My boyfriend and I will be travelling around South America for about 5 months and would really love to include the Galapagos Islands. Is this something that we need to book before we arrive or is it easy enough to book tours once you get to Quito? We have heard mixed accounts!!
We would really appreciate help that anyone can give us!
Thanks
Sarah
Reply to this hi guys
the galapogos is amazing , we got back a couple of weeks ago and booked our flights in Quito with Tame then we headed to puerto ayeruro loads of hostals to stay in and we booked our boat tour with Joybe tours just down from hotel salinas (easy to find) great boat called Archipell 2 $700 for a 4 day tour not the cheapest but the extra $50 was money well spent we had no problems finding a tour we spent 10 days in total and went over to isabella for 4 days to $60 return ferry and loads of hostals when you get there ,you can see sharks , sealions , turtles , rays etc etc from the beach snorkelling , hope this helps
Chad and Donna now in Colombia
Reply to this Hello Ben and Sarah,
Me and my girlfriend spent a month on Galapagos, mostly in Puerto Ayuro, doing voluntary work. But we also went for 5 days to Isabella, if you got time, go there like Chad and Donna recommended. Further we booked day tours, also at Joybe and it was good organised, no problem. So i guess, if you want to do a more day boat trip they also can arrange that. So, yes, book things at the island, especially if you got some extra time. Be sure that they don't book you on a ship called the "Gaby" or the "Friendship", seem boat, different names. Friends of my had horrible expericiences on this one. Locals we met also know this ship as a "problem" ship.
Oh, and when you book your flight in Quito, you more or less have an open ticket back. Tame office in Puerto Ayuro can fix your return date without extra costs.
Chao,
Erik.
Reply to this Thanks Chad, Donna and Erik!! That helps heaps. We're going to be there about April, and we are so looking forward to it!! Will definitely take you up on your suggestion of Isabella Island...sounds amazing! And good to know that we don't have to book anything too far in advance...didn't really want to be locked into dates too soon!
We leave in a week, can't wait!! Thanks again!
Sarah and Ben
Reply to this Hi guys,
I had the most amazing time in Galapagos a few months ago. It's definitely worth waiting until you get to Ecuador as you cut out huge tour agency fees! I booked an eight day cruise on a catamaran in Quito and then stayed on Isabela for an extra four days. Whole twelve days including flights was $1,200. There are loads of places in Quito that you can book from, just shop around before you actually book. A cruise is probably the best way to see the most islands unless you can stay for ages. If you do go for a cruise, make sure Isla Espanola is included as it's one of the best for seeing the most wildlife in one place! And Isabela is definitely worth a visit as well.
Have a great time!
Kat
PS.
Galapagos!!!!! Reply to this
Thanks Kat, that sounds fantastic! Will definitely make sure that we shop around...everything we have looked at is way more expensive than that!!
Sarah and Ben
Reply to this Hi Sarah and Ben, saw that you are traveling to South America and the Galapagos...that sounds great! I traveled to the Galapagos last April and had the time of my life. It was so amazing that my girlfriend and I have decided to go back and bring a small group. Here is the link to the trip if you are interested in checking it out. http://www.cruise-tour.com/Galapagos/Galapagos.htm We would obviously take out the airfare because you would already be there. Just a little background about Maria and I... we are teachers and have the summer off. My parents run a small travel business and have given us the opportunity to run a few trips during the summer. We are close personal friends with one of the naturalists in the Galapagos, he also happens to be one of the best guides on the islands.
If you are interested shoot me an email back at
. If not, I hope you have a great time! The Galapagos is magical!
Thanks, Charlie Reply to this Hi Charlie,
Thanks for the offer, but by the time August comes around we will be in Japan!!! We plan to visit the Galapagos late April we think. We hope you have an amazing trip though!
Sarah and Ben
Reply to this Hey Charlie. I saw that website. Looks cool. I really liked my trip on a
on the Evolution. It was small enough to get to know everyone, and the cabins were comfy and large, by ship's standards. I went snorkling, hiking, kayaking, and bird watching. The naturalist onboard knew all the birds and where to find the resident Galapagos hawk. It was the adventure of a lifetime. Ben and Sarah - I would say that the more you can book ahead of time, the better your experience. Reply to this 
