Ruly’s undivided attention to his travelers was exceptional, but not only for educational purposes. Ruly has also dedicated himself to the preservation of the Galapagos Islands, so much so that he only sees his wife and children once every few months. His passion for the islands was undoubtedly the most powerful experience for me throughout the entire trip. It was his duty to make sure that travelers left the Galapagos feeling empowered to help preserve the islands and take responsibility for their presence on the islands. I appreciated this take and how serious he was about preservation. Too many of us (privileged) travelers take for granted the incredible places we visit. We think that by just paying for a trip to go there, we are keeping everything in order. It’s not true. Places like the Galapagos require more than just tourist dollars. They require understanding, education, and knowledge about the area so they can be appropriately preserved by the experts.
My father and I soaked in the islands with awe and wonder. There’s nothing to compare the islands to and no experience just like it. We felt blessed to share these days with others who share a similar passion for our natural world. And not to mention, our ship, the Endemic, was brand new in the Galapagos Islands and provided each traveler with comfort, delicious food, and friendly Ecuadorian staff throughout.
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.
