The water along the coast was a bit murky since we were further from the reef compared to being on Ambergris, so I was a little skeptical of how good the snorkeling would be. How is this one of the premier dive spots in the world with a visibility of about 3 feet? We figured out why there were so many experienced divers choosing Hamanasi: You just head out from Hamanasi for about 30 minutes, and you are on the Belize barrier reef again. This was some of the clearest water I had ever seen. We passed an island that was full of boobies and frigate birds nesting, and we spent some time watching the birds come and go from the shaded trees on the island and observed some juvenile birds contemplating their first flights. The Hamanasi snorkeling guide was great, taking the time to tell us the names of the species of fish we were seeing along the reef. I enjoyed watching the confident barracudas calmly cruising among the snorkelers, and they look more menacing than they really are. Carrie had the \"spot\" of the day when she saw an octopus, but it was a fleeting sight as it quickly hid under some rocks. We returned to Hamanasi and had a great lunch. We relaxed that afternoon in the hammocks (and trying to get the salt water out of my sinuses).
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.