Galapagos adventure vacation and trip reviews

  Tortuga   May 15 2012

Review by John Utting (Christchurch, New Zealand) for Tortuga Apr 27 2012
I go on many adventure trips around the world, and the land-based trip to Galapagos is truly memorable

  unique wild life and geology   May 15 2012

Review by Lee Spencer (Parkland, Florida, United States) for Tortuga Apr 27 2012
the variety and unique wild life seen is unmatched. you are guaranteed up front and personal contact with a variety of special animal

  Amazing Galapagos Trrip   May 12 2012

Review by Stephanie Carrell (Laredo, Texas, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2012
My husband and I took the Galapagos trip in April 2012. It was one of the most amazing trips we have ever been on. We had not used Active South America before, but we were very happy with how everything went.

  Galapagos, April/May 2012   May 12 2012

Review by Bryan Miller (Carlsbad, California, United States) for Tortuga Apr 27 2012
I have been looking forward to going to the Galapagos for a long time and I love being active, so this trip seemed perfect for me. It did not disappoint me. I loved hiking, kayaking, snorkling and biking all over the Galapagos. The guide, Pablo, was the best guide I have ever had on a trip. He explained the unique plants, animals and geology of the Galapagos in a exciting and fun way. I highly recommend this trip to anyone. It was so amazing so all the animals up close but still in their wild environment.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   May 12 2012

Review by Kozue Suzuki (Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan) for Tortuga Apr 27 2012
Trip trip was fantastic and one of the best trip I've ever made. It was well organized with perfect balance of activities, relaxing and learning. I've really enjoyed thanks to professional guides and nice people we've met. Islands were so beautiful and I've never seen animals and birds so close to us. There are not so many places I'd like to feel going again as I'd like to go to see new places but Galapagos is definitely the place that I'd like to come back soon. I appreciate Pablo-san, Tim-san and Nick-san who made trip really enjoyable for everyone.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   May 6 2012

Review by Michelle Roberts (Los Gatos, California, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2012

  Tortuga 4-12-12   Apr 28 2012

Review by David Johnson (Mars, Pennsylvania, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2012
Great trip and Great time. Had a nice size group (8), Pablo our guide was incredible. Saw multiple animals land, sea, and air . Volcano hike good day trip. Enjoyed the multiple activities planed for us daily. Good accommodations and food.

  One of my favorite trips   Apr 16 2012

Review by Marilyn Austin (Seal Beach, California, United States) for Tortuga Jan 20 2012
Most of my trips have been cycling but this is my 2nd multi-sport trip. The first was 9 years ago with Active New Zealand. I can't say enough about how enjoyable both were. This last one to the Galapagos was very special. I am now 72 and had some concerns but I was able to accomplish most of the planned outings. My favorite part was the snorkling. Although our leader Pepo was knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip, he was exceptional with the underwater creatures. I caught on quickly to stay close to him because he would spot the most camaflaged and hidden samples of natures wonders. I liked that we stayed on the islands. I also went body boarding. Pepo arranged to rent a board. I told him I wanted a good one and what he located was perfect. (I used to be good at bodyboarding in California but it had been a number of years since I did this.) Although we had to hike over 2 miles to the ocean, it was worth it. After kayaking in the morning then hiking and bodyboarding, I was really tired but such a special day.

  Get ready to be active   Mar 13 2012

Review by Peter Nijssen (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) for Tortuga Feb 17 2012
From start to finish this was an amazing trip. Within an hour of landing in the islands we were on the go. We kept a brisk pace throughout but did have time after dark to watch the night sky, a serious reminder of why we call our galaxy the milky way. On the last day we were still stopping to see tortoises, crawling through lava tubes, and checking out intriguing formations on the way to the airport.

  Galapagos - I am soo glad we chose this tour.   Mar 7 2012

Review by Linda Payne (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) for Tortuga Feb 17 2012
Our destination was truly amazing. I wish we could have had more time to just sit with the animals but there was so much to do and see. Our tour guide Pablo was outstanding. His personality and knowledge were a big factor in making this trip a memorable one. Active has met our expectations in spades. I am soo glad we chose this tour.

  The best vacation with my wife in my first 65 years   Mar 2 2012

Review by Vic Hunter (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States) for Tortuga Jan 20 2012
We decided on the plane going home that when friends ask us, "What was your favorite part", we were going to say. "This has been the best vacation as a couple in our lives!"

