Guided Adventure Vacations

Accommodations Review

Superb! Top-notch cleaning of our rooms. 

Meals Review

Every meal at North Face was outstanding! Much of it was grown on-site and was fixed and presented beautifully. They even picked wild blueberries and made blueberry tarts!!

The cruise meals were good as well, but you can't get that fresh quality on a boat like you can on land. They were very timely served and hot things were hot and cold things were cold. I was full every day!

Crew & Guides Review

I cannot remember our moderate hike guides' names at North Face Lodge, but both were excellent and very knowledgeable! John made a most superb leader, along with Andi, and were gentle with their bell before announcements.

Katie, Dani, Sarah, really all the crew on board the Wilderness Adventurer were beyond great. They were also knowledgeable and helpful. They were highly trained and had kind, fun-loving spirits.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Most excellent! We were well prepared for this trip, right down to the rubber boots, which we really didn't need on the boat because they had plenty of all sizes. But our boots came in handy for the rest of the trip. Shuttles, buses, flights, trains, really every mode of transportation was on time and had friendly drivers.

I can't thank you enough for the best vacation I have ever had. When I had questions, you either called me or emailed me in a timely manner, which alleviated any concerns I had. 

I know at least three people who want to "pick my brain" about this trip, and you will be highly recommended.

Traveler Advice

Go for it!  Its worth every penny, and you won't regret it.

Accommodations Review

The Sea Bird is old and cabins are what they are, but still really good.  Get fitted sheets. Easier on stewards and passengers. But vessel was great. We knew what to expect so no surprises. The common areas were more than adequate for the expedition.

Meals Review

Amazing work given the limitations of the galley. Breakfast and lunch were perfect to fuel us up and keep us energized. Appetizers were a highlight. I very much liked the portion size at dinner. Soup needs work. Too much of same dark base. Think miso or chowder, but minor. Great baked goods.  Service was A+++ from Val on down.

Crew & Guides Review

No one better than Rab, Betty Lou and Linda. Gold standard. Rab shared personal experiences and emotions and displayed encyclopedic knowledge of every subject. Clone him. Betty Lou's talk on her career was fabulous. The whole team was knowledgeable, personable, helpful, available, great in crisis and enthusiastic. How can one be with Rab and not get excited about the events or with Linda, Betty Lou, Eryn and not learn? 

Photography staff was first rate. Brian and Drew knew everything and explained it clearly. Divers, Jim and Lynn, added a whole different dimension to our experience. Local guides were essential to understanding Haida and Kwakwaka wakaw cultures. And the Watchmen gave such authenticity to our experience. Loved Ranger Molly. Wow!!!! No weak individual on this team.

Itinerary Review

Haida Gwaii, Gwai Hannas, Old Massett, and Alert Bay were strong cultural experiences which made the whole trip worthwhile. The nature walks were well chosen and instructive. Sometimes after dinner talks were repetitious, but small issue.

Zodiak tours were uniformly outstanding and exciting. The excursion into the sea near the Hobbit Hole was a memory for all time as was Rabs talk about Vitas Bering and George Stellars. Whew, all good!!! Glacier visits were well done, awesome, and sobering to see the impacts of climate change. Potlach dances were highlight also as was the ability to meet Jim Hart and Christian White. Legendary and inspiring. Gwaii Hannas was magical.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was, as always, excellent. Made our trip prep easy. We would recommend AdventureSmith to friends and family without hesitation.

Traveler Advice

Embrace the experience. Pack lighter/take less. Read some history like Muir's Travels in Alaska, history of decimation of tribes by European exposure and books on Northwest art.

Accommodations Review

The hotels in Quito and Cuenca were very nice - particularly the one in Cuenca, which like many hotels there is a converted home of some wealthy resident. The accommodations on La Pinta were roomier than I had expected, with a large bed, big window and a bathroom with excellent water pressure and plentiful hot water. The boat, with 41 tourists on board, was just the right size.

Meals Review

The meals we had on our own on the mainland were good, particularly the breakfasts in Quito. On the boat, we enjoyed the meals very much, though breakfast and lunch buffets were clearly the highlight and the sit-down dinners were less impressive. We also had salmon our first night on the boat that could have been fresher. However, the lunches more than made up for the minor glitches.

Crew & Guides Review

All of our guides/naturalists on La Pinta were good. They were very knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. In Quito, we had a good guide, notwithstanding she had a limited palette of locations to work with. Our guide in Cuenca was excellent too. All guides and naturalists were very proficient in English, though when we were off the boat, we tried speaking Spanish as often as we could.

The arrangements were perfect. Not a glitch in the entire nearly two weeks. I was so pleased that drivers and guides were always there when they were supposed to be there and made us feel like we were in good hands.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was great. That's why I'm planning a trip to Peru through him. Information was provided in a very clear and relatively concise manner. We kept the trip instructions close at hand, particularly when on the mainland. The only thing I did on my own without instructions to prepare for the trip was to visit the Mayo Clinic's travel clinic, where they made sure certain vaccinations were up to date and prescribed Diamox for altitude sickness in case I had an issue, as well as something for stomach upset (which was really not an issue).

