I have been to Galapagos twice - the first time on a cruise ship and the second on a smaller boat of 16 passengers.
The first thing that I would say is that choose carefully the month you go - as the islands are on the equator they do not have a traditional summer and winter but at certain times, such as Easter (the first time we went) it is extremely hot and you are walking about on very arid islands with the sun beating down. Our second visit was in June which was much more pleasant weather-wise but still warm. I understand that around August it can be quite cool, overcast and foggy.

Although the facilities are somewhat cramped I prefer the smaller vessels,because to visit the various islands you have to go in a small landing craft(panga)and with 100 or so people on a cruise ship, so much more time is spent getting everyone on and off as compared to the smaller vessels.

Most of the landings are wet landings so it is a good idea to wear Tevas or other wet-dry type shoes and your bottom half often gets wet so those rapid drying shorts are a good idea. You would not want to walk around the islands in a bathing suit as there would be serious risk of sun burn - you need a shirt, shorts, hat and good sunglasses. Also plenty of sunscreen and perhaps insect repellent although we did not need this. One or two landings are dryish such as at Bartoleme and here you will climb up the mountain for a spectacular view, so sneakers with good grip soles would be useful here, as you are walking in quite deep volcanic ash in places. We did not need any sweaters at all but you will need warm clothes if you are spending time in Quito etc.

We think the must see islands are Hood(Espaniola) and Tower(Genovesa) - Red, Blue Footed and Masked Boobies. Waved Albatross also nest on Hood. You will see the Galapagos Penguin from the panga at Bartoleme. Depending on the length of your cruise-if it is longer, you will go to Isobella and Fernandina and on Fernandina will see Flightless Cormorants.

On Santa Cruz make sure you visit the Darwin Research Center where you will see all the different types of tortoise and make sure you go on the bus trip to the highlands where you will see the most huge tortoises imaginable in the wild - we also saw a wild one on Isabella.
There are sea lions everywhere and they are very unafraid and friendly -these are related to the California sea lions and not the sea lions found in the Falkland Islands which are very unfriendly. Fur seals are not as easy to see.You will see Land Iguanas on Santa Cruz and Plaza and Marine Iguanas on many islands.

We are not into diving or snorkeling but those who did said it was fabulous, but remember the water is cold because of the Humboldt Current. I think the diving was quite a pricey affair but all the gear was provided. One girl from Japan had a small underwater camera which was a neat idea.

Remember that the Galapagos Islands are very regimented for visitors- each boat is allowed on and must be off the islands at specified times and you must stay on the walking tracks- this obviously is to protect the animals and birds. You will be quite amazed at first at how tame all the creatures are - you can be within inches of birds and they do not fly away' they just look at you - it is a photographer's paradise. If you are interested in photography a 1-400mm zoom lens is quite useful.

I would recommend that you see the 2007 DVD "Galapagos- the islands that changed the world" before you go. An excellent book about the wildlife is "Wildlife of the Galapagos" by Julian Fitter et al. A good general guide is "Travelers Guide to the Galapagos Islands" by Barry Boyce 2004.

Please ask if you have any further questions. I hope this helps. If you are spending any time in Ecuador and are interested in birds I can suggest a few places. The Botanical(Orchid) Garden in Quito is small but very nice. If you enjoy Galapagos,I would like to suggest the Falkland Islands for a future trip- simply fabulous!

Bon Voyage.

Great details, many thanks. I will be taking an underwater camera along with my snorkeling gear and will toss my water shoes in the bag as well. We won't be spending much time in Ecuador, though. We're flying non-stop to Guayaquil from Miami and then from Guayaquil we go on to Lima and Cuzco. I'll get a copy of the DVD you recommend. Thanks again.

Wow that sounds wonderful
tanya

Very good, detailed explanation from the poster above.
My brother was a captain in the navy , going to the Galapagos all the time. I went with him many times. Of course I haven't been there recently. Now is more protected than it was then. You will love the trip and be amongst royalty, very important people go there all the time.

However, being you a plant person, you will miss a trip to the Amazon rain forest. I used to go there with my father all the time. You can find the rarest orchids and medicinal plants.

And, going only to Guayaquil you will miss Quito. The Old Colonial town is protected with Unesco as one of the treasures to keep just the way it is. A lot of gold inlaid churches. Pictures of hell!

Willy and I were there last year, he loved it! Also, you will miss the Andes, there are spectacular views. Willy who is afraid of heights went on the air car, I thought he was going to dye. High altitudes.

Leaving the country, customs are very tough, leaving and entering USA. No plant material. You can bring cooked food, dry beans, corn, coffee. Roses and Amazon flowers that sell at the airport are allowed.

Remember that is no Jamaica there! lol We go there too. We are going in June to Sandals again.

Don't forget to sample the local food, it is delicious, always using the freshest ingredients.

Have a great trip, I am sure it will be unforgettable.

Silvia

Thanks Silvia. We were going to visit Quito, but the airfare got out of control. And no sweat on the Amazon, it's already on the table for next Summer.

I forgot to tell you that if you are going to Peru Matchu Pitchu or anywhere where is high altitudes. There is coca tea that you can drink. It is allowed there, and when Willy was having troubles with the altitude he drank this and had no problem. He had one for breakfast every morning.lol

You can also bring to the US in the sealed package.

And you are a lucky man, going to the Amazon next year, congratulations! You know how to live life!

Silvia

When you go to Machu Picchu make sure you visit the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, near the train station in Aguas Calientes, to see their orchid garden which has 372 species of orchids. It is said to be the best collection of orchid species in a private collection in the world. The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located within the sanctuary has an orchid garden as well, but the Inkaterra one is the famous one.

If you have problems with the altitude, as I do, you can take Diamox (a diuretic) starting a few days before you arrive. I could not go without it.

Make sure you have a spare t-shirt to wear when you are snorkeling in Galapagos, the sun is fierce.

Have a great time!

Thanks again. I've printed this thread and placed it in the folder with our itinerary.

Golly, now I want to go too!!
Very interesting and informative reading.
Thanks for all the lovely details.
To fawnridge, enjoy your trip!!