  Great Galapagos Trip :-) This was our FIFTH Active trip...   Feb 28 2012

Review by Emilie Corcoran (Lincoln, California, United States) for Tortuga Feb 3 2012
This was our FIFTH Active trip... need I say more? We keep coming back :-)

  Galapagos December 2011 - what a fantastic experience!   Feb 25 2012

Review by Valerie McGuinn (Bangkok , Thailand) for Tortuga Dec 23 2011
What a fantastic experience! Sitting on beaches next to slumped sea lions or posing iguanas was incredible. Not to mention snorkelling with over 200 sharks on Christmas Day - what a present! Then there were the beautiful turtles, so graceful, gentle and friendly and the Giant Tortoises ambling slowly through the grass. It really was the most memorable trip and I would definitely do it again!

  Tortuga - A fabulous week in the Galapagos.   Feb 8 2012

Review by Patti Beaver (San Diego, California, United States) for Tortuga Jan 20 2012
A fabulous week in the Galapagos. Every day was a new and exciting activity. Loved staying on the islands and the boat rides were refreshing (we "played" with a pod of dolphins). Galakiwi did a superb job of ensuring that all ran smoothly (and it did). Tim and Crystal are amazing. The snorkeling was awesome and all the knowledge that Pepo enthusiastically shared with us was so educational and interesting. He is the best! It was a fabulous week.

  Galapagos - It was a privilege to experience...   Feb 7 2012

Review by Sharon Phillips (Grays, Essex, United Kingdom) for Tortuga Jan 20 2012
It was a privilege to experience such a unique place with like minded people, and be shown it by such a knowledgeable young man. As a guide, Jose Louise (Pepo) was the best, and I don't say that lightly.

  Johnson/Kincaid Galapagos Trip - Active took care of our needs   Feb 6 2012

Review by Star Waring (Boulder, Colorado, United States) for Tortuga Dec 30 2011
As we experienced with our Active New Zealand bike trip a few years ago, Active took care of our needs. The tour guides were able to fit our interests and make the whole trip happen. The Galapagos are an amazing place in the world. The Active trip itnerary gave a great overview as well as indepth understanding of this remarkable place and the differences of each island. Staying on land gave an experience that would not be available by staying on a boat - it certainly was more "active".

  Best Trip Ever   Jan 22 2012

Review by Michael Allan (Boulder, Colorado, United States) for Tortuga Dec 30 2011
The Tortuga trip to the Galapagos was AMAZING! First off, getting to stay on the islands is a huge plus, that allows us to keep doing land based activities, or snorkeling off of the beaches into the evening. The land-based option also gave us a chance to dine at the local restaurants every night. My favorite night was spent on the quiet beach of Floreana island. We enjoyed a great night watching the sunset on the beach and sharing stories with our tour group. The next day we were right back at it doing some kayaking and snorkeling. Nick, our Active guide, went above and beyond in taking care of our group. He made sure we all got to experience the thrills of South America every day, and always knew where to take us on the islands to show us a special time. Our naturalist tour guide, Danielle, did a great job keeping things moving while providing insight and humor to keep the mood ever light. It was obvious during the tour that the Active team has worked hard to establish some great relationships on the islands with the local community and that gave us the opportunity to do some extraordinary things on the islands. From getting to go on some off the track hikes to dining at local places, I really felt like I was being shown a unique trek while on this tour. I have traveled across Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, and I can honestly say this was my favorite tour ever. The combination of the Active team, the group of people Active attracts to their tours, and location cannot be beat.

  Trip of a Lifetime!   Jan 10 2012

Review by Robyn Gunter (Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States) for Tortuga Dec 30 2011
This trip was so much more than what I was expecting. I was able to completely detach from the reality of my life because everything was taken care of. Our group was amazing and Nick made sure we all got what we needed. Daniel was a great tour guide who was able to work well within the unique personality of our group.

  Swimming with Sea Turtles -- a dream come true   Nov 25 2011

Review by Bev Steffler (Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada) for Tortuga Nov 11 2011
Who could guess that a little old grandma from the Prairies in Central Canada would be swimming with turtles? And that is not all -- the animals and birds were amazing, the volcanoes were amazing, the landscapes were amazing, the Islanders were amazing. The trip was (have I mentioned) amazing!

  I had a great time,Active South America did a wonderful job.   Oct 24 2011

Review by Dave Lindsay (Boise, Idaho, United States) for Tortuga Sep 16 2011
I had a great time, active south america did a wonderful job.

