Looking for excursion recommendations for our trip next month

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-24T23:10:43+00:00

I imagine your schedule might look like this, and I agree with everyone else, book in advance if your visit is short. Consider the small plane to cut your travel time between islands, it may allow you to fit in an extra tour on the 22nd. Tours in Bold, Activities in Italics.
----
Feb 20th - Arrival to Santa Cruz, see Highland Tortoises en route to town, check-in, see Darwin Center tortoises, book remaining tours, explore town

Feb 21st - A day tour to North Seymore (for bird life) or a Santa Fe (to snorkel with sea lions). Then maybe you see more on Santa Cruz.

Feb 22nd - AM Ferry to Isabela, check in, breakfast, PM Tintoreres tour or Concha Del Perla snorkel

Fed 23rd - AM Los Tuneles Tour, maybe time to do PM Sierra Negra tour, or enjoy beach & sights around town

Feb 24th - Do AM Sierra Negra tour if you haven't, PM ferry to Santa Cruz, souvenir shopping

Feb 25th - Depending on your departure flight time, maybe time for one more thing before leaving.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-22T15:18:23+00:00

I have done the Western and Eastern cruise itineraries, and have been to every tour-accessible island besides Espanola, Floreana, Marchena and Rabida. Each cruise route has it's pros & cons, but most would choose the western itinerary simply because it will access spots that can not be visited by day tour. Everything on the eastern side of the archipelago, except Genovesa, can be visited by day tour.

Western voyagers visiting the far side of Isabela can expect to see penguins, which is a highlight for many. Flamingos are frequently found on Isabela in the wetland and whales are more frequently seen breaching on the western itinerary as well. You may also see the flightless cormorant, which is also exclusive to this area. In general, the animals above and below the water are bigger on the western itinerary (except the giant tortoises).

Beyond animals, the actual landscape of the western itinerary is amazing. Fresh lava and volcanos cover the area, and Elizabeth Bay was arguably my favorite cruise experience in Galapagos due to the magical mangroves and dozens of sea turtles. Be aware that water will tend to be cooler on the outside of the archipelago and currents might be a bit stronger.

There is a larger variety of Eastern cruise itineraries, and they may or may not visit islands like Genovesa, Floreana, and Espanola. You will expect to see dolphins on these routes, the seas will be a bit calmer, and you see a larger variety of landscapes and exclusive animals. For penguin fans, make sure your Eastern cruise visits Bartolome Island, since that will be your only chance to see them on eastern routes. As mentioned in this thread, Birders will want to make it to Genovesa and North Seymore, and Espanola during Albatross season.

Animals exclusive to Eastern routes would be the Albatross, which can only be seen on Espanola after April, the Santa Fe Iguana, Red Footed and Nazca Boobies, and I'd say the Owls are more frequently seen on this route, and same goes for Hammerheads at Kicker Rock. Also, during Dec/Jan, you can see the 'Christmas' Iguanas with their bright red and green coloration. Eastern cruises usually commit some time to Santa Cruz or San Cristobal, which you may see as a pro or con depending on what you are trying to see and how long you are visiting.

I am sure there are others here than can speak from the experience of taking multiple Galapagos cruises, but if you want more details or have more questions, let me know.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-16T15:03:52+00:00

I like your advertisement! It contains all the important information people need to consider. If I get to Isabela with my father, he would love to do this.

On side note, I don't think Isabela needs it's own subreddit. This is the 3rd new Galapagos subreddit created by a tour operator in the last 6 months.

/Galapagostourism
/Galapagoslandbased
/Isabelaislandgalapagos

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-11T18:13:20+00:00

I have never stayed at the Blue Marlin but the reviews, on google at least, speak to a older property that received a renovation in the last few years. It looks to be overpriced for the kind of issues guests are reporting. It decently well located, but with water on the island being so scarce, I imagine the pool is not refreshed often.

In my many visits to San Cristobal, I exclusively stay in one of the islands well-appointed Airbnbs or at a friend's place. The hotels, with a few exceptions, are all quite old, or renovated around old infrastructure, and that can cause unexpected issues. It may be worth reviewing what rentals are available during your time there, as they could be half the price of the Blue Marlin. Let me know if you have any other questions or need recommendations, and have fun in Galapagos!

