mnf

We were on the Eclipse through A&K for a family tour with our 5 year old. We had a great time with the exception of some altitude sickness at the beginning for my son and some travellers "affliction" for me at the end.

Boat and guides were all great - especially the children's guide and our cruise director. Happy to answer any questions.

Percy

Would love to read a brief report on what you saw in Quito and the Galapagos.

I was there 10 months ago and loved both my time in Quito and area and the Galapagos.
Did you buy a stuffed Blue Footed Boobie to bring back home!
I am sure the children enjoyed the animals and birds everywhere.

Percy

mnf

I stayed mostly with the children's group because I loved seeing the islands through their eyes.

In Quito - we did old town - which I found universally delightful, I was surprised. We went to the winged statue and to the Equatorial museum. I also enjoyed the sun museum there.

We did a 8 day cruise in the islands so we saw tons. Highlights for me were those boobies (yes -we did buy one!), the sea lions with tiny babies, the waved albatross taking off and landing, snorkeling with galapagos sharks, marine iguanas swimming with us.

I really enjoyed our ship - it was the perfect size for us. 46 guests and 40 crew on a 200 foot boat.

The kids were all universally great and got along well. The Eclipse had a great program for them.

The biggest highlight for me was getting off on the first island with my son and having him turn to me and say "why aren't these birds afraid of me and flying away?"

It was really a trip of a lifetime...

Percy

mnf

You are correct , it is a trip of a lifetime.
I know just what your son meant about the birds not being afraid.

I saw many many blue footed boobies on their nest, some with little ones peeping out from underneath.

I would get up about 8 inches from them, yes , 8 inches, and then I would blow on them and I could see their feathers moving from my blowing and they would just sit and look at me.

Those baby sea lions are sooooo cute , you just want to pick one up and take it home.
My stuffed Blue Footed Boobie sits right on top of my computer.

Isn't the view from the winged statue something. We saw it both in the daytime and at night..both times are spectacular .

I just feel that anyone going to the Galapagos should spent at least some time in Old Quito and see those beautiful building that you saw.

Thank you for the report . I loved reading it .

Percy

maxmax

We are going on the Eclipse also with A&K, for a week early in September, and were very interested to read your comments. No children but with mother who is approaching 80! Two specific queries: How much to tip? & Did they provide snokling gear and wet suits [my wife is a petite size]? Thanks

Sassyrn

Hi we're going to the galapagos in October & wondering about wetsuits also. I am petite & am having a hard time finding one to fit...& wondering if I should get a shortie or full length. joan

mnf

Review the tipping guidelines that A&K sends you. They are very accurate. One word of advice - the A&K tour guide stays with you on the boat portion of the trip so you have to tip him for the whole time.

They provided snorkeling gear. They have some wet suits but they charge for them and they were not in great shape and in limited supply - especially odd sizes. We brought our own and were very glad we did as the water was cold.

One last word of warning - we found some of the hikes to be quite challenging for our son. Lots of slippery lava rocks and generally tricky footing. While sneakers were okay for the adults - we wished we had sturdier hiking shoes for our son. He actually cut a hole in the sole of one sneaker on a rock. You may want to get some good hiking shoes for your Mom - I think it would help her be more sure footed.

Things to not bring from the A&K list - flashlight (not sure why they say that), water bottles (they are provided on board), towels - the ship has plenty.

Have a wonderful time!