Booking a trip to Galapagos

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsSouth AmericaEcuador & the Galapagos Islands
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coco99
coco99

Hello all!

I’m a solo traveler, and I will be going to Ecuador for two weeks in April. I'm going to book a trip to the Galapagos and would like to do the boat based tour (4-5 nights – standard boat, nothing fancy). However, I don’t want to share a cabin and have found that because of this I would be charged a supplement. If I wait to book until just before I take my trip I’m told I can find much cheaper prices. If any of you have waited to book, I’d love to hear what kind of deals you’ve gotten and what website/travel agent you used. Just curious as to what your experience was.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

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zstellme
zstellme

I think, I will be there at the same time. Would love to know what the options are.

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azbuceadora
azbuceadora

"Last minute" booking does not have to mean days or hours beforehand. Even two or three weeks out you can find good deals, and be able to research the boat and itinerary that suits you best. Many boats will forgo the odious single supplement if you are willing to share with a same-sex passenger (another advantage to getting a head start on booking). If they can't match you with a roommate, some of them will waive the supplement altogether. But make sure you get that in writing.

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coco99
coco99

Thanks, Azbuceadora! I really appreciate the Galapagos advice and will be sure to get any "promises"about forgoing the supplement in writing. That was not something that occurred to me, so thanks!

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karenczar
karenczar
In response to #2

Thanks for the info, azbuceadora, I've been reading through a bunch of related posts. Any suggestions on the best places to search up the "last minute" bookings a couple weeks out? Any websites that you would suggest? Or do you need to go to each individual company's website? Any suggestions would be helpful, thank you!

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azbuceadora
azbuceadora

Hi, Karen,

There is a good web site called Galapagos Cruise Links http://www.galapagoscruiselinks.com/ where the owners of the boats post their last-minute availability. You contact them, or their agents, directly. Make sure you compare apples to apples as some of them include RT airfare in their prices. Having them book your flight to the islands ensures that passengers arrive together, to the correct airport (there are two in the islands).

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karenczar
karenczar
In response to #5

Thank you, super helpful info!

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