Active Galapagos: Trails & Marine Life

Traveler Reviews

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  Kathleen4.0•December 2024
  Overall good, the guide was sweet but lacked passion and enthusiasm, very soft spoken
  Traveled in November 2024
  

  Reply from: Exodus Adventure Travels

  Thank you for taking the time to review your trip to the Galapagos, Kathleen; we’re so pleased to read that overall you had a really good time! While it’s great to hear that you found your tour leader to have a sweet and congenial personality, we’re sorry that you found them to lack passion and enthusiasm. In general, our leaders on this trip receive an average score of 4.79 out of 5 from clients who submit post-trip feedback surveys, which is extremely high; we’re sorry, though, that this wasn’t entirely reflected in your experience. Regardless, we hope that the amazing sights and experiences you encountered in the Galapagos made this trip really special.

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  Christopher4.0•March 2020
  The tour group was only 6 and we got on well. A great start. Saw almost everything we wanted to, including a group of...
  The tour group was only 6 and we got on well. A great start. Saw almost everything we wanted to, including a group of Orcas on our personal boat going from Floreana to Isabell. Great snorkelling. So 6 people plus one experienced guide going around the Islands and staying on land every night - compared to being on the same boat with a 100 other people. No contest.Show more
  Traveled in February 2020
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  PeterLambell3.0•October 2018
  I am writing this review some time after our trip as I have been waiting to resolve the issue with Exodus. I dont...
  I am writing this review some time after our trip as I have been waiting to resolve the issue with Exodus. I dont normally write reviews but I feel I should on this occasion so that if something like this happens again, nobody can claim that this has never happened before. The trip itself is fine but during the stay on Floreana in the Wittmer Lodge I was hospitalised having being attacked by the owner's extremely vicious dogs which they keep behind one block of rooms in the hotel. I was attacked and bitten in 4 places and now have some scarring for life. The hotel owners could not have cared less, to the extent that following the incident when I was lying on the floor of my room bleeding and being attended to by my fellow travellers, the owner walked by, took one look and walked on. They didn't even have the decency to apologise. I am sorry to say that Exodus are continuing to include this hotel on their itinerary so I would warn anyone who has the misfortune to stay here to be very careful where you wander. I am very surprised and disappointed that Exodus are not dropping this hotel as they are adamant that there is no problem! I cannot understand why the hotel would keep dogs like this in such a beautiful place where they are also a known threat to the native species of the Galapagos. Having travelled with Exodus on many occasions previously I am sorry to say I am unlikely to do so again as they appear to value their relationship with hotel owners more highly than the safety of their customers. I am genuinely unhappy about this as we have always enjoyed our trips with Exodus and had planned to do many more. On the positive side, the local guides dealt with the situation well, the locals are extremely friendly and the care received at the hospital was excellent.Show more
  Traveled in May 2018
  

  Reply from: Exodus Adventure Travels

  We remain very sorry that Peter had such an incredibly unpleasant experience during his time in the Galapagos and we have been in touch with him on an individual basis. The situation was thoroughly investigated and additional safety measures have been put in place; we therefore have no reason to believe that a situation like this would recur. Our local operator have been working with the Wittmer Lodge on Floreana for 19 years and this is the first time that an incident like this has occurred; the dogs are tied up in an area of the property not intended for guests’ access. We nonetheless remain very sorry for the understandable distress and pain that Peter suffered. Lucy Crabb – Exodus’ Customer Services Manager

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  Sue5.0•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...
  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! 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. 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. 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 .Show more
  Traveled in May 2013
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  Clive5.0•January 2013
  The holiday was everything we expected - and more! Really good balance of activities and islands visited. Excellent...
  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. 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.Show more
  Traveled in June 2017
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  Richard5.0•January 2013
  The trip had much to live upto-I'd wanted to visit the Galapagos since first learning of Darwin's time spent...
  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! 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.Show more
  Traveled in December 2012
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  Susan5.0•December 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...
  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. 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.Show more
  Traveled in November 2012
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  Donna5.0•October 2012
  This trip is an experience of a life time! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sitting on a bench to...
  This trip is an experience of a life time! 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. It's 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.Show more
  Traveled in June 2017
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  Andrea5.0•November 2010
  This is a brilliant trip. The wildlife was amazing the snorkelling was stunning. Fabian the group leader was...
  This is a brilliant trip. The wildlife was amazing the snorkelling was stunning. Fabian the group leader was everything we could have wished for. We had looked forward to this trip for ages and it more than lived up to our high expectations. The group was diverse and probably the very best of many exodus groups we have travelled with. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Swimming with sharks, penguins, iguanas, turtles and rainbow coloured fish. Seeing all the unique creatures we had seen on TV and read about. At times it really did feel as if we were walking in Darwins footsteps. The landscape still feels so new and raw in many places and we saw such a wide range of habitats and micro climates over the two weeks on the islands. What did you think of your group leader? Fabian was an exceptionally good group leader he always went the extra mile to make sure everyone in the group got the most from their holiday. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are thinking about this trip stop thinking and do it. Wet suits are quite easy to hire but if you have done little or no snorkelling get your own mask and snorkel and track down you local club for a couple of introductory sessions so you don't miss any of the stunning underwater life. In October we were glad of our shortie wet suits because we wanted to stay in the water for as long as possible. Show more
  Traveled in October 2010
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  Melvyn5.0•September 2010
  Torttastic experience.... If you like tortoises this is for you ! What was the most inspirational moment of your...
  Torttastic experience.... If you like tortoises this is for you ! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunset at the campsite on the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano, miles away from the nearest habitation was an amazing sight, as was the cloudless night sky brimming with umpteen stars and galaxies.Watching surgeon fish while snorkelling and a 100kg sea lion appears between your legs, flips over onto its back and stares at you 5 cm from your mask, blows bubbles in your face and swims off fast, to be followed by another an another...awesome. Swimming above about 40 six foot sharks seems scarey until you come across a manta ray the size of a small car !  What did you think of your group leader? Fabien was a well educated, amusing and highly informed Ecuadorian who spoke very good English and above all kept you interested every minute of every day. They don't come any better. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't even think twice, just do it. You won't regret it.Worth taking good comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking over many different surfaces. Consider taking your own snorkel, mask, flippers and shorty wetsuit to save time hiring. Staying in hostels and hotels is much better than permanently being on a cruise boat, especially in the evenings.Take plenty of camera memory cards. We took over 2000 pictures between 2 of us.    Is there anything else you would like to add? It is true what they say about the wildlife not feeling threatened by humans. Birds, iguanas, giant torts just look at you as though you are a stranger and expect you to walk round them !Show more
  Traveled in August 2010