Galapagos Multisport Expedition 8 days

Overall, I don't think that we'd recommend using Active Expeditions. We loved the Galapagos Islands. On the positive side, the logistics went fairly smoothly and the transportation was terrific (except for the return boat ride which was booked for the wrong day - this is an example of the lack of attention to details that I would not have expected - luckily some family did not show up and we got out - otherwise we'd have missed a complete day). Much of our review has to do with our guide - who really took away from this trip. For any tours on the islands you need a Galapagos guide so having both an Active Expedition guide and a second guide seems redundant. We were fairly disappointed in our guide for several reasons: (1) knowledge - he had not been on the island in 3 years and was candidly not very knowledgeable about the Galapagos - I would have expected more (contrast his knowledge to that of the Galapagos guides), (2) interaction - we have taken a lot of guided trips (e.g. Costa Rica, Australia, etc.) and in general the better guides are interactive. For example, in 5 days with our guide he never asked our family any questions - his emotional intelligence in terms of interacting was fairly sub-part and that is not ideal. In addition, this felt more like a vacation for him versus focusing solely on our experience - he brought a terrific camera but rather than taking picture of us, he seemed to be doing his own wildlife tour. I would also say that in terms of value this was expensive for what was provided. Active Expedition did not do a great job in terms of telling us what fees we'd pay and what was included. For example, I was pretty surprised that we had to pay a $100 per person plus a $20 per person entry fee. I assumed that all fees and costs (outside of our non-provided meals) were covered. Paying the $1 per person boat ride fees but then having us pay the $120 entry fee on top of the overall trip fee seemed petty. I would have also expected you to cover the second guide's tips (but we paid for those). Overall, there wasn't great communication about the additional costs. For example when we arrived there was no airport transportation waiting for us and we took a cab to Quito. We communicated all of the above information to Active Expeditions and their back office was actually terrific in responding (which is why I gave 2 instead of 1 stars). They apologized profusely and refunded some of our money. They also offered 50% off another trip (but based on our experience I'm not sure I would take another trip with them). They actually did everything that they could from a customer service standpoint after our trip - I just wish this was done before. I thought that this response was really good and very much appreciated. If you decide to book thru them you should be very clear about fees you'd pay and your guide as the guide can really make a trip.

Our group of 4 active travelers (2 married couples) experienced the time of our lives during our 8 day active expedition to the Galapagos led by Christian. Our trip started in Quito and we spent 2 days in San Cristobal, 4 days in Isabella and 1 day in Santa Cruz. Each island had its own feel and the activities were perfectly planned accordingly. We wanted to be active without having to stress over the details of planning. Boy did they deliver. We had 4 days with snorkeling, 2 from shore and 2 from boat. Each site was so unique. A small bay off a hike trail where a sea lion pup played with us in the water. Or off a boat at Kicker Rock being led through crevices and rising waves. And of course there were the shallows of the lava tunnels where we saw shark colonies and sea turtles in their natural habitats. Christian was encouraging, helpful, and patient with our group. We definitely would have been much lazier without his planning. Thanks to him we did a bike ride to the Wall of Tears and on a separate day a hike to the caldera of the Isabella volcanoes. A fantastic guide!!! The trip was unforgettable. We are so happy we booked with them! Tips: we selected some of the nicer accommodations and it was really exquisite. We appreciated the finer details in our resorts and feel this option was worth the added expense We brought a lot of spf 50 -60 sunscreen and used it all up Adhere to the recommended packing list. We really wish we did Cash. 95% of the Galapagos doesn’t take credit card. This includes tips for drivers and guides. ATMs are not easily accessible and only allow $100 withdrawals x 3 per day. Everywhere takes American dollars. For 8 days I would recommend >$1,000. Wifi. The islands don’t have good internet service. Best to plan around it. Avoid zoom meetings. The water was cold in May. Don’t turn down a wet suite if you’re snorkeling. Long sleeved better.