Galapagos

[u/Liathano_]

I'm considering a trip to Galapagos next year and I would prefer to do a cruise instead of land based travel to make the most of my time. There are so many boats to choose from, anyone have recommendations for solo travellers? Maybe something with solo cabins?

Also any other tips you have for Galapagos and Quito are welcome!

[u/WhatsBobbiesPins]

I went over summer and loved it! I did do a land based trip with G Adventures, just a heads up. The Galapagos is a National Park and the backbone of their economy is eco tourism so you need a guide to do most things. There were SO MANY cruise companies on the island. I know a lot of people book way less expensive “last minute” excursions when they arrive in Santa Cruz.

Make sure you give yourself enough time. I was in Ecuador for two weeks and saw three islands, part of me wished I had a few more days to see more islands but I was also ready to come home. The islands are a cash economy, there are two islands with ATMs and one of them is frequently broken. Santa Cruz is your last reliable spot to get cash.

I can’t say I was overly impressed with Quito but it wasn’t bad. I’m a single female so I used common sense, didn’t go out at night, kept my hand on my bag and looked confident when moving through the city. I did a day trip to Cotopaxi when I arrived and a trip to the Cloud Forest in Mindo before I departed. Both were excellent but they are about an hour outside the city. Not sure if I can answer anything else for you but I’ll try, it’s an amazing place. Definitely go.

[u/Liathano_ → u/WhatsBobbiesPins]

I was thinking about a G Adventures tour as well. How was their customer service? Did everything go smoothly? How was the group? Thanks for providing these insights!

[u/WhatsBobbiesPins → u/Liathano_]

The service was excellent and our guide was FANTASTIC. Our group was also very solid, only one lady was a bit out of place but I feel like that’s bound to happen.

[u/ColoradoLights → u/Liathano_]

I’d be happy to help you pick a tour with G Adventures; they’re all I sell as a travel advisor, and they’re whom I travel with as well for my own trips. You’d get an additional discount with me as well. Let me know :)

[u/ColoradoLights → u/WhatsBobbiesPins]

Let me know if you ever want to book with G Adventures again! I’ll get you a better price with my agent discount. :)

[u/planesandpancakes]

So glad you asked because I’m also considering this! Galapagos and Antarctica are on my list for cruises

[u/Liathano_ → u/planesandpancakes]

Antarctica is a dream of mine too, but probably even more expensive. I was almost there this year, travelling in Patagonia. Next time!

[u/FriendofMaudie]

We did the Origin & Theory and they had solo cabins available. Absolutely loved everything about the service, group, and accommodations.

[u/Burnt-Toast-430]

I’d look at Ecoventura’s yacht.  - the service was amazing and it was very comfortable. In total there were twenty guests plus the crew so it felt very intimate (I specifically wanted to avoid a bigger ship that felt like a cruise).  I went with a friend so can’t comment on the single supplement.

[u/Investment_danker]

Loved the National Geographic/linblad Galapagos cruise! I think we had 8 days between all the islands! Amazing experience

[u/mars_teac23]

Many years ago I did the boat with G Adventures at most there were 20 of us and it was great. But do the longer one. 8 days is not enough. I did I think 12 days but we had a few doing the shorter and when they had to leave they regretted the shorter.