Our family is planning a trip to Galapagos and Peru from late July/ early August 2012. My husband and I are about 60, but the other three are fit 20/30 year olds!

We would love to do a cruise-based trip in Galapagos, but have some concerns, as detailed below:

I have some mobility issues, ie a weak knee and unstable ankle, so am quite anxious as to whether I can handle the wet and dry landings, and walking on rocky surfaces. I can climb 2-3 flights of stairs and walk on level ground for about 5 kilometers. Would really appreciate advice as to whether there are provisions for helping me get on and off the "pangas". Also my husband and I have never snorkelled, but would really love to try it out if amateurs can routinely handle it. Do the cruises provide flotation devices that can be used to help poor swimmers snorkel? It just seems to be a shame to make the effort to visit the Galapagos, and not be able to join in the trekking, and snorkelling which takes place every day on the cruises.

Also, I do not want to be a drag on the younger members of my group, so I wonder whether there are provisions for different activity levels for tourists with different physical abilities on the cruises.

Would appreciate advice from anyone with experience regarding the above issues especially regarding selection of cruise. Thanks

It is standard procedure to do a double grasp grip for everyone getting on/off the pangas. They make a big deal of safety getting on/off the pangas and focus on helping you keep your footing. Most everybody is somewhat unsteady. If you would like extra hands steadying you, then you won't get on first and other seated passengers can help steady your transfer, along with the guide.

You probably won't be the only ones who never snorkeled. Nothing to it, really. They show you what to do. Why not try it out locally to give yourself confidence? You could buy very cheap masks at a discount store to get the feel of breathing through the tube with your head under the water. You'd have the summer to find a lake or something. If nothing else, dunk your head in the bathtub. Once I asked the YMCA if I could try out a wet suit in their pool and they ok'd it. If you like the feel of the masks you have bought, take them along. It's great when you have a snorkel mask that fits nicely. I'd really check into giving snorkeling a try beforehand when there is no pressure. If you've done it before, you'll feel better about attempting it in the ocean, when there may be waves or current, and cold water.

In fact, how well do you tolerate cold water? Even in the warmest weather, the water can be cool. Usually wet suits are provided. Definitely ask about that. Don't recall flotation devices, but the wet suits make you more buoyant. Also the fins they will provide give you much more power to move through the water than finless kicking. Ask about the devices or if allowed, bring your own blowup device so you know you have one just for you. The guide snorkels with you.

Temps:
http://www.junglephotos.com/galapago.../climate.shtml

The walking in the Galapagos is some of the very slowest I have done anywhere. There is so much to see along the paths that you really can't walk fast or you'll bypass it all. So everybody plods along slowly and squats down for photos, sometimes not moving at all for 5-10 minutes.

The terrain is rough, uneven lava, so paying attention to your feet is important in some areas. Wear good footware. I used either boots with ankle support for dry landings or thick, nubby soled Tevas for wet landings. You often bring a bag with you and I made sure I had footware for whatever in the bag.

Some of the other ladies and I joked about doing the "cormorant walk" on extra rocky/slippery surfaces where we intentionally lowered our center of balance a little by bending our knees more and sticking our back ends out and putting out our arms for balance. Maybe people were taking pics of us along with the native fauna.

Most Galapagos visitors are not athletes. I'd say about half are retirement age, dealing with the issues you raise. Galapagos is generally not a strenuous, difficult trip. I do recall being tired at the end of the day from all the fresh air, the hot sun, and the constant activities--sometimes more than one snorkel in a day, along with at least one hike.

Selection of cruises? My preference is the 16-passenger or less trips that spend 11 or more days IN the islands. I went 2x with Galapagos Travel.
http://www.galapagostravel.com/
Lots of good options, though. Ask about snorkeling (and even kayaking) if that's what you want to do, and ask how many times do they plan to snorkel during the cruise. Not all cruises snorkel.

Bigger boats have less motion than smaller boats, something to consider.

I went early Aug on my first trip like you, just great. But it's never a bad time.

One other suggestion--take over the counter Bonine pills for sea sickness.

Sometimes the itinerary has you practice snorkeling from a beach first. That's easier than from the boat and lets you get the hang of it. You can check on that.

But the order of the itinerary can change last minute, as it has for me, and there goes the beach snorkel on Day 1.

Haven't been to Galapagos but I can tell you snorkelling isn't hard at all, my mom managed quite well in the Florida Keys, even though she can't swim and was quite hesitant at first. And it is a good idea to try it out first at the beach to get the hang of it at your own pace. Have fun!

Hi there, You propose very valid concerns, but I can assure you, there is no need to worry. As mentioned above there is the double grasp technique for getting in and out of the pangas, which helps stabilize you. On Galapagos cruises they are used to varying levels of fitness and are experts at providing itineraries suitable for everyone. As a precautionary measure, I would make sure to express your concerns to your guide as he will be sure to take extra care in helping you (they are usually young and fit).

In terms of snorkeling, it's some of the best in the world, so you definitely don't want to miss out! As you use on the pangas, the boat staff can provide you with a lifevest to ease flotation and to give you piece of mind in the water. I, too am not a great swimmer, but with the lifevest, was a piece of cake!

In short, enjoy your trip, no need to worry about anything!

Thank you so much everyone for your very encouraging comments.

I am going to post a separate question about an offer on Galapagos Explorer and hope I will get the same detailed insight.