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Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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Reviews

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

The Galapagos Islands are truly amazing and using a small boat like this one is the perfect way to see them. Cabins are small but food was excellent and Darwin is one of the best guides I have ever met.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight was an early morning panga ride with dolphins only a few yards away from us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was extremely well informed, showed huge enthusiam, which is surprising given how many times he has led Galapagos trips, and was very flexible in setting the program to meet the needs of our group and to avoid landings at the same times as other sometimes much larger groups.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring the best camera you can lay your hands on and an awful lot of memory

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

A great trip, a long flight out but if you are interested in wildlife and are wondering about visiting the Galapagos then go for it. I experienced several of those moments when I couldn't believe what was happening right in front of me.

Most Inspirational Moment

I cannot possibly describe everything I enjoyed but here are samples: rising at early light to see storm petrels dancing on glassy smooth water before the morning breeze comes up; flamingoes in dayglo red, as vivid as the vermilion flycatchers; small flightless cormorants with bright turquoise eyes that stood preening themselves as we passed by or surfaced near the panga as they returned from fishing expeditions; male frigate birds sailing through the air with red throat sacs inflated to impress their girlfriends; gorgeous green dragonflies in the highlands of Santa Cruz and elegant coffee and cream dragonflies near the beach at Floreana; a great blue heron, taller than I am, that I was cautiously approaching when it decided to walk towards me, I might be exaggerating about its height but I don't think so; marvellous sea caves with nesting noddies; evening on the north side of Santa Cruz where hunting sealions swam rings round hunting sharks and opportunist pelicans perched on the boat waiting to pounce on the dozens of fish that shot across the surface in fright; hunting packs of blue footed boobies that form merry-go-rounds of dozens, if not hundreds of birds when one of them spots a shoal and whistles for its friends so that they can take turns at diving and circling round to have another go; Espanola where, rather surreally, albatrosses with pretty faces sat on their nests gently touching each other's bills and necks whilst in nearby bushes the mocking birds were attacking each other ferociously.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin Alvarez is probably the best group leader I have met, very knowledgeable, helpful and considerate and well able to adapt the daily trips to circumstances and the particular preferences of individual members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do read the trip Notes! They do tell you what to prepare for in the islands. It helps to be moderately fit but the walking is lightweight compared to that on Exodus walking trips, no more than 2.5km on any walk and the greatest height gain was about 140m. The steeper paths had flights of steps and often handrails. To get the most from the trip you should be able to snorkel (often opportunities twice a day). Plenty of shallow water beach visits and life vests are provided if you are not a strong swimmer. James and Suzy have given good advice on keeping baggage light. I wish I had taken earplugs. The engine and generators are noisy and you move between islands at night!

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

A wonderful experience packed full of varied activities and wildlife. The small schooner type boat seems like a much better way to see the Islands than the larger cruiser style boats. Every Island is so different in terms of the specific wildlife hosted, and indeed the snorkelling at all the different locations also provided varied trips. The 'navigation' between the islands can be a little bumpy, personally I loved every minute of it but if you are wanting a smoother ride then maybe a larger boat would be better for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really could go on and on, but here are a couple:Swimming/snorkelling with the Sea Lions has to be one of the most wonderful experiences of my life - and I have been on quite a few of these types of trip! They are so inquisitive and friendly and one could literally swim for hours with them...but you mustn't get distracted too much or you will miss the thousands of fish and other sea mammals to be seen. The sea-life is just so rich out there - supporting the huge number of sea birds. And the numbers of sea birds really are huge...leading on to another inspirational moment being witness to a Blue Footed Booby feeding frenzy where huge flocks of birds dive into the sea together to feed on shoaling fish...backed up with Sea Lions, Pelicans, Penguins and other predatory fish...we were right in the middle of one of these feeding frezies with the action going on all around us - truly amazing experience.Thirdly, and I think this moment would rank high for everyone that was there, was when we snorkelled into a deep cave by torchlight, and on turning back from the darkness we were greeted with a view of (possibly) hundreds of huge turtles suspended against a dazzling green/blue background...I won't ever be forgetting that image.The boat (Cachalote) for me was one big high point - the crew were fantastic from the two Panga (dinghy) drivers and deckhands to the Skipper and Chef - all were cheerful and amusing and would be anxious to make sure all of our needs were met. It's just so much fun being on a smaller boat - some of the trips between islands can be a tad rough and storage space in the cabins is a little limited, but seriously, just don't pack too much - you can wash shirts and shorts underway - they take seconds to dry. There is nothing better than standing up on deck watching the waves and/or stars go by with a beer in hand. During the day also while navigating there is a strong chance of sightings of Dolphins, Whales, and the odd Manta Ray jumping clear out of the water to rid themselves of parasites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was quite possibly the best tour leader I have had on any holiday. His passion and enthusiasm for his job, country and surroundings was extraordinary. His knowledge was vast, and imparted explicitly. A good sense of humour and ability to sense moments when we might have wanted some peace were his strong points. Nightly briefings kept us well in touch with what was planned for the next day. He was an excellent guide both above and below water and you could see that he was genuinely wanting us to get the very most out of our trip, and enjoying every moment of it as much as us. Well done Darwin - a fantastic job :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes - heh, we're all guilty of not doing that properly eh?

