We awoke in Darwin Bay to a view of Genovesa Island. It was but a short panga ride to the beach where Gaby and Pepe, our guides, introduced us to some of the local inhabitants - red-footed boobies, frigate birds, red-billed tropic birds, the nimble sally lightfoot crabs and iguanas. It was amazing how close one could get to the red footed boobies. There was no need for a telephoto lens - my little point and shoot camera worked wonders. The red footed boobies, unlike the blue-footed or nazca boobies, perch in trees wrapping their bright red feet around the branches. The blue around their eyes and on their bills looked as if it had been skillfully painted with a fine brush.
After our wonderful lunch and siesta we headed to Prince Philip's steps. We saw nazca boobies in all stages of life, from delicate downy chicks to mature adults. They were very innocent and fearless of people. After living and working in the Yukon for 30 years it was absolutely amazing to be able to get so close to wild birds and animals such as iguanas. Back home moose, bears, wolves etc usually run at the sight or scent of humans. Gaby and Pepe shared their abundant knowledge of the natural history of the Galapagos islands and explained importance of staying on the trails and not touching the animals.
We returned to the boat and started our 14+ hour journey to Fernandina Island. It was quite rough and not surprisingly several of the group didn't make it to dinner. That evening most of us sat on the deck enjoying the fresh air and gazing at the brilliant stars illuminating the night sky. I felt small and humble watching the vast array of stars in the sky, it also made me realize how small and fragile our world is. If I was home, I would be partaking in a moonlit ski with friends, however, here I was experiencing the same moon in the Galapagos. Many a tale was spun that evening as we shared glimpses into each others lives.
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.