Cruising Galapagos islands

[simonpickard]

Hello all,

So we'll be heading over to the Galápagos Islands around the end of March/early April.

Our agent is saying there are two types of visa. A one port, or up to 5 port.

We don't mind paying extra but we're wondering what the best way of seeing the islands is. We want to experience as much of the wildlife as possible so are wondering if we just get a one port. Leave the boat in a marina and then do a 7 day tour or something?

Has anyone done this area? What's the best way of seeing it?

Regards,
Simon



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[dchav15]

This was a good start for me but I was also interested in some insider information in this topic as well. Thanks for posting.

Galapagos — Noonsite

[Dave852]

Might not have time to get the 5 port now. If you don't get it and have to stay in one port there are no marinas to leave your boat in. The weather is consistently benign and the area is safe from crime so you can get another cruiser to look after your boat at anchor while you get on one of the live aboard tour boats for a few days. Alternatively you can go to other islands via speed boat but these can be uncomfortable rides.


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[Paul L]

There are no marinas in the Galapagos. You are very restricted on what you can do and where you can go on a cruising boat. The anchorage/mooring field in San Cristobol is decent. The anchorage in Isabela is good. Santa Cruz is overcrowded and rolly. Anywhere you stay, you will be restricted on where you can go in the water or in land without a national park guide. There are good tours available for varying prices everywhere. Isabela is the most interesting. Great tour to the tunnels and good hikes up the volcano, etc.
If you really want to see the Galapagos then booking an 8-day small cruise ship is the way to go. Not too practicable for a cruiser.
Make sure that your bottom is entirely clean before you arrive.

[simonpickard]

I think I might have done this wrong then.

From what I can make out the 5 port visa I've paid for is a bit worthless as the best way to see everything is to stay in one port and then take a trip on a tour boat?

Humm.



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[Paul L]

We had a 3 port Autografo, but decided to skip Santa Cruz as the anchorage was really crowded with tour boats and rolly, and the town is the most touristy of them all. San Cristobol was decent and glad we stopped, Isabela is the best and worth spending time at. No matter how many port Autografo you have, you can not take your boat or your dinghy into the park or snorkel in, which is most of the interesting places. So you do those on tours. They really aren't interested in having cruisers in the Galapagos and don't make it easy for them. Even with all the hassle, we're glad to have stopped for a month. Leaving Isabela tomorrow morning.

[simonpickard]

Thanks Paul L. So you just did a few smaller tours from each place you stopped?
I'll check out your blog.

You just about to do the big hop West then?
Safe sailing and fair winds to you!

Regards,
Simon

[gjordan]

Paul L, since you have been there for a month, can you give some example prices for tours and visas? The rumors are that the Galapagos are very expensive for cruisers, but actual dollar amounts would be very interesting. You may be underway for the Marquesas by now, so we will all still be interested in a few weeks. I spent 3 months in the Marquesas in the late 70s and loved every minute of it. Have a wonderful trip. ______Grant.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by gjordan

Paul L, since you have been there for a month, can you give some example prices for tours and visas? The rumors are that the Galapagos are very expensive for cruisers, but actual dollar amounts would be very interesting. You may be underway for the Marquesas by now, so we will all still be interested in a few weeks. I spent 3 months in the Marquesas in the late 70s and loved every minute of it. Have a wonderful trip. ______Grant.

Check-in was $1265 paid in cash to agent (Bolivar Presente, very good) for 2 people, multi-port entry.
Tunnels tour - most of the day excellent boat trip on Isabela $85 per person.
Volcan Negro volcano hike - $40 per person
Kicker Rock boat tour - $120 per person -- we skipped it.

Off to Easter Island this morning.

[gjordan]

Paul, thank you. Real time information is helpful to all of us. Are you going to hit Pitcairn after Easter? Have a great passage!!! _______Grant.

[svQ]

Paul, great information... Thanks!

We are leaving Panama in a few days and jury is still out on whether we stop in Galapagos on the way to Easter Island. By the timing it looks like you many already be at Easter Island now. Would very much look forward to an update on your progress.


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[Suijin]

Talk to Tim at Galakiwi tours on San Cristobal. Great guy and has been running adventure tours in the islands for over ten years. He can give you a ton of good advice on what your options are and how to piece together a good itinerary.

Whatever you do, don't miss a diving or snorkeling trip to Kicker rock. Layers of schools of fish, huge spotted manta rays and hammerhead sharks circling the enormous sheer rock pinnacle. Absolutely spectacular.