Anthony put together a once in a lifetime exp...
Galapagos Islands | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2025

James
James L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2025

Anthony put together a once in a lifetime experience for me. He covered it all with carefully thought out detail and stayed diligent in communicating with great frequency. Anthony’s knowledge of the Galapagos was amazing. Both land and underwater, everything was perfect.
Arriving for an overnight stay in Guayaquil and then the next morning off Santa Cruz was simple. Jorge with Link greeted me on my arrival at the airport, escorted me to the hotel, picked me up the next morning and escorted me back to the airport. Jorge stayed with me through the many steps required to gain proper entry to the Galapagos. Upon my return to Guayaquil, Jorge was right there waiting for me. Again, back to the hotel and a pick up the next morning for my final journey back to the USA.
On my arrival to the Galapagos, I was greeted by Rubin with Link. Once through baggage check, a short bus ride and water taxi, we arrived on Santa Cruz Island. A taxi transport and we were off to the Highlands for lunch, that was followed by an incredible tour through the national park that protects the giant tortoises. Rubin, a biologist and naturalist, narrated the incredible history of how the these gentle giants arrived in the Galapagos.. His knowledge was endless, I felt like I was back in college with an inspiring professor. Back to the taxi for our trip to my hotel, but Rubin wasn’t done as he guided me up to the tortoise Darwin research foundation center where my education continued. If you have chance to ask for Rubin, don’t think thing twice, just do it.
Next was my dive experience, all set up by Anthony with Scuba Iguana. I went the morning before my first dive to be outfitted with all my dive gear. Conveniently located , a short 45 second walk from my hotel, Blu Galapagos. The staff was excellent, quickly checked me in and fitted me with all the equipment I needed for the next five days of diving.
The next morning I arrived at 7 AM for a daily briefing and met dive master Santiago Insuasti who would be my guide for 5 consecutive days of 2 dives per day.
Then a taxi to the dive boat where we met the captain and crew. Each dive had its own unique personality and variety of sea creatures that makes the Galapagos a very special place. Sticking with Santiago was a sure thing, as he was first to notice sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, schools of barracuda, octopus, eels and heavy schools of colorful small fish. Videos captured all the days treasures. Everyday underwater can be a good day. Luckily, we had an outstanding dive on Friday, Our dive at Daphne was the best I’ve had in 20 years. It started with 2 white tip sharks laying at the bottom, quickly followed by 2 playful sea lions zooming around us starring in our mask then flipping around and taking off. Then turtles and stingrays, to many to count. An octopus tucked in a rock opening and a green eel sticking his head out. The grand finale was a huge very dense school of small fish, so thick you couldn’t see through them. The kind of dive you didn’t want to end. After all our dives, Santiago patiently helped transfer numerous videos to our phones. Honestly, I’ve never had a master diver like him.
The next morning, it was time to say good bye to Santa Cruz and Galapagos. I was greeted by Gandhi with Link who escorted me via taxi back the airport and made sure all my details were correct for my return to the Ecuador mainland, Guayaquil.
Finally, Anthony with KimKim set all this in motion and it was a flawless execution, exceeding all my expectations.
Thank you Anthony with KimKim and the Link organization.
A special thank you to Santiago Insuasti with Scuba Iguana, who made my underwater experience so captivating.

Local specialist: Anthony Zambrano
Anthony
Anthony Zambrano
Local specialist in Ecuador Quito | Replied on Oct 01, 2025
Hi Jim, Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review! Reading your words truly made my day. It means a lot to know that the journey not only met but exceeded your expectations, both on land and underwater. I’m so glad that Jorge, Rubén, and Gandhi from our Link team were there to take such good care of you every step of the way, and that Santiago and the Scuba Iguana team made your diving experience so memorable. Daphne sounded absolutely... Read more

Hi Jim,

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and heartfelt review! Reading your words truly made my day. It means a lot to know that the journey not only met but exceeded your expectations, both on land and underwater.

I’m so glad that Jorge, Rubén, and Gandhi from our Link team were there to take such good care of you every step of the way, and that Santiago and the Scuba Iguana team made your diving experience so memorable. Daphne sounded absolutely incredible!

It was an absolute pleasure to plan this adventure for you, and I’m so happy that every detail came together seamlessly. Your trust in me and in KimKim + Link Experiences is deeply appreciated.

From all of us here in Ecuador and the Enchanted Islands, thank you again, Jim.

We’d be honored to welcome you back anytime for another adventure!

With much gratitude from the Middle of the World and a big hug!
Anthony :)