Galapagos Essentials

Customer Reviews

• DV

  Diane

  · October 11th, 2024
  We had a number of different guides but it was very well organized and everyone was on time. It seemed like the schedule changed several times and there was at times a number of activities in one day. We walked uphill in the morning and then snorkeling and more walking in the afternoon. Would have liked to have had things stretched out a bit more. You can of course opt out of activities. Navigating to the hotels is no problem from anywhere in town. The first hotel was a very nice facility but the street light was at the height of the room and could keep you awake. The staff all spoke English and were very helpful. The second hotel was a bit worn. The staff did not speak English,
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  Trip date: September 2024
• 

  Kwan Ho

  · October 2nd, 2024
  The trip to the Galapagos was eye-opening and exciting, being so close to the wild life animals on land and under the water. All the tour guides are nice and helpful, in particular Rafael Arevalo from Quito who is informative and shared the interesting things about the daily life of the people living in the city. Rafael is also knowledgeable
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  Trip date: September 2024
• SW

  Susan L

  · February 6th, 2024
  My husband & I had one other traveler with us on our Adventure Journeys "Galapagos Essentials" land-based tour so this allowed for a more personalized experience. We flew to Baltra but immediately went to Santa Cruz for 2 nights, then San Cristobal 2 nights. We thoroughly enjoyed most of our experiences there however for all the flights/expense required to get to/from the Galapagos, seemed like a lot of travel for just a few hours/day/3 days of sightseeing: lesson learned. Be advised, the 2+ hour boat ride between the 2 islands, especially if the afternoon winds/swells are up, is NOT fun (insist on a seat up top)! Our guides on each island were excellent: knowledgeable locals who love their home and were good company while sightseeing! One can choose to spend a lot or not so much for meals on both islands, some delicious vegan options available (Agave Studio, a few minutes walk from our Hotel Fiesta on San Cristobal, makes a delish vegan ceviche!). Unlike mainland Ecuador, the islands are busy with tourists; obviously, a safe place to visit/explore.
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  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Hey there, Susan! (Long time no see, right?) We are glad you enjoyed your trip to the islands and had a good time! Please let us know if there is anything else to improve; we will work on it. We guarantee your next trip will be even better. Take care
  Trip date: January 2024
• DM

  David

  · February 4th, 2024
  Great snorkeling seeing marine life around Isla de Lobos bahía in Isla de San Cristabol. Wish the tour had more sites/views to visit and see during stay at San Cristabol. Wonderful time seeing giant turtles in Isla de Santa Cruz. Spectacular hike and views at Playa de Tortuga!
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  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Hey there! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! Be sure we will keep on growing and improving our services. So don't hesitate to try other adventures with us. Take care!
  Trip date: January 2024
• 

  Kerry Britt

  · April 5th, 2021
  Adventure Journeys is a great company to trust with your travel experience. We broke the seal on the lock down culture surrounding Covid, and were the first folks back on the trail in a year! Because Ecuador is just opening up, now is a great time to get the extra value of a personal bevvy of guides. We often had just my son and myself with a naturalist all to ourselves. I was most impressed by the care of the Adventure Journey team that was evident, yet unseen. For example, going to Kicker Rock to snorkel. They could have hired a cheaper boat for us that would have taken 1. 5 hours just to get there. However, they gladly hired a speedy boat that whizzed us out for more time snorkeling, less time riding. Another example of attention to detail, was when it was quite hot, and they didn't want us to walk back to the entrance of the Charles Darwin Center to meet our taxi without refreshment. So, they bought us some fruit slushies to "fortify" us for the walk. The details count, although you might not see them getting them ready. The guides really care about sharing the people, animals, culture, and geography with you. I had no idea of all the micro climates caused by various currents, underwater features and winds. It was fascinating. Each micro climate engendered its own adaptations of species. Meeting people while you travel is the best part, and we enjoyed sharing our stories of our lives in the United States, as well as getting to know about the families of the guides. I am the type that asks a lot of questions, from how is your car insurance here, to does your family enjoy scouting, to what are your favorite Christmas traditions, to what is your grandmother's favorite saying. I love the connections of people to people. That's what make the world grander. Here is another example of my guides extra care. When snorkeling at Kicker Rock, I was not comfortable just jumping into the ocean, so they gladly lowered a ladder, so I could immerse myself slowly. Then, they helped me on with my fins and mask, along with a little floaty, and I was good to go. We saw sharks, turtles, beautiful fish and a wall of rock just teaming with colorful life of the sea. I could have looked at that for hours. So cool. We stayed an extra day after Galapagos to tour Quito with a guide and visit the Equator line. It was so fun going up into the catwalk above the vaults in the church and doing gravity experiments on the line of the Equator. Amazing stuff, that science! I highly encourage you to go explore with Adventure Journeys. They will take excellent care of you. Ecuador if vaccinating the tour guides in Galapagos (after first responders), so that tourists will be welcomed safely back. I had no worries. I hope you will go and explore.
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  Trip date: March 2021
• RT

  Rosalind Theresa

  · October 17th, 2019
  An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable guide who spoke clearly and engagingly about the geography, history and the fauna if this beautiful landscape
  

  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Thanks for your comment Rosalind and thanks for giving us the opportunity to show you the wonders of Galapagos Islands, it was our pleasure.
  Trip date: September 2019
• JH

  Janine

  · July 3rd, 2019
  We absolutely enjoyed our time on Galapagos. Our guide Marista was friendly and very knowledgeable. It was good to experience her passion for the islands past present and future.
  

  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Thank you Janine. We are happy to know you had a great time.
  Trip date: June 2019
• OB

  Oddbjoern

  · April 28th, 2019
  Very well organized tour, well-balanced itinerary with lots of free time to explore. It is definitely an express tour of Galapagos, if time allows a few more days are recommended
  

  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Dear Oddbjoern, if you liked Galapagos, there are so many destinations in Ecuador mainland you will love, lets plan your next visit!
  Trip date: April 2019
• 

  Trista

  · April 7th, 2019
  Maritza was an absolutely fantastic guide. Do yourself a favour and ask for her! The tour is a good mix of activities and your own time on the islands. The boat trip between the two islands wasn’t great but if you can get through the 2 hour experience then it’s a much cheaper tour than the cruise options.
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  Adventure Journeys commented on this review

  Thank for yout review, Trista! Plan your next adventure in Ecuador, we will be very happy to receive you taking into account your opinion to always improve our trips.
  Trip date: March 2019