ABD Galapagos Trip Reports?

[susans]

Getting ready to fly out Monday to do this Adventure. Has anyone seen a full trip report on this trip that they could share?

Thanks

[Dahly]

We did this trip three weeks ago. We didn't do a trip report, but if you have any specific questions, I will do my best to help.


ETA: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2233815

this is Beachbunny's post from when she returned from her trip.
Dahly

[beachbunny]

Dahly, how did you like your trip?

Susans, I did write a very long trip report with pictures that will be put on another website. Unfortunately, it probably won't be posted before you leave. Have a great time!

[Dahly]

Hi Beachbunny!

We had a great time...my son wants to go back! We had Chris and Eduardo, and there were 20 of us, so it was a nice sized group. 7 kids between 7-13 (my DS is 11) so he had a good time with them, especially on the ship, where they could hang out in the library/game room without having the grownups over their shoulders. I enjoyed everything, and I don't know that I could say I had a favorite. DS's favorite was the tortoises.
The guides were great and went out of their way to get something for my son after he mentioned it once.

thanks for the tips you gave before I left!

[susans]

Thanks for offering to answer my questions--I'm in the process of packing.

Ok questions:

Do I really need to pack a dress or skirt or nice pantsuit?

How cold did it get--do I need to pack a lot of sweaters for Quito?

Did either of you leave a bag (suitcase) at the Marriott in Quito?

Beachbunny, why did you suggest bringing a washcloth and soap for the trip?

what is the dress code for dinner on the ship? I just packed two dresses but really would prefer to be more casual if I can get by with it..

What was you "can't miss" moment on this trip?

Was seasickness a problem on the ship?

I know that a lot of questions and I did read the Disney booklet, but I really appreciate your input.

[Dahly]

Thanks for offering to answer my questions--I'm in the process of packing.

Ok questions:

Do I really need to pack a dress or skirt or nice pantsuit?

How cold did it get--do I need to pack a lot of sweaters for Quito?

Did either of you leave a bag (suitcase) at the Marriott in Quito?

Beachbunny, why did you suggest bringing a washcloth and soap for the trip?

what is the dress code for dinner on the ship? I just packed two dresses but really would prefer to be more casual if I can get by with it..

What was you "can't miss" moment on this trip?

Was seasickness a problem on the ship?

I know that a lot of questions and I did read the Disney booklet, but I really appreciate your input.

I took 1 pair of slacks and two dressier capris, wore the capris on the boat for dinner, and the slacks at the farewell dinner in Quito. I did see a few people in dresses, but certainly not necessary unless you want to be a little dressier.

I took a "hoodie" and wore that over my tshirt during the day in Quito, it was a little windy a couple of days, not so much cold.

On the 4th evening, (the last night at the hacienda) you will be given the option of sending a bag back to the Marriott, so you don't have to lug everything to the ship. We took a fold up duffle bag with us, so I packed that with used laundy. Also, and hopefully this doesn't spoil a surprise...Disney gives you each a small duffle bag on day one, so we packed those with the things we had bought up to that point, and sent those back to the hotel as well. We only took our original large suitcase (and our backbacks) onto the ship with us.

I know there weren't washclothes at the hacienda, and I don't remember if they were on the boat either. On the boat there is biodegradable soap, so you may prefer your own. Beachbunny may have a different reason.

My can't miss is kind of sappy....this trip was really for my son, so seeing him with the tortoises, which was his highlight, was my highlight.

I did get a bit queasy on the first night on the ship. I took bonine with me, and that helped.


Hopefully these help. We had a great time, and we hope you do too. Tell Chris and Eduardo that Leslie and Raymond said hi!

[Bobo912]

Hi Beachbunny!

We had a great time...my son wants to go back! We had Chris and Eduardo, and there were 20 of us, so it was a nice sized group. 7 kids between 7-13 (my DS is 11) so he had a good time with them, especially on the ship, where they could hang out in the library/game room without having the grownups over their shoulders. I enjoyed everything, and I don't know that I could say I had a favorite. DS's favorite was the tortoises.
The guides were great and went out of their way to get something for my son after he mentioned it once.

thanks for the tips you gave before I left!