I am just very happy to have found AdventureSmith. The agency and agent, Andrew, were recommended by friends of ours who were on the same boat as we were some years ago. I am looking forward to working with Andrew and AdventureSmith again when my younger daughter and I travel to Machu Picchu. I have already mentioned AdventureSmith to several people.

Traveler Advice

Just that they should do their homework to get the most out of the trip, bring the proper clothes (we traveled very light but were just fine), and check in with a doctor to make sure you don't spend days dealing with altitude sickness or have some other issue (after visiting the doctor, we bought DEET mosquito repellent which was not necessary all that often, but we are glad we did). I took Diamox and my wife (who did not take any meds) had just one day on arrival in Quito when she had a splitting headache, but then we both hiked for a couple hours at nearly 13,000 feet and we were both fine. I will definitely make sure my daughter and I have Diamox before we land in Cusco.

Accommodations Review

Despite an old interior which needs a remodel refresh in the cabins and common area, it was a really fun boat. Being allowed access to the bridge made us feel a part of the team. The best views were there anyway.

Meals Review

I was always well fed, never hungry.  The food was good and sometimes excellent. Maybe more salty snacks when snacks were put out (there were many sweets). At the end of the trip maybe a bit of variety added to the breakfast menu (always same for 12 days).  I think the eggs are powdered.

Itinerary Review

Such a great trip. I’d do it again!

Crew & Guides Review

We felt as if we were a part of the expedition and as if the guides were family towards the end. They were very capable, intelligent and always approachable and kind.

Fellow Passengers Review

It was a worldwide gathering of interesting fit people.  If you aren’t fit you probably shouldn’t go on this boat.  There were times when you had to be downright nimble.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Excellent, we felt well cared for. Thank you!

Traveler Advice

Make sure you are fit, open for an adventure and meeting new people, and open to cultural experiences.

Accommodations Review

The cabin was as advertised. Loved having the hooks in the hall for hanging wet gear, boots, etc.

Meals Review

Better than expected.

Crew & Guides Review

Annie was professional, knowledgeable and extremely personable!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was most helpful in passing on knowledge to plan our trip. Have always wanted to see Alaska and your representative, Andrew was the deciding factor.

Accommodations Review

The vessel was gorgeous and had so many amenities!! Beautiful observation decks, fantastic dining areas, comfortable lounges, and a theater for lectures and entertainment. From the naturalist lectures and catered events to the pools, gym, and spa. There was always something to do on board.

Meals Review

I tried everything! The buffets in the main dining area were exceptional. On those evenings when we wanted something more intimate, the restaurant, Nuna, provided us with unique dishes and spectacular wine offerings.

Itinerary Review

The unique part about this trip was the chance to go where no other vessel could access. The itinerary was never set in stone, which afforded us the ability to explore areas that are rarely frequented by other ships. Highlights: Crystal Sound, Marguerite Bay, Pourquoi Pas Island, George VI Sound, and Port Charcot. I can't say there was any one place I didn't enjoy. Every day afforded us something different. Even days that were devoted to navigation offered amazing views and incredible wildlife experiences. The "worst" day in Antarctica is still the best day you'll have on vacation.

Transportation Review

All of our travel was seamless. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

Crew & Guides Review

Expedition leader Steve Moir was incredible! His enthusiasm was infectious and his team of naturalist were some of the best I've ever experienced. The lecture series that were put on by the naturalists showcased their knowledge and passion for the region. Everyone was very approachable and were more than willing to speak with the guests. They even found the time to meet during lunch and dinner for more one on one conversations. Great people!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

AdventureSmith did a fantastic job of keeping us informed about the trip and travel accommodations. It was hands down the easiest travel experience I've had, and I'd recommend them to anyone looking for adventure travel.

Traveler Advice

Antarctica is an experience like no other! You never know what it has to offer, so travel with an open mind and an open heart. Take the time time to spend an extra few days in South America. It's an amazing part of the world. You won't be disappointed.

Accommodations Review

Our room was comfortable. The turn down service and making the bed everyday was a huge plus.

Meals Review

The food was amazing and so much of it. They had snacks waiting for us when we returned from activities. Wr had several options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Crew & Guides Review

Everyone we dealt with was amazing. Our ships Captain, Peter, was very present and even joined the Friday night dance party. Really an amazing group of people. The crew was very hospitable and took care of us very well. The naturalist guides are very knowledgeable and even helped us all with our photography. They teach photography for National Geographic.

Transportation Review

Everything went smoothly.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very happy with AdventureSmith! We appreciate everything Arielle did for us. Our original trip was supposed to be April 2020, but was canceled due to COVID. Arielle worked with us to get a new trip for 2021 and kept in touch all year. She made sure we had everything in order to travel in the age of COVID.

Traveler Advice

The sun in the Galapagos is intense. Bring sunscreen.