Galapagos... Yippee!

[Andrew]

Just looking for some advice as Indonesia is now firmly on the calender for next year when my baby can take Malaria tablets.

The good news is that I have now got a pass to book my wife and I to go to Galapagos later this year for a weeks liveaboard and have been told to just book it! Now I have found a couple of boats with availability in Oct/November but am just wanting to find out if anyone recommends one above another and why?

So far on the short list is the Aggressor boats and Sky Dancer, should I be looking at any others or is one of these better than another? I see there is one called Eco Explorer but cannot find much information on that one or availability.

Thanks again,
Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Just looking for some advice as Indonesia is now firmly on the calender for next year when my baby can take Malaria tablets.

The good news is that I have now got a pass to book my wife and I to go to Galapagos later this year for a weeks liveaboard and have been told to just book it! Now I have found a couple of boats with availability in Oct/November but am just wanting to find out if anyone recommends one above another and why?

So far on the short list is the Aggressor boats and Sky Dancer, should I be looking at any others or is one of these better than another? I see there is one called Eco Explorer but cannot find much information on that one or availability.

Thanks again,
Andrew

Congratulation! It is always great to have something to wait in your diving list.

It seems that this autum our site will be oveloaded with Galapagos pictures

Jukka

[tarczy]

Originally Posted by Andrew

The good news is that I have now got a pass to book my wife and I to go to Galapagos later this year for a weeks liveaboard and have been told to just book it! Now I have found a couple of boats with availability in Oct/November but am just wanting to find out if anyone recommends one above another and why?

So far on the short list is the Aggressor boats and Sky Dancer, should I be looking at any others or is one of these better than another? I see there is one called Eco Explorer but cannot find much information on that one or availability.

Andrew-

The last time I researched boats operating in the Galapagos, Eco Explorer was operating more as an Eco tourism boat, where they combined limited diving with lots of land tours on the various different islands. A friend of mine went on the boat a few years ago and said it was just "OK."

I've been on one other boat in the Galapagos, other than the Aggressor. I don't even know if The Mistral is still operating, but suffice it to say, you should stay away from this boat.

I've heard the Peter Hughes Sky Dancer boat is "OK," but you should really work to get on board one of the Aggressor boats. From my perspective, the Aggressor boats operating in the Galapagos are absolutely top-of-the-line. Yes, you pay a little bit more, but in the end, you definitely get what you pay for! The little bit of extra added cost is well worth it in the end.

Hope you have a great time!

Mark

[Ken Hawk]

Surly you ain't taking the young one are you?

[Andrew]

Thanks Mark, we are seriously looking at the Aggressor as they have space for us in November but it is good to hear about the Eco Explorer as we can take that off the list. The Aggressor looks like a solid outfit but there is very few up to date reviews online. I havent come across anything on the Mistral (apart from your review a few years ago!) so guess it is not still running.

Has anyone stayed in Galapagos on land either side? We are thinking of spending a few more days there afterwards to do a couple of land treks or a few days of day boat or shore diving?

No Ken, we are leaving the little one behind with my mother in law (I feel sorry for him already...!)

Andrew

[Jonathan Bird]

November is the end of the season. October would be a better bet for the big stuff. November is probably OK too, but getting into December, the weather is warming and the hammerheads get thinner. By January I wouldn't even think of going to the Galapagos.

I second Mark's recommendation on Aggressor. I am by no means one of those people that just goes with the big names, but in the Galapagos, there is a lot of politics. Aggressor consistently has a valid permit, they have great boats, and they have excellent crews. The Galapagos Aggressors are very well run and safe. They ain't cheap, but I went the cheap route once and learned my lesson on that.

I can't rate Peter Hughes' boat because I have never been on it, but I have heard good things and they are the other operation that consistently has a permit.

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Has anyone stayed in Galapagos on land either side? We are thinking of spending a few more days there afterwards to do a couple of land treks or a few days of day boat or shore diving?


Andrew

Andrew-

At one time, a Client of mine owned the Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos. It is, by far, the best hotel in the Galapagos. I sent another Client of mine to stay at the Royal Palm and he came back just raving about the hotel. It's a five-star resort, so it's going to be a little pricey, but if you're only staying for a few days, it'll be well worth it.

We can't wait for your trip report!.

P.S. The resort never did very well, primarily because the eco tourist types seem to always be on a tight budget. In light of these tough economic times, I'll just bet you can negotiate a huge discount off the standard published rate. Let us know how you do.

[Andrew]

OK... the time is getting nearer for my trip (and even closer for some of you guys)...

I am just starting to think about what kit to take and especially lenses. Top side I am sorted but underwater is it all BIG stuff or is it worth packing my small macro (60mm) and port or will it just travel out there and back with not seeing any sign of the water?

Thanks
Andrew