We began the day early to head out snorkeling on the north end of San Cristobal. Along the way to our first snorkel stop we saw humpback whales! We stopped to admire the grace and beauty of the mother and her calf. I enjoyed that our guides kept us on schedule throughout the day but we never felt rushed or hurried along while watching and experiencing the wildlife.
We stopped to snorkel in a bay and saw Galapagos iguanas along with penguins and blue footed boobies on the shore. There were a few sea lions swimming in the coves around us but our guides cautioned us to give them a wide berth since the dominant male was pacing and presenting himself aggressively. We were alright getting back in the boat anyway since the water in the cove was a little brisk. We cruised onward for a "wet landing" at a nearby island where the crew prepared a nice lunch of tacos as we walked around the island.
The island was very peaceful as we walked and kept an eye on the ground for all the beautiful shells, crabs, and other marine life that washed ashore. I never felt cold as we walked around but it was a different feeling than being in the caribbean or a central american beach. I kept my rashguard, hat and plenty of sunscreen on as we walked around.
And we had a little fun with Kicker Rock in the background :)
That afternoon we motored up to Kicker Rock also referred to as Leon Dormido (sleeping Lion) and I was in awe.
I didn't realize the force of the currents washing through the channel between the rocks but I was distinctly aware of it as we jumped over and into the water. The currents change from one direction to the other so our crew positioned us on the correct side and gave us the signal to swim towards the channel. I hung on to Matt's hand for dear life as we were swept through. We saw dozens of Galapagos sharks about twenty to thirty feet below us. (Note: there has never been an attack here since the food is so plentiful for the sharks but try telling that to our adrenaline-infused brains as they curiously swam up to see us.) Our guides swam down ten to fifteen feet to meet them and appease the sharks' curiosity. It was unsettling and awe-inspiring to watch these beautiful beasts swim so peacefully right below us. I periodically picked my head up above the water to give my eyes a break from the scene below. Then I would quickly plunge my head back underwater for fear that I would miss a moment of the experience. After a couple minutes we came out the other side of the channel and out guide signaled for anyone who wanted to get back on the boat to follow him. I glanced at Matt and gave him the thumbs up that I was happy with my Kicker Rock experience and would enjoy getting out of the water now. He too was happy to follow Tomas back to the boat and process this mind-blowing experience we had just encountered. The rest of the group continued on around the side of the rock with our other guide - viewing starfish and other marine life.
Matt and I sat back and watched the side of Leon Dormido and we motored around the giant rocks to complete our 360 tour. It had been an amazing day and we settled back to process and enjoy all of our memories made in the last 8 hours.
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.