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

If you are reading this then the answer is YES! Yes you should go to the Galapagos islands, it is even more special and magical than you could ever imagine. For me it was a dream come true and the best experience of my life so far.  I would 100% recommend this trip and Exodus, so much so that I have already started saving to do it all over again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sorry, it is impossible to choose just one.  The first was landing at the airport on Baltra where a huge Land Iguana was sat on the runway basking in the sun!  After that every day seemed to have its own unique and special moment.Walking to the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabella and looking down into the 5 mile wide caldera.  It was such a peaceful, awe inspiring place.Watching a feeding frenzy up close from the panga where the water boiled with the action of Blue footed Boobies and Pelicans diving from above and Penguins and Sea Lions from below. Sailing between the islands with a pod of hundreds of Bottlenose dolphins, riding the bow wave and leaping out of the water.Seeing Waved Albatros nesting on Espanola. Walking along idyllic, deserted, white sandy beaches with azure blue seas.Keeping to the tracks as per park rules but having to step over Iguanas, Lizards and Sea Lions and around nesting birds.  You must keep at least 2 metres away from the animals but no one seems to have told them that!  One young sea lion even decided to come over and untie one of my Mum's boot laces!The snorkeling was amazing.  We swam into the darkness of a cave at Punta Vicente Roca, Isabella and when we turned to swim back out, the "blue hole" in front of us was filled with marine turtles just hanging in the water.  So many fantastic underwater encounters and games with the sea lions.  Evenings spent sat on the gently rolling deck of the beautiful Cachalote with new found friends, enjoying a beer, looking up at the incredible starfilled sky and being accompanied by a group of Swallow Tailed Gulls - I wish I was still there!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was the aptly named Darwin Alvarez.  His knowledge and passion for the Galapagos Islands, their geology, history and wildlife were incredible and truly inspirational.  His english is excellent and his nightly briefings well organised, concise, clear and entertaining.  His leadership during the walks on land is very relaxed, informative and friendly and he never made us feel shepherded or rushed.   Darwin is an excellent swimmer so is also a wonderful snorkeling guide. He did his absolute best to meet all of the individual needs of a very diverse group of people and succeeded.  A true ambassador for the Galapagos Islands and a job well done. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would definitely recommend doing the 2 week cruise in a small group.  This allows you to visit most of the islands and you will often find that it is only your group at a visitor site.The Cachalote is a charming, comfortable boat with excellent safety standards.  Her crew were professional, hard working and friendly.  However due to her size, the cabins are small and she rocks and rolls in rough seas.  Some of the journeys between islands take up to 8 hours and are usually done at night.  So if you want luxury or get seasick then the Cachalote is not the boat for you.  If you want good food, comfortable accommodation, great service and enjoy life at sea then she definitely is.  Although she has sails don't expect to see them in use as most of the sailing is done at night and always under engine power.  All cabins and the saloon have air conditioning and the towels and sheets are changed every other day.  There are good reading lights above the bunks.  The food is plentiful and healthy. Breakfast - Cereal/yoghurt/fresh fruit/bread/eggs/cheese/ham. Lunch - soup, main course, desert. Dinner - main course, desert.  Lunch and dinner are set meals, meat/fish/seafood (vegetarian/vegan if pre-requested) with dishes of salad/fresh veg and potatoes/rice to help yourself.  Purified water is available at all times as is coffee and tea.  Fruit juice/squash is provided at meal times and with a snack (biscuits/crisps/fruit) when you return to the boat after a trip to the islands.  Any other drinks are not included and are put onto a tab to pay on your last night.  The prices are very reasonable, a bottle of beer is $2, and Richard, the barman makes some great cocktails ($4 to $5).The itinerary on board is fairly packed.  Typical example: 7am Breakfast, 8am wet/dry landing at a visitor site on one of the islands, 10am back onboard, 10.30am snorkeling, 11.30am back on board, 12pm Lunch, boat may stay anchored, or sail to next site, 2.30pm snorkeling, 3.30pm back on board, 4pm wet/dry landing at a visitor site on one of the islands, 6pm back on board, 7pm dinner and briefing for the next day. Overnight sailing to next island. Of course everything is optional, so you can choose to stay on board and relax but I think you need to be fairly fit and active to get the best out of this trip.  Despite the best efforts of the guide and the crew, some of the landings can be tricky and a lot of the walking is over rough terrain.  However with the exception of a couple of climbs to the summits of volcanoes, most of the walking is on the flat, at a leisurely pace and over fairly short distances (1 - 2 miles).  Snorkeling plays a big part in the itinerary, happening every day and sometimes twice a day.  Some of the snorkeling can be done from the beach but most is done from the panga in "deep water" where the currents are at times fairly strong.  If you have never snorkeled before or are not overly confident then it is definitely worth getting some practice in before you go because you will have as many amazing encounters under the water as you do on land. As a destination I would certainly recommend the Galapagos Islands.  They are so peaceful, tranquil and largely unspoilt or untouched by man. The geology is incredibly varied from white sand to red, vast expanses of sharp black lava rock with small oasis of water and vegetation, and pristine mangroves to the misty, vegetated highlands.  The wildlife is both odd and beautiful and has no fear of humans.  Sea Lions will play with you underwater, Mockingbirds will search for insects in the sand beneath your feet and Blue footed Boobies will put on the most spectacular diving show right in front of your eyes.

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE + Napo

I'm glad I did the two week cruise to see the different terrain, flora and fauna. A great experience to get so close to wild animals. I can't swim, but with the help of a bouyancy aid and hired snorkel, mask and fins it was fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult resisting the temptation to stroke the animals, but you are not allowed to. That does not stop the sea lions coming up to you both on land and when snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Juan, was excellent. He spoke very good English and was enthusiastic and had encyclopaedic knowledge of the Galapagos. He even played his guitar and arranged a sing-song for when we crossed the equator.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light and bring plenty of sunscreen.