In the morning, we made a wet landing on a black sand beach and went for a walk along a trail while we were told the story about the previous settlers on the island who operated a salt mine. Unfortunately, goats and pigs were introduced and eventually threatened to destroy the natural wildlife on the island. Relatively recently, the National Parks service was successful in eradicating all the pigs and goats from the island. We hiked to an old lava flow in which the ocean had carved small inlets, caves and blowholes. Sea lions were resting in the cracks surrounding these holes and colorful bright orange-red crabs crawled around while Marine Iguanas warmed in the sun. Colorful green-yellow Mocking Birds landed now and then.
We snorkeled off the black sand beach while a male sea lion barked and patrolled a section of the rocks to warn others away from his mate and calf.
After returning to the ship we had lunch and a nice nap and then embarked for a place on the other side of the island known as China Hat due to the appearance of a large cinder cone on this end of the island. The landscape was quite exotic, appearing like the surface of the moon with numerous parasitic cones in all directions.
We boarded the pangas and motored up a long wide inlet between two sections of the islands and went for a drift snorkel as the current pushed us along. Spectacular scenery was enjoyed with thousands of exotic fish including trigger fish and parrot fish. I had the opportunity to watch Marine Iguanas feed under the water. My son, Patrick saw two reef sharks.
That evening at dinner, a bottle of champagne and a birthday card were brought to my wife, Joyce. After dinner, the lights were suddenly dimmed and a birthday cake was brought out. The crew and captain began singing songs. Their group is called 'The Barnacles'.
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.