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KITSAP TOURS EARNS 2013 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

May 21st, 2013 by

CONTACT:

 

Kitsap Tours                                                                                   TRIPADVISOR PR TEAM

Jean Boyle                                                                        mediarelations@tripadvisor.com

360-620-2415

Jean@KitsapTours.com

 

KITSAP TOURS EARNS 2013 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

 

Honored as a Top Performing Attraction as Reviewed by Travelers on the

World’s Largest Travel Site

 

Bainbridge Island – May 22, 2013 – Kitsap Tours today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award for the third year in a row. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

 

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.  Kitsap Tours has been the #1 attraction on Bainbridge Island (and surrounding area), with a 5 star rating, since it has been eligible for the award.

 

“Kitsap Tours is thrilled to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Jean Boyle, Co-Owner of Kitsap Tours. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor.”

 

“TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience,” said Alison Copus, Vice President of Marketing for TripAdvisor for Business. “The Certificate of Excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most – their customers.”

 

-ENDS-

About Kitsap Tours:

 

Kitsap Tours is the latest adventure of husband and wife team, Jim and Jean Boyle, who have lived on the Kitsap Peninsula for 17 years and in the Pacific Northwest for over 30. The two have left their previous white-collar careers behind and have boldly jumped into one overflowing with adventures.

Not to say they’re strangers to a little adventure, especially Jim who worked as a Secret Service agent for over 20 years, protecting Presidents, Heads of Country, and Heads of State. His passion for this project is driven by Jean, who, during her 8 years with the Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau, always felt that tourists and local businesses could benefit from a touring company running on a daily basis-especially one offering ferry dock pick-ups.

Kitsap Tours is the only Seattle, Washington tour that starts with a ferry ride!

Our Beautiful Bus

Our vehicle is a new luxury touring van or mini-coach. It has a low-step entry with an electric service door, stand-up center aisle, reclining leather seats, sound system, public address system, TV/DVD player, and a separate rear compartment for any purchases you may make.

This vehicle was selected to allow us to get to many interesting Washington locations that are inaccessible for larger motor coaches or low-slung limousines. Its higher seating and large windows allow better viewing of the stunning scenery and views. We have room for up to 12 guests.

Our Philosophy

 

We believe in stepping lightly; small groups, low impact, enjoying but not changing the places we visit.

We respect the cultures and traditions of others and follow proper protocol where appropriate.

We support other local businesses and buy local when possible.

We believe in lifelong learning; we continue to learn more about our area and other interests. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with our guests as well as welcome questions which we will do our best to answer.

We make every effort to support and follow sustainable and responsible tourism principles.

We respect our environment and the wildlife. We maintain a respectful distance while watching or photographing wildlife. We stay on trails and do not pick wildflowers or trample over their habitats. Shore side, we refill all holes and leave large rocks in their original positions, avoid walking on sensitive habitat and handle tide pool creatures gently, briefly, and return them to their original places. We observe limits on the collection of edible species, and forgo the collection of others for souvenirs. Educate others about ethical wildlife observation. Jim and Jean are both certified Beach Naturalists.

Kitsap Tours was started because we love the area and enjoy sharing it. We want our guests to have the best time possible and we will do our best to make your tour special and memorable whether it is a regularly scheduled tour or a custom tour we have developed just for you.

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors**, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

 

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) manages and operates websites under 20 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

 

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, January 2013

**Source: Google Analytics, worldwide data, March 2013

©2013 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE TripAdvisor

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A pleasant wayside . . .

Apr 16th, 2013 by

Welcome to Bainbridge Island

The entrance to Bainbridge Island is a pleasant wayside stop.  Walking off the ferry and heading into “downtown” Bainbridge Island or “Winslow” you’ll find the new Wayside Park.  Super attractive with some island history and places to sit and relax as you round the corner of Winslow Way and head into the largest commercial district on Bainbridge Island.

Maps of the area  . . .

Map of Bainbridge Island

Map of downtown Bainbridge Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and bits of history educate you about the island past and present.

 

Waypoint

Native names for area landmarks

Native names for area landmarksEarly Explorers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The timber earaThe timber era

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Bainbridge Island!

Welcome to Bainbridge Island

Welcome to Bainbridge Island

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It’s Spring and time to tour Bainbridge Island!

Apr 13th, 2013 by

The wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round again this Spring!  Jim and I are happy to be back on the road with Kitsap Tours’ three standard tours as well as custom tours of beautiful Kitsap, just a ferry ride from Seattle.

Tours this Spring include:

  • Veteran's Memorial in Suquamish, Washington

    A full day tour of Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. The Seattle tour that gives you a taste of the great Northwest starting with a scenic ride on a Washington State ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island.  View both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges including majestic Mount Rainier.  Watch marine traffic and abundant wildlife including the possibility of whales. A full day of sightseeing, history & heritage and shopping & dining with an optional electric boat tour or kayaking.  Visit beautiful Bainbridge Island with its small town charm and rural character; Suquamish, home of Chief Seattle and the Suquamish tribe; Poulsbo, “Little Norway”, on fjord-like Liberty Bay and Port Gamble, a company owned timber town resembling the New England home of its founders. Learn about the varied past and experience the vibrant today of our area with views of water and mountains at every turn.

