travelbug

I realize that ocean conditions vary, but how likely is it that the seas will be rough in one of those 16 passenger Galapagos motorboats?
thanks

Percy

The seas could be rough( not real rough) but they try not to do any travelling until very late at night or late evening when everyone is asleep.

Therefore when you wake up the next morning you are at your destination island....where you stay and tour all day and then move on to the next island.

If they have to travel in the early evening , like after the 6-7 PM meal ...you WILL be nauseated !!!

Good luck
No reason not to go to the Galapagos!!!

Percy

sceneisle

We are going to the Galapagos next month. Because of my wife's concern about getting sick on a small boat, we opted for the 100-passenger X-pedition (Celebrity).

Patty

The ocean conditions around the Galapagos islands can be rough, and I don't think the sizes of the vessels operating in the Galapagos vary enough to make that much of a difference. They're all relatively small. What I'm trying to say is that you should be prepared for rough seas in any size vessel and bring along anti-motion sickness medication if you're prone to sea sickness.

From what I understand, rougher seas are more likely during the dry season (Jul-Nov) when the ocean currents change direction with the Humboldt current bringing colder water from the south.

StanKase

We went on the Queen of Silva, owned by the Queen of Sweden-but likely never used by her- for it was not very nice with very small cabins except for the owner's suite which we took but it was $6000 for 7 days just for the cruise. You only need 3 full days and 3 islands to get your fill. We would not return.
The only 300 year old turtles were the 2-3 in the research center in a barb- wire enclosure on Santa Cruz.We did see small sea turtles while snorkeling but none on the 7 islands. Just lots of interesting birds and lizards which got "old" after 2-3 days. Sorry for the bummer review.

wallacefl

Two years ago we traveled on the Eden - a 16 passenger Galapagos boat. Every night after dinner, the boat took off for the next island. We traveled anywhere from 8 to 5 hrs during the evening. I have never suffered from motion sickness before, but I did get seasick, particularly the first night. I took bronine (sp?) an over the counter anti-motion sickness med and was fine the rest of the trip. We had a wonderful trip. If you are a birder, you will love it. We saw sea lions, iguanas, etc. We also really enjoyed our couple days in Quito, Ecuador.

My father, who was also on the trip, gets severe seasickness. He used the prescription patch and was fine.

Enjoy your trip!

evelyntrav

We went on the Lindblad Polaris (80 passengers) in October. Perhaps we were lucky, but I know of only two people who got sick. Many of us (including me) wore the patch. One of the advantages of a large boat, is that they generally move a lot faster than the smaller boats so you spend less time traveling.

travellin

We just (April) came back from Galapagos on Lindblad Polaris. It was a wonderful trip, great staff, service, food etc. We had an amazing time. We picked Polaris for its size. I am a terrible traveler (motion sickness) and I was concerned. Most people were fine but I found it quite rough at night when motoring to the next location. If you are prone to seasickness I would go prepared. I took a 'Relief Band' which controls nausea by emitting an electric pulse on the wrist. I also took Motion Eaze drops. I was usually fine during the day but at night I used my (Relief Band) 'watch' faithfully. It can also get quite rough on the zodiacs. Go prepared and you will have the trip of a lifetime.

meggles

my family and i took a smallish boat, 24 passengers, the sagiatta. the tour company was INCA. it was the best family trip i'd ever been on. i get seasick/motion sick. but the only time i got sick on this voyage was when i layed out in the sun and got so badly burnt- i got sick afterwards but i think it was b/c of the sun posioning.

atravelynn

I've done two trips on the 16-passenger boats--San Jacinta (not in operation) & Sagitta--through a company called Galapagos Travel. I went in August and in April. The over the counter drug Bonine for sea sickness helped me be free of any nausea. I am by no means a hearty sailor and have a weak stomach. I get ill on carnival rides, merry-go-rounds, and at Imax. The roughest times were at night.

There are wild turtles in the highlands on Santa Cruz and I've seen them on both trips. But you have to book a trip that spends more time in the islands to get to see these wild turtles.

In contrast to another traveler who felt 3 days was enough and would not return, I've done two 14 day trips (with 11 days in the islands) and plan on returning a couple more times.

All depends on your interests. Feel free to email for more info.

travelbug

Thank you for the many answers to my post. It's my husband who gets seasick, so maybe the trip is out for us - or perhaps I'll get up my courage and go myself. I'd love to see all the wild life (Stankase, your experience is a bit of a downer - I hope most trips have better wildlife viewing).

travellin

TravelBug,
Don't miss out on Galapagos because you are worried about (your husband's) seasickness. As I said in my response above I am the WORST traveler but with my handy-dandy seasick gadgets and remedies I was okay. It is an amazing trip. Snorkelling with the sea lions and penguins. Seeing the giant tortoises in the wild. The blue-footed boobies...two newborn sea lions, born really early this season...the list goes on. It's a special place.

travelbug

I did it! I signed on for a tour that takes in Lima, Machu Picchu, Quito and the Galapagos. I'm so excited! I'll leave Nov 26 and spend about 23 days traveling. My seasick-prone husband will stay home, so I'm on my own. Any information about safety in Lima and Quito (can I wander around alone?) and footwear in the Galapagos (I have hiking boots for Machu Picchu, but what is good for the islands?)would be appreciated. Thank you for all the encouragement and information.

Cronen

Hey Travelbug,

Good for you. Which tour company did you sign on with? I've been looking into the GAP tours if my cruise falls through (long story and Galapagos transport thread).

atravelynn

Travelbug,

You'll have a great time. For Galapagos footware, I'd suggest tennis shoes or light hiking boots (for ankle support). Many people wore Tevas also.

Patty

I brought both sport sandals and tennis shoes and alternated between the 2 depending on whether it was a wet or dry landing, but you could probably get away just as easily with 1 or the other.

evelyntrav

Like Patty, I brought Tevas and a tennis-like shoe which were slip-on Merrells. They covered all my needs. Oops, I think I also brought a pair of casual sandals (more dressy than Teva's) for dinner.

travelbug

Cronen, I signed on with Overseas Adventure Travel. Small groups of only 16. I haven't traveled with them before, but I've heard good things about the company.

Cronen

I have heard good things about OAT as well. I was enthralled by the price of GAP tours and have searched this board (too good to be true?) and found out you get what you pay for (the reports weren't glowing to say the least). Please post your trip report as others will be curious. I hope you have a fabulous trip. Just a note..not really for this board, but I'm taking a Backroads tour in Italy this summer and will post a report a the Europe board. I always find other peoples experiences invaluable.