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Viva Expeditions Reviews 505

TrustScore 5 out of 5

4.8

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 92 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness, knowledge, and positive attitude, making their holidays truly enjoyable. The service provided is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with many people appreciating the seamless organization of tours, transfers, and accommodations. Reviewers also loved the excellent locations of hotels and the overall user experience, noting that everything was perfectly planned and allowed them to relax and enjoy their trips. However, some customers mentioned minor issues such as a bit of confusion regarding trips, a desire for more detailed tour information prior to departure, and occasional instances where guides did not hold their names upon arrival. A few also felt that the expectation for tips seemed higher than what the company's guides suggested, and some noted that travel days in safari vehicles were unexpectedly long.

What people talk about most

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff. Customers consistently praise the staff for being helpful,... See more

Holidays

Reviewers consistently express high satisfaction with their holidays, often describing them as faultless,... See more

Service

Reviewers mention positive feedback about service. Customers consistently praise the comprehensive and... See more

Location

Consumers consistently express satisfaction with the locations provided. Many reviewers highlight that... See more

User experience

People report positive experiences with the user experience. Customers found that everything went smoothly... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everything is organised for you. English speaking guides and luxury transport which is ready and waiting to whisk you to the next activity or sight. Great way to maximise your tour without waiting in... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had many questions during the booking process. Pia answered every one in a timely manner and thoroughly. Then the arranged connections and accommodations themselves were fabulous. We couldn’t have... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was the a superb trip! Pia had all the details including the small ones like transfers all taken care of. We just had to show up. The itinerary was comprehensive showing us the best of New... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Guides were good - often amazing - remember Vanessa, Luis, Leo, Melanie Sonia gave good information at start of tour. Would have liked detailed tour prior to leaving our home country. Loved Zocalo... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Travel Agency

Written by the company

A passionate team of travel specialists, sending clients on amazing adventures to Latin America, Africa, Antarctica and New Zealand. Offering independent itineraries as well as small group tours, every journey is inspired by a passion for fun, adventure and authentic connection. With extensive first-hand destination knowledge and years of experience, Viva's friendly travel experts make planning your perfect adventure easy. Founded in 2008. Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5pm NZT Monday to Friday.

Why Viva?

Written by the company

We believe that true inspiration and growth comes from real experiences and immersion in the world around us. When you travel with Viva, we take you beyond the sights in the guidebooks, for an authentic connection to the places you visit.

Travel with confidence!

Knowing everything is taken care of and your arrangements are guaranteed.

Knowing everything is taken care of and your arrangements are guaranteed.
* We have our own local operations at key locations * We are with you 24 hours a day, and our team are just a phone call or whatsapp message away at any time. * We are adventure travel specialists, we have been there, we have lived and breathed Latin America, Africa, NZ and the polar regions and we LOVE THEM! And above all we want you to love these places as much as we do!

Contact info

4.8

Excellent

TrustScore 5 out of 5

505 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

42 days 7 counties 13 flights

42 days 7 counties 13 flights and everything work like clock work. An amazing experience all our concerns regarding safety could not be further from our experience the people hotel staff,guides were all wonderful. South American is adventure well worth considering. From Inca temples to swimming with sea loins in the Galapagos all made this an amazing experience

March 28, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks so much...wonderful to hear everything ran smoothly for you! The Galapagos, Salt Flats, Machu Picchu are such amazing places arent they!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Things were constantly changing

Things were constantly changing - even once we had left NZ. We weren't given any options when things changed and I don't feel the Company took recognition of where their clients came from. It makes a difference in some countries.

April 27, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Hello Ngaire, Thanks for your feedback, we have contacted your agent for more information on your concerns, and will be in touch to address these. Thanks very much.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Our trip to South America

Our trip to South America was marvellous spoilt only by the very sub-standard cabin we had on the boat around the Galapagos Islands
Sorry Viva you over promised and way under delivered on this one.
It would not have been so bad if we had not specifically enquired about the cabin and then consequently went on your reassurance.
The cabin was dark, cold and damp. We ended up having to wash all our clothing when we got back to Ecuador because they smelt musty and mouldy.
Sorry Viva but you need to do some customer satisfaction work here (read consumer rights)
Other that that, the trip to Sth America was a once in a lifetime experience.

April 28, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Dear Ronald, thank you for taking the time to share this review and we are terribly sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your cabin onboard your Galapagos ship. We will follow you up directly to address this in more depth, as well as with the ship operations, as this is not at all the experience we aim to offer our customers. I am very pleased to hear that the rest of your trip was amazing.
Once again thank you for choosing Viva and for your feedback.
Warm regards
Rachel Williams

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great communication prior to departure

Great communication prior to departure. Excellent hotel recommendation

April 15, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback - we're glad you enjoyed our hotel recommendation - the location is fabulous!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

I was looked after the whole trip from the airport. I was travelling on my own but i felt safe.

April 23, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks for the feedback - We're so glad you enjoyed East Africa Julia!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Your ground team in South America were exceptional, very quick to respond to any questions and very helpful and caring. Thank you.

March 30, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Wonderful, thanks so much for your kind comments and happy that we could be of help to you on your South American adventure!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with Viva Expeditions was…

My experience with Viva Expeditions was outstanding from the itinerary being put together and then experiencing South Africa i couldnt fault anything. Tanya was excellent

March 2, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Fantastic to hear, thanks very much Danielle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Viva Expeditions - Excellent Tour Company

Viva Expeditions organised our trips to Mexico and Cuba from the very start.
Emma was very helpful in getting and organising exactly what we wanted to do in both countries.
Our internal flights, accommodation and guides in both countries were well organised and all went without any problems.
We would highly recommend Viva as a tour company to book through

February 3, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Glad to hear you enjoyed your Signature Mexico and Cuba adventure with us. Thanks so much for your feedback, we hope to have you on another Viva adventure in the no to distant future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The trip was super well organised

The trip was super well organised. Everything went off without a hitch and exceeded my expectations!

