Holiday review by Mr. Christopher Callicott
Name: Mr. Christopher Callicott
Date of trip: 03/11/2016
Number of people: 2
Snorkeling with (and videoing) green turtles, at times very close up. Listening to a G. mockingbird singing to its mate from a distance of 1 metre. Being surrounded by five sea-lions, including 2 pups. Witnessing waved albatross pairs enacting their bonding ritual. Enjoying the freshest ceviche I have ever eaten.....
Tribes Overall:
Simply wonderful.
Excellent accommodation, a marvellous crew, beautiful food and magical wildlife. During the island walks, panga transfers, snorkeling and kayaking trips safety was always the highest priority. The Mary Anne under sail was a nautical highlight.
Tribes Service:
Yes. Paul was most helpful at all stages from start to finish. His recommendation proved excellent and his advice clearly based on direct personal experience.
Guides:
Fernando Ortiz was at all times extremely knowledgeable, helpful, patient and diplomatic. His evening presentations included the islands geology, climate and history. Further, our delayed flight to the islands meant a change in itinerary which lead to further revision one week later for those of us staying14 nights. Our guide arranged an interesting visit to a local farmstead as an alternative to a repeat visit to the tortoise sanctuary. Fernando is to be highly recommended as a guide to the Galapagos Islands.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
I am unsure. The sources from which the boat was re-provisioned during the 14 night trip was unclear, although the excellent fresh fish suggested a local source. I understand that fish caught around the islands is strictly for local consumption only, hence I am optimistic that we benefited from this ruling! Local people provided bus transport on several occasions.
The places you stayed
Hotel el Relicario del Carmen
Ecuador
A beautiful hotel, very quiet and a great place to rest after the long-haul flight. They did however seem unprepared to provide even the smallest snack on my first evening, given that I didn't feel inclined to wander the streets of a strange city looking for somewhere to eat.
Mary Anne
Galapagos Islands
Beautiful boat, excellent cabin accommodation (I was allocated a double cabin, perhaps because of my 14 night stay), wonderful food, friendly helpful crew, especially Eduardo the captain.
