girlfriend and I had a private kayak tour in the afternoon, which was a fantastic experience, very authentic. We never felt like we were actually on a commercial tour, which was exactly the experience we were looking for. Oliver was very flexible with the booking, had all the equipment well prepared; we literally just had to show up. Can only highly recommend stopping here when travelling between Boston-Portland-Acadia. We are already planning to come back for a fishing trip some time.

Meredith Lawler

2023-05

I gifted my husband (good amount of fishing experience), son (first time fishing), and dear family friend (extensive fly fishing experience) a half-day fishing trip with Oliver as an early Father's Day present, and it was awesome. Oliver accommodated their varying experience levels with ease, and my guys said the highlight was experiencing Oliver's absolutely masterful handling of his boat at the end of the trip as they chased the fish near the rocks of a nearby island. They couldn't stop talking about how fun the trip was and how skilled, knowledgable, and pleasant Oliver was as a guide. Next trip to Maine, we'll be sure to schedule another adventure. Maybe I'll join them next time!

Cindy

2023-09

For the last 7+ years, I have worked at 2 different all-inclusive resorts with a heavy focus on guided outdoor activities.  As a Program Manager, I understand what makes quality programs: people with knowledge, experience, excellent communication skills (the ability to chat organically & sincerely rather than recite), and a desire & enthusiasm to share with and engage others. Oliver from Abkenoc Guiding is everything I would look for in a guide!After I stumbled upon Abkenoc Guiding online while looking for kayak tours or rentals, Oliver reached out and arranged to add me to a guided tour with another couple.  This was more than a simple kayaking trip - it was a full experience including a back woods ride to Camp Nowhere (amazing!), a Jeep ride to the kayak launch, and then a spectacular tour via kayak complete with local history, great life stories, and rest stops including an old camp perched on the rocks and a quaint sandy beach.  He even sent pictures of our adventure, so leave your cellphone behind! This trip was worth EVERY penny - I plan to come back next year and for as long as Oliver offers these adventures!Oliver is an amazing and talented guide, but he also has a hidden talent of training labs as copilots on his adventures. I never met his previous pup Winnie (you can see her featured on his website gallery), but I did have the pleasure of sharing our adventure with the newest member of the team - Phippsie, a petite 1 year old lab.  Despite an enormous amount of energy that was bubbling just under the surface, Phippsie not only responded to all of Oliver’s commands, she also took her seat on the stern of Oliver’s kayak with the “load up” command and remained there as we paddled.  Her enthusiasm is contagious and definitely adds to an already solid program.Whether this is a family trip, a corporate retreat or an individual outing, I highly recommend Abkenoc Guiding... You won't be disappointed!

Abbie Bole

2023-07

We booked a 1/2 day kayak trip with Oliver (and Phippsie!) for a group of six and we had the very best of times. From riding in the gator to camp Nowhere, to exploring the mill ponds and the islands of the mighty Kennebec, fun and learning was had by all. We were even surprised when rounding the corner of Perkins island to see a bald eagle perched majestically on their nest with its chick visible beside it. Although we have spent many summers coming to the Phippsburg peninsula, we all learned something new from Oliver about the history and ecosystem of the area. We are already planning our next adventure with Abkenoc Guiding and you should too!! :)

Samir Lavingia

2022-05

Going kayaking with Oliver and Winnie was the highlight of our trip to Phippsburg. Oliver is incredibly accommodating and knowledgable about what he does. We saw so many seals and eagles and just got amazing views while on the water. I would easily recommend everyone do a kayaking trip with Oliver and would even tell my friends to go to Phippsburg just for this!Oliver was very communicative and helped us prepare for the trip. He accommodating our requests to take it a little slow and even showed us his amazing cabin to give us a taste of what it would be like to live in Maine.If/when I come back to visit Maine, I will definitely do this again.

William Henry

2023-07

No better kayaking experience in the entire world! Oliver is an incredible guide and a wonderful person. We loved our day with him and his dog, Phippsie. We had young kids in our group and he put together the best day imaginable, full of quality time on the water and lots of historical tidbits about the area. We can’t wait to go back for another visit.

T Gobin

2021-05

Our day on the ocean kayaking could not have been better! Oliver is a kind and attentive guide. His knowledge about the area, ocean and wildlife is amazing! I could stay out all day with him. The addition of his great dog Winnie was so enjoyable, she’s a peach! We reached out by email then had a phone call so he could pick the perfect paddle that fit our needs & wants. My husband, son and I look forward to our vacation next year to go out with him again. I highly recommend this tour!

