Svalbard is often regarded as a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. Along with Africa and the Galapagos, it is one of the top destinations to see some of the more elusive and unique creatures in the world.
There was not a day that went by that we were not entertained by some type of wildlife. Polar bears were, of course, very high on everyone's list. The crew searched diligently, even through the night and would announce whenever a polar bear was spotted. Though polar bears are found all over the Arctic, Svalbard, being relatively small in comparison, is one of the most reliable places to see them. The wonderful thing about expedition cruising is that the agenda is always up to change so anytime a bear was spotted we would slow the ship and spend hours just watching the bear interact with his landscape. Being on the ship you could always retreat to the lounge or your room and return to watch the bear again later.
Walruses were another large creature that many of us were watching out for. We were rewarded several times seeing them lounging on an ice flow, but the most impressive sighting was at Poolepynten when the shallow water provides prime feeding ground. There was a colony of over 50 walrus hanging on the beach and lumbering in and out of the water. The marine biologist set a line and we went in small groups to observe the colony.
Another exciting sighting was a colony of Little Auks. Our ornithologist on board had studied the actual colony that we visited at Isbjornhamna. Being that I am not a big birder myself I didn't expect to be too impressed, but the massive colony and charming little birds won me over and I sat for a good 30 minutes or so just watching them flit about on the cliff face. Though my sad little camera can hardly capture the impressive sight.
Our crew's efforts were also rewarded by sightings of seals, puffins, minke and beluga whales and numerous other bird species throughout the duration of our trip.
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
2 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.