  • Bloedel Reserve

    The beautiful home of the Bloedel's when they lived at the Bloedel Reserve

    A half day tour to the Bloedel Reserve. The scenic ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island will set the stage for your half-day escape to Bainbridge Island and the Bloedel Reserve. You’ll enjoy views of the Seattle skyline, the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, marine traffic and a variety of wildlife.  Keep your eyes open for whales on your crossing! We will tour parts of Bainbridge Island and learn a little history and heritage as we make our way to the Bloedel Reserve located at the northern end of the island. The Bloedel Reserve is famous for its unique combination of natural forest and beautifully designed gardens.  Your journey from one environment to the other makes a walk through the reserve magical.The natural landscape is made up of indigenous trees including Douglas Fir, hemlock and western red cedar.  The manicured areas include an internationally recognized Japanese garden, the moss garden, the beautiful meadow, a formal reflecting pool, a bird marsh and the centerpiece, a French-inspired, classically designed country home with a well stocked library for your enjoyment.

  • Frog Rock

    Frog Rock on Bainbridge Island

    A half day circle tour of Bainbridge Island. This half day tour explores beautiful Bainbridge Island with its views & vistas along with a little history & heritage and fun! You’ll also have options to spend more time on the island at the end of the tour. We will travel through island neighborhoods, rural areas and make stops at popular island locations.  This tour will change slightly during the year depending on what is happening and available.  Tours may include an artist studio, historic sites, a short walk on the beach, farmers market or a festival. Regular stops include Bay Hay and Feed, Fay Bainbridge Park for a beach walk and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Return to your pick-up point or extend your tour in the shopping & dining district of  Winslow, a short walk to the ferry dock. 

Join us on a Kitsap Tours’ tour this year!

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Just a ferry ride from Seattle!

Jan 27th, 2013 by

Check out our first video – an intro to Kitsap Tours!

Just a ferry ride from Seattle!

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No English needed

Oct 16th, 2012 by

Every tour is fun, every tour is different and every now and then something special happens.

A few days ago a young man missed our tour because of a traffic back-up.  He called later to ask if he could reschedule and then asked if he could send his mother in his place.  “Yes and yes”.

Lady in pink taking a picture of her new friend

Today is the day she was to take our tour and as we arrived at the ferry he called to let me know he had dropped her off and she was on the ferry.   “She is in her fifties, wearing pink, Chinese woman, doesn’t speak English and knows she is to follow you”.  I assured him I would find her as she got off the ferry and take good care of her.

The ferry arrived and I took my place at the top of the ferry ramp, with my “Kitsap Tours” sign,  waiting for our guests – just 4 for the Bloedel Reserve tour.  The first couple approached me and I gave them directions to the bus while keeping my eyes on the ferry ramp for the lady in pink.  More people came off the ferry and then all the passengers were off the ferry and I was missing two people, including the young man’s mother who didn’t speak English.  I walked down the ferry ramp and asked around and was assured that everyone had gotten off the ferry.  I rushed back up the ferry ramp and though the terminal with my “Kitsap Tours” sign, showing it in all directions and looking for pink.  Finally I went to the bus and there she was, the lady in pink and my other missing guest already seated and ready to go.

Taking pictures of the other guests

Taking pictures of the other guests

The two women had somehow met on the ferry and figured out that they were going on the same tour.  The second person didn’t speak any Chinese so I’m not sure how this happened but apparently they “bonded” and somehow got past me as they exited the ferry.  At least they found the bus and we were off.

By the time we got to the Bloedel Reserve it was obvious that the two women had become friends.  During the tour they took pictures of each other, with each other’s cameras and their own and took pictures of the rest of us, at least as many as they could talk us into.  They were laughing, communicating and having a great time.  Not only were they having fun but the rest of us were enjoying their excitement and joy discovering what was around each corner – we were entertained by the obvious fun they were having.

New friends

Back on the bus, returning to downtown Bainbridge Island and the ferry I wasn’t quite sure how to explain the option of spending more time in “Winslow” vs going to straight to the ferry to the lady in pink but it soon became obvious that this wasn’t a problem.  Her new friend told her they were getting off in Winslow and last I saw them they were walking away from the bus, deciding where to eat.

This is one of the reasons we are doing these tours; we meet wonderful people and share time with them exploring our beautiful area.  The tour this morning was pure joy for me and I’m pretty sure all of our guests had a good time as well.

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The “new” Point No Point Lighthouse – always worth the trip

Oct 2nd, 2012 by

Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville, Washington

Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville, Washington

With the exterior renovation complete, the Point No Point Lighthouse in Hansville, Washington has a new look with the black accents.

This far north Kitsap destination is always worth the trip.  First, the beach, long and walkable and at a low tide amazingly wide.

