The winds calmed and we had our first zodiac boarding experience. I felt surefooted throughout, but was more concerned about sea spray on the camera equipment. That over-paranoia eased as the days went on, but protecting equipment was critical and with proper planning, certainly doable. I had two camera bodies in a sling bag which fit down in a waterproof backpack, plus a water point-and-shoot camera which was very convenient on the zodiacs. If we did zodiac tours I would risk the big zoom camera with a plastic sleeve, but if we were just landing somewhere the water camera worked out just fine.
On land I kept the zoom and wide angle cameras at the ready, one of only 2 of us with two camera bodies on us, but I think I was able to get shots others missed so would recommend that method if within your financial scope. I bought a used mid-range body as my second, so not a major expense, plus it served as backup for the larger camera. This came in handy after a particularly rainy humid day... all worked out in the end however. Couples traveling together had the advantage of course, sharing the camera load. I did not use a tripod nor did I think it was necessary, basically great light throughout the trip. My zoom was 70-300 which I felt was the perfect balance of zoom vs. weight. Others had 500 zooms but they were huge and cumbersome and the wildlife just wasn't that far away. My wide angle, 10-22, took some of my very favorite photos, especially of the wildlife if they got really close to me. Highly recommended! I also had a couple small backup lenses in tow, just in case.
Finally, bring TONS of storage. I chose lots of mid-size cards and a waterproof case for them, no computer, no backup drive. I guess we all choose our financial priorities and risk points for travel. Enough about cameras..... just wanted to provide my thoughts as I looked for this info in advance and never quite found the detail I was looking for.... anyway, Stanley.
Beautiful community filled with my favorite cars, Land Rovers, and tons of wildlife and creepy shipwrecks with cloudy skies, a photographer's dream. A few of us elected to self explore instead of a walking tour. I was pleased with that decision. After a group packed lunch, most of us chose a Land Rover adventure to the other side of the island. It had everything I wanted -- bumpy racing, crazy locals, and tons of friendly penguins at our destination, Lagoon Bluff Cove. They pecked at our feet, chicks nestled their mothers, Gentoo penguins frolicked in the waves, it was just magical! You couldn't get that smile off my face for anything...
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
1 day ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
2 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
Jennifer Howard Schroeder
3 days ago
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week