Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps: Ecuador

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...

Average Review Rating: from 16 reviews.

Sue Milne

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written June 2013
This holiday was the best thing I have done in my life. It was just fabulous on every level. Each day was action packed, exciting and very rewarding the whole trip is very well thought through I would have preferred one more day in the Galapagos instead of visiting the local market ...but honestly the trip is a lifetime must!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved how unspoilt, calm and truly remote and beautiful the islands were. It's an assault on the senses sometimes you just don't know where to look first or at what... It is as someone said above teaming with life below and above sea.The stunning landscapes are so varied and the plants and trees just amazing to see.My highlight was Kicker Rock. The visibility was fantastic and swimming above sharks, and Giant Manta Rays without any fear was thrilling. The fish, starfish and sheer beauty and colour of life on Kicker Rock wall were just unforgettable .
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian our trek leader was excellent, working very hard behind the scenes to makes sure everything ran like clockwork there was no stress at all. He involved everyone in the group to ensure they got the most out of every opportunity there was to be had.His sense of humour and easy style added to the pleasure of the whole trip. He got involved in all the snorkelling and helped the less confident swimmers along with swimming and snorkelling. A real asset Exodus and thanks very much Fabian.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I can understand that the advice on wetsuits is a tricky one.... I bought a new one but only used it on Kicker Rock, and it was worth it, the rest of the time I just used a thermal wet suit top for extra warmth and sun protection being a red head.Sometime you do run into cold water, but mostly it was around 20 degrees and lovely. I wished I had bought an underwater camera , the sea life was amazing. Try and buy guide books on plants, sealife and flowers before you come and bring them with you... They will be invaluable. I would also take gaiters for the trek, it was very wet and muddy when we went with lots of wet boots. I was also in a dilemma about sandals or walking trainers - sandals was the best choice along with walking boots for me. if you are not confident at snorkelling my friend took some lessons before she went which did put her in a good position when she got there..... We booked our flights separately through Iberia and I wouldn't if I could help it book with them again..... very unreliable airline and extremely rude staff.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just can't stop thinking about this magical place and wonderful holiday. Would do it all again in a shot if I could.Take plenty of memory cards and a camcorder if you have one and just book it! There is plenty of lovely food on this trip so you may gain a few pounds.
Julie Furze

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written May 2013
I have travelled with Exodus on several wildlife/discovery trips and this has to be the best ever. Sensory overload most days. Unique wildlife, plantlife and unreal scenery. Despite the evidence of human impact you can surely see why Darwin was so inspired. Staying on the islands rather than cruising gives you that added bonus of getting up with the sun and sitting watching the wildlife wake up.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The way the trip was organised made you feel that the locations were just for you as there were rarely other people around. Whether we were just super lucky but snorkelling at Kicker Rock for me was the jaw dropping moment. Looking down on layer upon layer of sharks (including 1 hammerhead), eagle rays and schools of fish just cruising around, dotted with the odd turtle was really surreal. I have a fear of swimming and I didn't want to leave! All the other snorkelling oppurtunities were magical also. Can't miss out the reason for going.... the Marine Iguanas.
What did you think of your group leader?
Thanks Fabian, you were excellent. I know Fabian did a lot of running around when most of us were chilling or sleeping and he did his best to make sure we all got the maximum out of the trip. His knowledge of all aspects of the Galapagos was excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It paid off taking good leather walking boots and gaiters for the trek as it was very wet and muddy. Most of the rest of the trip I walked in good walking sandals. You certainly need a good hat and sunglasses most of the time. I bought a wetsuit for the trip and maybe it was excessive for that time of year (the sea is at its warmest when I went) but I was grateful for it at Kicker Rock.
Try and do some research beforehand as to what you may expect to see, it really helps as all is so unique. Obviously make sure you have spare camera batteries and plenty of batteries but put your camera down sometimes and just enjoy.
I booked flights independently and may have been unlucky but Iberia were rubbish and didn't care, I think its probably worth suffering going through Miami and booking American.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Save up and book it!
Philippa Browning