  Awesome, the trip of a lifetime!   Oct 24 2011

Review by Deme Dellairo (Meridian, Idaho, United States) for Tortuga Sep 16 2011

  The Galapagos Islands were magical for me   Oct 20 2011

Review by Gail Young (Boise, ID, United States) for Tortuga Sep 16 2011
The Galapagos Islands were magical for me - as awe inspiring and interesting as I always thought they would be. The amount of activities was just right, as well as staying on land rather than on a boat! I found the fauna most interesting, but also loved the geography of the islands and the volcano hike on Isabela Island. Daniel was a terrific and professional guide - very knowledgeable, interesting and passionate about taking care of the Galapagos. He grew up with a naturalist father and understands about the ecology, conservation, preservation, scientific research, and all that goes into maintaining the important balances of the islands. We also had a great group of people to travel with!

  Galapagos - I had an OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE!   Sep 30 2011

Review by Kathy Curtis (Naples, Florida, United States) for Tortuga Sep 16 2011
I loved the trip because we stayed in really neat little hotels so we could enjoy each of the islands. Danial, our guide, was superb. Our group of eight really clicked. We are getting together to go rafting in Idaho next July! I am going to book another trip with Active to go to New Zealand. Thanks Active!!! Kathy Curtis

  A holiday that exceeded all expectations   Aug 3 2011

Review by Susan Dunn (Couridjah, New South Wales, Australia) for Tortuga Jul 6 2011
Going to the Galapagos was a big decision as it is not the cheapest place to get to from Australia. After the trip with Active South America, we are telling all our friends and family that if they have ever thought about doing this trip, then go for it. We had the most marvelous time with experiences that beforehand we had only dreamed about. The amount of unique wild life, especially during the snorkelling trips, exceeded all expectations. To swim with juvenile sea lions, eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles, not to mention a myriad of fish, could not be experienced anywhere else. The walks and the land animals were also a great experience. Every day brought a new adventure and we smiled from the start to the end of the trip.

  This was a wonderful adventure.   Jul 6 2011

Review by Teresa Scott (Altamonte Springs, Florida, United States) for Tortuga Jun 22 2011
This was a wonderful adventure. Our guide Pablo took us on a journey back in time before man found the islands. He instilled in us a desire to protect our natural history not only in the Galapagos but in the areas that we live. The animal life is rich and wonderous and the outdoor activities bring you close to nature and God. The interpersonal experiences with your fellow adventurers and guide were priceless.

  Best Guide EVER   Jun 23 2011

Review by Julia Wright (Brooklyn, New York, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
I can't even begin to say enough about this trip. We saw way more than ever expected and our guide Zambo was BEYOND knowledgeable. Since this trip we have taken 2 other trips and have been longing for our encyclopedia human to answer all of our questions. Active & The Galapagos do not disappoint. Every person involved was amazing. Every place we went was educational and involved some sort of physical activity, which is exactly what we wanted. We highly recommend using this company.

  My recent trip to the Galapagos Islands was fantastic.   Jun 13 2011

Review by Laura Eide (Anchorage, Alaska, United States) for Tortuga May 25 2011
My recent trip to the Galapagos Islands through Active South America was fantastic. Our Ecuadorean guide, Pablo, was knowledgeable and patient. My favorite part of the trip was snorkeling with the sea lions!

  Wow, we're in the Galapagos!!!   May 12 2011

Review by Sara Spery (Lakewood, Colorado, United States) for Tortuga Apr 27 2011
This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that we will remember forever. We loved our guide and the entire trip. I don't think there was anything we would have wanted to change. The experiences we have had will have us laughing and talking for years to come.

  Unforgettable experiences await you...   May 3 2011

Review by Adrian Rogers (Brooklyn, New York, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
By using the best tour guides in the Islands, you are sure to experience all that The Galapagos has to offer, from face to face swimming with sea-lions to the barren mars-scape of Sierra Negra to wild giant tortoises! Incredible!

  The best way to see the Galapagos   May 3 2011

Review by Kathy Layng (Chicago, Illinois, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
What a fun trip! Each day was filled with a great variety of activities, from hiking to snorkeling to learning about the islands and seeing all the unique species of wildlife. If you're an active person who likes to learn about a new place while on vacation, then this trip is the perfect combo of exercise and education.

  the word 'awesome' doesn't really do it justice   May 2 2011

Review by Barbara Langley-poole (Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
What a fantastic trip - celebrating a big '0' birthday. Our guide, Zambo, was incredibly knowledgeable but also refreshingly honest if he didn't know the answer. He's going to look into the reason why the marine iguana, which is supposed to be vegetarian, was helping itself to the fish at the market in Santa Cruz! Evolution in the making...

  A real privilege   Apr 29 2011

Review by Julie Stanley (Cheddington, Bucks, United Kingdom) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
To be able to share in the magic of these islands was a real privilege - Zambo's enthusiasm was infectious and our group (average age about 50) have probably never been fitter!

