Tribes Travel

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Tribes Travel

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Galapagos Islands

    The Galapagos Islands

    Our Unforgettable Experiences pages are written by Tribes clients. They tell us in their own words what they really felt about the things they did and places and people they met on their holidays with Tribes. Hopefully this will help you when it comes to trying to decide where to go and what to do.

    We'd like to thank everyone who takes the trouble to write one of these Experience reviews for us. This is a new part of our website since February 2010, and we hope they will be added to quickly over the coming months.

    2. 01/11/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    2. 21/10/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    2. 05/10/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. I have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands for half a life time. It did not disappoint.
    2. 03/10/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. It lives up to its reputation. A truly wonderful experience, particularly if you are interested in nature and wildlife. Plenty to see and experience - a photographers paradise! You will never have the opportunity to see some of the rarest wildlife as such close quarters in their truly natural habitat.
    2. 09/09/2011
    3. 2
      • Had a whale of a time!
    5. Ability to be so close to the unique animals and birds and visiting the different islands was a great experience which one has to try out to appreciate!
    2. 12/07/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. One of the most amazing places in the world! Where else do you need to take care not to step on an Iguana's tail, or can you see newborn Sea lions a couple of metres away, or be entertained with the Waved Albatrosses' courtship dance?
    2. 25/05/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Anyone interested in the world of science & nature would love this trip ! It was a learning experience for both of us. Had only ever heard about Darwin's finches in Biology class at school. It was wonderful to actually see them! Also stepping back in time on a route done by the Beagle all those years ago. Fascinating. We visited 8 islands & crossed the Equator 4 times. The hikes to see wildlife on land & the daily snorkelling trips with magical underwater life was amazing. It was like swimming in the best aquarium. Rays, sea turtles, Galapagos Penguins, sharks, snake eels, octopus, flightless cormorants, starfish & the most colourful, beautiful tropical fish I have ever seen.
    2. 02/05/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. There is nowhere on earth to compare to this. We were fortunate in going to both Espanola and Genovesa and would recommend both of these as essentials if achievable on your schedule.
    2. 17/04/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Such a privilege to have been there -but not an easy holiday! Certain fitness levels are needed, plus willingness to get up early! Everyone was ready for bed by 8.30pm!
    2. 16/04/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Galapagos are unique and in a real sense a paradise as the wildlife having no predators is fearless so they behave as if you are not there. What an incredible treat!
    2. 28/03/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Awesome - not sure that there is much more to say! The experience of a lifetime.
    2. 23/03/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. We were told average seasonal temperature up to 24 degrees. It was actually up to 50 degrees so most of our clothing was not appropriate.
    2. 07/02/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    2. 10/01/2011
    3. 4
      • Had a whale of a time!
    5. Just fantastic with wonderful guides. Every island was so different and the birds, reptiles and fish were amazing.
    2. 08/01/2011
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. It was amazing. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Where else can you swim with sea lions, nearly tread on a nesting boobie and get face to face with an iguana. Our only complaint was that every night was cloudy so our carefully plotted star charts went unused!
    2. 23/11/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. For anyone interested in wildlife and the environment this is a trip not be missed.
    2. 25/10/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. We had two guides. Daniella spoke very good English whereas I'm afraid Graciola spoke what I would call 'pigeon' English and I had difficulty understanding some of what she said although I would agree that she could be very funny. Their knowledge of the larger birds and mammals was very good indeed, but we felt that there knowledge of some of the smaller birds was somewhat lacking in depth.
    2. 17/10/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Can't recommend this highly enough! The excellent organisation and expert guides obviously assisted in getting the most from the trip but these islands are FANTASTIC on so many levels, the topography, biodiversity, terrain, not to mention the wildlife!
    2. 10/10/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. This is a truly unique wildlife experience that shouldn't be missed by anyone even slighty interested. Where else in the world would you be stepping around igaunas and seabirds in the morning and then be swimming with sea lions and turtles in the afternoon, incredible.
    2. 29/09/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. It's a wonderful experience for those with a genuine love of nature. But so much of it is such a fragile, pristine environment that I hope tourism does not increase to spoil it at all. So please don't go just to 'tick a box'.
    2. 04/09/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    2. 29/08/2010
    3. 2
      • Had a whale of a time!
    5. We thoroughly enjoyed the Galapgaos trip, however I would say that 8 days is a bit too long as although comfortable the cabins are quite confined. I think in 5 days it is possible to see a huge variety of wildlife and get a good feel for the islands.
    2. 10/04/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Absolutely wonderful in every aspect.
    2. 02/04/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. We had seen films and books beforehand, showing the differing landscapes and wide variety of iconic Galapagos animals, but seeing these for yourself is an amazing experience.

      The fact that time for snorkelling and swimming was included in the itinerary was very good, particularly as we were doing a land-based (rather than boat-based) trip. This allowed us to see some of the animals (such as sea-lions, turtles and rays) underwater.
    2. 31/03/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Amazing! Animals here that you will never see anywhere else. A fascinating range of different environments, some islands flat, some hilly, some covered in lava. Walking was sensibly paced, and easily maneageable most of the time. Snorkelling was also a brilliant experience - turtles, seals, reef sharks, and an astonishing array of brilliantly coloured fish. A guided snorkelling trip was a new experience for me - despite worries about my swimming ability, I managed to keep up without difficulty, and would recommend anyone who isn\'t quite sure to give it a go!
    2. 31/03/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. If you have any interest in wildlife this holiday is a must.
    2. 17/03/2010
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. Excellent experience. Snorkelling with sea lions and penguins was such fun!
    2. 04/09/2009
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. The bonus was the fact that we diverted to view the active volcano on Isabella involving 5 hour sailing. We viewed from daylight hours until dark and it was truly amazing. We understood that not all Captains were prepared to undertake this diversion.
      (We were on the Cachalote which we would totally recommend).
    2. 23/08/2009
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      • Don't even think about missing this!
    5. The Galapagos is a fascinating place, with dark volcanic islands and animals so tame that you get used to swimming with sea-lions and turtles. The boat (Samba) was perfect. Not too big, very good looking - it's hard to describe the feeling of sitting on deck and cutting through the water with whales and dolphins and frigate birds as escorts. This tour goes to places that few other boats go to - a very interesting itinerary - so there was a real feeling of discovery as we got off on these dark volcanic islands. We saw very few other boats. Oh and the food on the Samba was absolutely amazing - how did they manage to produce such delicious meals three times a day? Lots of fresh veg and fruit, fish and shellfish. Most of it was Ecuadorian. We loved this holiday so much that is really hard to come back to normal life....
    2. 04/03/2009
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      • Had a whale of a time!
    5. I had slight reservations about spending a week with 20 total strangers plus staff,on a ship. However the other families were very pleasant and all the children bonded quickly and had great fun together. The week on the ship was very enjoyable, all staff being very organised to ensure guests were well cared for. The atmosphere was very relaxing, a delicious choice of food was served at every meal and numerous refreshments provided after an island visit or snorkelling.
    2. 11/09/2008
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      • Can't really recommend this
    5. Galapagos was the highlight of the trip! We loved it all and participated in all the activities. We had no idea the programme from the boat would be so extensive and exciting.
    2. 04/09/2008
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      • Don't even think about missing this!

      Don't even think about missing this!

    5. The guide was knowledgable, food good and the boat crew could not have been more helpful. Will never forget snorkelling with sealions, who gave us a lesson in how to swim and with turtles feeding off the seagrass. A truly wonderful experience.
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