Galapagos for older person
Mar 2nd, 2008, 09:24 AM
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Galapagos for older person
We're thinking of a Galapagos trip in '09 with my mother, who will be 77. She's worried about the altitude in Quito and about our boat being in rough water. I've been reading Galapagos posts for several months and haven't heard anyone speak of rough seas. Anybody have some advice? Can I set her mind at rest or could there be a problem? Is this a trip suitable for someone of that age? She is fit and has traveled to Europe recently and was just fine.
Mar 2nd, 2008, 01:39 PM
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I had altitude problems in Quito so I would suggest you don't stay there. My tour operator had an option of not going through Quito. I wish I had not gone there.
I didn't experience rough seas but then I was on a larger ship. So, would also suggest not a small ship. Look at Lindblad tours. Excellent with choices of different levels of activity.
I didn't experience rough seas but then I was on a larger ship. So, would also suggest not a small ship. Look at Lindblad tours. Excellent with choices of different levels of activity.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 05:43 AM
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I did not experience rough seas in the Galapagos during a four day trip last year, [arranged by Travel 2 Latin America] so I don't think it would be a problem. There was no one who got seasick on our boat which carried a dozen passengers. However, there are much larger boats that would undoubtedly be more stable if you are concerned. One of these is Explorer II. The Monserrat is smaller. There are many boats there and the quality depends on the operator and the captain, so it is best to get advice.
Mar 3rd, 2008, 06:42 AM
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Quito is 9000 ft altitude, so it may be a problem for your mother.
I am not sure, but I believe that all flights to the Galaoagos (Baltra) leave from Guayaquil, which is coastal.
http://www.galapagosonline.com/prede...ion/Travel.htm
So you might want to see if your flight from the US can go directly to Guayaquil.
Also, we went on a 90 passenger ship, and did not have any problem. But we have heard from some who went on a smaller boat that there was sea sickness.
I am not sure, but I believe that all flights to the Galaoagos (Baltra) leave from Guayaquil, which is coastal.
http://www.galapagosonline.com/prede...ion/Travel.htm
So you might want to see if your flight from the US can go directly to Guayaquil.
Also, we went on a 90 passenger ship, and did not have any problem. But we have heard from some who went on a smaller boat that there was sea sickness.
Mar 5th, 2008, 10:42 AM
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I just got back from my honeymoon in Ecuador although I only stayed in Quito for two nights before the cruise I did find it a bit too high, I wouldn’t recommend you to fly into Quito, especially if she has high blood pressure or heart problems. Guayaquil is probably the best choice and it will save you time and money as flights to the Galapagos from Guayaquil are slightly cheaper.
As for the rough waters, I shouldn’t be too concerned; I found it to be quite calmed, still I would recommend you to select among the boats that are equipped with stabilizers. Try contacting Angie, say you mail her on my behalf, she has an extraordinary knowledge of the islands and I’m positive she will help you directing you in the right path. I believe her hotmail account is angie_greenworld or angeles_cagigal You should also pay special attention to the itinerary you choose…the southernmost islands were a treat but I would try to include Genovesa…simply amazing.
Hope you have luck finding the suitable trip for your mom and don’t forget to take all the film you can, too much is never enough for the Galapagos.
Cheers.
As for the rough waters, I shouldn’t be too concerned; I found it to be quite calmed, still I would recommend you to select among the boats that are equipped with stabilizers. Try contacting Angie, say you mail her on my behalf, she has an extraordinary knowledge of the islands and I’m positive she will help you directing you in the right path. I believe her hotmail account is angie_greenworld or angeles_cagigal You should also pay special attention to the itinerary you choose…the southernmost islands were a treat but I would try to include Genovesa…simply amazing.
Hope you have luck finding the suitable trip for your mom and don’t forget to take all the film you can, too much is never enough for the Galapagos.
Cheers.
Mar 5th, 2008, 03:11 PM
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The walking is at a slow pace so the trip is suitable for a fit 77 year old. If you are going with her, there may be areas where going arm in arm is a good idea, like on rough lava paths.
To minimize the effects of rough seas, I'd pick a bigger boat and pack Bonine.
In Aug I did experience rough seas on a 16-passenger boat. Bonine saved me.
Here is some info I've posted in the past.