Colin Lord

2022-05

Oliver and his sweet companion Winnie took my partner and me on a stunning journey through the Kennebec estuaries. We were already really taken with the area, but this kayak trip brought it to another level.Oliver was so engaging and easy-going, with the perfect temperament for both guiding and instructing us n00b kayakers. His knowledge of the area was encyclopedic, the tour was clearly well thought out and crafted with every variable in mind.Neither of us are much on guided tours, which made this trip all the more surprising and sweet. It's something we've been raving about to our anyone who asks of our vacation.Thank you so much for sharing this place with us, Oliver! We hope to be back and reconnect soon.

Ruth Idgie

2021-05

We called Abkenoc Guiding towards the end of a road-trip through Maine, and we are so grateful that we did! Right from the get-go, our wonderful guide, Oliver, took us under his wing.Aware of our tight schedule, Oliver was incredibly flexible and offered a few different route options for our trip. In the end, we ended up paddling around Tottman Cove and the surrounding area. The views were beautiful and we were able to take in some fantastic, rocky coastline. Not only did we learn about the local ecology, geology, and wildlife in the area, but Oliver also managed to incorporate other interesting historical anecdotes. He was great about slipping in facts when he could, without overwhelming the local sounds and scenes on the water.As someone who has done a fare share of kayaking, I was admittedly skeptical of doing a guided tour. However, Oliver's distinct knowledge and expertise proved that with the right person, guided trips can be a truly fantastic experience. We highly recommend seeking out Abkenoc Guiding if you're ever in the Phippsburg area!P.S.If you still aren't convinced, please allow Winnie, his fun-loving and delightful labrador side-kick, to convince you otherwise. She's an absolute sweetheart!

Kelly H

2022-05

Highlight of our stay in Maine!! Our family of six had an amazing day out on the water. Oliver is so friendly, knowledgeable, and an excellent photographer to boot! He made our excursion so much fun (as well as Winnie, his awesome dog). We saw bald eagles, seals, clams, and more. Some of us had never even been kayaking before and Oliver provided us with such a great experience that we'll definitely be coming back. Some of us were worried it may be too strenuous, but he caters to all levels of experience and fitness! Can't wait to take another tour with Oliver.

Hayden Janssen

2023-10

Oliver (and his amazing dog, Phippsie) were an absolute delight. Oliver was a wonderful communicator prior to our trip, keeping us informed of the weather, what to bring, and what we should expect. While on our tour, Oliver was engaged, thoughtful, and very keen to share his knowledge of the area and to learn about us, his clients.Oliver possesses the unique capability to relate with his clients on many levels. His unique background and local wisdom of the area are a wonderful combination. I would highly recommend Oliver's guiding services (as testament to how strongly I feel about this, I almost never give 5-Star reviews). Happy paddling!

Paugus Bay Campground

2023-08

We are 3 women in our 60s including one intrepid beginner. We did a four hour tour which we all agreed was the highlight of our 4 day beach get away. Oliver made sure the route was to our ability level and even took photos for us. He is a wealth of knowledgeregarding natue and the sea. Fantastic trip! A must do when you visit Maine!

Marshall Moutenot

2022-05

I was able to squeak a paddle with Oliver in on my last day in Phippsburg. Just Oliver, Winnie (his dog) and me on the water. We had a lot of interests in common, so the time flew by and it felt more like paddling with a new friend than a guide. I'd like to bring my pals back next time around!

Benson Gardner

2022-05

Almost all of our family members who went on this tour felt it was the #1 highlight of our trip to mid-coast Maine! Interacting with the landscape in a fun and informative way, far from other people, is a rare and wonderful treat. Oliver accommodated our last-minute schedule and worked around his own busy calendar so that we could partake in his incredible kayak tour. We asked for a shortened version which was well worth the full price of the normally longer tour. Oliver was really knowledgeable in pointing out seabirds, seals, and other natural, historic, and cultural points of interest, and had a way of joking around with kids and adults that made everyone feel comfortable, confident, and happy (some of us had no prior kayaking experience whatsoever and none of us are experts). Even those who were initially reluctant to come left extremely grateful they did. To top it all off, Oliver provides photos taken with his waterproof camera!

David Nowels

2023-05

Oliver is knowledgeable and prepared. He took into account our previous experiences and the weather when we went out in to the Kennebec estuary - keeping us safe and challenged. I found him to be an excellent communicator. He taught us about important historical, geologic, and environmental issues while we were out in the estuary. He wanted us to have a great time, and we did! We are sad to have missed having Winnie with us due to the weather.

Dennis Lam

2022-05

Mom, dad, and 3 kids (under 10!) went kayaking with Oliver on the Kennebec River and could not believe how wonderful the experience was. Oliver was extremely knowledgeable, personable and so encouraging that our kids completed a 3-4 hour kayaking trip without a single meltdown! The kids slept well that night!We all loved it so much that we booked a second excursion a few days later. Highly recommend Abkenoc Guiding for anyone who is adventurous, not afraid of a little exercise, and interested in seeing the beauty of Maine from a completely different perspective.

