Galapagos
 

I will be in the Ecuador in October and I am looking for some recommandation for an excursion into the Galapagos , if you had any good experience (price and some info will be great) let me know.

THANKS

The absolute minimum price will be a package deal, consisting of return flights from Guayaquil or Quito to Baltra Seymour Airport, with 2 nights in a bad hotel for ca. US$ 500. Plus US$ 100 compulsory National Park entry fee at the airport.

The price-benefit-ratio on the islands is appalling. The main island Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) is relatively crowded with mass tourism. The best value for money is the Hotel Silberstein at US$120 pN or the Solymar at US$ 250.

The island of Isabela is definitely better. There is a propeller flight or a boat connection (US$ 40-85).

The only good way to visit the islands is by yacht, but there again the comfort and service level is low for what you pay - just like the security standards.

Here is a recent trip report (from the upper budget end): Galapagos - Gentleman Adventurer

Since I'm on a once in a lifetime trip, I decided to drop the bucks and do an 8 day boat trip. There are so many boats to choose from than it can get a little overwhelming. I booked a last minute trip in Quito, bought an airline ticket, 400 USD round trip, and took off the very next day.

The boat I was on was called the Samba, a 25 meter motorized yacht. We had a total of 12 pax on board and the food was excellent. The last minute price of the boat trip was $1400. So total expenditures for the trip were $1800 USD. I was there during high season (July) so I'm sure it could be had cheaper outside of high season.

I usually hate this kind of touristy, eco, tree hugger, moose kisser kind of stuff but I must admit, I had a great experience and I would even do it again.

IMO, 5 days is not enough and 8 days is a little long, but worth the extra days. The small size of the group is what made it a great experience for me. i saw much larger boats, well, ships with 50 and even 80 people and i can tell you that there is no way in hell I would do one of those after being part of a small group.

As always, YMMV.

Here are a few pics from my trip: The Galapagos Islands | South on Two Wheels

galapagos
 

Thanks guys exactly the kind of first hand info I needed

So true for the Galapagos. Well said, crashmaster ! :clap:

galapagos
 

I am not a tourist ecco either but its pretty difficult to surpass nature beauty or French Cooking :innocent: