I didn’t initially sign up for kayaking on this trip. But I’m glad I was talked into it and I was lucky enough to snag the last spot. I had done some kayaking, but I certainly had never done anything like this. One Ocean was fantastic and supplied all of the gear we could possibly need - dry suits, booties, PFDs, kayaks, paddles and my personal favorite new discovery, pogies - neoprene mittens that kept our hands warm even when splashed by the Antarctic waters.
Our kayak guides were spectacular. Between the three of them, they had a ton of polar kayaking experience and made everyone, while at different levels, feel comfortable and confident. We had two guides with us in the water at all times and the third was navigating the zodiac, nearby in case anyone needed to get in, but far enough away that it never disrupted our peaceful, quiet experience of seeing Antarctica from a paddle-powered boat.
Each morning we would meet early in the library and our guides would give us a briefing of the paddling options for the day, both morning and afternoon. Each person would decide if it was something they’d like to participate in OR if they’d rather take part in the excursion offered to the rest of the passengers, usually a landing/hike or a zodiac cruise. Since there were limited kayaking spots, 16 to be exact, and there were people on the waitlist who would have loved the opportunity to kayak in Antarctica, we were encouraged to kayak as much as possible so we didn’t squander our chance. But we still had the option, and I even chose the land excursion over kayaking a few times because I wanted to hang out with the penguins.
Experiencing this amazing place from a kayak was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. We had all different weather types, sunshine, snow, pancake ice, & glass-like water. By far, the best part of kayaking was the wildlife. We saw countless whales, mostly humpback, eerily close to us. They would breach sometimes as close as 15-20 feet away and disappear beneath us. It’s pretty surreal and slightly terrifying to know there is a creature 45-feet long underneath us. We also saw playful fur seals, who would come right up to our kayaks to investigate us. One member of our kayaking group even had a pair of juvenile cormorants, aka shags, land on his kayak and hitch a ride for at least 30 minutes! I loved the opportunity to kayak with the same folks every day. We quickly bonded as a group and our cohesiveness was undeniable. Franny and I made some lifelong friends from the experience.
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.