And the wildlife -WOW! I am not a morning person, and yet I set the alarm for 6 am daily and in 10 minutes I was the first passenger up on deck. I couldn't wait to see our new mooring! (We sailed at night!) Elizabeth Bay was magic with flying fish, diving flightless cormorants and blue footed boobies, marine turtles and penguins. With a killer sunrise to boot. WOW!
Even though I knew from years of reading about the Galapagos that the wildlife is not afraid of humans. . .WOW WOW WOW. . . I cannot describe how special I felt to stand looking at a Nazca Booby mommy bird shifting her scrawny featherless baby from one webbed foot to the other. A few steps further I saw several Blue Footed Booby parents with their downy chicks. Our guide said the Nazca Booby baby bird was less than 2 hours out of the egg. The mother bird uses her feet to insulate the baby from the hot ground, and her feathers from above to be sure it does not get cold. And the parents ignored us as if we were not there. WOW WOW WOW!
For years to come I'll reflect back on lots of wildlife images when I think about the Galapagos Islands. . .
. . .Sitting on a white sand beach in the middle of sea lions that I thought were simply sleeping when I came ashore. On the contrary, they were. . . grunting. . . changing positions to get the sand perfect. . . barking at babies to come back. . . letting the waves completely cover them before they bothered to move. . . rolling over so the sea lion next to her rolled over the one next to her who rolled over the one next to her. . . down the line like a bunch of chunky dominos. This colony of sun bathing sea lions was ANYTHING but quiet! WOW
. . . Stopping to photograph sun bathing lava lizards with their chunky Popeye arms grabbing a rock. Just before you click the photo the lizard slowly turns his head to present a profile as if to say ''this is my good side-take this picture''! WOW
. . . Quietly paddling the panga into a bay of calm marine ponds lined with mangroves, and drifting silently so marine turtles and sting rays peacefully glided beneath us. WOW
I could go on and on. . . the punch line for me is that these islands are magically special and surpassed my expectations. I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time there. I will reflect back on this visit with wonder for years to come.
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
4 months ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.
Colorado Traveler
7 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
7 months ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.