Is there some reason why this trip is limited to 20, or did you just have a small group? I was wondering if they raised the price so much for 2010 on this particular trip because they were able to easily fill it. But if they are going with only 20, then that wouldn't make any sense.

[beachbunny]

Hi Dahly! I'm glad you had a good time! We certainly did.

Washcloth and bar of soap: Neither the hacienda nor the boat had washcloths. The boat only had biodegradable soap that did not give you a clean feeling. If these are things you require, bring your own.

Dressy clothes: I guess it depends on the group, but no-one on my trip dressed up. Even on the ship at dinner, many wore shorts. I had a skort for the nicer dinners. DH only wore shorts in the Galapagos and used his zip off pants in Quito and Otavalo.

Cooler weather clothes: It all depends on the weather, but we had a particularly cool morning in Otavalo. I really hate the cold. I was cold in my t-shirt and light jacket.

Bag in Quito: Yes, we left a bag with our sweaters and Otavalo Market purchases back in Quito. It was waiting for us in our hotel room upon our return to Quito. We used the duffel provided by ABD (you'll get it on your first day).

Seasickness: If you get seasick, bring something for it. I saw a lot of our group wearing patches behind their ears. I had a patch but didn't use it. The last night on ship is especially bad because we're going against the current. The dining room cleared out very fast after dinner.

Can't miss: The second swim - it's a deep water swim from the dinghy. We encountered turtles, penguins, and sea lions. We have a ton of underwater pictures from this swim - bring a water proof camera!

Also, if you get a bonus trip to a rose farm in Otavalo, that was another can't miss! Ask your guides if they can set this up for your group.

Group size: I was told they will take up to 40 people. Our group had 25 people.

Have a great time! Say "Hi" to Chris and Eduardo from Julie!

[susans]

I don't think your "cant miss" moment is sappy Dahly--sounds like your son had a blast.

Thanks for your input.

Bobo912--I think our group is in the low to mid 20's as well (according to my TA). I'm not sure if they are keeping these trips in the 20's on purpose or not.

[beachbunny]

Price: Before I purchased this tour, I checked out prices for our ship in the Galapagos. Just for the 4 nights on ship, the price was $2800 per person. With the early booking discount, I thought our trip was a steal! By the way, there were a few people on board who had booked with Abercrombie and Kent. If you think ABD is pricey, check out A&K!

[susans]

So if all our groups for the trip are averaging 20-26 people, maybe that's why they needed to raise the prices for 2010. It also sounds like with 2 guides that you would get a pretty personalized experience.

I LOVE roses. I hope we get to do this too. Thanks for the heads up beachbunny. We had Chris for a guide on another ABD tour. He is very good.

[Bobo912]

Price: Before I purchased this tour, I checked out prices for our ship in the Galapagos. Just for the 4 nights on ship, the price was $2800 per person. With the early booking discount, I thought our trip was a steal! By the way, there were a few people on board who had booked with Abercrombie and Kent. If you think ABD is pricey, check out A&K!

I looked at Abercrombie & Kent. Looks awesome, but definitely not doing that one. Tauck Bridges and Thomson are less than ABD though for similar trips. I wouldn't have hesitated if the ABD prices had been closer to last year's price, but it's around $1400 more per person.

So if all our groups for the trip are averaging 20-26 people, maybe that's why they needed to raise the prices for 2010. It also sounds like with 2 guides that you would get a pretty personalized experience.

That could be, but if I were making the decisions I would try to lure in more travelers. They have to pay the two guides and whatever other overhead they have regardless of whether they have 25 or 40, so it seems like they would want the trip as full as possible. They don't let me make the decisions though. :)

[susans]

I really wasn't defending Disney and their price increases for 2010. I was just speculating that might be why they raised their prices.

I will say that my trip to Peru last year was incredible thanks to our guides. I didn't know Chris was going to be on this trip until long after I had booked it.

That said, I too will be looking at other tours for 2010. I haven't decided not to do another ABD but it's not a "no brainer".

[Dahly]

I think the 20 on our tour was just a lucky break. We enjoyed being with a smaller group.

