Galapagos for 5-8 day tour

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coco99
coco99

Hello fellow travelers!

I'll be going to Ecuador in April and am researching Galapagos tours. I thought about a 5 day tour, but some travelers have suggested that this is not enough to see all the wonderful sights (all advice is appreciated!). I usually travel solo and am used to getting up and going when I want to. While I'm looking forward to the Galapagos, the thought of being on a boat for more than 5 days sounds a little claustrophobic to me. Do you have the chance to go and do your own thing while on the tours or is it a follow the group type of thing? (Not that there's anything wrong with that - it's just not my cup of tea!)I'm interested in your take on this. Thanks!

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pboae
pboae

The vast majority of the Galapagos is designated national park, and within the national park you must be accompanied by an official guide. So there is very very little opportunity to DIY outside of the main towns.

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azbuceadora
azbuceadora

Pboae is right. What little you can do on your own (bike to a beach and snorkel, climb a volcano, visit a ranch where tortoises live free) would not, in my opinion, be worth the $600 or so it takes to go to the islands. If being on a regulated, guided tour is not your cup of tea, you can take that $600 and do everything but see tortoises on the mainland for much less.

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jeanfromboston2
jeanfromboston2

We never do tours, but in this case we took a 7 night cruise on a small boat (12 passengers) in the Galapagos. We were also concerned about the possibly claustrophobic aspect of the boat, but to our surprise we enjoyed the trip. Every day we were off the boat hiking with the guide (and you would do the same thing if you do a DIY trip) at least twice and we snorkeled twice a day. You are not on the boat every minute. We were maybe lucky and got a good group. The problem for a solo traveler is the single supplement.

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coco99
coco99

Thanks everyone, for your great advice! You have answered my questions and it is much appreciated...Happy Travels to you all!

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tortuga444
tortuga444
In response to #3

We never do tours, but in this case we took a 7 night cruise on a small boat (12 passengers) in the Galapagos. We were also concerned about the possibly claustrophobic aspect of the boat, but to our surprise we enjoyed the trip. Every day we were off the boat hiking with the guide (and you would do the same thing if you do a DIY trip) at least twice and we snorkeled twice a day. You are not on the boat every minute. We were maybe lucky and got a good group. The problem for a solo traveler is the single supplement.

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tortuga444
tortuga444

that sounds great! Did you book in advance or directly when arrving? A PN with contact address for booking and maybe the estimated price would be highly appricated thanks a lot

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jeanfromboston2
jeanfromboston2

We booked well in advance because we were going at a popular time (December) and we wanted a small boat and a catamaran. The boat was the Nemo II. We booked it through Happy Gringo (silly name, good company). This was more than two years ago, though, so the price would be different. Happy Gringo can book a number of different boats at different prices.

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tortuga444
tortuga444

thanks a lot

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andrewchum1
andrewchum1

Hi. Well I just stayed on land and had a very good time ( alone). From a base in Puerto Ayora you can see loads of wildlife and go swimming at a couple of local beaches. There are snorkelling trips if you want. Hotels are fairly cheap.
I crossed over to Cristobal but liked it less.
Have a look at my blog if you have a moment.

http://andrewchum.blogspot.co.uk/

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