On My Galapagos Cruise We All Made These 8 Mistakes

[@InnocentsAbroad]

We watched this twice again last night - really good refresher for how to be well-prepared for Galapagos!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Fab! When are you going? I am really looking forward to seeing your thoughts on Celebrity Flora (I realised when there it is the same ship as Silver Origin) and ken to hear how they are as an expedition cruise !

[@andrewkardasz4925]

Hi Gary, I always enjoy your videos. My wife and I came back from the Galapagos just under 2 weeks ago. You are right that the days are busy both morning and afternoon. My experience was based on Celebrity Xploration that had a maximum of 16 passengers. I would recommend a smaller boat than a larger one. On our boat there was no dress code which makes it much easier packing.

[@angelahorton5745]

We went on a catamaran with 16 people and I just packed my solar protection hiking clothes & boots with a sun dress for the evening. We always pack very lightly.

[@wonderboy4993]

We took national geographic with a 40 person boat. It was incredible

[@VomBethel]

Great information! Was on a Galapagos boat trip about 8 years ago. I was the youngest person on the trip and my father was the oldest. I did everything, including snorkeling sometimes twice a day! Many times, I was the only one in the water with the guides in a small boat keeping watch. Fabulous trip and a very unique experience. Highly recommend if you're an fairly active person.

[@charlesborlase2238]

Funny memory, same here. Some of the snorkel locations were a little chilly. I didn't bring a wetsuit, just swim trunks and a body with McDonalds style insulation. Snorkeling especially in the mangrove ponds were the best. I was "lucky" to have been "ran over" by a sea turtle that that was spooked by people in the next pond over. I went in 2006 with Cheeseman Ecology Safaris. We were on M/V Sagitta. 16 passengers, including my mom and dad. fantastic trip, great guides. It's definitely not a passive trip.

[@Plombo_5]

Comprehensive and informative as always! Thank you for showing this to us! Have a wonderful new year!

[@Snowflake3981]

It’s been a few years since I’ve watched one of your videos. I’m watching a bunch of them now as I’ve started looking at cruises to book. I want to commend you for doing such a great job. I can tell that you’ve been working hard at your craft, and it shows! Beautiful video clips, upbeat, great travel tips, such a variety of content. And of course I could listen to your lovely accent for hours. Keep up the good work!

[@AudreyMealiff]

Gary's such a wealth of information, for sure. He's one of a few vloggers I watch very regularly to plan our first cruise which we have coming up in October.

[@anthonymanna4218]

Thanks for the video. We have been on the Flora and have decided to go again and take our adult children.( read Die with Zero if you want to know why) The Flora had so much to do, that I doubt snorkeling was even 10% of the options. I did snorkel a couple of times, but it was not a focus point of the cruise. Agree with your suggestions' on clothing.

[@pacerdanny]

Nice to hear a shout-out for the RX-100. I loved mine for casual, carry-anywhere travel photography.

[@tipsfortravellers]

They are great!!

[@willgaukler8979]

... glad you pointed out mobility issues ... they effect so many people ... knowing when to go ... and are you a science nut ? ... to get the most out of the cruise overall ...

[@stevenjohnson4205]

My wife had mobility issues and she did struggle. The staff was very helpful

[@swisstroll3]

The Galapagos National Park requires a certified guide for every 16 people. There are also limits on how many people can be on shore at some locations. I recommend the private yachts, particularly the ones that take 16 or fewer people. We were on a yacht that only carried 12 passengers and it was the best vacation of our life. I would especially recommend staying away from the “name brand” cruise ships. They definitely have better food and staterooms than the yachts, but that is not why you go to the Galapagos. It is essential to get in the water, as you recommend. So pick a yacht that specializes in either snorkeling or scuba diving, depending on which appeals to you.

[@626jean]

I always love your videos and this one was especially helpful. Very specific and practical. I love traveling and nature so I assumed a Galapagos trip would be a nice thing to do some time. But I've come to value the "resting" part of vacations more and more, so I'm glad to have this information. The gear recommendations are also much appreciated!

[@N1ftyNick]

There actually is a bucket list of animals to see on the Galapagos. In fact that's the main reason to go. We went on a 16 passenger Catamaran and had a wonderful experience. Food was great. we lived with our Galapagos nature guide. She gave excelent preview talks and we could ask her anything during lunch dinner about the islands and life there. Cost? Same as the linblad 98 passenger ship. Much better personal service was my observation. We only had 2 zodiacs to carry us around. As you know the tours are limited to 16 people per nature guide.

[@luvablesweetnsassy]

What was the name of the catamaran outfit please? TY

[@triplannerr4911]

Traveling is the system to participate in change that the world completes every day. Experimenting, exploring, experiencing different realities from habitat in which you usually live helps to understand the beauty of the world . Accounts like this represent a chance to explore faraway destinations even for people for whom "traveling" is too much of a luxury. Each of us should to have the chance to visit the world and visit your travel destinations. Thank you for shared information collected in your travels.

[@mariaf5474]

If I may make a couple of observations....in particular for smaller ships, they cannot visit all islands on a tour, so as well as knowing weather, learn about the islands and landscape. The older islands are greener. Decide which route with landscape (or animal choices) in mind. If traveling in rainy season, take a dry bag or garbage bag fand line your backpack (rucksack) to save camera gear, papers or anything else you may want to keep dry. Or a rain cover for your packmif you have one.

