Galapagos for 5-8 day tour

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

thanks a lot

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/

THANKS for the link to yr blog, could not stop reading>

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/

For sure in Galapagos Islands, you can do it by boat with tourist or first class cruises or by lands they call them Galapagos Hopping tours, I did a hopping tour las year, but I would like to do also a Cruise when I have more time and money.. because it should be a different experience (living really on water and going directly to the places without loose time). But lands tours are very nice if you would need agency contacts let me know.

My bf and I just did 10 days in between tree islands. We opted for stayed on land and not doing a cruise, partly due to the cost of the cruises ($$$) and because we wanted some freedom and to be able to surf. We were super happy we did this because we were able to get a feel for what life is like on land and we were easily able to book outing for the following day through our hostels. 5 days is not enough, BUT you will have time for one or two islands, which is still worth it. We liked Isabela the best. Note that it takes 2 hours by speed boat to get from Santa Cruz to the other islands.

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