Traveler Testimonials
J. Rockefeller
“Patty and Astrid were excellent, knowledgeable, always pleasant. I’m 80 years old, and they helped me do it all and accomplish this remarkable experience. The whole trip was just GREAT! Just keep up the FINE WORK!!!"
M. Penman
"This trip exceeded my already high expectations. You can listen to a webinar, watch the video, and read all the literature, but NOTHING can prepare you for the profound—I'd even call it sacred—experience of swimming with those gentle giants. It is a trip like this that leaves you with an enhanced commitment to live a lifestyle that ensures that all the earth's magnificent creatures—from the biggest to the smallest—has a future."
G. Harris
"The guides’ knowledge of the whale sharks and their benevolent guiding hand with the various vessel operators, hotel staff, etc. made the trip ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!"
D. Bennett
"Our guide Astrid has just the right amount of energy, availability, equanimity, attentiveness, knowledge, etc. etc. Hard to believe she would carry around that huge cooler bag of treats and drinks and always have plenty. I felt like a spoiled child; that was over the top!"
D. Lethcoe
"Astrid was a professional in every way. She instilled confidence in us and made us feel we could jump in with a gigantic fish and survive. :-) She is extremely physically fit and knows her stuff. She is delightful. She isn't moody or curt. She was always helpful and enjoyable. She loves swimming with the w.s.'s and wanted us to love the sharks as she does. All of us liked her very much. I travel extensively and often on adventure trips. She is one of the best leaders for an outdoor adventure. Our driver loves the creatures too, and did a super job maneuvering the boat. I appreciate safety and the professionals who provide it. I loved the trip and the people who made it very special. Thank you, too, for setting up the trip."
W. Clewes
"Both were excellent leaders. Astrid in her knowledge of the whale sharks and Patyy in her flora and fauna and the in depth bio-geo-chemistry. Both complemented each other so well. It was indeed a pleasure to be in their company. Thank you both for an excellent trip."
J. Garrett
"Astrid and Patty personalities complemented each other—I can't image two better guides. Our boat captain, Alberto and first mate Manuel were excellent - Manuel made sure everyone seen the whale sharks even if he had to guide them. Alberto could spot turtles, dolphins, eagle ray and whale sharks from what seems like a mile away. Very impressed with both of them."
D. Rego
"Astrid & Patty made a wonderful team! They were fun and knowledgeable and made our entire experience so special. No matter what topic or question they were asked, they were able to share about a wide range of subjects from the wildlife, natural environment, the historical aspects of our visit, or life in their country. I can't praise or thank them enough for how well they took care of us. I'm already looking through the catalogue to see what other trips you offer. Absolutely will travel with you again. As a long time supporter of WWF, I love the idea that you support and partner with them. It's very important to me not only where I visit but 'how' I visit. I believe you thoughtfully address this concern."
S. Kemper
"I did this trip in 2008 and loved it but this was even better—not only were there more sharks, but changes to itinerary were great. I loved the swimming in the cenote, loved the fishing/ceviche picnic, loved the snorkeling excursion—each was well-planned, quite nice, enhanced the trip."
B. Morrow
"Astrid and Karel were both wonderful! Instructions were clear and precise without over-doing. Both were enjoyable to be with and took care of any issues promptly. The distance we had to travel by boat each day was apparently longer than usual, but they adapted the schedule seamlessly. Swimming with the whale sharks—it was more amazing than anticipated!"
C. McCoy
"The experience with the whale sharks exceeded all our expectations. The number of whale sharks on our first outing was amazing. I was in the water with them at least 6 times on the first day and probably 8 or 9 times on the second day. We also saw dolphin, mating sea turtles and golden rays...a truly amazing experience."
“Patty and Astrid were excellent, knowledgeable, always pleasant. I’m 80 years old, and they helped me do it all and accomplish this remarkable experience. The whole trip was just GREAT! Just keep up the FINE WORK!!!"
M. Penman
"This trip exceeded my already high expectations. You can listen to a webinar, watch the video, and read all the literature, but NOTHING can prepare you for the profound—I'd even call it sacred—experience of swimming with those gentle giants. It is a trip like this that leaves you with an enhanced commitment to live a lifestyle that ensures that all the earth's magnificent creatures—from the biggest to the smallest—has a future."
G. Harris
"The guides’ knowledge of the whale sharks and their benevolent guiding hand with the various vessel operators, hotel staff, etc. made the trip ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!"
D. Bennett
"Our guide Astrid has just the right amount of energy, availability, equanimity, attentiveness, knowledge, etc. etc. Hard to believe she would carry around that huge cooler bag of treats and drinks and always have plenty. I felt like a spoiled child; that was over the top!"
D. Lethcoe
"Astrid was a professional in every way. She instilled confidence in us and made us feel we could jump in with a gigantic fish and survive. :-) She is extremely physically fit and knows her stuff. She is delightful. She isn't moody or curt. She was always helpful and enjoyable. She loves swimming with the w.s.'s and wanted us to love the sharks as she does. All of us liked her very much. I travel extensively and often on adventure trips. She is one of the best leaders for an outdoor adventure. Our driver loves the creatures too, and did a super job maneuvering the boat. I appreciate safety and the professionals who provide it. I loved the trip and the people who made it very special. Thank you, too, for setting up the trip."
W. Clewes
"Both were excellent leaders. Astrid in her knowledge of the whale sharks and Patyy in her flora and fauna and the in depth bio-geo-chemistry. Both complemented each other so well. It was indeed a pleasure to be in their company. Thank you both for an excellent trip."
J. Garrett
"Astrid and Patty personalities complemented each other—I can't image two better guides. Our boat captain, Alberto and first mate Manuel were excellent - Manuel made sure everyone seen the whale sharks even if he had to guide them. Alberto could spot turtles, dolphins, eagle ray and whale sharks from what seems like a mile away. Very impressed with both of them."
D. Rego
"Astrid & Patty made a wonderful team! They were fun and knowledgeable and made our entire experience so special. No matter what topic or question they were asked, they were able to share about a wide range of subjects from the wildlife, natural environment, the historical aspects of our visit, or life in their country. I can't praise or thank them enough for how well they took care of us. I'm already looking through the catalogue to see what other trips you offer. Absolutely will travel with you again. As a long time supporter of WWF, I love the idea that you support and partner with them. It's very important to me not only where I visit but 'how' I visit. I believe you thoughtfully address this concern."
S. Kemper
"I did this trip in 2008 and loved it but this was even better—not only were there more sharks, but changes to itinerary were great. I loved the swimming in the cenote, loved the fishing/ceviche picnic, loved the snorkeling excursion—each was well-planned, quite nice, enhanced the trip."
B. Morrow
"Astrid and Karel were both wonderful! Instructions were clear and precise without over-doing. Both were enjoyable to be with and took care of any issues promptly. The distance we had to travel by boat each day was apparently longer than usual, but they adapted the schedule seamlessly. Swimming with the whale sharks—it was more amazing than anticipated!"
C. McCoy
"The experience with the whale sharks exceeded all our expectations. The number of whale sharks on our first outing was amazing. I was in the water with them at least 6 times on the first day and probably 8 or 9 times on the second day. We also saw dolphin, mating sea turtles and golden rays...a truly amazing experience."