  A First Class Active Adventure   Apr 9 2011

Review by Cathy Robinson (Canmore, Alberta, Canada) for Tortuga Mar 17 2011
From start to finish the Tortuga trip was a first class active adventure. Swimming with sea lions, dolphins, turtles, a sea horse as well as the unique opportuniy to swim with a whale shark was surreal. Never a dull moment on land either with hikes, bikes and tours, while exploring and learning about the Galapagos endemic species.Thanks to Pepo for his brilliant and tireless guidance and leadership and Tim for organizing an amazing adventure. Also, thanks to the great crew of people we played with from various parts of the world.

  GALAPAGOS TRIP   Mar 31 2011

Review by Pete Severens (Atlanta, Georgia, United States) for Tortuga Mar 17 2011
Great Job! Great people, great fellow travelers. Our guides were so wonderful they really made the trip so much better. They were like family. We all became great friends on this trip. I think that was almost better than the sights. However, if you want to see Marine Iguanas, Sea Lions, Giant Land Tortoise's and Blue Footed Boobie's, Galapagos is for you! Thanks so much.

  Just amazing   Mar 31 2011

Review by Kathy Lomeli (Munster, Indiana, United States) for Tortuga Mar 17 2011
My trip to Galapagos was so amazing. From the very beginning down to the last night. It was so well organized and thought out. Our guide Pepo was incredible, he was so fun and extremely knowledgeable. We learned so much from him. Tim and Pepo made sure we had everything we needed. Everything was taken care of, we were catered to. Our excursions were so exciting, Pepo was such a pro in the water and showed us amazing wildlife. I can easily say this was the best trip I have ever taken. We couldn't have gotten luckier with the guidance chosen for us. I have nothing but exaltations for this Galapagos trip and the crew that made it possilbe!

  Survival of the Fittest   Mar 23 2011

Review by Frank Gorecki (Olympia , Washington, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
The Tortuga tour engages the intellect, traveling on Darwin's path to evolution theory, the physical with multiple opportunities every day, and of course, the direct experience with Tortoise, Sea Lion, Marine Iguana, and the incredible bird populations. Pablo's knowledge enriched this experience while Tim and Crystal enured our safety and timely logistics. And by the way, i've snorkeled in the South Pacific for decades and this was the best week ever from the sharks, to the turtles, sea lions, iguana and more.

  Truly the trip of a lifetime! These are enchanted islands...   Mar 19 2011

Review by Bronwyn Vincent (Olympia, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
Absolutely loved this trip and hardly know where to begin to describe its wonders. Active South America/Galakiwi was an inspired choice in terms of outfitter. Tim and Crystal were attentive and, with Pablo, went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure all of us had a fabulous time. Pablo was an absolutely outstanding guide - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and thoughtful especially with our group of older travelers. Snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles and Galapagos sharks, a plethora of tropical fish and a wall of coral was amazing. We were fortunate to have a pod of Orcas play around the boat for almost an hour - mesmerizing. We also saw dolphin at play and numerous marine birds including blue footed boobies, pelicans and frigates plus many other birds, of course - finches, yellow warblers, vermilion fly catchers among them. The marine iguanas were my personal favorites. The captain of the boat was highly skilled and with his crew made the passages enjoyable. The biking, kayaking and especially the hike up Volcano Chico were memorable as well. Not to mention wonderful meals at outdoor restaurants, sunsets on the beach. It was a milestone birthday for my husband, Sherwin Cotler, and Tim and Crystal of Galakiwi made sure we enjoyed a festive dinner complete with delicious chocolate birthday cake and serenaded by the owner of the restaurant in Quito. It was perfect! We'll recommend this trip to all our friends. Many thanks for this trip of a lifetime!

  Claudia's Galapagos adventure   Mar 17 2011

Review by Claudia Clark-Engstrom (Olympia, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
Tim and Crystal were truly marvelous trip coordinators and guides. Pablo was incredible; attentive to everyone, exceedingly enthusiastic, eager to share his considerable knowledge of the history, flora and fauna and sealife of the islands, and patient beyond belief. One of a kind.

  Saving the planet   Mar 17 2011

Review by Ted Ning (Evergreen, Colorado, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
I was very impressed with the staff and their knowledge. I had heard about the tameness of the wildlife, but to experience it directly was incredible. But what most impressed me was the grand experiment of humans and their environment. The synthesis of the Ecuadorian government, the Marine Park, community groups, and other NGOs all working to create a balance between people and this incredible environment. The world is watching.