Link to rain and sun in Galapagos :
http://www.junglephotos.com/galapago.../climate.shtml
Strange as it may seem, in the Galapagos usually the rainiest months are also the sunniest. During the rainier months of Dec to June it rains, then clears up. In the "dry season" running July to Nov there is often a stagnant mist called garula. So it is misty but the mist does not yield much actual precipitation.
I was there in August and often wore a windbreaker. In April there were days when it was uncomfortably hot. Snorkeling was warmer in April than August, but every guest wore a wetsuit on every snorkel regardless of the month. We saw more sea turtles while snorkeling in April than August.
Link to seas in Galapagos
http://www.galapagosonline.com/prede...al/Medical.htm
<b>Quote from link: “The months of December through May tend to offer the calmest seas. </b>If you are prone to getting seasick it is best to plan your vacation during these months. Late August and the month of September tend to have the roughest seas, though this is a good time to visit the islands, people who suffer from extreme cases should avoid traveling during these months.” This coincides with my personal experience of bigger waves in early August than late April. A daily over the counter Bonine prevented any inkling of seasickness on both trips.
On both trips I’ve questioned guides and those in the know on what month they prefer. The consensus is November due to the weather conditions and the fact that fewer people travel then, especially as it nears Thanksgiving.
From a wildlife aspect only Jan-Mar has missing species. Jan, Feb, Mar are the months when the Waved Albatross are out to sea and not on the islands. Not that they are all gone on Jan 1 and refuse to return until Apr 1, but those are the general away times for these birds. That's the only species that leaves, everything else is there year round.
The other time that has frequently been mentioned, as one to avoid, is the Christmas holiday. Though I am glad to see that Suze had a good trip at that time. The reason the the guides have given to avoid that time is that they have found the emphasis is on festivities and family bonding rather than wildlife. They have said something like, “If you are coming for the best wildlife viewing experience you can forget Christmas. Just stay home. It is crowded and people just want to party. Lots of families travel together at this time and with a lot of kids on board, the focus shifts away from wildlife.” Just passing on what I heard. I wouldn’t book a Christmas trip unless it was a private departure on a small boat since wildlife viewing is my priority when in the Galapagos.
To minimize the effects of rough seas, I'd pick a bigger boat and pack Bonine.
In Aug I did experience rough seas on a 16-passenger boat. Bonine saved me.
Here is some info I've posted in the past.
Link to rain and sun in Galapagos :
http://www.junglephotos.com/galapago.../climate.shtml
Strange as it may seem, in the Galapagos usually the rainiest months are also the sunniest. During the rainier months of Dec to June it rains, then clears up. In the "dry season" running July to Nov there is often a stagnant mist called garula. So it is misty but the mist does not yield much actual precipitation.
I was there in August and often wore a windbreaker. In April there were days when it was uncomfortably hot. Snorkeling was warmer in April than August, but every guest wore a wetsuit on every snorkel regardless of the month. We saw more sea turtles while snorkeling in April than August.
Link to seas in Galapagos
http://www.galapagosonline.com/prede...al/Medical.htm
<b>Quote from link: “The months of December through May tend to offer the calmest seas. </b>If you are prone to getting seasick it is best to plan your vacation during these months. Late August and the month of September tend to have the roughest seas, though this is a good time to visit the islands, people who suffer from extreme cases should avoid traveling during these months.” This coincides with my personal experience of bigger waves in early August than late April. A daily over the counter Bonine prevented any inkling of seasickness on both trips.
On both trips I’ve questioned guides and those in the know on what month they prefer. The consensus is November due to the weather conditions and the fact that fewer people travel then, especially as it nears Thanksgiving.
From a wildlife aspect only Jan-Mar has missing species. Jan, Feb, Mar are the months when the Waved Albatross are out to sea and not on the islands. Not that they are all gone on Jan 1 and refuse to return until Apr 1, but those are the general away times for these birds. That's the only species that leaves, everything else is there year round.
The other time that has frequently been mentioned, as one to avoid, is the Christmas holiday. Though I am glad to see that Suze had a good trip at that time. The reason the the guides have given to avoid that time is that they have found the emphasis is on festivities and family bonding rather than wildlife. They have said something like, “If you are coming for the best wildlife viewing experience you can forget Christmas. Just stay home. It is crowded and people just want to party. Lots of families travel together at this time and with a lot of kids on board, the focus shifts away from wildlife.” Just passing on what I heard. I wouldn’t book a Christmas trip unless it was a private departure on a small boat since wildlife viewing is my priority when in the Galapagos.
