On this day we ate breakfast – more scrambled eggs – and headed to the airport. Of course this wasn’t as planned, because the van had a flat tire before it got to us. Short delay and then we were flying out to the Galapagos Islands. This is a short flight, about 650 miles west of mainland Ecuador. We met our fantastic guide Felipe and our traveling companions – Craig and Marie from Seattle, Jennifer and Ken, from Virginia, Jay and Victoria from Connecticut, and Michelle and Tiffany from California. We would get to know them all in the next few days. We took off and were fed our second breakfast. After a short stop in another large Ecuadorian city, Guayaquil, we were off to our first Island stop, but not before being fed our 3rd breakfast.
We landed on San Cristobal, went through customs, where they sprayed us and the luggage down (recurring theme), paid our $100, Galapagos entry fee, and were transported to the Optunia Hotel. Where we were fed a huge lunch!
After lunch we waddled to the SharkSky rental shop for snorkel gear and wet suits (for the frigid). We then waddled up Frigate Hill past sleeping Sea Lions, to view Frigate Bids (the ones with the big red sack under their chin (males) and the statue of Charles Darwin. Then down to the water where some snorkeled and some watched native animals. We then hiked back in the dark. One thing to mention as we are on the equator, the Sun rises at 6:00am and sets at 6:00 pm everyday. We then returned back to the hotel and of course went to dinner. That evening we shared our room with some native ants.
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
3 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
4 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.