  A rare opportunity to enjoy a truly enchanted experience   Mar 17 2011

Review by Jamie Mueller (Ft Lewis, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
Nothing you read about can prepare you for actually seeing the Galapagos firsthand. Walking among sea lions and marine iguanas, witnessing the vast extremes betweens the different islands, and feeling the closeness with nature as soon as you get to the National Park. I couldn't have been more impressed with the knowledge and passion of our guide and had all of my expectations met above and beyond what I thought would be possible!

  Galapagos Islands - Sherwin Birthday Club   Mar 17 2011

Review by Clydia Cuykendall (Olympia, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
Thursday, our group flew to Isla San Cristobal, the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands via Guayaquil and checked into the Casablanca hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. At lunch we met our Park guide Pablo, our dive master Franco, and Crystal, wife of New Zealander Tim, who owns “Galakiwi”, our cleverly named travel company for this trip. After lunch, we bicycled from the island’s highlands to its lowlands, passing through El Progresso, an old company town where the workers murdered the sugar magnate who employed them in 1904. We stopped at La Loberia beach to meet the sea lions (which outnumber the people on San Cristobal), watch some marine iguanas fighting (March is mating season) and began our bird watching list (see Appendix). At dinner, Sherwin was feted by fellow traveler Kathleen with a rap song about his passions, another birthday gift. Friday, some of us went scuba diving and others went snorkeling at Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock. We all saw Galapagos sharks, white tip sharks, a hammerhead shark, and green sea turtles. While scuba diving, I saw a sting ray, a manta ray and an eagle ray, along with many grunts, King angel fish, puffer fish, parrot fish and some orange and purple soft coral growing on the sheer walls of Kicker Rock. In between dives, I snorkeled briefly with “blue fin” Tim, but could hardly keep up with his pace, due to the enormous size of his swim fins. On the way back to Port, we saw a pod of orca whales, numbering at least seven individuals. It was a good day for the sea lion pups to stay on the sidewalks of town! We had 15 minutes to ditch our swim suits and assemble for a trip to the Darwin Interpretive Center, which was a very hot and very interesting place covering both the human and natural aspects of the Galapagos Islands. How were the Galapagos formed? One day millions of years ago, they weren’t there, then the next day, whole landmasses welled up out of the ocean: Molten islands, boiling and slopping about on the surface until they set. Half of the group went back to the hotel to escape the heat, but Frank and a few others climbed Frigate Hill with Pablo to see the harbor and the sunset. Saturday, we traveled by boat to Isabella Island via Entebel (birds), Champion Beach on Floreana Island (snorkeling), and Devil’s Crown (an underwater volcano crater). During our snorkel, we were buzzed by sea lions and once underway again, we passed through a school of dolphins. Before dinner we visited the local pink flamingo colony. We spent Sunday hiking on the Sierra Negra volcano, which rises nearly a mile above the ocean floor (round trip eleven miles and two 600 foot elevation gains, with the high point on the caldera measuring 3315 feet per Frank’s GPS). This volcano last erupted in 2005 and its lava blackened crater is the second largest in the world (seven miles wide). We lunched under an isolated tree called “El Jaboncilla” whose shade was very much appreciated, then walked across lava flows of various ages, some of which reached the sea. It was a landscape of black and red rock and very little vegetation, just a few ferns and cactuses. Monday morning we toured Port Villamil’s bay in boats, then disembarked on Isleto Tintoreras to see marine iguanas nesting. Afterwards, we snorkeled in the bay to watch them swimming – they eat sea grass off submerged rocks – a regular convoy. We also saw green sea turtles sleeping on the sandy bottom. After lunch, we hiked to a giant tortoise breeding center, where they are incubating tortoise eggs until the babies hatch and grow shells hard enough to survive attacks by domestic animals like dogs, cats, and pigs, then they are released. Following ice cream at the Center, Bronwyn (Sherwin’s wife, no “Winnie” jokes please) and I went to the Wall of Tears, built when there were penal colonies on Isabella. The road to the wall was built by the US Navy during WWII to access radar stations that were monitoring approaches to the Panama Canal to protect it from Japanese air attacks. On our way back to our hotel, we saw five wild giant tortoises, a testament to the success of the breeding center. Tuesday morning, we departed Isabella for Isla Santa Cruz, a two hour crossing rough enough to make me sea sick. Upon on arrival, we visited an impressive lava tube in the highlands, which was only discovered in the 1980’s when farm animals started falling into it. The interior coolness of the lava tube was most welcome, since it was about 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside and 90 percent humidity! Then we walked through an area where a farm borders the National Park and wild tortoises wander freely between the two jurisdictions. After a fresh fish lunch, we lounged in our hotel “Lobo de Mar” because many businesses were closed for Fat Tuesday. Some of the group went kayaking at Tortuga Bay, but I stayed behind to watch the daily catch of tunas and rockfish come in for filleting at the fish market, a process made much more amusing by the crowd of pelicans, seals, gulls and iguanas waiting for their share of the offal. Wednesday, we went to the Darwin Research Center to see more on captive tortoise breeding, a land iguana (orange, unlike the black and gray marine iguanas), and to see Lonesome George (the only tortoise from Isla Pinta left in the world, age estimated to be between 90 and 100 years). Repeated attempts to breed him to females with similar DNA have failed, but we watched him trying to mate with a new arrival! After lunch, we left Santa Cruz to return to San Cristobal by boat and stopped to snorkel at Santa Fe Island. There, we saw a huge school of black striped selama fish, a sting ray, a shark, and the ubiquitous green sea turtles and sea lions. It was awesome to watch Crystal free dive into the fish school and watch them part for her. By the end of this trip, Frank and I had 37 new birds on our list, and we learned that all finches in the Galapagos Islands are collectively called Darwin finches, but they are listed separately by their real names in our list. On Thursday, we flew back to Quito and enjoyed our final group dinner with birthday-man Sherwin. On Friday, we flew home from Quito via Miami and Dallas. On our 7 am take-off from Quito, I could see four snow covered volcanoes out my plane’s window and later, I saw the Panama Canal as we flew over it. I look forward to reliving this great trip at the post trip party to be themed “Survival of the Fittest”.

