Galapagos Islands

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Michael Luff

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written July 2011

  As ever with Exodus we got what it said on the tin,nothing missing and all up to expectations. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing an Albatross land and fly within arms length on to its nest and a seal touching my face mask when swimming.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Good and was more than aware of the enviroment.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do everything on offer even if you are tired.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I hope Exodus can top this trip.

   
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  fiona king

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written April 2011

  The wildlife, opportunity of snorkelling and scenery was spectacular. The crew exeptional and the meals yummy! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  As we were in the Pangas going to one of the islands, the crew spotted wild dolphins in the not far distance. We immediately steered towards them and were sailing along side them, it was an unbelievable, undescribable experience, one that will be very hard to beat. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Darwin was a very enthusiastic wildlife expert. He took great care ensuring all in the group were involved and informed.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Plenty mosquito creams and sprays!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  An incredible trip of a lifetime for any wildlife enthusiast.

   
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  Helen Plater

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written February 2011

  How an earth do you follow a holiday as good as this? it was AMAZING!!!!! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Sitting on deck in the warm sun, with a sea breeze gently cooling your skin, whilst Frigate birds sore overhead, and, a Giant Sun Fish floats gently past. Pengiuns whizzing past you whilst you are snorkling.  Diving under water and being watched by sea lions.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was most informative and patient.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Factor 50, a hat, sea sickness pills.  Don't under estimate the heat of the sun.  One of our group spent 3 days in his cabin with sun stroke - what a waste, for the sake of a tan!

  Watch out in Equador for thieves throwing something over your back (like smelly poo) and then a second thief offering to help you by holding your bag or camera as you take them off to see what has been thrown on you, and running off with them.  This even happens in shops, not just in the street.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Just do it!

   
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  Jonathan Coons

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written December 2010

  My wife and I went to the Galapagos Islands for our honeymoon. We both had extremely high expectations for the islands and they were exceeded on our first shore excursion on South Plaza island as we were stepping over the iguanas and sea lions sleeping on the path. If you're thinking about traveling to the Galapagos Islands I emphatically say go! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Galapagos are an experience of a life time so it's hard to pick a favourite moment. I would say the top five moments were:

  1.  Our first shore excursion on South Plaza Islands - it was when I realized that everything I was told and read about the animals on the islands was true. You CAN have a staring contest with any animal of your choice and you WILL lose.
  2. Our naturalist guide Juan told us that sea lions were playful and they liked to pull on your fins as you're snorkeling but I wasn't prepared for what happened to me. During the first snorkeling excursion I felt something tap the side of my leg. As I looked back to see what had touched me, a sea lion smiled at me with a goofy grin and swam away.
  3. The first Pacific Green Turtle my wife and I encountered while snorkeling. You know ahead of time that you will encounter animals but that doesn't prepare you emotionally when your heart stops and time slows down as a giant sea turtle gracefully swims along with you.
  4. The encounter with the Waved Albatrosses on Espanola island. Juan had told us when he was at the island a few weeks earlier he only saw 7 adults and it was near the end of their nesting time so they will be returning to the ocean to fish. We arrived expecting to only see the juveniles who could not fly yet, but saw dozens of adults when we encountered the colonies and there were more albatrosses landing by the minute. We even saw a courtship dance!
  5. The two panga rides into the mangrove swamps. It was a surreal experience with all of us in complete silence as the pangas were paddled through the swamps. In the swamps of Elizabeth Bay there were even sea lions that learned how to climb trees! 

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader Gloria in Quito was knowledgeable, competent, and friendly.

  Our naturalist guide Juan in the Galapagos was absolutely fantastic. In addition to his wealth of knowledge with 20+ years guiding in the Galapagos, Juan was extremely friendly and helpful, had a fantastic sense of humour, and did a lot of extra little things (like playing the guitar and singing us songs) to make our trip memorable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you're a photographer, travel with at least two camera bodies so you do not have to switch lenses. Bring plenty of memory cards (or film) and extra batteries. Know how to use  your equipment without having to think about it and also know the limitations of your equipment.

  If you're a photographer, remember to experience the islands with more than just your view finder. The landscape and animal encounters may tempt you to keep shooting but you'll miss out on a lot of the moments when if you're stuck behind a camera.