Catherine Barron

2022-05

Oliver was fantastic! He organized a fabulous day of kayaking for our family (on short notice) that was fun, adventurous and educational. He know so much about the area, the history and the wildlife that he readily shared. Winnie the black lab came along for the ride which was fun for all. We can’t wait to go again - highly recommended!

Melora Simon

2022-05

We had two great days on the water with Oliver, one kayaking and another fishing. Incredible views and wildlife spotting - a highlight of our time in Maine. Oliver flexed with the weather and tides to design and execute an ideal trip despite changing and challenging conditions, motivated my two kids (8 and 10) to kayak on their own (and had the right equipment to facilitate it), and engaged all of us with his knowledge and wit. Highly recommend!

Kate Miller

2023-09

My group of 6 had an amazing time with Oliver! He was fun, experienced, and full of facts. He planned a great trip for us and we enjoyed it immensely. We will be back!

Bridgett Stevens

2020-05

We are so glad we booked this tour with Oliver. Super nice guy and very informative about the area. Awesome day kayaking and he brought his dog, Winnie. He made sure we were comfortable with dogs before bringing her. He answered all of our questions and made us feel comfortable. He made sure not only that we were comfortable but also safe. For anyone who enjoys the outdoors and loves to kayak, either experienced or a beginner, I'd recommend booking this tour with Oliver.

Sharon Ariela Weintraub

2021-05

I cannot recommend Oliver and Abkenoc Guiding more! He took my partner and our 13 lb pup on an absolutely fantastic kayak trip complete with beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes and stops on several small islands. I have very limited kayaking experience while my partner has much more and we both had an equally wonderful time-it was the highlight of our recent trip to Maine.Oliver let us lead the pace of the paddle and was incredibly knowledgeable about the history, tides (unexpectedly so interesting!) and wildlife of the area. He was also super flexible, made sure to design a trip for us and the weather we had and was easy to communicate with before and during the trip. Most importantly: he was *such* a pleasure to spend time with!!! Even our pup who can take a long time to warm up to people was following him around :)I’m so glad we met Oliver and got to spend the day with him. He showed us a side of Maine we would have never seen or experienced had we not met him!

James Schermerhorn

2021-05

Wonderful kayaking day on the water. Wanted to try Oliver as a guide for future outings. Now have no reservations about his skill level, general knowledge about MANY things, and guide capability. Very flexible to accommodate our requests. Sensitive to our level of comfort for going to our personal limits. We found many interesting places and much wildlife. Winnie his canine companion was fun and a good part of the experience. Highly recommend

Evan Smith

2021-05

I chartered a striper fishing trip with Captain Oliver for my family and myself. If you do not feel like reading the entirety of my review, which is totally reasonable, I will sum up our experience in one sentence: We had a blast!For those intrigued by the introduction, I will continue. My family (party of 4) represents a wide range of fishing talent from never having cast with a spinning reel before to regularly fishing the streams of New Hampshire. Captain Oliver created an enjoyable and memorable experience for every single member of the family regardless of fishing talent... Even better everyone caught striper. He knows where the fish are and how to catch them. He worked with me personally on site fishing the flats with a fly rod which was an amazing experience.Beyond the fishing, Captain Oliver is an amazing individual to work with on the water. He is that perfect blend of cheer, patience and expertise that made for a wonderful experience for my family and I. I have been on a number of charters and I can tell you that it is not every day that you get to fish with a guide who has a PHD in neurobiology. You can tell he loves what he does and that is what makes this group and the experiences they create so special.

Maggie Mortimer

2020-05

An absolutely magnificent weekend adventure. There was kayaking, boat rides, camp fires, a beautiful breakfast and nothing but a good time with Oliver. He is a careful planner and ensured we had a good time regardless of the weather or anything else Mother Nature might have held in store for us. We’re already planning our next trip back!

Kathleen Finn

2023-10

Oliver is a delightful guide, informative, friendly and passionate about Maine waters. I had a fantastic tour and I highly recommend!

Robert McFarland

2020-05

We've had adventures on land, fresh water, and salt water with Oliver, and all have been characterized by his thorough knowledge of the natural world, reliable competence in the outdoors, first rate equipment, and gracious style as a host. It's pretty optimal to have a guide who is an accomplished outdoorsman and has a PhD in biology! We hope to return soon.

Konstantin Braun

2022-05

Amazing day with Oliver - kayaking, wildlife, swimming. Oliver is knowledgeable and thoughtful. We are looking forward to more adventures when we return. Thank you!

stephanie waldron

2020-05

The adventures Oliver leads areEnriching and exciting. While fun is the objective he is extremely careful about safety and comfort. He is a great guide and terrific teacher.

stephanie waldron

2020-05

THe adventures Oliver leads are enriching and exciting. While fun is the objective he is extremely careful with regard to safety and comfort. I have enjoyed wonderful times with this knowledgeable guide