After an early breakfast we walked up the 350+ steps to the summit of the central volcanoe of Bartolome Island. From here we experienced great views of the nearby islands and were exposed to a landscape of volcanic desolation. We could see spatter cones, scoria formations, tuff cones and black volcanic sand. It was not entirely desolate, as the isthmus to the west was covered with mangroves and coves of golden sand.
Once again it was time to snorkel, this time we ventured along the rocky shoreline towards the pinnacle. There were two playful sea lions who revelled in sneaking up on unwary snorkellers and startling them. One had the audacity to tug at the zipper pull on the back of my wetsuit.
Then it was back to the boat where we were once again greeted by the smiling faces of the crew. Luis, as usual, would be waiting for us with a cool refreshing drink and a tasty snack to tide us over until dinner. Onwards we cruised to Seymour, the island of blue footed boobies and frigate birds. Some of the male frigate birds that we saw had really large inflated red pouches. We learned that these colorful inflated pouches are used to attract females. Supposedly once a female choses a male, it is not uncommon for her to pierce his pouch so that he is no longer attractive (ouch!). The pouch does heal before the next breeding season.
The blue footed boobies were so trusting, not bothered at all as we walked beside females sitting on eggs and newly hatched downy young. It was incredible. I would love to be able to see the mating rituals of these birds, perhaps another time.
After dinner we cruised on to Santa Cruz Island. It felt strange to see the lights of a city. It had a beauty of its own, albeit different from that of a star filled sky. A few of us sat up top, talking long into the night.
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.