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written May 2013
A real "trip of a lifetime". It was a tremendously varied and active trip, and I enjoyed everything: amazing wildlife, geology and scenery, history, swimming and snorkelling, walking....
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Snorkelling through the chasm of Kicker Rock - seeing deep into the ocean with sharks and rays, and myriads of fish.
Swimming through a creek out of the mangrove forest into the open sea, with pelicans flying around us.
Camping at the rim of the Sierra Negra, and walking round the rim to the amazing volcanic scenery of Volcan Chico.
Meeting turtles and sea lions in the sea while snorkelling.
Watching frigate birds swoop and bathe in the crater lake on San Cristobal.
Colony of baby marine iguanas in the lava rocks on Isabella, next to a creek with resting nocturnal sharks.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently, and he made everything interesting, exciting and fun. He was informative, with all sorts of local knowledge - anything from the history and wildlife to recommending good local bars. He recognised the individual needs of group members and adapted to them (e.g. some people were confident swimmers, some were nervous). Above all, he had a really great personal style, and an individual sense of humour, and was great to talk to. I have never done a group holiday before, and felt a bit anxious about being "organised" or "led" - but with Fabian, we had a fantastic time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are interested in nature, and enjoy an active and varied holiday, do this trip!!
There are considerable advantages to this land-based trip over a cruise. We really enjoyed going out for a stroll to the beach or a swim, both in the early mornings and the evenings. We had a fantastic mix of activities. And the wild camping trip gave us a real inside view of the islands.
On a practical note:
Take lots of wet wipes on the camping trip. Bring more warm clothes than you might expect, a good cagoule (it was quite cold and damp at altitude); and strong waterproof boots. I only had boots and sandals - trainers to change into would have been useful.
If you have never been snorkelling before, don't worry! It was my first time, and I loved it.
Read "The voyage of the Beagle" - at least the chapter on the Galapagos - before you go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food was lovely thoughout. Breakfasts based on fresh fruit, lovely lunches and dinners (mainly fish), usually sitting outside.
There are some really beautiful beaches, and swimming was wonderful.
The wildlife is fantastic and really easy to observe. I especially loved marine iguanas, sea lions and blue footed boobies. What is especially fascinating is the way the islands have very different zones, with different plants and wildlife, from the coast to the high mountains. It is also really fascinating to get to know this natural laboratory for studying evolution, and to get some understanding of how Darwin came to his conclusions.
The islands are famous for wildlife - jusitifiably - but the landscape and geology are equally fascinating.
Travelling in a group was great. I enjoyed being with such a great group of people, and sharing the experiences.
Clive Parsons

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written January 2013
The holiday was everything we expected - and more! Really good balance of activities and islands visited. Excellent group leader who worked well with the whole group.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The proximity, variety and abundance of the wildlife was staggering, both on land and in the sea. Swimming with sharks and turtles, spotting different Darwin's finches, watching the display of frigate birds cleaning themselves in fresh water and watching sea lions cavort with snorkelers were all amazing. Sitting next to sulphur mines where new deposits were still being created was unbelievable.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was extraordinary. He managed the group very well, keeping us on track, encouraging us to try things, but allowing us to decline. He was able to judge the abilities and interests of the different members of the group and was flexible in the way that he subsequently met our needs. His enthusiasm was infectious throughout the trip - even when the clouds were down for almost all of the 3 day trek! He proved knowledgeable and worked exceptionally well with the locals, making sure that everything was as it should be. He was patient and had a great sense of humour. We would highly recommend Fabian as a group leader without hesitation or reservation. He contributed enormously to the success of the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We found having our own snorkelling gear very handy and would probably take a shortie wetsuit if repeating the experience. We can not emphasise enough the thrill of all of the snorkelling opportunities - even as a virtual non-swimmer. An underwater camera is well worth the investment to capture sharks and rays etc. Decent binoculars proved very useful, as did an SLR with a powerful zoom. We took suitcases and just used the Exodus bag for the 3 day trek - where antiseptic hand wipes were invaluable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We felt before booking that staying in accomodation on the islands would provide more opportunities to explore and this proved to be the case. We were well fed with simple and tasty food - usually needing significant exercise to burn of the quantity! There just seemed to be something on this trip for everybody! The local tour contact was also very helpful and supportive.
Sue Jackson

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written November 2012
A wonderful trip that came up to all my expectations. I chose this trip as I wanted to be land based and it gives you more time for exploration in places that sea based trips will not visit.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Swimming with sea lions and other creatures, walking to the fumaroles on Volcan Azul and generally getting so close to the wildlife
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was a very conscientious, dedicated and informed leader with a fantastic sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do take some sea sickness pills even though Fabian did not recommend them as they can make you drowsy. Some of our group wished they had taken them. Previous reports recommended wet suits for November, but we didn't find the sea that cold, though perhaps it can vary from year to year.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you don't like basic camping often in wet or damp conditions this trip is not for you, but if you can put up with it the 2 days walking round the volcano were fantastic and worth a bit of discomfort.
Richard South

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written November 2012
The trip had much to live upto-I'd wanted to visit the Galapagos since first learning of Darwin's time spent there.The trip more than fulfilled hopes.When we booked I hadn't realised that we would be there at about the same time of year as Darwin's visit had been back in 1835!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many highlights!Mostly related to wildlife but also scenery & geology.Perhaps watching a blue footed booby dive all of one metre away from me.Perhaps snorkelling with a turtle-but then what about the sea lions?Perhaps observing frigate birds washing in fresh water & then shaking themselves dry in mid-air.Maybe seeing the sunrise after camping on the volcano rim- but then what about the giant rays leaping clean out of the ocean and somersaulting?
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was excellent-very helpful,patient & a good sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although the Galapagos sit astride the equator,the surrounding ocean can be cool as a result of the Humbolt current flowing north from the Antarctic.So consider taking a wetsuit-though these can be hired locally.It was also cool enough camping on Sierra Negra 1490m to be glad of warm sweaters & anoraks.
donna harrop

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written August 2012
This trip is an experience of a life time !
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sitting on a bench to check the view then realising there is a sea lion under your seat. Swimming and a sea lion comes over to play with you. Bobbing in the clear blue sea and you realise a turtle is just in front of you as a frigate bird flies overhead and the pelicans sit and watch. Its unbelievable but true and thats just the beginning !
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Fabian was great. He was very helpful, genuinely cared and a mind full of knowledge. Just what we needed !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can, take a wetsuit, the sea temperature changes and can sometimes be very cold. Hiring one is not always practical. You can cope without one but it would just make it better.