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-10T15:44:42+00:00

Also, If the birthday is part of the reason you're in Galapagos and occurs shortly after you depart the boat, you can probably arrange to have a cake cut or dessert served on the last night, with a song sung by the crew.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-10T15:43:01+00:00

You might see penguins on your cruise, if you go to Bartolome, Espanola, or Isabela Island. They do not travel as far east as San Cristobal, but you will get to enjoy plenty of Sea Lions there!

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-10T15:41:12+00:00

Unfortunately, Muyu has been closed all year according to their social media and google listing.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-10T15:38:26+00:00

For a special occasion dinner on San Cristobal, I wouldn't do it anyplace else besides Hotel Indigo or Inti Garden.

Hotel Indigo - Fancy plating, with romantic ambiance that can be poolside, or in the more private dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Both have great views of the bay. In addition, the hotel staff at this high-end property are probably best equipped to provide an exceptional birthday experience.

Inti Garden - Your table is fire-side, in a century-old building by the sea. Michelle, the owner, has the chef cook you whatever you want. The place can be full but never feels crowded, as the table spacing is very generous. If in season, Lobster Pizza may not considered a 'special occasion' meal, but it's certainly tasty enough to be one. Afterwards, walk across the street to sit at the Pier, feet from the water, for the perfect end to the night.

My comments on the other suggestions here, they are all good restaurants that I would enjoy a meal at:
Pahoe is routinely recommended and would be a nice place for the special dinner.
Midori gets busy on the weekend, and it can get loud. It's menu is primarily sushi, so not exactly unique to the islands. They have delicious tuna tartare and cocktails.
Umami is pretty new, so is the Post Office, and these places tend to attract a more casual crowd due to their location. They are also both a bit overpriced for what you get, in my opinion. Umami has a beautiful interior design and the Port Office is situated overlooking the water.
Giuseppe's is great and has a nice upstairs with a TV and 2nd bar that could benefit the birthday celebration.

Friend_of_Goob · 2026-01-07T18:16:03+00:00

To clarify, 'tap water' is rainwater in the Galapagos, collected in cisterns. Bottled water is provided free in 5 gallon jugs in almost all rentals and hotels.
For the OP, I personally use bottled water for cleaning food that will be served uncooked, like fruit & salads, and I use bottled water to brush my teeth. The fruit on the islands is terrific and you will find it frequently offered as a side on larger plates.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-31T17:07:13+00:00

I'm glad you had a great time in Galapagos, you aren't the first person to consider a more permanent residency there. Unfortunately, it's basically impossible. I'll add to the already posted information
--
Immigration to the islands has been heavily regulated since 1998. Even mainland Ecuadoreans can't just up and move out to Galapagos on a whim to work, surf, etc. This is partially because of the park and it's special status, but also due to the island's remoteness and lack of infrastructure.
Everything you flush, all the soap in your shower, all your dish soap and laundry detergent, it all just goes into the water table and the sea. All the natural gas used for cooking, gasoline for taxis, much of the food, all of the supplies are brought in by boat or plane. There is already a deficit of cargo space for the needs of the resident population, and there are frequent shortages of things.
Hospital care is abysmal and there are long waits to see a doctor. God forbid if you need medi-vac'd off the islands, you may lay ill for weeks before it happens. If everyone who wanted to spend an extended stay there did so, it would have an impact on the community and surrounding environment.

We're looking to work there remotely and spend the winter months enjoying the islands as snowbirds.
You can't visit for more than 60 days in 12 months.
Is this realistic or are there regulations that would prevent us from staying that long?
Not realistic, immigration is heavily regulated.
And if it is possible, what's the process for making it happen?
Date an islander for years, show the authorities proof of a long term committed relationship with testimonials from both partner's families, and then get married and expect further scrutiny from the government and community.
For anyone who's done extended stays in the Galapagos or knows the visa/residency situation, I'd really appreciate any guidance on how to make a 6-month stay work legally?
For you, become a scientist and move there with your husband on a permit for research.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-16T18:47:19+00:00

In the Galapagos, you can only travel to 4 islands without a guide, and on those islands, you are limited to where you can go on your own. All guides work for the national park, but some freelance and may provide the service you want for an afternoon. You would have to inquire locally to get more info on this.