I think Chris mentioned the tour after ours was going to be 35 people. He had also told us that they were doubling the number of trips next year, based on the feedback and the number of guests they had this year.

We also got to do the Rose tour...it was an unexpected surprise, and very enjoyable. The amount of roses they grow is amazing. It was just a short walk from the hacienda.

I had also looked at the prices for the Galapagos Explorer II before we booked...I thought we were getting a deal for the whole trip based on the cruise price alone. I haven't looked up 2010 prices for the ship, so I don't know if is part of the increase in next year's rate. I am glad we went this year. If we had waited until 2010, we probably wouldn't have gone based on the new prices. I wasn't even going to look, but after the discussions on this board, I had to take a peek. I about fell out of my chair. I really, really enjoyed our trip, and even knowing we probably got somewhat of a deal with the EBD, they would have to add quite a bit for me to pay next year's price.

[susans]

Question Dahly or beachbunny--were the hikes very difficult? When we were in Peru, one of them (to the sungate and back in an hour) was a killer....

[Bobo912]

I'm just speculating too. Trying to make some sense out of the increase. If ABD's costs for the trip have gone up significantly they would have to pass a lot of that on to the customer. That I can understand. I would just like to know if that is the case.

[beachbunny]

Price: For the price I paid this year (EBD plus Costco rebate of $200 per person), this adventure was worth every penny! However, I'd really have to think twice before paying next year's prices...

Hikes: Most of the hikes are classified by the ship as moderate. I'd say relatively easy - flat or rocky volcanic surfaces, and no real hills.

There is one hike - on the second day - involving 300+ stairs - that is difficult. The view from the top of the mountain looking out to sea and Pinnacle Rock (where they filmed Master and Commander) is fantastic, but may not be worth it if it will tire you out too much for the remaining days. Pace yourself in Galapagos - there is just so much to see and do!

[Bobo912]

Can't miss: The second swim - it's a deep water swim from the dinghy. We encountered turtles, penguins, and sea lions. We have a ton of underwater pictures from this swim - bring a water proof camera!

I'm not particulary comfortable in the water, although my son thinks he's Michael Phelps. His over-confidence worries me a bit. Not exactly sure how to word this question, other than just asking did you feel totally safe? Did you think the kids swimming with you were totally safe? Were floatation devices available? Is the water calm?

[susans]

Thanks for the info beachbunny--not too worried about the steps, think I'll be able to handle them (famous last words)...

[beachbunny]

Swimming: I didn't need a floatation device. It took all my effort to stay under water. I was wearing a wet suit and boy are those suckers bouyant!

One word of warning - the last open water swim also off the dinghy - I didn't do that one because the seas were VERY rough and we were told there were "only" fish and sharks. I'm glad we didn't go because people said it was very rough and they encountered jelly fish. One girl in our group got stung.

So to answer your question, yes, I felt safe.

[sugarland]

We returned from Quito yesterday (after a few extended days beyond our trip). It was wonderful - incredible - amazing. If you are considering signing up for this itinerary, I strongly recommend it.

I have not done a trip report yet, but will be happy to answer your questions in the meanwhile.

Here are a few packing tips: (1) an underwater camera is priceless on this trip - pick up a digital one before you go, (2) washcloths are generally not provided - beachbunny thanks for your advice in this blog; I'm so glad we brought a couple!, (3) if you need a women's XS wet suit (for a petite adult or normal tween), you need to bring your own - as of Aug. 09 they are not available on the ship, (4) if you don't bring your own and you need a wet suit size that is in short supply on this ship, once you find a wetsuit on the ship that fits you, leave it in the provided yellow mesh bag and hang it in your shower to dry rather than hanging it in the ship's locker as they suggest. (Another way to go is to wear two larger suits - our daughter size 0 ended up layering two suits size S and M because no XS suits were available and that worked OK for her). (5) don't fret about nice clothes. Our group generally wore shorts, capris or casual slacks for all events including the ship's dinners. A few people dressed up the final night - that's all. It is very cool in the highlands and you definitely need layers and warm clothes there - the rooms are cold at night. (6) a small flashlight is helpful. (7) really good binoculars are very nice to have - try using them even to look at the things that seem to be close to you (Disney will give you a small pair in your amenity bag, but good ones make a huge difference), (8) bring lots and lots and lots of 1s and 5s - you will not want to use larger bills than that when you are shopping in the markets.

