Our first full day was spent on Genovesa Island. The overnight crossing to get here was no picnic but luckily since it happened while we slept the effects were diminished. It was quite rocky in the middle of the night when I got up for the restroom but otherwise I just felt like I was being rocked to sleep.
When we're off the boat in the morning I am immediately struck by the beauty of our surroundings. The island is unlike any other place I have ever been, with its towering cliffs, scrubby vegetation, and stunning wildlife. It is a place of contrasts, where the harsh volcanic landscape meets the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos. Our morning started with a short walk through the rocky terrain to a small lagoon. Along the way, we encountered a variety of birds, including the famous red-footed boobies, with their bright blue beaks and striking red feet. The birds are nesting in the bushes and trees, and we are careful not to disturb them as we observe their behavior.
Red footed boobie (Jess Heuermann)
Most striking is a mama Nazca Boobie with her babies. Her little nest is meer feet from the trail and we snap photos of her from there. She's not frightened in the least and allows us to snap away. This, to me, is the most unique thing about the Galapagos. Because this area is so protected the animals have no reason to be afraid of humans so we can observe them at a close distance with no problems.
Mama and babies (Jess Heuermann)
After lunch on board we hike up a steep (but short) trail to the top of a cliff, where we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the island and the surrounding sea. The wind whips through our hair as we gaze out at the endless expanse of blue, dotted with the occasional island or passing boat. The bird life up on this plateau is even more impressive, the creatures number in the thousands you can clearly see why Genovesa is a must for bird enthusiasts visiting the islands.
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
3 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
5 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
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
