Visit the Galapagos

We have settled on a company: Lindblad Expeditions which is affiliated with National Geographic. http://www.expeditions.com/Destination44.asp?Destination=294
We are usually budget travelers, but this seems to be one trip where you get what you pay for. Especially as regards the guides. J. and I are EXTREMELY into science and nature and after our experience with a crap guide in the Amazon last year, we don’t want to take chances.
So it’s $$$!!! but the thought of being confined for 8 days in a miserable experience was intolerable! This ship is big enough to not be too seasick-inducing but small enough to allow the group to move quickly.
I’m calling tomorrow to check availability for the cruise we want that leaves on Christmas Day. fingers crossed that they still have a cheap cabin!

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Lindblad cruise that leaves on Christmas Day was SOLD OUT. But…the one that leaves on Jan 1 had availability, AND it was 15 percent off!! AND we got $500 off for booking early! We are SO excited! We’re going to go to Quito a few days before to check it out and spend New Year’s. Yay!

J. and I are making this our next “major destination”. The guidebook has been bought and we are working on what kind of boat we’ll be on (there are 5 levels of ships…) This will probably be going down next winter.
Any advice from people who’ve been will be much appreciated!!
I’m psyched!

I went on a cruise to the Galapagos Islands and learned so much about the world. If anyone has the opportunity to go there, I highly encourage you.

Beautiful… lived and worked on Isla Isabela. The people are very nice and comical. I worked for the Park filming/photographing the flora and fauna. Giant tortoise breeding center, Muro de Lagrimas, Volcan Sierra Negra are just some of the highlights… plus beautiful beaches and trails! FYI: Isabela does not have an ATM, get your money on Santa Cruz!

In the future, I would like to visit the other islands.

i want very much to do this. it has been a dream of mine for years. i AM going to do it, although it probably will have to wait for about a year… :)

I spent a month and a half in Islas Galapagos and had the most amazing time. Just knowing that half of the tortugas that inhabit the islands were alive when Darwin studied there was enough. If you can’t identify what kind of creature you’re looking at and it’s black or dark in color, it is most likely a “Lava-fill-in-the-blank!”(ie lava lizard, lava bird, etc.) I was there studying the natural habits of sea turtles, but ended up having a lot of fun in some of the towns while I was there as well. I suggest visiting Islas Galapagos to anyone who likes to hike, scuba, snorkel, and has an AMAZING sense of adventure. This isn’t for the faint of heart either. Definitely not for those looking for a 5 star getaway. By far one of the most beautiful places on earth…
MM

do this! it is amazing!! beautiful! and don’t miss mainland ecuador too! its a beautiful country with very lovely people!