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05/21/2008 10:32:25 AM · #1 |
Has anyone ever been? It has always been a dream vacation of mine and this year my girlfriend and I are planning on going.
I was hoping to get a few tips on the best way to get there and the best equipment to bring. We'll be doing lots of hiking and scubaing (some snorkeling also).
Next vacation after this will need to be to the Great Barrier Reef!
Thanks
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05/21/2008 10:35:10 AM · #2 |
| I am jealous, though I will make it there one day. |
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05/21/2008 10:52:15 AM · #3 |
been there with my parents in 2005. we travelled mainly through equador and then 2 weeks with an ol' sailing ship around the archipelago.
i dunno if galapagos is a good place to go hiking tho, because i believe most of the islands are only allowed be entered with a guide. what island are you planning to stay/travel on?
if it's isabella, then maybe you can go hiking there, i dunno, we did'nt go there.
for photo equipment you won't need too much as most of the animals/birds are more then trusting, you really need to watch your steps as to not step over a seal or a brooding bird ;)
you can check out some of my older challenges for a few pictures if you like.
have fun there, it's an amazing place and one of the last untouched resorts in our world!
edit to add that it was only 1 week we traveled around galapagos
and here's a link to my old photobucket album with more photos of Galapagos
Message edited by author 2008-05-21 11:11:40. |
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05/21/2008 01:30:55 PM · #4 |
Yes we went a couple of years ago. We booked onto an organised trip on one of the specialist boats that have on-board lecturers and guides. That way you learn all about the wildlife you're seeing (as well as the geology/ geography of the islands) and are also guided when on shore as to where you can/should walk - it's really important to respect the guidelines/rules on this so as not to disturb the wildlife.
As Mephisto says, you'll be amazed at just how close you'll get to the wildlife, especially the birds and marine iguanas. Usually wildlife holidays mean big zooms but Galapagos is the exception. That said, you might want to take a telephoto in order to get shots of the birds in flight...
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05/21/2008 01:47:28 PM · #5 |
I don't know about the Galapagos islands, but I can attest to the absolute beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. I was there in 1989 and they took us out to the reef on a catamaran, stopping along the way at a little island. While I was at the island, there was one of those tropical rain squalls one hears about. Perfect timeing to see the most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen.
When we got to the reef, they gave us snorkling gear, and made us promise not to pick any coral. They dropped food over the side of the boat and that brought more kinds and sizes of fish than I could believe. I actually touched some huge green fish who was busy eating.
I would go there again in a second given the chance.
I hope you enjoy your travels.
Bill |
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05/21/2008 03:21:41 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Kavey:
We booked onto an organised trip on one of the specialist boats that have on-board lecturers and guides. |
Can you tell us which tour group you went with and whether you recommend them? Did you see other tour groups that looked decent? I am just starting to plan a trip...seems like there are two times of the year that are best to go - when the currents change. Anybody have a recommendation for when the consider the best time of year to go? |
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05/21/2008 03:35:17 PM · #7 |
The Galapagos Islands are awesome, you'll have a blast! I went on a small cruise (100 people, and it was great, they take you from island to island and you get a guide that explains everything. It was also great because I brought my laptop and was able to empty cards and charge my batteries. My favorite was probably swimming with the sea lions =)
Here are some pics that dont do the place justice.
   
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05/21/2008 03:59:57 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by elsapo:
My favorite was probably swimming with the sea lions =)
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oh yes that was an amzing experience for me too i'll never forget! |
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05/21/2008 05:01:33 PM · #9 |
Ours was a one off organised by a UK tour operator as part of their annual "Festival of Wildlife". I can't remember the boat name or company either! :( Sorry!
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05/22/2008 03:14:45 AM · #10 |
| If you Kayak, my wife works at an adventure tour company that has the only permit to operate kayak trips around the islands, in groups of eight.Explorer's corner Im not sure if it's what you are looking for, but it is a unique way to see the islands, and in a much smaller group than the usual. |
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05/23/2008 12:29:15 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
If you Kayak, my wife works at an adventure tour company that has the only permit to operate kayak trips around the islands, in groups of eight.Explorer's corner Im not sure if it's what you are looking for, but it is a unique way to see the islands, and in a much smaller group than the usual. |
Very cool! I called them and they are mailing me a booklet.
Shame about the steep price increase in 2009 though, hopefully my GF can get the time off in december.
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