I had heard tales of taking the "polar plunge", but it usually involved a 2 second dip into arctic waters, or running in from a beach and then jumping in a hot spring. After our final landing on our final day in Antarctica, our guides decided to give us the opportunity to experience this crazy (and probably really stupid) activity. We had no idea that they had a slightly different challenge in mind for us!
So, here is the story of how I took the polar plunge
Step #1: Get suited up:
Step #2: Get courage from a stiff drink:
Step #3: Be the first two in line so you don't have to wear a wet harnass (then start wondering about WHY you need to wear a harnass)
While in line, start to notice what the crew is wearing, and that they keep moving icebergs out of the way in the water:
Step #4: Get harnassed in:
Step #5: Listen to instructions (assuming:"Jump in and climb out"): I'm sorry, did the guide in the zodiac 100 feet away just say "Jump in and swim to me" ??????
Step #6: Against all your better reasoning skills, JUMP!:
Step #7: Start swearing and swim for your life:
Step #8: Reach the other boat, so excited to make the pain stop: I'm sorry, what did you just say? SWIM BACK!?!?!?!
Step #9: Realize you should pay closer attention to what will be expected of you, start swearing and swimming again:
Step #10: Make your glorious escape from the icy abyss:
Step #11: Take the obligatory "we did it!" photo:
Step #12: Enjoy the sensation of feeling returning to our bodies in the hot tub:
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
1 day ago
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings
2 days ago
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
2 days ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
2 days ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.