Anyone done a Galapagos Islands tour?

[Anonymous]

Just getting starting in planning a trip to Ecuador. I'd love to see the Galapagos Islands, but don't know what to expect re: time required, expenses, etc. What did you do?

[Anonymous]

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most amazing places you can go. I would definitely recommend it!

There are a lot of different options while you're there, so expenses can vary greatly. Although I think there is 1 hotel, pretty much everyone stays on a ship so that you can move from island to island. There are large (100 person) ships and smaller 10 person ships and various luxury levels as well, so that's where the expense difference comes in. MOst of the ships will have a set schedule of 4-8 days, so depending on what cruise you select your time there will be dictated for you.

I went over 20 years ago, so I don't remember all the details, but I know that I stayed for 8 days on a larger ship. We stopped at 1-2 islands a day. There are some islands that the larger ships are not permitted to go to (though they never dock at the island, you take little dingy boats to get to shore).

You will always be accompanied by a naturalist guide. Many of these are PhD students or have already received their doctorates, so they are very knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and ecological issues facing the islands.

You will likely have a chance to go to the Charles Darwin Research Center where they breed tortoises for release back onto islands that have issues with introduced species. You'll get to swim with penguins, sea-lions and marine iguanas. And depending on time of year, you can watch dancing blue-footed boobies. On smaller ships you may have the chance to climb the volcanos that have tortoises in them; I didn't get to do that (but my parents did when they went on an 8 person cruise).

It's so amazing - the only thing that tops the Galapagos (maybe...) is an African Safari. Have a GREAT time!!!

[Anonymous]

PP here - forgot to mention the Galapagos penguins! The only penguins that swim on and north of the equator. There numbers are falling fast (due to overfishing, water temperature, etc), but if you're lucky you'll have a chance to see them too.

[Anonymous]

I went before kids, before marriage. I stayed in ecuador for 4 weeks. I booked my tour in Quito for the galapagos. It was hugely cheaper as it was relatively last minute (I think a $1000 for the week including food) - this was 10 years ago - on a luxury small yacht with a scientist on board. Maybe 18 passengers and 20 crew. Food was great - people were great. Bring a great camera as the animals are not afraid of humans and practically pose for you. Smaller the boat the better although i did get sea sick but medicine fixed me fine. You travel at night and see a different island every day. A trip of a lifetime. You have to fly from Quito to the islands (like a 2 hour flight). I would recommend 7 days. You don't mention kids - I'm not sure it is appropriate for kids unless older. It is hot and can be strenuous.

I also did other fun things in ecuador (eg riding on top of train (like locals) from the mountains to the jungle) . Great country to visit.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks! I was just telling my husband, when he paled a little at the ballpark pricetag, that this is one of those things that people dream of doing, but usually don't.

No kids. Just going with a friend-- luckily one with similar circadian rhythms, energy levels, and appreciation for good food and drink! Oh, and she speaks some spanish. Total bonus.

Would love specific recommendations if you've been recently, or had a standout experience. Swimming with penguins sounds amazing! Do they nibble you?

[Anonymous]

We took a cruise on a mid-sized boat with about 12 passengers. This was a decade ago. I think we paid about $2500 for the two of us (tour only). They did all the meals and guided tours on the islands. The food was tasty; unfortunately the boat had a bad roach problem and we weren't allowed to flush our toilet paper. Also we had bunk beds and this was our honey moon! And I got an ear ache from snorkelling. Bring common meds because there was at that time only one town on the islands we could find where we had to go to get me antibiotics.

[Anonymous]

The penguins are much too fast when in the water for you to get close to - they really do "fly". If you want to get nibbled by penguins, you need to visit a larger penguin colony. There are Magellanic and Humboldt penguins along the west coast of South America that you could visit as well while you're down there. They bite hard though, so be careful!

[Anonymous]

8:47 here, also there was a $100 tax per person collected at the airport from non-ecuadorians.