Have any of you been to Galopgos? Or consider going?
I just got the notion implanted in my brain literally yesterday. I imagined it would be very costly, but my very early research seems to indicate that it is quite affordable.
More research, as they always say, must be done. But I’d be curious about any Doper insight.
mmm
[Moderating]
This isn’t really about the arts. Moving from CS to IMHO.
We went about a decade ago. It’s definitely a bucket list item! We were mainly diving. If you dive this is the pinnacle of big animal trips. We hit it right–the currents were happening and we had multiple National Geo dives–hundreds of hammerheads, multiple whale sharks, penguins, sea lions, fish schools that surrounded you and blocked out the light. The land tours were spectacular, too. Getting there was a multiple day affair–fly to Quito, then a 2 stop flight to the islands. I’m not sure what the political scene is there right now, but the rules are very strict and you want a guide of some sort. Some friends did an actual National Geo guided cruise and loved it. I think REI does guided tours, too.
Bucket list for us, esp. a National Geo guided cruise.
You and my wife must have seen the same triggering thing, because she mentioned the idea of going to the Galapagos just last night. While she’s leaning toward “would like to go someday” I am leaning the other way (“my carbon footprint is already too big to feel like this is a net positive move for the environment etc.”) I guess I need to go plant some trees.
Bearing in mind that Quito is at 10,000’, so prepare yourself for that. High altitudes are not to be trifled with.
That is very likely. It was a vet TV show that done it.
I guess I didn’t realize that getting there involved so many steps (although I recognized that it’s not like flying into LA).
National Geographic cruise sounds wonderful but pricey.
Also, I’m not a diver; more of a hiker and wildlife seeker.
mmm
FWIW she envisions merely snorkeling there. Years ago we had a nice experience snorkeling in Hawaii and encountered lots of pretty coral, sea turtles, etc. Not as difficult or involved as diving.
I haven’t, but a close friend has, Visited Easter Island on the same trip. IIRC there was a second visit to the Galapagos (different islands) but I’m not so sure about that.
IIRC it was $6k/person – but I don’t remember if that was just the Galapogos or G+EI. The ship had 3 decks and a small crew (IIRC the captain doubled as the medical officer)
(sorry, but it was quite a while ago, and since I wasn’t there my memories of what my friend told me are hazy)
Brian
May I suggest you change also the title from Galopogos to Galápagos Islands? If this is not something that only the OP can request, of course.
Consider it requested.
mmm
done.
It’s not super duper expensive. Take a look at the Celebrity Xpedition package. My lovely wife and I had a wonderful trip. It’s phenomenal.
ETA: https://www.celebritycruises.com/itinerary-search?destinations=GALAP&ship=XP&cruiseType=CT,CO
Highest recommendation. Once in a lifetime type of venture. I did a live-aboard for the diving, which was amazing. (If you are not a diver I think you would be missing 2/3 of the wildlife to be found there). We did a few land excursions as well, but the focus was more on the dive sites (so there were longer transits to the sites).
If you are a diver, then your itinerary MUST include the trip up to Darwin island. Not only did we see 100’s of hammerheads there, but also swam with whale sharks (need to pick the right time of year: October seems to be a prime month for the whale sharks).
The live-aboard was no more expensive than most other live-aboards for the same length of time. And the whole package (we flew from LA to Guayaquil, then onto the islands where we boarded the boat) was a little more expensive, but not ridiculously expensive.
One thing to note: even though “tropical” and located on the equator, it wasn’t like visiting most tropical islands: the weather was cool, the water temps were cooler (so thicker wetsuits). So something to keep in mind.
If you are a diver, you need to be comfortable in current - sometimes serious current. (Especially at Darwin). But it is because of the strong currents and the convergence of the currents at the islands that also brings the food chain, and all the underwater sea life.
I’ll echo ALL of that. One side of an island would have water temperatures in the 80s, the other side in the 60s. Wore a 6 mm suit quite a bit. The liveaboard had a hot tub, and we used it! Wolf and Darwin were unbelievable. As were the currents. My wife had a fin ripped off by the current, let go of the rock she was hanging on to and had an uncontrolled ascent (she was shaken up but ok–I was freaked). Another guest lost his grip and ended up a mile from Darwin. They issue you EPIRBs for a damn good reason!
I visited in 1977, I believe. It was far more casual than it is now, to be sure. But the weirdness of the place can’t be overstated. Penguins and iguanas on the same rock. Worth going to see.
Was lucky enough to visit it twice. Worth the cost, IMHO. Ships are deliberately kept small, no 2,000+ people suddenly descending on the island. Usually reach the beaches by Zodiac, so if you have any infirmities make sure you check things. I’m not a diver either, but the life on shore will be spectacular. You do need to like Lizards…
If you’re going, might looks at adding 3-4 days to visit Cusco/Machu Pichu. The Altitude is something you need to adjust to, but if you don’t plan to be in that region again, it’s a shame to miss it.