NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

We are wanting to travel to the Galápagos Islands sometime in the near future. has anyone been fortunate enough to have made this trip? I have searched online, and I really don't know where to begin. There are so many options. Any sugestions for travel companies and what to see there. I know there are several Islands, and want to see the animals mostly. Thank you for any advice.

Tina

There was a recent post in the last couple weeks with photos from there. Do a search and you may be able to contact the individual.

wilpharm Loc: Oklahoma

well, we were there 2 years ago...its one of those trips that Im glad I went on but dont wanna go back...you will see pretty much the same animals on all the islands..they are so tame you can literally walk on them...you can only see so many blue-footed boobies without getting a bit bored...really enjoyed a day trip to cloud forest about 3 hours from Quito, equador...BUTA you will get a helluva lot of fotos...take an extra camera/lens if you have room...would NOT take a big glass (500mm)..you wont need it & too heavy to tote around...but thats just me..try to spend a bit of time in Equador if you can..really a diverse country..In the Galopogos we were on a little cruise ship,ONly 36 passengers, I think..very well organized & great food...the naturalist guides were well educated & very informative..in retrospect I would have spent more time in Equador & less time in Galopogas..

star2344 Loc: Lakewood Ranch, FLorida

Try www.intitravel.ca

Bri Loc: NZ

The Northern Islands are different to the Southern Islands.
The smaller the ship the better as far as I am concerned. There were 15 passengers on the boat I was on. Some passengers did the 5 day northern Islands and some did only the Southern. Those of us who did both were pleased we did. It costs a lot just to visit so make the most of it, you will never forget the experience

NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

We decided that this will probably be our once in a lifetime trip, so we plan on enjoying it all. We will also be spending a week or so in Ecuadore. My son and his family are building a home there for retirement, and we thought we would see what all of the excitement is about. The way things are headed in the good old USA-- you never know.

bamfordr Loc: Campbell CA

Trip of a lifetime.

We saved up and went with Lindblad/National Geographic. Outstanding naturalists and accommodations. We went on the smaller ship - the Islander, which is a catamaran and has a little rougher ride. By Ecuadorean law a tour group must have 1 certified naturalist for each 16 tourists. Lindblad has two itineraries, which go roughly to the Eastern and Western islands. We went to the Eastern Islands. Very physically demanding, with all the hiking and kayaking, but worthwhile. I don't believe there is another place like the Galapagos in the world. The animals do not fear humans - even nesting birds. You have to keep a distance, but not very much and they don't run and hide.

By the way, you have to keep your distance, but the seals, and various birds (mockingbirds) aren't under any such rule and they are curious.

washy Loc: Dorset UK

I might be able to help after Friday, our local photo group are holding a meeting, where the subject is the galapagos islands, the speaker is a renowned expert on them.
Regards Washy

charryl Loc: New Mexico, USA

I can highly recommend Safari Experts. The owner, Tim LaPage puts together fantastic trips. As coincidences happen, I just got an email from Tim regarding a Galapagos trip he has put together for the spring. He has had two cancellations. If you are interested here is a website:

http://www.galapagosexpeditions.com/cruises/grace-galapagos-ship.php

NCWLinda Loc: North Central Washington State

Thank you Cheryl. We'll have to talk it over and see what we can do.