We met a veterinarian studying in Galapagos--her current job is catching Short Earred Owls and collecting DNA samples to see if they vary from island to island. She was planning on diving with Academy Bay Scuba in two days, and offered us her spot so that my husband and I could go instead. So nice of her! We had to dive then, because our trip was coming to a close and you can't dive and fly in the same 24 hours. And we got in with a recommendation that this is a quality shop. It is! They were professional and informative. The gear seemed well maintained. They fitted us the night before, so that we could leave early the next day with no hitches. We had about a 45 minute, rough, fast ride to our site off of Pinzon Island. Travel tip: Dramamine only works if you take it early. If you start to feel sick, it is pretty much too late. A girl on our boat was throwing up 20 minutes out of the harbor. Our guide reviewed with this group, as there were two new divers, and the rest of us hadn't dove in awhile. He gave us clear expectations of what he wanted. We went into the water, and he had us demonstrate that we could clear the water out of our masks, and we could locate our regulators if the mouthpiece got away from us. Two sea lions frolicked in the distance. And then we were off!
This moment is my artist's inspiration for today. I was so mesmerized by the way the turtles just appeared and disappeared into the blue.
It is hard to describe, and hard to paint. I am not sure I captured it. I may try again on canvas, where I have a little more control over the paint. Watercolor paper tends to do its own thing.
This was a two dive, two tank trip--one by Pinzon Island and the other at a place called Guy Fawkes Sur. Not the best visibility, a little bit of current, but not bad. Water temperature was wonderful...we weren't sure why they fitted us with full wetsuits. Very comfortable. At one point, we were surrounded by 7 or 8 sea turtles. We searched and searched for sea horses but were unsuccessful. But the rest of it was marvelous! Some of these photos were taken by the guide, some are from my GoPro. More pictures in the album...
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
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 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.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner