On arriving in Santa Cruz, you knew you were in a very unique and one of a kind area of the world. We were able to get up close to the famous Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment. Their size and seeing them walk with that weight was amazing. We explored one of the largest tunnels and were in treated to the Darwin Research Station and the work done to preserve this precious environment.
Seaman II, our boat was very comfortable and the food delicious. We were always welcomed back from our excursions with glasses of juice or cups of hot chocolate a real classy touch of service. Our guide and the boat crew were fantastic and most cooperative, friendly and very helpful and made our voyage very comfortable.
Hiking over the lava fields, climbing the mountains to enjoy the views and seeing flamingos, black/grey colored water iguanas and seals, blue, pink and white footed Boobies, Yellow/brown colored land iguanas and the variety of birds, albatross, Darwin finches and many other varieties was so different from anywhere else we had travelled. At or near sunset we were treated to pods of dolphins and whales.
The three excursions of snorkeling included swimming with large turtles, seals, and the occasional penguin. Going underwater was like being in your own aquarium. Many schools of multicolored fish and large individual fish of all sizes and colors and all very playful.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.