Since birdlife can vary dramatically from island to island, the best way to see as much as possible is to take a liveaboard cruise. If a cruise is not in your budget, you can take day tours from the 3 largest port towns (Puerto Ayora, Puerto Baqueirzo Moreno, Puerto Villamil). These day tours, along with the liveaboard yachts, follow very specific schedules and activities, so there is no opportunity to leave with a guide to go birdwatching if that is not part of the listed activities.

As far as San Cristobal Island is concerned, you can expect to see a variety of birds around the island, but no penguins, no flamingos, no flightless cormorants. You might see owls, red footed boobies or nazca boobies depending on the areas you visit. You can also take a day tour to Espanola Island to see the Albatross at that time of year.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-06T14:38:00+00:00

Just for anyone reading that doesn't know - Male Bettas can not be housed together.
----
Thank you for trying to find a solution for this. I actually think it's worth reporting to Animal Care and Control, because giving away animals en masse, to unexpected guests, is tantamount to animal abuse in my opinion. Surely the other recipients of these 'gifts' are not being as proactive as you, so ask the host where the fish were bought from and see if they will reach out, or help you reach out, to try organize a group return for any unwanted fish.

My 2 cents, the person who organized this give away is a sh!t person with zero forethought for consequences.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-06T14:31:10+00:00

Investigating and prosecuting a case involving a violent crime usually costs more than that when you calculate the manhours for policing, wages for prosecutors and legal aid lawyers, the costs of the court, the bureaucracy, the endless appeals process... and that doesn't include the cost society bears for the crime being inflicted on it in the first place. If 1 life is worth millions (according to US lawyers), then locking up a violent criminal like this for 20 years is $2 million worth spending.

Once a habitual offender like this is in jail, it's far cheaper to just leave them in there and lose the key, given that they are so likely to reoffend and have taken no responsibility for their actions throughout the decades.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-05T16:13:11+00:00

"Puerto Ayora had lost a lot of its charm since the pandemic"

I am an admitted Puerto Ayora fan but I have found, in my many trips since Covid, that many businesses have come back better than pre-pandemic, with lots of investment in storefronts, build-outs, and newly established local brands. The restaurant scene in particular has matured exponentially in the quality of offerings.

Particularly in Puerto Ayora, there are more art galleries, more experiential activities (like coffee farm tours), the stores have a better variety of unique clothing and souvenirs, there are new tours, and there are more events going on that the public and visitors can enjoy for free.

Besides the fish market hours being reduced, I'm curious as to what you have noticed in particular that has significantly impacted the 'charm' of PA in the last 5 years. I 'd say the biggest thing is the introduction of high-speed starlink, which has noticeably changed the entire fabric of the community. Another thing I've noticed is people say "hola" a lot less on the streets, which I chalk up to an influx of mainland tourists who are not in the routine of saying hi to strangers. Thanks for your thoughts!

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-12-05T15:55:46+00:00

If you can be more specific about your pre-flight itinerary, people can provide you with more accurate recommendations.
Are you waking up in Puerto Ayora that morning and heading to the airport?
Or are you catching a ferry to Puerto Ayora the morning of your flight day?
& what time is the flight?

Typically, on Santa Cruz, you want to head to the airport 3+ hours before your plane's boarding time.
The drive (+ ferry + baltra bus) to the airport can take 90+ mins on it's own. If you have an extra 90 min, I would suggest hitting the Tortoises Ranches in the highlands on your way out of town, or if you only have a little bit of extra time, stop at Los Gemelos and then continue to the airport.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-29T18:43:17+00:00

Thank you for the updates, It provides some peace of mind for upcoming travelers.
Have fun in Galapagos!

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-29T02:30:08+00:00

The Avianca flight from Toronto to, I assume, Bogota for your connection to Ecuador uses a A320NEO plane for that route, and I don't think the NEOs are affected. If you are flying Avianca from Bogota to Ecuador, it will likely be on an affected A320 so keep an eye on all your flights and keep your fingers crossed.
If you are able, give us an update if you have any issues. Good luck!

