Galápagos Islands Travel Answers

I used Lindblat/National Geographic and my daughter used Agressor (for diving) tours. Both are cruises as this is the only way you get from island to island and depending on the length of the tour you get to see many of the islands.

Each island is unique unto itself and although most all will have seals, sea lions you will see albatross on one, land tortises on another and so on.

I would definitely go with a cruise.

There are only two islands you can stay at, Santa Cruz being probably with the most going on, and with large land tortoises in the highlands. To get to some of the other islands you need to tour with boat that can stay out a couple of days.... or do the luxury side as Al did with Lindblat/NatGeo and I did with Celebrity on the Xpedition.

I have not taken even a cruise ship in Galapagos, I lived in the Islands for some time, most cruises are very good and have attractive programs, There are many options to choose from.

If you have time before or after the tour to Galapagos, southern Ecuador is very interesting to visit, because in this area have many ecosystems climatic zones lesser area to the north of the country and you will find a greater diversity of cultures, ecosystems, fauna, flora and gastronomy, etc. in less time. personally visited many places in the center and south of the country for hiking, bird watching and enjoying nature.

There are four islands you can stay on in Galapagos Islands and some islands can be visited on daytours from those places, but as above posts says there are other islands which can only be visited while on a cruise (for example Isla Genovesa, Isla Espanola, western Isabela and Fernandina). I would absolutely recommend a n 8d/7n cruise over a shorter cruise or landbased visits.

I made a cruise with M/S Cachalote and had a wonderful time. The cruise I booked through www.galapagosislands.com (but there are many other reliable companies too). After the cruise I went on my own for a few days to Puerto Villamil on Isla Isabela.

I forgot about the Amazon. The only lodge I have visited is Sani Lodge and it is lovely, so I can really recommend it. I stayed at their camping which is a cheaper option, but the cabins at the lodge are nice too.
www.sanilodge.com

I guess I have a lot to consider. I was told by a local and read some reviews that the best way to experience the Galapagos was through day tours. Only because you have less time in each area, but I haven't considered that day tours might not go to some islands.

Decisions, decisions.

MalenaN wrote:

I forgot about the Amazon. The only lodge I have visited is Sani Lodge and it is lovely, so I can really recommend it. I stayed at their camping which is a cheaper option, but the cabins at the lodge are nice too. www.sanilodge.com

I have made a travel page about Sani Lodge (well, the introduction is not written yet) so if you are interested you can see my photos here: "Sani Lodge - Amazonas" - Sani Lodge by MalenaN

Take a look at gulliver.com.ec/index.php/Ga... .
They offer cruises, as well as land tours in Santa Cruz and Isabella (my personal favorite).
Good luck and enjoy the amazing Galapagos!!

I have done both land tours and cruises during my Galapagos visits. They both have advantages and now that I've spent months on the Galapagos I realize that if you want to see 'everything' you have to do both. The harder to reach islands may only be visited on a cruise, while doing fun things like biking in the highlands or hiking to a volcano are usually limited to land tours. I found land tours to be more active and flexible, with time to explore freely on your own. I found cruises to be more structured and relaxing. The boat I was on during my first visit was the Cruz del Sur...which has since sunk (crazy!) and the land tours I did were with a company called Galakiwi.

I would go with cruises, but small cruises, since big cruise ships are quite expensive. Daily tours are ok, but you wont have the chance to see places far from where you are staying.

The most beautifull places in Galapagos are those far from civilization, Española, Fernandina, Rabida, so please, if you want to have an unforgettable experience use small Cruises, 16 pax. max, now if you have money, then of course take big Cruises... like Expedition.

I work in Galapagps as travel Agent, I can get you the last minutes rates in very nice small cruises, please check this links voyages2ecuador.com/Tours-de...

voyages2ecuador.com/Tours-de...

Please write if you need more assistance....
victor@voyages2ecuador.com