Ever since I was a young girl and read Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle, I have wanted to go to the
Galapagos Islands. While I traveled extensively in my 20's the opportunity to visit these unique islands came serendipitously in my 50's.
Sunny Reynolds, a local photographer, and her company, Biotrek Adventure Travels, (540/ 349-0040: www.biotrektours.com ) provided me the perfect way to see these unspoiled islands. In fact, in my mind, the only way to experience them - with a small group and in a small boat.
Together with a knowledgeable and friendly crew, you can ease closer to the shorelines and tuck in tighter to a tropical mangrove. There's nothing like looking down into the water and catching sight of a golden manta ray or green turtle.
One of my most unforgettable experiences on this trip was the afternoon that a school of dolphins decided to run with our boat. It was a roller coaster ride atop the waves of the Pacific. We were ocean drenched and deliriously happy as these playful creatures jumped in unison within feet of the bow.
But then there were other mornings, while walking on ancient trails, that we encountered the mating dance of the blue-footed boobie or the frenzied flight of the red-pouched frigate bird or swam with a family of sea lions or stopped to photograph the psychedelic colors of the Sally-Lightfoot crab or stare into the face of an aged tortoise. PRICELESS MEMORIES!
Anita Sherman
I've been on 3 trips with Biotrek and each one has been terrific! Sunny and Harry are an amazing team with a real talent for making things happen. Not only are the trips exceptional, I have made many good friends. I can't imagine traveling any other way!
Donna Callison
What an experience The sites were breath taking and the cynic in me keeps wondering how you arranged for all those wonderful people to be strategically located along the way. I have never been anywhere (other than maybe Thailand) as fascinating, beautiful, and friendly as Costa Rica
Mike Mitchell