We haven't read great things about the diving in the Bocas but we've scheduled 2 dives anyway. We check in first thing in the morning and the process seems somewhat chaotic - should have been a sign! I have brought along a camera, housing and flash that I haven't used before and I'm worried that the flash isn't going to work. It doesn't. My rental regulator free-flows as I back roll off the boat and they decide to swap out my tank as I hang precariously on the side of the boat. The water is murky, the reef is awful and the flash isn't working - then I check my air - or lack thereof. I should have had over 1000psi - not so! It was the end of the dive anyway. It's raining and the diving was worse than poor so we cancel our second dive and go back to the hotel and cleanup and dry out but not for long.
The rain has let up so I convince the boys to rent bikes and see how far inland we can explore before we tire out (pun wasn't intended there). Off we go. About 6 miles into the ride with the skies looking very threatening again I get a flat tire. We have to turn around and walk the bikes back 6 miles in the once again ever-present rain. The vendor was at least willing to refund 50% of our rental. But hey, I know where we can get a cold beer and visit with the locals... we cleanup and dry off again and go quench a thirst. Dinner at the hotel later on.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.