Handed over a stockpile of granola bars, power bars, and freeze-dried snacks (a vegetarian's survival kit in latin america) to the volcano hikers, and set off to walk through town. Navigating around the piles of Marina Iguanas lazily making their way to the beach as the hot sun rose threw up a couple of detours, but this is why I travel - for the unexpected, unscheduled, wander-fueled experiences of unknown places. I had a lovely conversation (spanish) with a lady at the post office about the history of the Ecuadorean stamps, caught the relay races of school children, and captured the slimmest of birds posing on the beach.
A couple of indulgent hours at the lovely Iguana Crossing pool to rest up for an afternoon surf session, and then El Gringo picks me up with the shortest surf board I've ever used and we walk along a deserted beach where we find a couple of other Ecuadoreans surfing. I leash up and try to gain my stability on 7'2 or 7'4 board. Finally, I catch a wave!! (always thrilling) and a round of applause from the Ecuadorean surf dudes on the beach (as they say in Ecuador, totally chevre!). Two plus hours later, and many great rides, the sun is setting and other surfers have retreated to the beach due to recent tiger shark sightings. We amble back to the hotel - and all I can think is, 'I can't believe I just surfed the Galapagos!!! It is this moment, and a culmination of many others on the trip, that thoroughly and joyfully validates this trip and the path that led me to it.
A late dinner results in the group slowly trickling into the hotel bar, sharing stories about our respective days and taking moments to gaze at the star-filled sky (tech note: download Star Chart app!). All of us stoked, tired and deeply appreciative of this journey and our fellow travelers.
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
3 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
4 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.