As usual, we awoke to a new location, this time alongside Espinosa Island. Our 2 hour walk brought us close to colourful "Christmas Iguanas" adorned in reds, greens and black. It was getting close to Christmas and thoughts of the holidays were in everyone's minds. I would soon be heading off to Merazonia, a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where I would be volunteering for two weeks (over Christmas and New Years ). But now was not the time to think of Christmas or tomorrows plans. We had to cherish every moment and partake of what Espinosa had to offer us.
Waved albatross with enormous wingspans soared high in the sky while young ones waited on shore until they were ready to fledge. We were told that once the young leave, they do not set foot on land again for 5 years! That is incredible. As we stood atop the sea cliffs we glimpsed turtles swimming in the turquoise water below. Frigate birds and red billed tropic birds soared overhead as we strolled along the path, intrigued by the lava lizards, nazca boobies, flycatchers, finches and the snake that slithered by. It was a really, hard place to leave.
Back we went to the Flamingo, where some of us swam off the back of the boat in the spare time before lunch was ready. This afternoon proved to be different from the others. We were transported via panga to a beautiful white sandy beach where we had free time (what a concept) to snorkel, swim, walk or just plain old relax.
There were sea lions of all ages basking in the sun, while nearby, young pups were frolicking and playing on the beach. The ocean was a blend of blues, greens and turquoise and was warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit. Time passed quickly and before we knew it, it was time to go back to the boat. we still had to head to San Cristobal where we would be debarking the following day.
Before dinner we had a farewell toast with the entire crew. I was going to miss the ever-smiling face of Maria, a very talented woman ( a jack of all trades - house keeping, first mate and what ever else needed doing) and our knowledgeable and friendly guide Gaby. The entire crew was awesome. I also appreciated the efforts of Adventure Life to reduce their environmental impact. This was one of the factors that influenced my choice of tour companies.The Galapagos is a very fragile place that deserves to be protected in perpetuity.
After dinner there was a flurry of email exchanges and a promise to share photos. We went up top, and gazed at the lights of the city, the lights of the boats and the stars above. This was an incredible trip and I would be bringing back lots of memories and photos to help me remember my time in the Galapagos.
We had breakfast at 7:30 and were off the boat by 8:15 so that there was enough time to visit the visitor centre and to walk around town. As we waited for our plane at the airport I watched with envy, the people arriving, who were about to start their Galapagos aventure.
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.