Senior Travelers to Galapagos

Old Jul 1st, 2015, 06:24 AM
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Senior Travelers to Galapagos

Hello,

My husband and I are in our early seventies and planning a Galapagos trip for early next year ( January probably). We are both healthy, but since I have some orthopedic issues and some motion sickness, we are considering a larger ship. We are hoping that they will allow easier access onto and off of the zodiacs and also add more stability in somewhat rough weather. The ones that we are now considering are the National Geographic Endeavor and the Silver Galapagos, both about 90 persons.

Does anyone have any experience with these larger hips, and, if so, what would you recommend?.

Thoughts?
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Old Jul 1st, 2015, 12:34 PM
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I just got back, was on a small boat (16) with people and some were in your age group, including a few with balance issues which seemed more of a problem (bring a hiking pole). I was also a little bit concerned about landings (I'm not supposed to fall). Getting into the zodiacs from the boat was not much of an issue, there are crew to help you. Basically you need to be able to take two giant steps, including one down step. There's a handrail on the zodiac.

We actually saw the other 90-passenger NG ship. No matter how much easier it might be to get into the zodiac, they still had to get out of them, which can be a little trickier depending on the landing. That means usually either a wet landing (up to your knees or less, hopefully, on a sandy bottom), or a dry landing which can be trickier, onto a rocky shoreline. To me the wet landings were easier, the worst that could happen was getting a bit wetter than you planned. The dry landings required a bit more confidence, timing, and bigger steps.

Getting back into the zodiac from shore was IMO the trickier maneuver, especially if you have short legs! And there, the size of your cruise ship won't help. In our case, the wet landings required quickly swinging your legs over the side of the zodiac, if necessary people will pull or push you in. (Somehow I managed to always time the weight shift with the waves, but we had a few tumbles, no one hurt). Dry landings required one or two big steps from a rocky ledge into the zodiac, but the landings may not have handrails, may be slippery or narrow, and the boat may be moving around a bit more due to waves at the shoreline.

For me, the bigger concern would be the trails, especially if those might be over lava boulders. Our guide even recommended that one of our passengers stay on the boat the final day. Also, January can be really hot and humid, so will you be able to do the shore excursions, even if you can manage getting into and out of a zodiac? The sun and heat were as much an issue as anything, for me.

I'd advise reading the warnings on physical fitness levels but more so the shore excursion descriptions. Do they have easier options if you decide to pass one up? Are there cruises with a less active itinerary? Of course you can always stay on board if it's too much, but that seems to defeat the reason for going there.

Road Scholar goes to Galapagos, you might read their descriptions and use that to help pick itineraries based on your physical abilities. I would lean to those where you don't see 'difficult dry landing' and 'difficult trail', which usually refers to not being a level path, rather than the physical exertion part.
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Old Jul 1st, 2015, 12:38 PM
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Re the motion sickness....bring pills and patches.
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Old Jul 1st, 2015, 04:33 PM
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I agree with mlgb, the size of the ship really does not matter.

I was on a 40 passengers ship.

The boats usually move from island to island at night when you are sleeping, so this will reduce the exposure to possible motion sickness.

The smaller boats/ships can get closer to shore, but there will still be wet landings, but don't worry your feet, sandals and legs may get a bit wet, but within 20 minutes on the trail your totally dry.

What foot wear was worn !!

Heck, anything from $130 Teeves Sandal to $1.99 Flip-Flops.

Other than the walking on Lava, the rest of the terrain is pretty common.

I am sure you have seen wet landings.

but here:

https://www.google.ca/search?q=wet+l...w=1371&bih=619
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Old Jul 12th, 2015, 09:15 AM
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I was cleaning out my computer and came across this good description of what is recommended for fitness and balance

"Wet landings generally involves “beaching” the panga; the participant must then step or slide off the panga into water which may be knee deep or more (generally carrying your hiking boots and wearing your backpack). Of course you must be able to do the reverse to return to the panga. In the past participants have used bare feet, Tevas, Crocs, water shoes, or flip-flops for these wet landings.
A dry landing, while offering the advantage of not
having to change shoes, does present its own challenges.
The panga will pull up to a dock or an outcropping of rock. One crew member works the motor at the rear of the panga
while the other helps participants to disembark from the front, trying to time the departure from the panga with the waves so that there is not much distance to cover. Ocean spray and waves can make surfaces slippery. Since the boat is moving and waves can be unpredictable, it is very important that each participant make an honest assessment of his or her surefootedness before deciding to join the tour. Upon returning to the boat, one must be able to stand and exit from the moving panga to the moving vessel, again requiring a reasonable degree of agility.
Your ability to handle these landings will definitely impact your enjoyment of the tour, but more importantly
your safety. If you are not steady on your feet, please do not register for the tour hoping to rely on the boat
crew, for they can only provide a steadying hand.

Trails: The walking on most islands is generally easy to moderate, but on some islands it is more difficult, as we will hike over landscape strewn with boulders or sharp, broken lava. The ground is pretty uneven at these sites, and footwear with good ankle support is a must. Walking sticks can be very helpful for maintaining balance in these situations. Participants must be able to navigate across this uneven terrain with a minimal amount of assistance. Please note that there is often little (if any) shade on many of the trails, so adequate sun protection and a supply of drinking water are vital. Your guide will inform you of the trail conditions at each site before we leave the boat."

To give credit this was from Field Guides, a birding company. I didn't wind up going with them, but we actually ran into them on one of their excursions. They didn't even notice things like seals wanting to play!
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Old Jul 13th, 2015, 11:07 AM
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My husband and I traveled to the Galapagos with my parents a couple years ago (both in their 70s). We went with Haugan Cruises (16 passenger ship). We were all delightfully comfortable and had a fantastic trip. Haugan does a remarkable cruise on what must be the nicest boats in the Galapagos!
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Old Jul 14th, 2015, 06:00 PM
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We were tgere 3 years ago. There are some trails that can be tricky and difficult as they are very uneven and rocky. Balance can be a challenge. However, on our cruise there was always an option for those who wanted a bit easier time of it. Example: An afternoon Glass bottomed boat tour vs. Hiking.

And there are different itineraries. Many islands. Perhaps you could speak to the customer service people of the ship you're looking at and find the best itinerary for your needs.
And, flip flops? Not on the trails IMO.
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Old Jul 15th, 2015, 05:33 AM
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One of the reasons we are choosing a NG ship is that they have both have a doctor. While we both are healthy, with my various ortho issues, we realize that more serious health problems can crop up. In addition, both of us have eye issues that might require quick attention. Our retinal doctor has advised us to go because the chance of something happening during a 9 day cruise is unlikely. We will get insurance just to be safe.

The NG ships also have lots of options, in part because they are larger and have more guides. They also have several scientists and and a photographer and videographer, available to the guests.

In the end I think it will be the NG Endeavor, but will also consider the NG Islander, which is smaller. Thanks for your advice and sensitive council. Fodorites are truly a special group.
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Old Jul 15th, 2015, 11:43 AM
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justretired - Have a great time. It's a very special trip.
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Old Jul 16th, 2015, 02:43 AM
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Flip flops were referenced for wet landings. Not trails! I just used bare feet and carried my shoes on to the beach.

Bring a collapsible hiking pole. And a dry bag for electronics.

Glad you have decided go go!
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