I pride myself on being a kayaker. Whether I’m paddling Montana’s rivers, New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Sound, Hawaii’s big island or Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, I can’t get enough of my favorite water sport. That being said, kayaking off the shores of Antarctica’s icy peninsula was a definite must and one of the many reasons I wanted so badly to join a Basecamp itinerary.
At first, the idea of kayaking in the world’s coldest and most remote location was a little daunting. People at home told me I was crazy for wanting to do it and I often couldn’t help but agree, but it wasn’t an opportunity I was about to pass up.
Ready and eager before our first outing, I donned my water resistant gear and zipped my camera into my jacket. After boarding our zodiac, we cruised away from the ship with kayaks in tow and it wasn’t long before our group of 16 had Antarctica to ourselves. The first thing I noticed after obtaining my paddle and pushing away from the zodiac was how peaceful it was. Sitting so low to the water and so far away from the hustle and bustle of the ship, one could truly admire the majesty of the great white continent.
The group followed our kayaking guide into an ice field and we wove our way through the icebergs which had gathered there. A nearby glacier rumbled and calved. Penguins skimmed the surface and then disappeared into the depths of the sea. My heart pounded with exhilaration as I dipped my paddle into the water again and again.
Words can't describe it but heed my advice - if you go to Antarctica, kayak. You won't be able to describe it either.
I received a quick and friendly response from my contact, Christina Mayo, both in email and phone calls. My request for information was provided in less than a day. She took a few minutes to chat about family and events. Dealing with her has always been a pleasure!
Mary Ann
1 day ago
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
3 days ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
5 days ago
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
1 week 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.