Steve5511

Just wondering if anyone has ever been or is planning to go to Galapagos Islands... I'm thinking of making this into my "Crazy 40th Birthday Trip"

SusieQQ

I'm researching it now. I will probably go in April of 2006. Going solo increases the price tremendously.

Steve5511

I'm looking to go next december. It's hard enough to find someone to go to dinner with so getting someone to go half way around the world is going to be impossible!! LOL But if we get a bunch of "solo's" together on a trip... hmmmmm

panecott

I went in 2003 on the Darwin Explorer. It was great.Our guide Roberto was the best, funny, interesting and knowledgeable. We had two hikes a day, and sometimes snorkeling. We swam with sharks, turtles and sea lions -- just awesome. And the food was great. The cabins are tiny, tiny but really only for sleeping and sometimes we slept out on deck. I went solo and hoped I'd get lucky and get a cabin to myself but I got a roommate at the last minute. It worked out fine. The price of the cruise doubles if you want a room to yourself.
The islands were like nothing I ever imagined, just so wild, beautiful and pristine. And the wildlife was amazing. I took a 5 day cruise but wish I had done the 7 day.

atravelynn

Here is a comment on going solo. I've gone twice with Galapagos Travel,

www.galapagostravel.com

and on my solo trip I did not pay the single supplement since I was willing to share my cabin. No roommate materialized so I got the cabin to myself at the lower price.

Steve5511, you would have a wonderful crazy 40th if you choose the Galapagos.

If you get enough singles together you could book the whole boat if you use a 12 or 16 passenger boat.

You may also wish to post this in the Latin America forum.

sandy_b

I'm going solo in Jan . . . Peter @ www.galapagostraveller.com found me a single room on the M/Y Samba for $1,645. It has a private bath but it is located across the hall. The Samba's capacity is 13 guests and is rated as a first-class yacht on some websites and as tourist-superior on others.

My cruise is 7 nights, beginning Jan 31 . . . I'll let you know how it went when I return.

Buena suerte,
Sandy (in Denton)

Debby49

I'm going in May for my 50th, and then on to Peru....destination Machu Picchu. Both have been on my list of things to do since I was 10!! Any advise on flights from Quito to Cusco?

Steve5511

Thanks for all your posts... I'm getting psyched about planning this! All of my relatives and friends are already waiting to be call from the other side of the world... (well, close to it!)I know that there are "Dive" trips there, but was wondering if the "Non-dive" trips can throw one or two in as well?

lifelist

I just got back from a solo trip to the Galapagos. I got a good last minute fare on Lindblad's Polaris for a twin share. They didn't sell out the boat, so I ended up without a roommate. It was a great trip, and I definitely recommend going.

travelove

I am hoping to do a kayaking tour of the galapagos in June... any advice on a good tour company? Thanks

lifelist

I believe OARS offers a kayaking trip to the Galapagos:

http://oars.com/htdocs/galapagos/galapagosseakayak.html

They're a very reputable company, known more for their Grand Canyon trips, but I hear their international trips are pretty good, as well.

Lizabizz

Try Gap Adventures out of Canada (Gapadventures.com) - they don't charge single supplements. I went to the Galapagos in November with them and it was awesome! Go no matter what. I met lots of interesting people on the trip, as well.

Steve5511

Are there any kind of fees for using a Canadian company if i'm from the States? Do I have to fly out of there? I'll also check the website you sent.

ronacele

I went to the Galapagos 14 years ago and again last April. I love it and can't waut to go again. Metropolitan Touring is one of the top providers of travel there (and elsewhere in Ecuador) and they will send you price quotes over the Internet.