Just back from… the Galápagos Islands with Nicola
Nicola Gude, Groups Team
Where have you been?
A cruise and then a land-based island hopping itinerary (including Santa Cruz, Floreana & Isabela).
Have you been before?
No
How did you get there?
Flew from Guayaquil on mainland Ecuador.
How long were you there?
10 days/9 nights.
General route?
Puerto Ayora, speedboat to Floreana Island, then speedboat to Puerto Villamil on Isabela, and back to Puerto Ayora. Then on the Seaman Journey (boat) went from Santa Cruz to Genovesa, Plazas, North Seymour and San Cristobal.
Which was your favourite…
Place: Tortuga Bay
Lodge: Lava Lodge on Floreana. And the Seaman Journey boat.
Excursion: Snorkelling, exploring the underwater sealife.
Appeals to which type of traveller/client?
All types; families, older couples and the adventurous. Definitely for people who like the sea and wildlife!
Key items to pack/take with you?
Teva sandals/waterproof shoes. Also factor 50 sun cream and a hat (the sun is very strong here). Seasickness tablets.
Any good food, drinks, restaurants or bars recommendations?
The food onboard the Seaman Journey is delicious. Other than that, in Puerto Ayora, there is a street set back from the seafront bursting with fish and seafood restaurants; all are good.
Room for improvement?
A longer cruise, as you’ll never tire of the wildlife!
How would you summarise/sum up your trip in a sentence?
It’s an incredible experience to be able to travel into this amazing – and still pristine – wilderness.
Expert Tip?
Take USD in cash for drinks and tips. Also, if you’re a keen snorkeler take your own equipment. Also a good camera – in particular an underwater camera!
Boat Vs Land option?
It depends what you’re looking for!
If you opt for a land-based, then you need to be active; go for excursions otherwise you run the risk of just hanging around and not making the absolute most out of your experience.
If you opt for a boat, which in the Galápagos are expeditionary by nature, you’ll venture to further out places and visit really interesting islands ... so, in my view both, really!
Tailor-made holidays
Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed.
Design my trip