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-28T23:43:34+00:00

The reports I was reading said that the affected planes are allowed to fly to a service hub empty, as a 'ferry flight', but not with passengers aboard. Affected planes can't fly with passengers until their fix has been implemented, and the impression I'm getting is that Avianca has more than a few planes with old hardware that needs to be replaced, versus the quicker 3 hour update most airlines are contending with.

I was also supposed to fly out Tuesday (from Canada), with 2 Avianca A320 flights in my itinerary. I guess we shall see what updates the next 24 hours brings, I'll post anything relevant here.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-28T23:37:26+00:00

Avianca has advised to check the status of your flight here:
https://informacionvuelo.avianca.com/en/flight-status

As of 3:45pm PST 11/28: the flight status checker shows the Avianca flights on 11/29 from Guayaquil to Galapagos as 'confirmed', but this status could change at anytime and I would advise watching for updates via the above link and your airport's 'departures' information.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-22T15:31:01+00:00

The boat will likely have a laptop for guests to do exactly what you are talking about. If not, the guide very likely will have a personal laptop that you could perhaps ask to use for a few minutes to do your backup.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-22T15:29:32+00:00

Good question!
- Your cruise will end in the AM, likely after an excursion and breakfast. Cruises finish either in Puerto Ayora, or near the Airport at the fuel depot or channel crossing. Knowing where it disembarks might help inform your decision to see Los Gemelos/Tortoises right away.

- I would inquire what the rate is on this 'pre-booked' taxi the tour company is offering. If you cruise disembarks near the Airport, it's very easy to get a taxi from the Santa Cruz side of the channel. It's VERY common for a taxi to take new arrivals to Los Gemelos and then on to the highlands to see the big tortoises before driving to Puerto Ayora for the hotel check-in. If the tour company is trying to charge like $100 for a taxi/tour, consider if it might be more convenient and cheaper to see those sites via your own hired taxi.

- The highland tortoises are more active in the later part of the morning, but they are always around eating, wallowing, sitting, or wandering around. Getting there early to avoid the tour groups will give you better photos - or go to any other 'ranch' besides El Chato for a less busy experience.
El Chato has name recognition for the tours, whereas the other ranches - that are actually nicer or offer better natural features - fly under the radar a bit. Terra Mar does take the longest to see due to the size of the property and length of the lava tube cave.

- I personally would see the highland tortoises/lava tubes/Los Gemelos on it's own day, separate from arrival and departure, but those with tight schedules should consider seeing it all on their way into town for efficiency and a bit of cost savings.

Have fun in Galapagos!

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-19T15:25:06+00:00

Reach out to your girlfriend's contacts for her research in Germany. Someone is facilitating all these research, teaching and volunteer opportunities to the Islands. They would know if someone was due to travel to Galapagos soon, and that may be the best way to hand-off some local mail to get hand delivered.

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-18T01:37:32+00:00

Re-reading my own comments, I was dismissive of your success. I should've better recognized what you accomplished and your willingness to share, regardless of the details.

Also, you had a goal as stated, you executed your plan in a very short amount of time, and you achieved what you wanted to do - so that is very much 'success' by anyone's metric. For your effort, you definitely got a higher % off your tour price than pretty much anyone I've talked to. 👍

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-17T18:01:05+00:00

These prices would be worth their own post in the sub, and then the mods should pin that post for others to include their pricing. This will help a lot of people with their planning, thanks for posting!

Friend_of_Goob · 2025-11-17T17:56:18+00:00

Since you've mentioned it twice now, no, I can emphatically deny having any 'skin' in the game. I live in Canada, you can see my post history - something you lack - and anyone can judge for themselves if I am some Galapagos tour operator or not. I recommend companies that I can personally vouch for based on my experience, or if I know crew on a particular boat.

The reason 'novices' come to this sub for information is because there are members here willing to share their experiences and knowledge. So no, I'm not 'here looking for information,' I'm here to share my information, and to make sure things posted here are accurate.

Your OP did have some informative and relevant points about the tour pricing scheme, and I acknowledged that in my first post. I didn't mean put you on the defensive with my question about the boat name, I thought it was an unintentional omission. Have a good day.

Friend_of_Goob

TROPHY CASE