Kitsap Tours Set to Launch May 1st

April 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Kitsap Peninsula, Wash. (April 13, 2010) — Kitsap Tours, which opens its bus doors on May 1, offers a completely new and unique way to explore one of the best kept secrets of the Pacific Northwest: the west side of Puget Sound. Through tours around Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas, visitors can smell the fresh air, taste the salmon, and learn about the region’s vast history and vibrant communities.
Calling all Seattle tourists: why limit your travels and merely view what’s on the horizon to the West when you can easily catch a ferry—Washington’s #1 attraction—and take a step closer to understanding a more complete picture of the Pacific Northwest? Kitsap Tours, with full or half-day options, tours the best of an area bursting with culture, tradition, and unique Northwest beauty.
“Every day I discover something new about our area and I want to share that with others,” says Jean Boyle, co-owner/operator of Kitsap Tours, “The natural and cultural diversity here is astounding—it could take a lifetime to soak in. I don’t think many realize the treasure chest of gems that’s available just off the ferry.”
Kitsap Tours is the brainchild of Jim and Jean Boyle, a dynamic husband and wife team who have lived on the Kitsap Peninsula for 15 years and in the Pacific Northwest for almost 30. The two left their previous white-collar careers behind to boldly jump into one overflowing with adventure.
Not to say they’re strangers to a little excitement, 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 Kitsap Tours 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.
“People visit Seattle, Tacoma or Olympia, but they don’t realize what this area has to offer. As with any area though, it can be difficult to find your way around without a guide. We want to change all that,” says Jean. “This summer’s monthly Specialty Photo Safari Tours, for instance,” Jean continues, “are geared to show guests where the most photogenic spots to shoot are.”
As the first and only touring company to pick up and drop off travelers at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal on a regular schedule, Kitsap Tours is exceptionally convenient. Consider also the fact that travelers can choose from a variety of tour “endings”—very practical. Also, because of the company’s comprehensive list of tour options, it is geared to satisfy a variety of interests.
With Kitsap Tours, travelers can expect to enjoy the time both off and on the bus. Seldom spending more than 20 minutes cruising from one place to the other, Jean and Jim take their guests through sweeping bus-seat views and informative video clips about the people and places visited.
Tours at launch will include:
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The Bainbridge Island/Kitsap Peninsula Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of the area’s most distinguished sites including Suquamish (the home of Chief Seattle), Poulsbo (“little Norway”), and Port Gamble (a quaint company-owned timber town). No one leaves this full-day excursion without experiencing the story behind Seattle’s namesake, the region’s pioneering history, or its thriving Native American culture.
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The Bloedel Reserve Tour is a half-day escape tailored to highlight the natural splendor of the region. After passing beautiful vistas of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, travelers are provided a 2-hour tour of the award winning 150-acre estate garden which was once the lush summer home of the Bloedel timber family.
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The Bainbridge Island Tour is a half-day jaunt around one of Washington State Ferry’s key destinations. While getting a feel for the local charm, travelers stop at the island’s most popular artistic, cultural, and historical hot-spots.
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Specialty Tours vary depending on the season, local events, and Jean and Jim’s favorite theme of the month. This summer, photo safaris are already set to run each month, and more tours will be announced as scheduled. Everything from culinary, garden, art, agriculture and farm tours to Native American, history & heritage and adventure touring is possible. These tours are certainly special!
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Custom Tours can be created for groups up to 20 and are designed according to individual interests and timeframes. Couple your vision with Jean and Jim’s know-how, and you are sure to get the most out of your time on Bainbridge Island and beyond.
In short, Kitsap Tours is the first and only touring company of its kind to grace the roads of Bainbridge Island and the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. Join the adventure, hop aboard.
ABOUT KITSAP TOURS
Offering tours 7 days a week, rain or shine (we provide the umbrellas!), Kitsap Tours hosts travelers as they visit an eclectic collection of communities, view spectacular scenery, and learn
about the region’s history—all in comfort of a 14 passenger mini bus equipped with creature comforts and knowledgeable driver/guides.
Meet us just outside the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal or we can pick you up at other designated island and peninsula locations. Design your own ending for the tour; return to the ferry or linger to enjoy some gaming, shopping & dining, or other local entertainment.
Kitsap Tours steps gently with never more than 12 guests as we explore this beautiful corner of the world.
Kitsap Tours is co-owned and operated by an energetic husband and wife team, Jim and Jean Boyle, who have lived on the Kitsap Peninsula for 15 years and in the Pacific Northwest for almost 30. After leaving careers dominated by conventional business attire and shiny shoes, they now happily don boots for work each morning.
For reservations go to www.KitsapTours.com or call 877.877.1950

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About Kitsap Tours; Just a ferry ride from Seattle, Kitsap Tours explores Bainbridge Island, the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas in a luxury small group mini bus. History, heritage, sightseeing, watchable wildlife, culinary, agricultural, gardens and other tours.