I'm going to Ecuador for 16 days in August. I'd like to go to the Galapagos. How long would you say is necessary for the islands? 1 full week? I dive and snorkel avidly. Also, is it better to book the trip from the U.S. or to just go down there and find an operator? Thanks!

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.

Wow, thanks for the considered response. I'll be traveling alone, and would be most interested in a younger, active group. Do you think this company would offer that? I like the sound of being in a small group.

I would recommend you call and talk to them. Hopefully Mark is still there and he was great in answering all our questions. And we had many. My husband still insists that our trip to Galalpagos was the best. And we travel 2-3 times a year. We hope to go back some day with the same company. We had a mixed-age group but very, very active. Our day started every morning at 5:30. Well, one day we slept longer until 5:45. If you are interested in active trip to Galalpagos this could be a company to consider. I heard that August is a great time to visit Galalpagos. It was a big advantage to be in such a small group and Galapagos Travel has only small groups. As I mentioned before maximum 16 people. Any other questions I will be glad to answer.

Hi Matt you could visit us on our web page www.hotelrioamazonas.com and visit our related company Galasam we provide small groups tours to Galapagos island on boat for 12 or 8 people with snorkling and diving offer you could get the advise of Galapagos Travel Barry boyce is one of the best guuides I ever know but you coudl deal best prices if you are in Quito but as the other friend says ask all question in advance. <BR>Enjoy your trip and if you need a hotel in Quito let me know and I could make a good offer for you. By <BR>

For Lisa