  Light Footprints   Mar 16 2011

Review by Mimi Fields (Olympia, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2011
This was not a trip. This was a life enriching journey providing a better external and internal understanding of the symbiosis and balance of all living things and our inter-relatedness. This was seen through both evolutionary change over time, and stability over time. How incredible to see a light human footprint in the midst of the still existent beauty, calm, and undisturbed wonders of the Galapagos Islands. It was exquisitely special!

  A responsible company which has something great to offer.   Feb 28 2011

Review by Raymond Girardin (Churchill, Manitoba P.b 894, Manitoba, Canada) for Tortuga Feb 2 2011
Hi, My trip to Peru (Jaguar trip) and Galapagos (Tortugua trip) were EXCELLENT from all points of view. 1- great guiding 2- great exploration 3- great ACTIVE rythm 4- great group dynamic and I should say that the staff mainly Sally (Jaguar trip) care a lot At beginning because of the altitude with a negative physical reaction I ended up dehydrated, in addition I lost my luggage. The Cusco staff of Active and Sally took very good care of me and what could had been disastrous turn up to be great. I owe much to Sally. Muchas gracias. I wish I would be thirty years less! The Galapagos part was more smooth, mind you I had much difficulty with the snorkeling at first. I received the proper help and guiding. I have learned to love snorkeling. At Galapagos Pablo and Ted and the office staff (a young woman) were very nice people. Pablo was also very knowledgeable. Nothing but the best! I am working at Parks Canada as a guide interpreter and I can recognize competent people in the field of guiding. I am coming back with the strong impression that Active South America and its staff is a responsible company which has something great to offer. Ciao

  I was especially impressed with Pablo.   Feb 22 2011

Review by Larry Peterson (Wyckoff, New Jersey, United States) for Tortuga Feb 2 2011
I was especially impressed with Pablo. His knowledge and obvious love of the Galapagos was infectious.

  A world full of wonders and full of human stories.   Feb 18 2011

Review by Nicole Kunas (New York, New York, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
A world full of wonders and full of human stories. The land-based trip really made the difference for my Galapagos experience. I highly recommend this trip to everyone!

  Extreme Active   Feb 16 2011

Review by Lynda Orzen Szeplakay (Oregon City, Oregon, United States) for Tortuga Feb 2 2011
I really think you need to change your name to Extreme Active-we had no time to even think about getting bored! Our guide Pablo was a gem-even when we had a melt down when told the restaurant was out of beer. A bad joke played on us by a fellow traveler! I highly recommend Active to anyone who wants to get a real work-out and live the Galapagos experience!

  Tortuga with Pablo   Feb 5 2011

Review by Greg Lapic (Longview, Washington, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
We were fortunate to have Pablo as tour guide becasue he is a graduate biologist. His knowledge of flora and fauna is quite complete. His attentiveness to our comfort was also exemplary. Contacts between marine life, land creatures, and all those things that fly were over the top. Definitely a trip for anyone who values imtimate contact with nature and preservation of diversity in living things.

