Galapagos Islands Trip Report
 

My film &quot;Gringo in the Galapagos&quot; can be seen on the web, if you have a high speed connection. <BR><BR>The video features Ecuador’s Highlands, the Jungle, and then out to the Galapagos Islands for personal visits with animals of all kinds that are not scared of humans. <BR><BR>It can be seen on the web, if you have a high speed connection. <BR><BR>This is a free, non-commercial, streaming video on the Windows Media Player. No ads and no strings attached. I’m an amateur who sells nothing; just a tourist with a video camera.<BR><BR>To get started, copy the address of my video site into your browser: <BR><BR>http://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Video.html<BR><BR>

Thank you I am going to try to download your film. It would be wonderful if it worked.

Hi, it worked it took me about 20 mins and now I am going to look at it. thank you!

David,<BR>I loved your movie!!<BR>I assume that you created the other movies accessible on that site too. You are quite the explorer!<BR><BR>My sister and I are looking into a 10-day scuba vacation and the Galapagos Islands is a consideration. How did you make arrangements for your Galapagos vacation? Are there any internet sites or guidebooks you can recommend? How long did it take you to get there (I assume you traveled from LA)? I am already acquainted with Rodales.com and will check there for some answers too.<BR><BR>I would appreciate any help you can give me.<BR>Jay

Jay,<BR><BR>Sorry for the delay in replying. I only found your message today. Glad you liked the film.<BR><BR>I booked my Galapagos trip through my very patient travel agent who helped put together the various parts of that Ecuador visit using diffeent companies.<BR><BR>I may have taken pictures of snorklers, but I am such a &quot;dry&quot; that I probably will be of no help regarding scuba. The regular travel guides would be a start, but hopefully there are websites or books just for scuba.<BR><BR>Good luck.

I enjoyed your film, we are leaving for Ecuador Highlands and Galapagos next week. We ahve been to a lot of your destinations and I would recommend Myanmar for you. It's fantastic. Have a look at my not so professional slide show:<BR>http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/gaia_frau...ph&amp;.view=t

Thank you so much for the video! I'm planning to go to the Galapagos in May abourd the Legend. Any comments would be appreciated!

To: Jojosm33<BR>Just returned from 8 days on Legend and it is a first class ship. Try to get in the tour group with guide &quot;Charlie&quot;. His knowledge and english is really great. Service &amp; food on boat very good. Try to fly into Guayquil as the Galapagos flight from Quito is at 7:30 Am--just too early for me--leaving hotel at 5:30Am. From Guayquil is about 9 or 9:30 Am.

I am flying into Quito, but leaving from Guayquil, as I'm staying an extra day on the islands. At least I'll get to see both cities! Did you go to that big Boardwalk in <BR>Guayquil? How was the shopping? Leather prices? What time did you have to wake on the boat for the morning excursion? Do they have individual bottled water on the boat? (like 20 oz. bottles)Sorry for all the questions!

Did not stay in Guyaquil. Water is not a problem on the Legend. They give you one 12 or 16 oz bottle for your personal use, which can be refilled anytime, suggest you bring another empty bottle if you would like more to bring more water on the island tours as it is very hot and dry. Bringing a small packpak (&amp; plenty sunscreen) to carry water etc it may help also. Leather seems to be inexpensive whever you go, just look for it. Good sneakers are important also, as the islands are rocky. Light loose fitting clothes helps with the head on the long hikes. It is a trip of a lifetime and you will love it. Good Luck!

Forgot this: Wake up call is at 6:45 Am with breakfst at 7Am. Boarding for the island tours start at 8Am. Return about 10:30 to 11Am. Lunch starts at 12:30 then siesta-- till 3Pm afternoon tour &amp; return about 5Pm. 7:45 is briefing for next day tours then dinner is at 8Pm. All good service &amp; food.

Hope you don't mind the questions! How often do you get to snorkel? Do you do it from the beach, or from the boat? Will I miss any hikes to be able to snorkel every day? I can't wait! This is my dream vacation!

Not to worry. You snorkle about 5 snorkling tours without inferfering with other tours. Snorkling is from the beaches and from the dighny only. No reefs, but rocky formations and tropical fish, sharks, sea-lions, etc.etc. Water temp was about 72 F and gets colder as summer approaches. You can rent the equipment on board. If you like wine,the Chilie wines are pretty good at $6 to $8/bottle. You may want to bring a few bottles on the ship as it is $5/glass. Was wrong about the water bottle, it was 20oz. Rum(Anejo) is also very good &amp; a bargain in Ecuador. Rum, Tonic &amp; Lime is a great topical drink. Bring plenty film.<BR><BR>