First landing! Posted up next to a penguin rookery. (Rachel Short-Miller)
Lots of things about this adventure were great, but can you blame me if I say that this was by far my favorite aspect? I mean it helped that our expedition guides were cool, but I think it made a world of difference that our captain and our expedition leader both had a sense of adventure at the center of their hearts. The whole ship made us feel like what we had just experienced was truly special and rare which added to the magic of it all.
Handstand on the Weddell Sea. (Rachel Short-Miller)
I do believe what we did was special. Because the weather was favorable, we ventured farther south on the east side of the peninsula than other departures typically can. We were rewarded by an experience that even in the 15 years of cruising the Antarctic, neither the captain or the expedition leader had ever been in before. With this venture, we made it to “fast ice” where the sea begins to freeze. We were only around 65 degrees south, but there was a perfect spot between the two islands where the 10 mile wide channel had the right conditions. We drove the ship straight into the 2 meter thick ice and parked it. From there, we were able to get off the ship and set foot on the Weddell Sea. I doubt I will ever again stand over 400 meters of sea.
L'Austral parked in fast ice. (Rachel Short-Miller)
The other unique experience was cruising through the Gerlache Strait while legitimately hundreds of whales were eating around us. During that golden hour, we got to see miles of whales cooperatively feeding before our eyes. We heard them tumpeting and saw their heads, fins and flukes surface. We were able to see their circular nets of bubbles and catch their spout mist shimmering in the low light. It was out of this world.
Three humpback whales working together in a feeding method called bubble netting. (Rachel Short-Miller)
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.
