Galápagos Islands Travel Forum

I am planning a trip to the Galapagos and Ecuador, needing advice and booking information. At first I needed availability information of the August 2007 for Galapagos tours, but it may be too late for August- don’t know. I sent emails to
Safari Ecuador, Enchanted expeditions, Galasam, Andando Tours, Lindbad, Ecuador travel and OARS- waiting for reply. I have researched some boats that look good- ( Athala, Sagitta, Beluga, Diamante, Isabell 2, etc.) mostly motor yachts. As a college professor I am off when the students are, late November, late December and all of January. So if August fails, then I will try for January. Am I on the right track? I am not interested in SCUBA tours but like snorkeling and would combine this with a tour in the Amazon. I love ancient sites. Also if I don’t get a friend to travel with me, I will be hit with the deadly single supplement. ( is there a ay around this?) Thinking of two weeks in total. What do you suggest? Oh, I don’t eat meat. Thank you in advance. For any advice.

Regards,

Polipo

I went with Galapagos Travel (see my Galapagos page for more on this trip) on the Sagitta. It was an excellent trip and I recommend these guys. I went with two friends, and I don't think we paid a single supplement although the third person didn't end up having to share a room with anyone. If you don't want to pay extra, just share a room--in fact, if you book now for August, you might find that there is a single place available that you can sneak into.

Let me know if you'd like more info, but please look at the tips on my page first.

Hello Polipo,

I used to work for a travel agency in Quito. The majority of boat operators don't charge a single supplement, they try and pair you with another single traveller normally of the same sex. So, you shouldn't have to pay a single supplement unless you want the privacy. 99% cater to vegetarians and the class of boat you chosen definitly cater to your needs. Jungle lodges on the other hand, depending where you go, typically do charge a single supplement fee.
Which part of the Amazon where you thinking of?

I'm currently working on my website, still a work-in-progress but your welcome to visit and ask any other questions you may have.... http://www.carpedm.ca

Good luck,
Paul

I did a Peregrine tour which lasted 8 days. It had everything you're after. They do have a single supplement but that only guarantees that you get your own room, otherwise you can share - if there's no single room on the boat.

There is another tour with Geckos which combines the Galapagos and the Amazon, although the group may be a bit younger.

Have a look at my Galapagos pages if you would like some more information on where the boats go.

Another tour company you may wish to look at is intrepid travel or GAP.

Otherwise, just do a google search and find some local operators. We used a local company in Peru and they were fabulous (and cheaper than companies at home)

I just returned from the Galapagos 2 weeks ago after 4 nights on the Isabela II which I can highly recommend. My pages have more information and photos.

TTS

Thank you everybody for your help. I just got some replies form my last minute request listed below. (I wrote about eight). Does anyone know these tour groups or boats? I am writing the ones you recommended also. I am tempted to wait till January but first I will wait for the rest of the replies. Thanks again for your advice.

Warm regards,
Polipo

Galapagos Network/ Ecoventura
7 night from Sept to Dec
on the M/Y Eric, Flamingo I & Letty from Sept to Dec.

Palmazul a Columbus Travel Company
7 nights in August
on the Galaxy, Eden, and Encantada

Surtrek Tour
7 nights in November
on the Eden, Anahi, and Agelito

Enchanted Expeditions
7 nights on Beluga in Nov., Cachalote 1, waitlist August.
They have a land tour also.

Polipo,

I traveled alone to the Galapagos in October of last year on the Beluga. I would have no hesitation recommending it. It's a nice ship and the crew keep it very clean. As others mentioned, if you say you are willing to share a room with a stranger (same gender) then you will not be charged a single supplement. I ended up with a cabin to myself. Most of the cabins on the Beluga are of a decent size. Cabins 1-5 are downstairs and have porthole windows. These have 2 twin beds or a double bed and are the most stable if you get seasick. Cabins 6 and 7 are on the main deck and have bunk beds. They have two very large windows. These are extremely tiny cabins. I had one to myself, but I'm not sure I would have enjoyed sharing this with a stranger. Cabin 8 is on the sun deck. This has two twin beds. This cabin feels the rocking of the boat the most.

I really enjoyed the itinerary for this ship. The guide was good (although the guide changes from trip to trip). The crew was attentive to needs and will adjust food for dietary needs. I don't eat dairy and we had 1 vegetarian, so they had to make a couple of special meals. This wasn't a problem, and the food was always good. When I went, most of the passengers were in the 30-50 yr old range. I have more info on my travel blog (laceytravels.blogspot.com) or feel free to email me with questions.

I travelled on Ecoventura's Erci for a week in May. It was fantastic - the crew were very friendly - the boat very comfortable and clean. You could pay single supplement if you wanted your own cabin or they will place you with someone. It was all go - snorkling once or twice a day - walking on the islands - you usually visit 2 sites a day and cruised at night so you don't waste the daylight. They would not have any problems with vegetrian meals. The food was great you usually had a choice of different meat dishes and vegetable dishes.
You will have a great time there.