Galapagos Islands?

pixie_power88

Hi everyone! I'm planning on travelling around South America starting next summer after I graduate, and I'd love to see the Galapgos Islands. Has anyone here any advice on a good-quality but good value option for a boat cruise/tour around the islands? I hear this is the best way to see the most in a short time. However I'm a student and I don't have loads of money to spend but don't require five-star luxury either! Just don't want to be ripped off TOO much (though I am aware its going to be an expensive trip to do).
Any ideas, thoughts or opinions from seasoned Galapagos Island-hoppers much appreciated!
Thanks

Meathlass

Hey op, I did the Galapagos in 2006 so bear in mind my advice may be a bit old but these things generally don't change. Every second shop in the touristy parts of Quito sell tours and they're well advertised in LP and the hostels. I went on a middling tour with good food but cramped accomodation and sleezy staff - think it was $500 for a week. Didn't learn a whole lot from the guide and they brought us on a potentially dangerous situation (2 mile swim in the open sea in strong current). The animals were amazing though.

In hindsight (and having experienced this company's tours in other parts of south america) I wish I'd spent another couple of hundred dollars and gone with someone like Gap Adventures - would have gotten good information and genuine respect for the wildlife. Be warned that you may be better off going on a 4 day tour as the week long tour consists of a 4 day and 3 day tour so one day in total is spent in the harbour.

jobless

did it last year..... the cheapest we got was for about just under 1k including return flights.... we did it from guayaquil.... it was an amazing experience but yes very expensive.... was well worth the money for once in a life time experience....think it was for 4 days 3 nights.... and it was the budget option..

If you want details on how i booked let me know...

imme

The Galapagos seem to come up every couple of months.
Maybe do a search and you'll find other threads with recommendations.

Was there in 2010, didn't do much for me. I didn't appreciate the 'uniqueness' of the place.

I'm not an ornithologist but in all honesty I've seen a greater variety of birds in other, more accessible places in South America. I know the birds of The Galapagos are unique in the adaptations that have occurred over but like I say I'm no ornithologist so couldn't appreciate it.

The guide on the tour I was on pointed out some features of the islands and some of the wildlife but he's no expert.

Human interference has obviously had a big impact on the place.

Swimming with the fish, turtles though is meant to be good (didn't do it myself), but is it worth the price?

There's a mercenary streak among some of the people who've been attracted to the islands from South America and further afield to open shops/ restaurants/ tours/ etc on the islands.

jobless

imme wrote: »

The Galapagos seem to come up every couple of months.
Maybe do a search and you'll find other threads with recommendations.

Was there in 2010, didn't do much for me. I didn't appreciate the 'uniqueness' of the place.

I'm not an ornithologist but in all honesty I've seen a greater variety of birds in other, more accessible places in South America. I know the birds of The Galapagos are unique in the adaptations that have occurred over but like I say I'm no ornithologist so couldn't appreciate it.

The guide on the tour I was on pointed out some features of the islands and some of the wildlife but he's no expert.

Human interference has obviously had a big impact on the place.

Swimming with the fish, turtles though is meant to be good (didn't do it myself), but is it worth the price?

There's a mercenary streak among some of the people who've been attracted to the islands from South America and further afield to open shops/ restaurants/ tours/ etc on the islands.

I guess its pot luck with the tours..... we had a really good guide who knew everything about the wildlife so made it a really good trip... I agree that they are going to eventually spoil it with the amount of tourists they let in....

The only shops you'll see are on the main two islands, the others have no inhabitants except for the animals ...

as i said before i thought it was worth it...... but i'm into wildlife.... swimming with seals, sting rays, huge turtles was amazing...seeing the variety of animals such as the giant turtle (we got to see lonesome george before he died), different birds and iguanas was excellent....

pixie_power88

I'm definitely into wildlife and scenery and I've always wanted to go so I don't mind splashing out, would expet to have to spend 1000-1500 to make it worthwhile.

Meathlass and Jobless, what companies would you reccommend? Also I might be travelling alone so are there any good tour options you know of that attract backpacker-type young folk like myself? I don't mind if I end up on a boat full of retired old people or whatever so long as I get to see the islands but some sort of social scene would be nice too.

Thanks for the replies guys! Trans-continental adventures are slightly daunting logistical enterprises, help appreciated

jobless

pm sent

Meathlass

It depends OP on whether you want to book it in advance from Ireland or just organise it out there. All the large companies will advertise trips over here - just go into trailfinders or any big travel agent and get some brochures but you will pay more for it. I can't remember who I went with but they were just a local crowd but don't recommend them.

I would recommend Gap adventures for it tbh. I went to Antartica with them and they were excellent, genuine interest in the wildlife and concern for it. Well educated guides with specialties in the areas. I think you definitely get value for money with them. They also attract a younger backpacker crowd though you would prob need to book in advance.

If you want to wait until you're out there then every tourist shop in Guayaquil and Quito sells trips - just ask around at your hostel as to the best ones at the moment. I think happy gringo was the best operator when I was there and still seems to have a good web presence www.happygringo.com