[sugarland]

For our family, snorkeling was absolutely the highlight of the trip. You can wear one of the lifejackets that the ship gives you if you don't feel comfortable with the buoyancy the wet suits provide. I can't say strongly enough how much fun the snorkeling is and it is definitely worth it to face your the initial fear. We have SCUBA-ed and snorkelled in many places before, and this experience clearly topped them all.

The jellyfish stinging only happened one day (the 'fish/shark' day), and it only happened to the three folks who ventured out to deeper water chasing the sharks. The crew in our Panga had remedies readily available and the people who were stung (even the kid whose face was stung) all seemed to agree that it was worth it to be able to swim with the sharks. I happily stayed closer to the rocks with my family where we had absolutely no jellyfish problems and I have to say that was the best snorkeling day of them all. We were told to expect only fish, but once we got in the water, many sea lions were all around us chasing fish as well as a few penguins.

[Bobo912]

Thanks beachbunny and sugarland for the snorkeling info. I let my DS zip line last year when he had just turned 8, so maybe I can take watching him swim with a shark. I think we need to take a trip somewhere tropical over his Christmas break so we can get in some snorkeling practice. At least, that the excuse I'm going to use. :)

[bekkiz]

I didn't go on an ABD trip to the Galapagos, but we went on our own in Dec '06. We brought our own wetsuit "shirts" to make sure we were warm enough. They did not take up too much room, and we were SO glad to have them, because then we didn't have to worry about finding things that fit through the tour guide. I can't remember the brand right now, but it was considered a neoprene shirt/top and it had long sleeves.

The Galapagos are just amazing, I hope you have an awesome time!

[Bobo912]

For you folks who have taken this trip, wanted to get some feedback on airfare. I've been doing some research and found a schedule, route, fare combination with American that looks reasonable to me. For the early June dates the roundtrip airfare is $863 adult and $715 child. Last week of June it goes up to $1058 & $799. In July is goes up again to $1078 & $812. I know we're all coming from different places, but do those airfare look okay from your experience? Our school is out the last week of May so we could take advantage of the lower fares in June. Anybody aware of any reason why it would be better to go in July rather than June? I would like to save some money, but I want to best experience too. So if June is hurrican season or something like that, I would be happy to pay the extra $$$. TIA.

[Dahly]

Bobo - sorry, I can't be much help on the airfare...we were lucky to have a direct flight from Houston (where we live) to Quito on Continental so I didn't do a lot of comparision shopping..the direct flight of 5.5 hours was more important than price for me.

So a question for you...does this mean you have possibly decided to book with ABD after all, or are you still looking at other tours? I know the cost is a consideration, but my two cents, for what it is worth: We had an absolute ball and my son (he is 11 and would go back next year if he could) has latched onto the idea of someday working in the Galapagos...he already wanted to be a biologist, but now he has a focused goal...if a trip can do that for him, it was well worth it! Certainly doesn't mean he wouldn't have reached the same conclusion on another company's tour, but I really think the guides on our trip really made a huge difference for him, especially the local naturalists on the islands.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Dahly

[Bobo912]

Bobo - sorry, I can't be much help on the airfare...we were lucky to have a direct flight from Houston (where we live) to Quito on Continental so I didn't do a lot of comparision shopping..the direct flight of 5.5 hours was more important than price for me.

So a question for you...does this mean you have possibly decided to book with ABD after all, or are you still looking at other tours? I know the cost is a consideration, but my two cents, for what it is worth: We had an absolute ball and my son (he is 11 and would go back next year if he could) has latched onto the idea of someday working in the Galapagos...he already wanted to be a biologist, but now he has a focused goal...if a trip can do that for him, it was well worth it! Certainly doesn't mean he wouldn't have reached the same conclusion on another company's tour, but I really think the guides on our trip really made a huge difference for him, especially the local naturalists on the islands.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Dahly