  If you're prone to sea sickness or if you do not know how you'll be affected bring some type of prophylaxis as it is easier to prevent sea sickness than treat it. I wasn't affected at all when we were traveling between islands but most of our group was and the water was relatively calm. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you're a wildlife lover - go to the Galapagos!

  If the Galapagos Islands are on your bucket list - go sooner than later!

  If you're thinking about going to the Galapagos - I highly recommend it!

  The itinerary offered by Exodus is fantastic and I cannot say enough good things about the crew and accommodations on the Cachalote.

   
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  Stephanie Leigh

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written October 2010

  Everything about the holiday was better than expected, especially:The fantastic wildlife, the amount and variety of it, the proximity to it all and the wondeful photographic opportunities. The photos I took have come out really well and I have printed up (using Snapfish) a lovely photo album.The boat and the food were terrific. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were many but the one that most sticks in my mind is where only four of us went snorkelling one day (it was very cold indeed in the water) and we had the wonderful experience of four sea lions swimming amongst us, round, up, down getting to within three inches (literally) in a playful (definitely not aggressive) manner.

  The sea lions swam with us, playing with us, fora whole hour and we had the opportunity to take some great undewater photos. When we surfaced and got out of the water, only then could we talk about the experience and that made irt seem all the more fantastic.

  Others (briefly): seeing whales, dolphins flying through the air, blue-footed boobies, white-tipped reef sharks, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Oyster Catcher, .....so many more

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was Monica and she did a great job each day and every day, clearly bery knowledgeable and able to teach us (thereby increasing our enjoyment) as we went along.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a lot of photos, heed the warnings about the strong sun, stay on deck to see the great sunsets even if it does get chilly.

  Choose a smalll boat to get the best experience - it shouldn't feel like a "cruise".

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Worth every penny and Exodus was very good value indeed.

   
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  Craig Shearer

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written July 2010

  Although I had seen the photographs of the Galapagos Islands in the brouchure and in magazines what I ended up experiencing far outstripped my expectations. When I watched the BBC's 'Galapagos' DVD series after my trip I was amazed to find that pretty much everything which was shown in the documentary I had experienced during my trip  - absolutely fantastic experience which I will never forget! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  One of the most amazing moments of the trip was on the first morning at the Islands when we arrived early in the morning and I went up to the top deck of the boat before sunrise and saw a pristine island in front of me with a golden sand beach with dozens of seals lying in the surf and swimmng in the shallows - I felt as though I was the only person in the world at that moment who was experiencing such an amazing place and seeing the animals completly at ease in their environment - I felt unbelievably privilaged to be experiencing such a magical and peaceful moment.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The groups leader was excellent and etremely warm and freindly - she was always happy to chat and paid particular attention to the groups and its behaviour so as not to adversly harm or frighten the wildlife or the local environment.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Put on sun-tan lotion and don't wear shorts!

   
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  Pauline Doan

  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

  

  Written April 2010

  I didn't have any expectations when it came to Ecuador & the Galapagos but if I did this trip has exceeded them all! The itinerary was fabulous, there was a lot to do but there was plenty of time to relax as well. The food, the crew, the wildlife, the sea, everything just stole my heart. It is a destination you cannot miss.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Can the whole trip be one long drawn out inspiration? My heart sank when I had to leave. I was on one intense high. I found I was often inspired by the purity of the place. I definitely loved the snorkeling because I felt like I merged and was a part of the islands. You are so close to the animals, who are not bothered by your presence, that you feel so connected with the water and everything around you.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Juan made these islands special with his humor, knowledge and personality! He was the most precious and valued specimen of them all!! He made sure to time our walks or start at a different end of the path so we could dodge the crowd of people and it often felt like we were the only ones on the island. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Wear sunblock!!! And wear more sunblock!!! Pack light because your cabin won't be that big. Take your sea sickness tablet! The food is incredible but try to practice self control at least for the first meal because you will set sail that afternoon and it could be rocky. If you aren't used to being on a boat you could feel really sick! Keep it simple, respect the area and soak as much as you can in! So much time and moments can be missed if you're always taking pictures so be cool and share your pictures with each other.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  JUST GO. MAKE IT HAPPEN. 

   

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