We had booked a split-tour at Turneffe Flats, so we were going to do the Atoll Adventure package for the first few days and then fish for the latter half of the week. Today we were heading out with Abel, the atoll guide. We were with two other guests for the day, and headed out to our first snorkel spot. On the way, we came across a pod of dolphins playing in the wake from our boat. The water was a bit rough, but we snorkeled for nearly an hour, seeing more underwater wildlife than I had ever seen! There were several types of rays, fish, starfish, crabs, and beautiful corals of all kinds. We were all starting to get cold and so we got back in the boat, and headed across the entire atoll back to the west side to one of Abel's favorite snorkel spots. The reef here was INCREDIBLE! I cannot believe how much wildlife we saw. Really no way to describe it in words, but I could have snorkeled here for hours. The currents were a little stronger here and after an hour or so, we were all pretty cold so we went back in the boat and explored around through the mangroves on our way back to the lodge. We looking for manatee but no luck. Instead, we saw lots of birds. The mangroves were like a giant maze, and somehow Abel always knew exactly where we were. We got back to the lodge, had some sort of tropical drink and relaxed by the pool until dinner. The fisherman and divers all came back and we all shared our stories over dinner.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.