Thanks, Dahly. I haven't decided to go with ABD. I've been comparing ABD and Thomson Family Adventures. Thomson has the same itinerary - same hotels and same cruise ship. At first glance, their price looks a little higher, but the price quoted on their website includes travel insurance and tips for the guide, so Thomson comes out to be a little less, I think. Thomson offers some interesting features, such as matching your child with a pen pal before the trip and then you get to meet them once you arrive. And they have a "mentor" for the kids who according to their website "engage the kids in fun games and activities" and "help break the ice". They limit their groups to 25 and they help match your child with children of a similar age. All very important to me, a single mom, and my DS with no siblings. And they guarantee that your trip will not be cancelled. And at this point, Thomson is way ahead in customer service, since they actually answer my emails. ABD has offered $100 loyalty discount through Nov ($200 total for us) vs. Thomson $500 per family discount thru Dec (just an incentive to anybody, since I haven't traveled with them before). I'm disappointed that ABD doesn't seem to place much value on my return business. But I have loved my ABD trips and I am comfortable with the familiar. So I've still got some thinking to do.

[Bobo912]

BTW...I booked the 3-day DCL Bahamas cruise for Dec 17 this morning. I want DS to get a little snorkeling practice in before he is swimming with the seals and penguins. And hopefully it will help me with my own anxiety over the water.

[Grifdog22]

Bobo:

Thanks for your posting. We have traveled with ABD for two summers, and like you were looking to the Galapagos for 2011. We've also looked at Tauck Bridges and Thompson. We're doing a Tauck Bridges over break, and we've decided to take the leap for the Galapagos for 2011. Haven't worked out the details, but we're excited.

Like you, I appreciate the customer service I'm seeing with Thompson. I still remember Peru where we were told changes to the schedule were made, and I ALMOST went ahead and booked side trips - turns out the ABD folks gave me lots of wrong information. 2008 was a good year. 2009, not so good on the back office support.

Hope you choose to join us on Thompson!

[beachbunny]

Bobo: The best priced flights I found were on Continental, connecting through Houston, and Copa, connecting through Panama City. We flew from LA to PTY to UIO on Copa. I used my Continental miles to book the free ticket on Copa. The Copa flight arrives in the early afternoon. The Continental flight arrives late at night.

I know that many who book ABD also book their airfare with ABD because if they cancel your tour, you don't have to worry.

[Bobo912]

Thanks beachbunny. I checked out Continental and Delta, and the fares were slightly higher than American, and, as you mentioned the the Continental flight arrives late at night, and so does the Delta flight. The American flight arrives around 4:30 in the afternoon. I'm going to keep my eyes on all of them though, just in case a good deal pops up.

Griffdog22, I'm impressed with Thomson so far, so there is a good chance that we'll be traveling with them. I'm planning to wait a few more months and see if ABD comes up with anything interesting in the meantime. I considered Tauck for this trip, but they only offer a 3-day cruise, except at Christmas time, and I figure if I'm going all the way to the Galapagos, I should stay as long as I can. Which Tauck trip are you taking? I remember reading several posts about Costa Rica - are you part of that group? Costa Rica is a beautiful place to visit. Whatever trip you're taking, I would really like to hear your impressions of Tauck.

[sayhello]

I know that many who book ABD also book their airfare with ABD because if they cancel your tour, you don't have to worry.Booking with ABD works well, but just thought I'd mention that even if you *don't* book your airfare with ABD, if they cancel your tour you don't have to worry. They will refund your money or pay any extra fees to change your ticket whether you booked through them or not. I did not book my Canadian Rockies airfare through them, and when they canceled the tour, they absorbed the difference to rebook my tickets for the Alaska tour I took instead.

Sayhello

[Bobo912]

Question for all of you have have taken the 5 day/4 night Galapgos Explorer cruise. Did it get to be redundant after a couple of days? One of the reasons I didn't book this trip for 2009 was because I was afraid DS might possibly get a little bored, since there were so many days where you go to an island, walk around, see the wildlife and snorkle. The scenery and animals are so unusual and fascinating, but I thought he might appreciate it more if I let him get another year under his belt. But he will be 9/10 years old next summer (July birthday, so exact age depends on when we go - but still young). So it's still a concern.