I woke up feeling a bit sad this was our last full day in the Galapagos. I asked myself again: why didn't we do the 8 day option?
Our day started with a walk to the top of Bartolome Island. The island doesn't have much to offer in terms of wild life or vegetation other than lizards and cactus. It was mainly a geological site which the volcanic lava rocks formed interesting landscapes . The weather was a bit overcast. I brought my rain jacket in case. The peak had wooden steps all the way up. It wasn't too hard since we weren't at 4000m anymore.
When we reached the top, the view was the entire island with the pinnacle rock sticking out of the blue sea. It was gorgeous.
There was also an underwater crater that can be seemed on top.
The sun came out just in time for snorkeling off of Gold Beach next to the underwater crater. The water was warmer and we saw a lot more than previous two days. White tip sharks, eagles ray, swimming sea lions and tons of colourful tropical fish.
We came back to the boat, did more lounging around before and after lunch. At 3PM, we hopped in the panga to check out Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz Island.
We turned off the panga engine and the guide paddled mostly through the lush mangrove covered cove. The complete silence made me want stay here forever and just stare at nature as it happens. We were lucky to be able to see baby sharks, rays, turtles and fishes very well through the clear and shallow low tide cove water. What a beautifully serene place for nature to flourish.
The hour went by very quickly. Before we knew it we were back on the boat again. This was our last night. The chef prepared us a BBQ feast on the sun deck at 6:30PM. The food was amazing. Giant prawns were the main course. Sangria was served as the twenty of us ate, talked in the soft sun set rays and ocean breeze. We even ignored, I meant, missed our guides' call for evening briefing.
During the briefing, we got our departure packages that included luggage tags, exit control tickets, ID stickers and etc.
Then we went back to our cabin to pack. I went to bed early since I started feeling a little sea sick.
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http://rubyroads.blogspot.com/2011/09/galapagos-day-4-day-21.html
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.