The views are spectacular, taking in the broad expanse from Mount Baker to the north, the Cascade Mountains, marine traffic and wildlife to Seattle and Mount Rainier to the south.

Driftwood creation at Point No Point in Hansville, Washington

Driftwood creation at Point No Point in Hansville, Washington

All marine traffic passing from the Pacific Ocean into the port of Seattle and Tacoma must pass surprising close to Point No Point.

Add in the recreational and fishing traffic and it is an almost constant changing parade which, for some reason, doesn’t take away from the sense of being remote on the driftwood covered beach.

Point No Point also has its place in history as the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound and as the location where the treaty of Point No Point was signed in 1855 with the  S’Klallam, Chimakum, and Skokomish tribes.

Location of the signing of the Treaty of Point No Point

Location of the signing of the Treaty of Point No Point

Whether a history buff, beach walker, photographer, fisherman or just exploring this area, don’t miss the drive to the far north of the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula!

 

Abby- the tripawd - and Dillon at Point No Point

Abby - the amazing tripawd - and Dillon at Point No PointMount Rainier and Seattle from Point No Point

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Sep 6th, 2012 by

Kitsap Tours' guests on the beachPeople from around the world enjoy our beach walks!  We include a beach walk, with a beach naturalist, on our half day Bainbridge Island tour and on our full day Bainbridge Island / Kitsap Peninsula tour.

Our walk along Puget Sound has views of Mount Rainier, Seattle, the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond.  We find treasures along our way including crabs, shells, kelp, driftwood and rocks along with mini naturalist lessons on the marine environment and the creation of Puget Sound.

Join us on a walk when you come to Seattle!

Relaxing on the beach

Taking a beach break!

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Meet “Experience North Kitsap”

Jun 19th, 2012 by

“Experience North Kitsap” Invites you to an evening to learn more about the organization,

Washington Tourism Association and the impact on tourism in North Kitsap.

June 28, 2012 – Kiana Lodge at 5:30 PM
Join us for a Meet-and-Greet with our local representatives
Learn of the Importance and Influence of Tourism
Light Appetizers • Cash Bar
Guest Speaker • Suzanne Fletcher • WTA Executive Director

Experience North Kitsap Invitation



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Northwest Cider + Farm to Table Dining + Spectacular Scenery = Kitsap Tours’ Cider Tour!

					
            
            Jun 19th, 2012 by   
          
				


				

					
Kitsap Tours would love to take your group of up to 12 guests on a tour of the ” Olympic Peninsula Cider Route” including Finnriver Farm, Alpenfire  and Eaglemount Cideries.


We’ll add a fresh and local lunch and some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere!


Board the Washington State ferry in Seattle on your way to Bainbridge Island where Kitsap Tours will meet you at the ferry terminal.  Travel is by luxury mini-coach.


On the way to the first stop you’ll learn about the history and heritage of the area while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.


Crossing the Hood Canal Bridge, the world’s longest floating bridge over tidal salt water, you’ll have spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and beautiful Hood Canal.


At each Cidery we’ll have tastings and learn about life on small local farms that not only create wonderful ciders but grow and sell other local produce.


Have a special interest? We can tweak our tours to show you more history, more scenery, waterfalls or add a hike in the area.


Kitsap Tours, just a ferry ride from Seattle!


Olympic Peninsula Cider Route


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Two ways to Save with Kitsap Tours and King Tut and a few other great options – no driving necessary!

					
            
            Jun 13th, 2012 by   
          
				


				

					
King TutTwo GREAT ways to combine a Kitsap Tours’ tour with a visit to the King Tut exhibit in Seattle and SAVE!


OPTION #1:


Buy tickets for the King Tut exhibit and you’ll receive a Pharaoh’s Gold Card that you can use for lots of great discounts around Seattle including a terrific discount on your Kitsap Tours‘ tour. The King Tut exhibit will be in Seattle through January 6, 2013 and you can use your discount through that date.


OPTION #2:


Book a Kitsap Tours‘ tour by the end of June and use the promotional code “King Tut” to be entered into a drawing for FREE King Tut tickets!  Winners will get one free ticket for each person booked on a tour (same reservation) up to 4 people.  Ticket value is $36.50 each!  Not valid with any other discount or promotion.


Kitsap Tours + King Tut = A great start  to a Seattle visit!


Jim and I have already gone to the exhibit and it is a really well done exhibit with many, many amazing artifacts and this is the LAST time you’ll see these items in the United States.


Within a few feet of the King Tut exhibit you’ll also find EMP – the Experience Music Project and the NEW Chihuly Garden and Glass.  All this a monorail ride from downtown Seattle on the grounds of Seattle Center!


No car necessary from downtown Seattle to enjoy these three exceptional attractions and then walk to the ferry for your Kitsap Tours’ tour.


Oh, while you’re at the Seattle Center you might want to Ride the Ducks!  Love the Ducks – a fun and informative tour of Seattle!


So much to do in Seattle – make it your summer destination!


 


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