kenav

Thinking of going to Ecuador at beginning of September 20121.

Looking at cruises and there are those that concentrate on Western or Southern or Eastern islands. We're confused about which to choose. It would be for 5 days.

My husband likes birding but we would want a tour that also includes seeing sea lions other fauna, and various geological sites as well.

We will be going to a preserve outside of Quito for a couple of days before and hopefully will see many birds at that time (although not sea birds.)

Anyone done this and what would your recommendations be?

kenav

OOps that's 2012.

LorraineAndrea

We had the same problem deciding so have gone for doing the whole lot.
We are spending 16 days there in June so will hopefully see everything.
We are also going to MachuPichu and Amazon, away for a month in total so if anyone has ideas on what to pack I would be grateful.

ztsipapu

Five days for a cruise will really limit you and the wildlife viewing options. It's really only 3 full days at sea, since the first day is just an afternoon outing and the last day, a morning outing because of airport transportation issues. The western islands (Fernandina, Isabela), the southernmost island (Española), and the northernmost island (Genovesa) are the most spectacular. However, they are also the furthest away from the inhabited islands, so you will probably find an itinerary that hits only one of those. In looking at itineraries, make sure you have at least one of those 4 islands on the short trip. It would likely be possible to find a short cruise that doesn't get to ANY of them--and that would be a disappointment.

During your travel window, the Waved Albatross will still be gathered in their breeding colony on Española. With one small exception, this is the only place on the planet they come to land. Genovesa has wonderful breeding colonies of seabirds--all 3 species of booby and Great Frigatebirds--that you walk through literally eye-to-eye with the adults and nestlings. Fernandina and Isabela are the youngest islands and have the most dramatic geological viewing, as well as the endemic Flightless Cormorant (found only out there).

The good news is that you'll see--and swim with!--Galápagos sea lions pretty much anywhere you find a sunny, sandy beach. Land and marine iguanas can be see on a number of islands. too. The easiest place to see the gentle behemoth Giant Tortoises living free---which is much more fun than seeing them at the breeding centers--is in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

If 5 days is all you can give to this marvelous archipelago, you're going to have to make some tough choices. Any chance you can add some days on? Most folks say that an 8-day/7-night cruise is a good way to really experience the vast diversity (although even there, you have to make choices since you can't get to every landing). With increasing air costs, you could spend $600+ per person just to set foot in the islands (air fare is increasing because the government is eliminating the fuel subsidy on flights to the archipelago, plus $100 park fee). With that much in the way of up-front costs, it seems unfortunate to spend so little time in this amazing place. If you can't, you might think about saving the Galápagos for a trip where you can do the islands--and yourself--justice. Some folks have a fine time on a short cruise; others find that it has just whetted their appetites and they wish they could stick around. But I've never heard anyone regret that he or she took an 8-day cruise instead of a shorter one.

Tina
trip report at http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/

kenav

Yes, I would love to go for 8 days, but I'm not even sure we can do the 5 day cruise ($$). The money really adds up what with the flight to ecuador and then the flight to the Galapagos, etc.

I've looked up the islands of Genovesa and Espanola, Fernandia and Isabella and you're right they look very interesting.

Not sure yet what to do.

kenav

ztsipapu - Just found a reasonably priced - first class - catamaran that has two 6-day cruises. One does include Espanola and they other covers both Isabela and Fernandina. Normally priced at $2600 pp for 6 days, they will give me a $500 pp discount. This is on the Millennium ship from Galasam Tours.

qwovadis

www.galavengalapagos.com $600 on a 2 for 1 for me last fall with www.guanguiltagua.com [email protected] owner got me great discounts also on www.bellavistacloudforest.com owned by Richard Parsons #1 Ecuador/Galapagos birder I met him last fall an awesome place. Sight the ever elusive Andean Cock of the Rock and 150 species of hummingbirds. Do be careful with all the "destination experts" on the boards who are agents spouses of agents and trolls toust for agents who will charge you thousands for cruises that should cost hundreds. www.nuhousehotels.com from the $80s discounts with Dennis above was a perfect hotel in Quito for me when there last.

Happy Trails!

qwovadis

Exploradiving.com Isla de la Plata Ruta Del Sol makes a lot of sense if short on money and time. www.hoteriamandala.info cheap nice there from personal experience.

Isabella is my fav island though 5000 giant tortises grazing
and playing with penguins at the equator an amazing sight to see.

smartours.com bbb.org A+ rated runs
quality packages cheaper than DIY from MIA

WAY cheaper than all the board touts trolls
here when you figure in air expense.

PM anytime many do and happy trails!

kenav

qwovadis - Tried the site hoteriamandala, but no longer there.

What does "PM anytime" mean?

We had planned on going to the Bellavista Cloud Forest. It looks amazing.

When did you go?

geetika

Was looking at Galapagos for this summer but it didn't work out. Yes, it is an expensive destination and I feel one needs at least 7/8 days there, hopefully we'll make it next year... Incidentally, smartours also offers only the shorter 4/5 days cruise.