Visiting the Galapagos Islands is on many a bucket list, right up there with a host of wild-life centered trips. But visiting the Galapagos with Pete and Renee of Pete Oxford Expeditions is truly the trip of a lifetime. Pete and Renee’s thirty-year-long love affair with these remarkable islands makes them the ideal hosts and guides, whether on a first trip (like myself) or the second time around (like my companion.) Pete and Renee bring to the group significant context, deep knowledge, fascinating stories, attention to detail, patience, and a sense of humor and enthusiasm that envelops everyone. Moreover, their years of experience with guiding groups brings a level of service and anticipation of needs that is unsurpassed, even among my many world-travels with top-notch guides through high-end travel companies.

The memories of 14 days of animal encounters will stay with me forever. The photos on the Pete Oxford Expeditions website capture the beauty of what I personally experienced. But they only scratch the surface of the feelings I had while in this incredible place. Pete and Renee crafted a journey where we all felt like we belonged, that we were part of nature, in a deeply intimate way. This was not the typical tourist trip, for example one where people are herded around, while checking off a list of things to see. (Sadly, we crossed paths with a few of these groups who spent only a fraction of the time we did on each of the islands.)

Pete and Renee were with us full-time, always watching for unexpected and unplanned “Galapagos moments,” whether spotting for whales, dolphins, or Mola Molas (sunfish) and then instantly shifting gears to give us an unscheduled viewing, even if it took additional hours to do so. They never took a moment of free time for themselves and they were always thinking ahead about giving us the best possible experience with what the Galapagos had to offer on each particular day.

I look forward to traveling with Pete and Renee again. I have no doubt that each spectacular place they visit would be enhanced by their unique and singular approach to travel.

This trip was absolutely incredible. From the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife to the incredible boat, staff, and guides, sailing the Galapagos with Pete and Renee is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We made the most of every minute that we had, and had many experiences that I am sure that the average tourist in the Galapagos would never get to experience. I would highly recommend this expedition to anybody.

On the first day of the trip my 17-year-old cousin was suffering slightly from sea sickness and jet lag and she turned around and said to me (after being told by Pete that our wake up call was 6 in the morning everyday): “I thought this was going to be more of a relaxing holiday”. However - after spending 14 days on the beautiful Mary Anne, with a perfectly selected group of inspiring people from across the world providing extremely funny moments from the crack of dawn until the stars came out at night, with Pete and Renee’s abundance of energy and knowledge of the Galapagos throughout the day causing each day to be even better than the day before, sighting and learning about all the amazing animals and birds that inhabit these islands I think she would gladly say she would be more than happy to get up so early in the morning and be last off the island every evening and that it was the best HOLIDAY she has ever had and with friends that she will keep for life - as would I.

It was a very special and a very unforgettable trip, thank you.

This Pete Oxford Expeditions to Galapagos with Pete Oxford and Reneé Bish and our intrepid band of travelers transcended even my highest expectations. Thanks to Pete and Reneé, their thoughtfulness in understanding our group and attention to everyone's interests, we became a tight group, full of laughs, broad smiles and wonder at all our close encounters with the natural world. Galapagos remains a unique national park in all the world and I can't think of 2 better guides to open insights into this world than Pete and Renee. Their deep commitment to conservation and years of experience on the islands provide a rich and inspiring entry into the world of seabird colonies, fish, sea animals and differences in habitat from island to island. But mostly, they are FUN and this enthusiasm is contagious! The Mary Ann was a stunning boat to call home with a merry band of strangers who quickly became fast friends. We were on the go making the most of every opportunity that showed itself, exceptional encounters with sunfish, white tip sharks and eagle rays, turtles galore, exquisite gliding flights of albatross, it goes on and on...but the best part was sharing with each other. I have a very deep and special gratitude for my shipmates and among all the treasures on land and sea, most treasured are new found friends.

If you are considering a wildlife tour anywhere in the world, book with Pete Oxford Expeditions and guides Pete Oxford and Reneé Bish. Your appreciation for our beautiful, fragile and complex world will expand ten-fold and you will feel the passion.

If you want to go somewhere – do it with Pete and Renee. Their knowledge, sense of fun and unending enthusiasm was boundless. I WAS frightened of boats but the feeling of safety with Pete Oxford Expeditions is total. Renee and Pete raise the bar on every level. The Mary Anne was gorgeous, food excellent, staff always helpful but not intrusive. We all felt as if we were at home. As our guide Fernando used to say on our excursions "Come on family" – and at the end of two weeks we were.

Pete Oxford Expeditions know the Galapagos intimately so every detail has been planned and refined through experience. This is no trip for slackers – if you want to see it all and have fun from sun rise to sun set – go with Pete Oxford Expeditions.

Pete and Renee's lifetime knowledge of worldwide conservation informs everything Pete Oxford Expeditions does. We learnt so much and left with more passion and knowledge about our delicate natural world.

Thank you both – a fabulous time.