March 2, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Wonderful, thank you Rebecca. We're glad you enjoyed your Africa Adventure and that it exceeded your expectations. Its an amazing destination and we love sending people there!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Viva’s Customer service and knowledge…

Viva’s Customer service and knowledge of the area are outstanding. Our rep Pia also had an excellent understanding of our group’s wishes and capabilities. When anything came up that we needed to consult on she had solutions and was always available.

February 8, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

It was a pleasure to assist you with your travels, thanks very much

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A good operator to an off-the-beaten track island that has bush walks and lots of native birds, often including kiwi.

Pia took the effort to create an itinerary that differed from the standard ones but suited what I wanted.

Stewart Island/Rakiura is a small laid back place with good bush walks and lots of native birds. Most people, including me, get to see a kiwi. Mine was fairly close and stayed around for almost an hour.

March 6, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks very much for your lovely feedback David. Kiwis in the wild are super special arent they?! Thanks for travelling to Stewart Island/Rakiura with Viva!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Great to be met by smiling face.

Being met at Buenos Aries was great.
Jeremiah? Was a great guide.So welcoming.
Gave us so much useful info.Hints & tips.
Chatted all the way to hotel.
Helped us register & got lots of local tips.10/10
Santiago was 6/10

February 29, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks very much for your feedback!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Emma Johnson made it possible for our…

Emma Johnson made it possible for our family to have the best adventure to Antarctica. She totally prepared us with all information and paperwork we needed. She is fantastic at her job! The highly experienced guides made every effort to educate us about Antarctica and safely walk on land there! The entire staff on board was beyond exemplary.

February 12, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Wonderful! Thanks so much, Emma and the Ocean Victory Antarctica team appreciate your feedback. We love having happy travellers. All the best

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had a wonderful trip to the Ross sea…

We had a wonderful trip to the Ross sea region of the Antartic. The Le Soleal staff were very helpful and could not do enough for us. The French style fine dining experience was amazing. Sebastian, the cruise director, and his staff were helpful and very informative. The excursions were well planned to keep us safe while providing the best options available on the day. We highly recommend this expedition!

February 17, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Yes, the dining onboard is fantastic isn't it! Thanks Martin, for you lovely feedback and for recommending this cruise!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Frequent communication and prompt reply…

Frequent communication and prompt reply to inquiries.

February 13, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Glad to hear you enjoyed your booking experience with us for your In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton expedition cruise. We hope to assist you again with future trips.
Thanks very much

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our itinerary was custom-made to fit…

Our itinerary was custom-made to fit our dates and the bucket list of South American experiences that we wanted to tick off - most especially; Iguazu Falls, Galapagos, and the Amazon Rainforest. The accommodations ranged from standard to superior but all of them were excellent in cleanliness and location. Our Viva agent was knowledgeable about the locations and advised us on many ideas for us to incorporate into our itinerary. She was open to our needs and wants, altering the itinerary many times until we were happy. We appreciated all the extra information both in the itinerary e.g. if you have time... and in the extra notes provided e.g. tips. We felt extremely safe and well cared for throughout the trip, particularly with the excellent pickup/drop-off services at the airports and hotels for all our excursions. The guides and drivers provided excellent quality of care including being timely, knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. Our flights were booked as soon as they were available from the airlines which kept the cost as low as possible especially as we were travelling our the Xmas period. Viva ensured that my husband's dietary needs as a celiac were catered for throughout our trip with excellent communication for all of our providers including the flights and cruise. The use of What's App for on-the-ground contact, communication, and service in each country was excellent and also added to our sense of care/safety so that we could relax and really embrace our journey.

December 21, 2023
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks so much for your feedback Michelle. Glad you got to experience a good taste of South America and felt well looked after by our teams on the ground. We look forward to helping you plan you next adventures.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What an Amazing Adventure

I traveled to Antarctica with Viva aboard a chartered ship in November 2023 and had the most amazing time. Tara and Rachel are fantastic at their jobs and experts at planning, organizing and creating the absolute perfect adventure trip. We came into the trip not knowing much of anyone onboard and left feeling like friends with most of the other passengers. Not only was the ship exquisite but we were well informed of what to expect while onboard the ship and in our travels to Argentina too. If I book another expedition style trip to the polar regions and beyond I will certainly book through Viva.

December 1, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

We loved having you onboard with us in Antarctica and seeing all the amazing videos you took while you were there. Hopefully you can join us on another trip again soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Fantastic, memorable time in Antarctica, made into a once in lifetime experience because of the people I met on the voyage. The ship was beautiful and room super comfortable. The food was delicious and the staff friendly. The expedition leaders were excellent, knowledgeable, and fun. No notes! Thanks again for putting all of this together for us Tara and Rachel!

December 5, 2023
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

We are very happy to have put together a once in a lifetime experience for you! We hope you can join us on another one in the future!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Viva is a fantastic company and Rach…

Viva is a fantastic company and Rach and Tara are the best. They made our trip to Antartica so much fun.

November 26, 2023
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Thanks so much for your review Mike, it was great to travel with you to Antarctica, one of our favourite places on the planet.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Special knowledge

Pia took time to understand what we were hoping for in our vacation then brought depth of knowledge of special opportunities in New Zealand for an amazing trip

January 30, 2024
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Reply from Viva Expeditions

Glad to hear David, thanks very much

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