Meags

My fiancee and I are spending 3 weeks in Ecuador for our honeymoon in February. We'd really like to do a Galapagos tour, but don't think we can afford it -- are there any budget tours that don't sacrifice quality? We'd really like to keep it under $1000 Cdn each, less if possible!

Thanks!

Percy

Contact Martin Slater at [email protected]

He booked and planned my whole tour in late August and he was terrific.
He will know all about any Galapagos tour you might want and the prices.

Tell him Percy (from Edmonton) told you to contact him
Percy

earlxx

Magas, invest in this book 'A Traveler's guide to the Galapagos Island' It is the best resource anyone thinking about going to Galapagos needs to read. This book has been recommended here often. We used it and made our decission based on many factors, one of them being our budget.
Buy it and read it, then decide. Do not miss Galapagos.

Meags

Thanks to both Percy and Earl! Anyone else have suggestions?

peg

Does that CDN include airfare also, and is it per person or all together? It will cost anywhere from $333 to $395 (US)per person in airfare. We went in low season and it was $333 per person.

We took a five day/four night tour of the southern islands and were on a tourist superior boat. Our total was $933 (US) per person including airfare.

Percy

I really cannot tell you any exact price because Martin got me a sort of last minute package deal.
I cruised on the Isabella2 ( rated luxury class) .
I paid $900.00 US ,this included my airfare from Quito to the Galapagos, 5 days on the Isabella2 and also 4 nights accommodations in Quito with full breakfast at the hotel.
All transfers to and from the airport to the hotel was also included.
I toured Quito for 4 days but all those tours were extra.
The reason I mentioned to contact Martin is because there may be a good deal that comes across his desk and he can let you know right away.
I was not going to go until April of 2004 ,but when this came up quickly in August , I thought,I better go now..who knows what may happen in April
Percy

Patty

Hi peg,
May I ask which boat you took and what you thought of it? If you prefer, you can email me directly at [email protected] - I'm planning a trip for this September. Thanks!

peg

Hi Patty:

We were on the Aida Maria. It is a 16 passenger boat. It is not a huge boat, but the crew was very friendly, the guide was knowledgable, the price was right and the itinerary was perfect for what we wanted to do in the amount of time we had, the southern islands. The food was good, the only downside is they didn't have a big drink selection, coke and beer, coffee and tea. You also got juice for breakfast.

We spent most of the day on the islands, and traveled overnight. Which was good for me since I get motion sickness very easy.

We went the last week in Sept./ first week in October. Take a wet suit if you want to snorkel, the water is cold. They have snorkeling equipment on the boat, but I would recommend bringing your own if you can, we did. A good underwater camera is a must, I was swimming inches from a marine turtle for the longest time and my camera jammed and I have no pictures of it.

Overall, the boat was clean, they kept the cabins clean, the staff was friendly and helpful and the food was good.

I booked through Sangay also, before Percy. (HA)

My e-mail is [email protected] (Percy that has changed in the last month to let you know). I will be more than happy to answer any questions, or I can send you some pics if you want, they are digital.

Percy

Thanks for the new email address ,I have saved it.
Yes (ha) you did book before me.
But I am sure we both had a great time and like you, I was totally satisfied with Martin at Sangay Tours.

Look after that wrist!
Oh yes ,I cannot quite make out the alphabet before the @in your new address,is it an "n"
Thanks
Percy

peg

Percy

it is an "r"