After lunch, we set out for a final excursion, this time by sea: seeking cetaceans, the ship took us to Fournier Bay, where a high concentration of krill attracts large populations of whales. The ship dropped anchor and we boarded the zodiacs for the last time, bundled up against the cold since we wouldn’t be hiking to generate heat.
Our driver took us out into the harbor, cut the zodiac’s engine, and let us drift, everyone looking for the tell-tale blows of whales. Soon we realized we had an excellent dilemma: there were just so many whales, we struggled to agree in which direction to go! Our guide took us to an area that had had several blows and no other zodiacs, hoping the whales wouldn’t have been scared off. Sure enough, a few moments after the engine was cut, the silence was broken by the sudden blow of a humpback, very close. We could see the bumpy tubercles on the tops of their heads and their blowholes, then the line of their dorsal fins, and finally their flukes as they dove.
Like with the elephant seals, I was shocked by the size of the whales. It’s so difficult to truly conceive of how enormous these mammals are until there’s one right next to your tiny boat, and you see its dorsal fin and think that’s huge, but it’s just a small part of the animal under the surface. And then you see one breach across the bay and it just takes your breath away, not least because you realize that if the one next to you decides to do that, your entire zodiac is probably getting taken out in the process.
It was an amazing, humbling experience. I’ve never felt so small or insignificant, or so deeply grateful to be exactly where I was in that moment.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.