  Our guide was the best aspect of our trip.   Feb 3 2011

Review by Sue Suchy (Ramsey, Minnesota, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
Our guide was the best aspect of our trip. His knowledge of nature, taxonomy, birds, geology and ecology combined with his enthusiasm and passion was outstanding.

  Our guide, Pablo, made the trip forever memorable.   Feb 3 2011

Review by Dan Rothschild (Goleta, California, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
Our guide, Pablo, made the trip forever memorable. His passion for the nature and the people of the islands was very strong. His knowledge was impressive, as he handles all of the questions very strongly. I would strongly recommend this trip to my friends.

  Galapagos exceeds expectations   Feb 2 2011

Review by Susan Klein-Rothschild (Goleta, California, United States) for Tortuga Jan 19 2011
The close up contact with nature and wildlife was fantastic! The history of the people and culture of the people who currently or previously inhabited the Galapagos Islands was unexpected. There were many activities, yet the intensity was flexible to allow for various levels. I wouldn't trade the island-based trip or the knowledgable and personable guide for anything.

  Amazing from start to finish!   Jan 11 2011

Review by Paul Toth (Schoolcraft, Michigan, United States) for Tortuga Dec 22 2010
I wanted to experience the Galapagos for twenty years, and I am so glad I decided on the Active South America trip. They communicated well so we were prepared, and our naturalist was OUTSTANDING. I loved staying on the islands and getting a feel for the true culture, and spending my money in a way that impacts the locals of the Galapagos. This was the trip of a lifetime and I am already recommending this to my friends!

  Honored to have been to Galapagos   Dec 4 2010

Review by Autumn Young (San Jose, California, United States) for Tortuga Oct 27 2010
The term I keep using to describe our trip to the Galapagos is that I was honored to have had the opportunity to visit this incredibly unique place. Traveling with Active South America brought the Islands to life in a way I had not anticipated. Our guide, Pablo, had such passion and interest in the environment and it was contagious. Going on a land based tour was the best way to experience the Islands. We were very peaceful as we watched visitors embark and disembark from dinghys while we sipped our beverages and watched the sunset alongside the residents. We got to see the Islands in a way that no boat based tour could. One of those unique moments was the catching a nightime Census parade and party on San Cristobal. Another was watching a pick up soccer game in a concrete amphitheater in town. The best was while at an early morning breakfast, we watched the lobster catch come in. When a man bought several lobsters, we were able to discern what restaurant he worked at and had fresh lobster off the grill that night for dinner. We really got to be a part of the Islands. We were cared for every step of the way and didn't have to worry about anything. It was the trip of a lifetime!

  Good, really enjoyed it   Mar 24 2012

Review by Linda Hsueh (Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2012

  Amazing wildlife   Mar 15 2012

Review by Jian Guan (Rockville, Maryland, United States) for Tortuga Mar 2 2012
Vacation is evanescent; remembrance is indelible. We were lucky. Even though it's warm, rainy season, weather was quite cooperating as well as wildlife. We've seen frigate birds in love, giant tortoise mating, absolutely incredible. Two thumbs up for logistic in transportation. Our guide is superior than his super plan! Once again, a terrific experience with ACTIVE!

  See them while you still can!   Mar 11 2012

Review by Jane Schmitt (Princeville, Hawaii, United States) for Tortuga Feb 3 2012
If you are aiming to interact with wildlife- especially endemic species- Galapagos is the trip for you. The sea lions swirl about you as you snorkel amongst the marine iguanas and penguins. Cozy up to the giant endemic tortoises and see what is being done to preserve the species.

  good time was had by all   Mar 11 2012

Review by John Leon (Cooperstown, New York, United States) for Tortuga Feb 3 2012
We've always traveled alone, so this was our first "tour." We enjoyed it thoroughly, but would have liked a few more nights on our own. We biked on our own on Isabella, and had a wonderful time stopping at all the national park sites along the way-- this would be an excellent addition to the "active" trip, better than the downhill cruising that happens on the first day of the trip. The guides are very knowledgeable, professional and friendly.

  Galap Feb 2012 beyond expectations.   Mar 2 2012

Review by Paul Tirrell (Cooperstown, New York, United States) for Tortuga Feb 3 2012
Beyond expectations. Relaxed but active. Pepo and Zambo ran a tight, but fun ship, and their knowledge, kindness, and tolerance of gringoes were key to success.

  never stopping - always learning   Mar 2 2012

Review by Cheri Nijssen-jordan (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) for Tortuga Feb 17 2012
Our trip to the Galapagos was amazing. We did not stop for one minute (OK - maybe 30 minutes but only for 1 day!). The diversity of landscape, vegetation, species created learning moments on a constant basis. This trip is not for the weak or faint of heart but it is a trip that everyone should take sometime during their life. thanks.....

