In the morning, we made a dry landing on Fernandina and began a two hour hike. As if on cue, a large Marine Iguana stood posing for at the start of the hike. He stood like a statue as our guide, Luis, gave us an introduction to the island. After walking along a trail through Mangroves, we emerged along a large lava flow on which were sunning perhaps over one hundred Marine Iguana. The smell of algae, their main food source was pungent in the air. Every so often, an iguana would "sneeze" a concentrated solution of salt out of its nose. This is how they regulate their salt and water intake. Males are much larger than the females and all get along peacefully this time of the year. However, in a couple of months, mating season begins and the males get very aggressive. The iguanas appear the ignore the finches which perch on their backs, feeding off of dead skin and cleaning them of parasites. Adjacent to the lava rock is a large sandy area where the females lay their eggs.
As we walked a little further, we came upon a protected inlet of water where we sat and watched a whole host of animals. Two Sea Turtles peacefully grazed on the algae just under the surface and periodically stuck their heads out of the water to breathe. A Galapagos Penguin suddenly shot across the water. On the other side of the inlet as if on cue, dozens of Marine Iguana began walking into the water and then began swimming out of the inlet to feed on algae below the surface.
On the hike back to the pangas, we spotted the dried remains of an iguana that appeared to have died perched up on a piece of driftwood, frozen like a sculpture. The only animal that we hadn't thus far seen was the Flightless Cormorant. Over thousands of years of evolution, these birds have lost the ability to fly. This doesn't stop them from flapping their wings to dry out. Suddenly, one was spotted on the rocks and our panga passed within a few feet. They have very muscular legs that they use for climbing and swimming under water as they look for their favorite food, the Octopus.
After lunch, the Eric made a quick trip across the channel to Isabela. Graffiti which dates back to the early 1900's scars the lava rock faces of the cliffs that surround the bay we anchored in. Education and law enforcement has luckily eliminated this activity. The amount and diversity of life that exists in this small bay is amazing! Almost every nook and cranny has an animal living there. We snorkeled along the tall lava rock cliffs and saw colorful Starfish, Sea Turtles and countless schools of fish. The highlight for me was when a Flightless Cormorant dove into the water right next to me. I got to watch it swim underwater as it foraged for food. In the afternoon, we took the pangas out of the bay along the rock cliffs. Blue-footed Boobies perched on the rocks, resting in between hunting. Large Pelicans flew overhead and dove into the water after fish. Dozens of penguins sat on the rocks. Two large rays over 4 feet in diameter swam right under the raft. Suddenly, the water a couple hundred yards from us appeared to boil as a school of fish broke the surface and birds began diving after their meal. We got a chance to take the rafts into a cave that had been carved into the rock cliffs. Suddenly, a head was poking out of the dark water and moving towards us. Surprise--a sea lion!
That night after a nice dinner, the ship left for Santiago. As we were warned, the ocean became quite rough at about midnight and the ship felt like "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" until we anchored in the morning.
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.