| gina |
Apr 23rd, 2000 08:19 AM |
Matt: <BR>In Aprill 1999 my husband and I spent 12 days in Galalpagos and it was fantastic. We both decided that any less wouldn't be enough. I started with "A traveler's guide to the Galapagos Islands" by Barry Boyce. He lists many companies from the US and Ecuador and compares them. It was an excellent help in deciding with whomm and for how long we want to go. If you like snorkeling and diving make sure these activities are included in itinerary. Some companies state that snorkeling is included but they forget to mention how often. Ask specific questions about these activities. I think there are some companies that focus only on diving. I wouldn't go to Galapagos only for snorkeling or diving. Water is not too warm (bring your wet suite) and visibility is not the best but once you accompanied by sea lions, penguins, or other creatures unique to Galapagos you won't feel disappointed. We choose Galapagos Travel Company based in U.S. but they also have a sister company in Ecuador. It was a fantastic trip!!! Great for people who like to be active and in small groups (only 16 maximum). Every morning we were awaken at 5:30 am so we could get to the shore by 6:00. There were no other people around so early but animals and birds are most active early in the morning. Around 8:30 back for breakfast, then back to the shore for snorkeling. Back for lunch. Siesta. Snorkeling, back to change wet clothes and once again a trip on a small panga to a shore. After dinner, and a lecture, and lots of laughing and teasing and talking it was time to go to bed. Food was great and included fruit and vegetables. All non-alcoholic beverages were included. It was a fantastic trip and we had two guides who were Americans with college degrees in Biology. One more thing about snorkeling. I remember one afternoon a huge group of dolphins showed up near our boat and we spent an hour or longer swimming and snorkeling with them. This wasn't included in our itinerary. These are my personal experiences but I would recommend you do your research here. I wouldn't recommend any other way. Galapagos Travel has also great guides in mainland of Ecuador. We used them for our trip to Otavalo market, Monument, and Cotopaxi Volcano. "A traveler's guide to the Galapagos Island" by Boyce was the best investment we made before our trip to these amazing islands.
|
