Bob Dylan’s “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” is playing behind the bar and I don’t think I ever imagined listening to Blonde on Blonde in such a setting. This morning we set anchor at Neko Bay, and hiked to the top of a rocky outcropping flanking a steep, precariously perched glacier. Gentoo Penguins roosted along the slope, and from my spot on top of the rocky mountain the whole bay, and seemingly the world, laid out in all directions reaching farther and farther until the last white peak blended into the pale blue horizon. A humpback whale came up for air just along the shoreline, sewing a thread of bubbles across the still water. This was the actual continent of Antarctica, right beneath me.
In the afternoon we sailed through the Gerlache Strait to Whilhamina Bay, fondly known as “Whale-hemina Bay” by the staff, for it’s guaranteed abundance of cetaceans. We didn’t set anchor until 4 PM, and by then I had already lost count of the number of whales I spotted. We got into our kayaks and headed toward a burst of mist coming from a humpback whale. We had been paddling for about five minutes when all of a sudden an enormous whale emerged from the water immediately beside my friend Roy’s kayak, her massive body less than a foot from him! She blew out a big breath and then dove right under his boat, Roy cried out and the rest of us all yelled unintelligible exclamations. Then the next whale, the calf, popped up right on the other side of Roy, this time his rostrum poking up, he gave the kayak a curious look and headed back down.
Here were were, watching whales, all the while the whales were watching us! This just kept on going, whale upon whale, including one absolutely massive male which surfaced just to the stern of my Dad’s boat, letting out a deep, cavernous trumpet, sounding like something between an elephant and a dinosaur. The cow and calf joined, snorting loudly. Occasionally a fluke would make an appearance as they dove, and the whole kayak team would cry out with joy. We stayed on the water till it was nearly dark, shivering but refusing to admit we were cold. We chased the whales until the very end, each sighting eliciting laughter until I actually cried. It was unreal and as close to magic as I could fathom. And that is how I would describe Antarctica in one word, magic.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.