We flew to the Galapagos this morning. The kitchen at the hotel was closed when we got up but they fed us a muffin and juice on the first part of our flight to Guayaquil. Then on the two hour flight to San Cristobal, we received a meat and cheese sandwich fixings with a beverage. I steered clear of the tomato and cucumber on the plate just to be safe. When we arrived, we had our documents in order and had to pay the $100 Galapagos National Park fee. Then Tomas met us outside and introduced himself as our guide for the week. There were eleven of us in the group and they drove us in a bus to Casa Opuntia. The room they put us in was on the second floor and overlooked the dining area and out to the ocean. It felt very tropical and like we were really on vacation now!
We had a wonderful lunch of soup and ceviche at the hotel and then headed out for a walk and snorkeling. Tomas and the staff had helped outfit us with wetsuits ($5-$10 depending on shorty or full) and fins. We had brought our own masks and snorkel just because we preferred not to get a rental. We walked about a mile down the coast and through town to a center where Tomas took us through an overall history of the island and the wildlife. Then we walked on through the low-lying trees and shrubs over a hill to Darwin’s Bay for snorkeling. The water was very brisk and I was thankful for the wetsuit. There was a variety of snorkeling skillsets represented in the group from beginner to advanced. I am a bit more tentative and not a strong swimmer so the bay was a great place to begin and get comfortable with the gear again. We snorkeled for about an hour and then continued on the hike up Frigate Hill for some great 360 degree views.
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.