  Fantastic execution of trip but issues between what you sell an   Feb 17 2012

Review by Jesper Groenvold (London, n/a, United Kingdom) for Tortuga Feb 3 2012
Trip great in sense that it is flawless executed and guides outstanding. However it turn out to be more water based and less hiking biking and kayaking and way more snorkel based than I had expected. I am way more into land than water based and would perhaps not have come if I had known real program. Also you should write that it is for confident swimmers only: I am not and that did take some enjoyment out of the trip. Again galakiwi are outstanding but your write up needs adjustment.

  Good, really enjoyed it   Nov 1 2011

Review by John Hammer (Wellesley, Ontario, Canada) for Tortuga Sep 30 2011

  Tortuga trip   Oct 25 2011

Review by Donna Hiller (Boise, Idaho, United States) for Tortuga Sep 16 2011
Your company does an incredible job of being very well organized, using our time, and logistics. Using local guides and families make the trip so much more personal. I think you have a great co. and would definitely use you again. Currently thinking about going to Nepal w. you.

  from 70 year old perspective   Jul 8 2011

Review by Pat Winecker (Flemington, New Jersey, United States) for Tortuga Jun 22 2011
This was an excellent trip and I knew going into it that I would not be participating in all of the activities. Pablo worked very hard and is a most enthusiastic guide. He took good care of me. Initially he tended to downplay the effort & time an activity would take, but I learned to ask better questions and to make my own decisions. It would have been nice to have at least one or two chances to swim off one of the beautiful beaches and there were opportunities to do do so with just a little tweaking of time. Water was not that cold and other people were in the surf, especially on Isabela. While the name is "active" even the younger folks expressed a desire for some laid back down time. Hotels were comfortable and meals were good. Nick took good care of us in Quito

  Wonderful Trip Wonderful People   May 1 2011

Review by Lisa Walters (Loveland, Colorado, United States) for Tortuga Apr 13 2011
The trip was well planned, the guide was outstanding, and everyone was helpful in making sure that whatever was needed was available. I was hoping for a little more kayaking and longer times hiking (in other words, bit more challenging physically) but overall I definitely have already recommendeded this trip to friends and business colleagues.

  Whale Shark   Apr 1 2011

Review by Danny Spivey (Newnan, Georgia, United States) for Tortuga Mar 17 2011
The trip was great and Pepo did a great job. The water was great for snorkeling and the sea life was amazing.Got to see a 35 foot whale shark that was amazing. It was a great trip.

  Galapagos Adventure   Feb 25 2011

Review by Michael Orzen (Oregon City, Oregon, United States) for Tortuga Feb 2 2011
Great snorkeling, see life, marine life, birds - wow, I was speechless after most of our outings.

  Pablo did a fantastic job   Feb 17 2011

Review by Margaret Boman (San Antonio, Texas, United States) for Tortuga Feb 2 2011
Pablo did a fantastic job showing us his islands with all the special animals and environment. He was always looking for some "surprises" and he never disappointed. True Active professionalism and a wonderful person as well.

  Like a semester abroad packed into one week.   Nov 10 2010

Review by Sophia Jeng (Portland, Oregon, United States) for Tortuga Oct 27 2010
This trip was like a semester abroad packed into one week. Educational, informative, and thought provoking.

  OK, a few improvements needed   Aug 4 2011

Review by Patrick Huang (Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan) for Tortuga Jul 20 2011
I am looking for a more upmarket trip so this one was somehow not up to my standards especially the hotels and meals. I guess this may not be your fault. I enjoyed my experience in Galapagos and Active South American contributed to that.

  Sharing with families not what I was looking for   Mar 4 2012

Review by Sophie Adams (Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom) for Tortuga Feb 17 2012
I enjoyed most of the trip the views were awesome and the local people very friendly. The few activites I did were amazing and lots of fun and the accommodation was lovely. I joined this trip for the activites and meeting like-minded folk, so find sharing with families although very nice not what I was looking for. They were lacking in fitness so the activities of which I was looking forward to were spoilt. Next time I suggest you are more honest as I would not have booked.

  I think my expectations may have been too high.   Jun 24 2011

Review by Patrick Burke (Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand) for Tortuga May 23 2011
I think my expectations may have been too high.