Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

We were based in a very comfortable hotel in Wells Somerset and went out each day ( in 2 minibuses with 2 leaders/drivers/guides) to explore the Somerset Levels for the wonderful bird watching at this time of the year .Everything about the short break exceeded my expectations !

This is the first time I have booked with Naturetrek and found them very efficient both in the booking and pre-holiday stages and on the holiday itself . Everything was taken care of in a non obtrusive way .I will definitely travel with Naturetrek again -in fact have already booked another holiday with them.

We spent 13 days on a boat visitng 13 of the Galapagos islands. Each morning and afternoon was spent viewing the wildlife accompanied by a local expert. Part of some days was spent snorkelling . The geology was amazing, though these are not picture postcard South Sea Islands. On land we saw land and marine iguanas, crabs , giant tortoises and identified more than 50 varieties of bird.It was fabulous to be in such close proximity to them , they did not appear to be afraid or feel threatened. In the surrounding ocean we saw orca whales, basking sharks bottle nose dolphins, sea lions, penguins,rays, turtles and countless varieties of fish. It was a privilege to visit this wild life heritage site

We travelled with Naturetrek. They gave us information about travel and what clothes to take, and information about how much walking and how arduous some of the visits were. Food on the boat was of a good standard and plentiful. 1-2 peole were seasick initially, but no tummy upsets of any sort. The local guide/ wildlife expert was fantastic with an indepth knowledge of the geology, flora , fauna,and fishlife and he took photgraphs of the wildlife giving us a labelled copy on a camera chip (Owner Provided)at the conclusion of the trip. Most of each day we spent off the boat

First let me say I travelled with Naturetrek because I had a great trip with them to Canada. This trip was titled Blue Whales and Leopards of Sri Lanka. The worst trip I have ever been on and Naturetrek was horrid to deal with. I got back from a very disappointing trip to Sri Lanka and offered to go in to see Naturetrek and share my experiences as I was very worried at the way we tried to view wildlife in Yala national park. They didn't want to know! Very rude I thought. So let me tell you that the hotel we stayed in at Mirissa was witnessed by the group of food being recycled and our rooms being left unlocked everyday, no security! Yala national park experience was over 100 4x4 vehicles in a line to see a leopards tail and another 30+ vehicles trapping an Elephant between them. Our group had to ask to leave the park as we had never been put in a position of viewing wildlife like this. The Blue Whale excursion was equally awful with one distant sighting an 20 boats chasing it. We have also since spoken as a group and found that some of the group had a phone call from the MD and an offer of 10% off the next trip booked while some got very rude letters blaming the weather! Which is it Naturetrek surely all your customers should be treated the same!

Not willing to listen to feedback. Treated clients differently!

Fantastic birding, great sightings of the starlings at dawn and dusk. I learned a lot and had a really good time.

My first holiday with Naturetrek and I was very impressed by the guides knowledge and enthusiasm.

Lovely places to stay close to the wildlife which was good to see. Well organised itinery and very good Naturetrek guides.

well organised

Probably the most endangered species of cat, the Lynx lives in two areas of Spain. This holiday promised to visit both but, understandably, could not promise sightings of this enigmatic animal. Our two guides, Julian and Laura met us at Seville and calmly and expertly drove us to El Rocio on the edge of the Coto Donana National park. By the end of the evening we had all had clear views of a Lynx! Subsequent tours into the park did not produce more sightings but our guides worked hard to ensure that we all had great views of a variety of mammals and birds. Our guides then drove us to the Sierra Morena, where over the next few early morning and dusk visits we saw a number of Lynx, some at very close range an rewarding us all with amazing photographs. Julian and Laura worked hard to spot a variety of wildlife for us, sometimes communicating with friends who were watching out for the Lynx at different sites. Julian and Laura not only worked hard all day to deliver great wildlife experiences for us all but also carried cases, ordered food, made packed picnics, reviewed the day and sorted any accommodation problems with great humour and patience, these two helped make this an excellent holiday.

Original advertising matched the actual holiday exactly, expectations were managed but were, n the event, exceeded. Pre-holiday information was detailed, complete and accurate. The cost of the holiday was very economical and apart from buying a pre supper drink there was no requirement to spend any money; food and drink in copious amounts was all provided.

First time on a birdwatching holiday to tick a bucket list item: the starling murmuration. The starlings performed beautifully and we were in the right spot thanks to great naturalist leaders. Seems whatever we threw at them (I want to see a bittern, a kingfisher on a perch, a crane....) the guys managed to deliver. Very impressive and a great short break overall.

Naturetrek specialise in wildlife holidays and from this brief first weekend outing, their leaders know their stuff. Delivered on birds we wanted to see, explained habitats and generally made sure the group worked well.

This was a wonderful insight into the world of the Iberian Lynx. Can you imagine all of those big cats living in the National Parks and mountains of Spain? Food and drink were plentiful and the travelling companions to share it with made for excellent meal times. Our tour guides were outstanding in their local knowledge and their attentiveness to traveller needs. I would recommend this holiday to anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world - go explore!

Naturetrek's organisation before and during their holidays are second to none in my experience. The office staff are always polite, pleasant and very helpful with any queries. Attention to detail and customer feedback is one of their strengths.

Great holiday led by 2 very knowledgeable and organised tour leaders ho made sure we had an amazingly diverse and interesting holiday..

Every part of the holiday was thought through by Nature trek and delivered by it's guides in LK. Any (minor) problem was sorted out immediately.

Naturetrek does wildlife holidays to iconic destinations and the Galapagos has it all. We spent 14 nights on a topsail schooner, so were able to get where the bigger boats could not. There was a short written guide for each landing site to tell us about the island's geology, wildlife and a lecture each evening with more detail. Everyone was interested in wildlife, but the bird watchers shared their knowledge and we all saw the many finches with a discussion of what made each different. The small group gelled with their shared interests, so the social life was also fun. Meals on a rough crossing had everyone grabbing their beers and laughing as the steward served. There was also time to relax, and read and write up diaries on the spacious decks while keeping a eye out for birds. Wildlife highlights: watching the waved albatros fledglings learning to fly, and almost taking off in the wind; the toitoise by the "stop" sign on the path, so we did; the cute baby sea lions; the pilot whales swimming around and under the boat;

Naturetrek uses the best local boats and guides. The 14 days is twice as long as most tours, so see more of the area visited. The trip was also topped and tailed with some time in mainland Ecuador; Quito for the culture and then a short visit to an ecolodge in the Amazon