After a rough panga ride this morning (when passengers were getting sick overboard), the snorkeling activity in the same rough waters did not appeal to many on the trip. The guides emphasized that the waters were not suited for most, and you would need to be a strong swimmer in order to participate in the snorkel. Kepler decided to stay behind, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to MAYBE, just maybe, get to swim with penguins.
I donned my wetsuit and boarded the panga, fully prepared to be seasick, exhausted and disappointed. Only about six of us took part in the snorkel… and we were SO glad we did! Almost immediately after jumping into the water, a penguin zipped by us, like a bullet in the water! We continued to see amazing things – schools of fish, giant turtles having their shells cleaned by beautiful angel fish, bright yellow sea stars and so much more. At one point, I watched a marine iguana jump down off a cliff and swim along the rock face, completely unfazed by me swimming along next to him. We even had a chance to swim into a giant cave!
The absolute topper, for me, was the penguins. Seeing the Galapagos penguin for the first time this morning was a dream come true. Having a chance to then SWIM with them was just… beyond words! At least four came to play – zipping past us, spinning around in circles, and chasing schools of fish for fun. They were graceful, speedy, and simply amazing! While the currents were rough and the waves left me feeling less than pleasant, it was absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, worth it! My Galapagos checklist is complete – the rest of the trip will just be icing on an already perfect cake!
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.