4 independent reviews for Galapagos family vacation, hotel based
Reviews for Galapagos family vacation, hotel based
Zoe Jane Pett review 16 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The original planning and trips which happened2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Donīt book as if the trips are cancelled it becomes the customers fault3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
no4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
2/10Read the operator's response here:
We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience caused by the last minute change of a one day Galapagos excursion date. This is the first time we have experienced this in 25 years of operating. We have refunded the customers the full cost of the day tour. Circumstances were such that there was a last minute change to a one day excursion date. As soon as we were informed of the change of date we informed the group and offered that they travel that day
instead. We understand that was not possible due to it being last minute so we offered an alternative day tour the following day to Floreana. This was readily accepted but proved not to be enjoyable due to weather conditions, with a rough sea. The customers have let us know they enjoyed the rest of their trip and accepted our apologies and refund.
Cecile Meintjes review 11 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For me was swimming with a shark in the Galapagos, for the kids the snorkeling and biking adventures . But even more so the swimming pool at the albatros hotel and the Jakuzi... but overall was also hiking on the volcanos and visiting cities ... each day was memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you want to do the tunnels in Isabella make sure you book as you arrive or ahead of time. If you are able to book at least one private tour do so, specially for the kids. Otherwise all the tips given to us on departure were perfect. And Fausto our guide really guide and I formed us well. ( my daughter says : do not leave pizzas in the reception fridge in the iguana hotel for your breakfast at 5 am ... the reception is locked at that time and you will have to leave it behind and miss breakfast as they do not pack breakfast pack.... :-)) )3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We did pay lot of attention to clean and not leave any rubbish behind. We used bio degradable sun screen and made sure we buy from the local Indians and not in shops at airports . We ate local food in local restaurants, and did not try to negotiate in price we artisanal people as we know this is what help them survive. We bought their products as much as possible. We cannot say that we did supported conservation as such but hopefully the taxes collected by the government from our trip will be used to that effect.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10Cindy Fung review 10 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved snorkeling with the sea turtles and Cape Rosa was very beautiful. Our guides (William, Faby, Carmen) were incredibly knowledgeable and explained in-depth about the animals and vegetation of the Galapagos and the threats they face (i.e. invasive species). It was great to see how much they care about their islands. Daario was an outstanding guide, we would have liked to spend more time with him - but we wish him all the best with his exciting lawyer career :)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A trip to the Galapagos in general requires a good amount of research e.g. things to bring (reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, 2 bathing suits, sea sickness pills etc) things to not bring (food, seeds etc). For snorkeling you absolutely need a wetsuit. The agencies take you to rent one before heading out to the boat but we brought our own.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The Galapagos National Park entrance fee goes towards the conservation and protection of the islands so we were happy to help with that. All our naturalist guides and drivers were local people and we stayed in local hotels (which were very clean, comfortable, and provided healthy, fresh, homemade breakfasts)4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a very memorable trip, thank you.Tamara Weldon review 1 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My eight year old granddaughter, Haley and I loved every moment of our Galapagos Island Hopping Tour. For her, she especially enjoyed her free time to swim in the hotel pools and in the ocean. I loved it all, especially watching the sea lions lounge freely in the hotel area.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would endorse this trip without question and for travelers to stay in close contact with their travel adviser. Tom Shearman was so helpful and gave me many useful bits of advice.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation was beneficial to both parties. I was able to witness how the residents are recycling and doing everything within their means to maintain a healthy environment for future generations.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our Galapagos Island Hopping Tour exceeded my expectations. It was wonderful in every aspect. The tour guides were punctual and very responsible, especially Andrea and Valerio in Puerto Ayora. My eight year old granddaughter and I felt safe and cared for at all times. I would give this tour and our travel advisor, Tom Shearman, the highest of ratings.Holiday Reviews
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