If I'm being honest, the water terrifies me! I love the look of the ocean, and I love laying on the beach, or kayaking along the coast, but I actually hate getting into the water. Something about feeling like control is taken from me and having fish touch me - no, no, no. Now, this hasn't ever stopped me from getting into the water - I've snorkeled all over the world...but I don't necessarily enjoy it.
When they told us that we were going to do a night snorkel with giant manta rays, I almost peed a little. We were told we were going to suit up, hop into the water in the pitch black of night, and shine lights that would attract manta rays with 20 foot wing spans to come and brush against us as they fed. Nothing about this sounded good, but I'm not one to turn down a challenge. So...we suited up
and headed out to the sea. What happened next is one of my favorite experiences I have ever had!
We were split up into groups and we jumped into the water and held on to floating surfboards with lights coming out of them
The lights shone into the water, and attracted plankton. As the plankton gathered in the light, giant - and I mean GIANT - manta rays would swim right for us, barrel roll against us and eat the plankton!
While their mouths look HUGE, the actual opening that food can enter is tiny, and they don't have teeth, so there is no way they can hurt you - but that doesn't stop the experience from being a bit overwhelming
The water was chilly and it was raining, so many people only lasted through the first few minutes of the feeding and then headed back. Kepler and I stayed in the water, absolutely in awe of the experience, until time was up - and knowing my fear of the water (and a bit of the dark as well), that says something about how incredible this experience truly was!
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.