Bob Dylan’s “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” is playing behind the bar and I don’t think I ever imagined listening to Blonde on Blonde in such a setting. This morning we set anchor at Neko Bay, and hiked to the top of a rocky outcropping flanking a steep, precariously perched glacier. Gentoo Penguins roosted along the slope, and from my spot on top of the rocky mountain the whole bay, and seemingly the world, laid out in all directions reaching farther and farther until the last white peak blended into the pale blue horizon. A humpback whale came up for air just along the shoreline, sewing a thread of bubbles across the still water. This was the actual continent of Antarctica, right beneath me.
In the afternoon we sailed through the Gerlache Strait to Whilhamina Bay, fondly known as “Whale-hemina Bay” by the staff, for it’s guaranteed abundance of cetaceans. We didn’t set anchor until 4 PM, and by then I had already lost count of the number of whales I spotted. We got into our kayaks and headed toward a burst of mist coming from a humpback whale. We had been paddling for about five minutes when all of a sudden an enormous whale emerged from the water immediately beside my friend Roy’s kayak, her massive body less than a foot from him! She blew out a big breath and then dove right under his boat, Roy cried out and the rest of us all yelled unintelligible exclamations. Then the next whale, the calf, popped up right on the other side of Roy, this time his rostrum poking up, he gave the kayak a curious look and headed back down.
Here were were, watching whales, all the while the whales were watching us! This just kept on going, whale upon whale, including one absolutely massive male which surfaced just to the stern of my Dad’s boat, letting out a deep, cavernous trumpet, sounding like something between an elephant and a dinosaur. The cow and calf joined, snorting loudly. Occasionally a fluke would make an appearance as they dove, and the whole kayak team would cry out with joy. We stayed on the water till it was nearly dark, shivering but refusing to admit we were cold. We chased the whales until the very end, each sighting eliciting laughter until I actually cried. It was unreal and as close to magic as I could fathom. And that is how I would describe Antarctica in one word, magic.
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.