My frugal husband and seasick-prone son have suggested we do a Galapagos "multi-sport adventure" - kayaking, mountain biking, daytrips on fast boats - instead of going on a cruise. Did a search and many of you who have been on a cruise advise that the land option is a mistake, but I would love to hear more details and also hear from anyone who has visited the Galapagos without cruising.
Galapagos by Land
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Here's a link to a Washington Post article about land trips
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/31/AR2006033100604.html
That was a cool article, Elizabeth S. As long as the camping is done in areas that are not frequented by the wildlife and receive human interference anyway, it may be ok. But I wonder what happens to the human waste. We were not allowed to squat and leave any on our island visits. You certainly couldn't go overnight without a squat.
But I think to get from island to island, there were still boats needed, albeit speed boats.
One thing that could be a real eyesore would be to approach the island by sea for a visit and view all this tent and gear pollution from the campers. We were even very careful to stow our extra Tevas or waterproof camera pack for the water landing, etc. so that anyone else arriving to the island was not greeted by human created detritus.
I hope increased access does not wreck these enchanted islands.
Not to give a kneejerk criticism of your vacation idea, Crosscheck, but do you really want to concentrate on multi-sports in an area with unique wildlife in all the world? I don't think you'll be able to appreciate the diversity of wildlife while mountain biking. I've kayaked there, and it is fun, but not as effective for vieiwng the marvels on the islands as walking on them, except for maybe the penguins and some of the cliff dwelling birds.
Have you tried the patches? OTC Bonine works wonders for me and I can't go to IMAX or on a merry-go-round.
Inca Floats spent more time on land and less sailing than many companies. They might have suggestions of even more land time.
Thanks for the link, Elizabeth. I agree, atravelynn, it does seem a bit misguided to go the Galapagos to mountain bike. (Although I still would love to hear from someone who has done the land trip.) As much as we'd love to go, we're now thinking of going to Belize instead - We're leaving in a few weeks and can't room on the larger ships or good flights. And, although my son has not tried the patch, but he doesn't like the idea of spending the whole trip on a boat. Will contact Inca Floats, but have a feeling we might have to abandon the whole idea.