[@tpkyterooluebeck9224]

No, go to REI and get a proper waterproof bag for you gear that can't get wet. All other bags, will leak and allow water in. Even ziplock bags aren't the best! Sea to Summit bags are light weight and work.

[@HeatherTravels]

These two videos were very interesting. I think my daughter, a huge nature lover, would absolutely love a Galapagos cruise, but it would be difficult for me because of my bad ankle.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching ! yes, it would be challenging with a bad ankle for sure!

[@esseil]

I won't be going on one of these cruises, due to the cost and mobility factors, but I would like to reinforce your advice on having sunscreen/block and proper clothing to ward off the sun. I spent two years living in the tropics, and even if it doesn't feel overly hot (temperatures in the Galapagos are highly moderated by all the water) the sun is much more intense than it is in the mid latitudes. You don't want to end up with blistering skin!

[@triplannerr4911]

Traveling is the system to contribute to change that our Earth completes every day. Understanding, exploring, living different realities from environment you are used to helps to understand the beauty of the planet. Your profile is a good chance to travel without having to leave your home. Each of us should to have the chance to travel and visit your travel destinations. Thank you for published news found in your travels.

[@triplannerr4911]

Traveling is the way to participate in change that the world completes every day. Getting educated, exploring, living different realities from environment in which you usually live helps to interpret the beauty of the world . Your profile is a good chance to travel even for people for whom "traveling" is too much of a luxury. Everyone should be able visit faraway countries and visit your travel destinations. Thank you for shared information found in your travels.

[@beachblythe]

I get such great information from your videos. Thank you!!

[@contessalouannec8064]

That was Fabulous Thank You for sharing. I hope one day I can get there.

[@marinamartinez6886]

Thanks for the insight, ill be going next March. I'm 67 and the trips ive taken have all been very active. Only issue is i haven't swam in decades, hooe it comes back to me quickly because i definitely want to snorkle. 👍👍👍

[@carolync2186]

We went mid May 2022. Much smaller ship - max 35 pp. Swam with sea lions - fantastic! Weather was perfect. Definitely need a hat. All guides are required to be residents of Galapagos so should be similar as they all take same courses. Should be on your bucket list but definitely very active..

[@gimliman6]

Excellent advice. I have only been on one cruise, but I here enjoyed your videos. Happy new year and enjoy cruising.

[@ulrikekrekeler287]

This was informative!

[@hugoglenn9741]

I haven’t heard commented about the Flora versus the Origin (has them). Every room has binoculars and I really didn’t use them. Also every room had 2 backpacks that were commonly used by passengers. I purchased a Pelican dry bag (larger than smallest) and it was my number 2 must have item. I just needed flip flops (durable Okabashi American made that can get wet) and sneakers, my number 3 and 4 items.

[@jrx6374]

Happy New Year, Gary! This is one of my most favorite videos of yours. So informative. I'd like to do this cruise one day.

[@hugoglenn9741]

Just got back on the Flora. My number one to have item was a waterproof Video (I had a GoPro) camera. Half of the best items I saw were while snorkeling. 2 Ft away from a White tip shark that swam around myself and snorkel buddy pair. 1Ft away from on coming sea turtle and 6 inches away from seal. When you get the camera don’t forget to bring the Micro SD card, someone forgot.

[@michaelmorton4974]

Gary, thanks for all the great tips - we love your channel. We are heading to the Galapagos next September and I'm going with your recommendation with the Sony camera - I'm not a camera guy at all - any other accessories you recommend or just the basic camera? Thanks.

[@marilynnkadan7948]

Happy new year Gary. I enjoy your videos and advice.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

On our trip to the Galapagos, all but 12 of the people were older. I’d say at least 55 to 60 with some even older. Their cruise was entirely different than the one we had. The younger folks found us a good guide who wanted to hike the extra mile, up the hills, etc. for a bigger tip. we had a zodiac full of younger folks. Of the six couples, I was the oldest at 46, the youngest woman was 28. We ran together, partied together, shared pictures, etc. One of the women couldn’t snorkel because of an ear problem. Her husband buddied with a woman whose husband wasn’t really into swimming. If they hadn’t let us convince Miquel, our guide, to agree to go that extra bit, it wouldn’t have been the amazing trip it turned out to be for us. It would have been OK, but not the same at all. Cruise ships, especially the larger, more established, name brand cruise lines, are going to be expensive. Add in that the trip must be at least 10 days or so to start, that the airfare is high, and that all means expensive. So these cruises are often full of older folks. I guess if you have the cash, it’s OK to only get part of the experience. But, I’d recommend this trip in your 40’s. Or maybe 50s if you are a really active 50ish. Don’t waste your money if you can’t do the hiking, swimming, and exercise. That’s what they make Alaska cruises for. I know, I’m 60 now. As much as I’d love to go back after all these years, it would be a waste.

[@cherifurr3935]

Gary’s 60 and very active-don’t judge by age alone!

[@Sand1955]

Great information! Galapagos Islands has never been a place that interested me. After watching your video, I know for sure that it doesn’t interest me!😄 Nothing about the cruise seemed appealing to me! My snorkling days are done. I am not into reptiles of any size. I no longer have that kind of energy, at 67 years of age with Hashimoto’s Disease, to be active for extended periods of time. Thank you for such an honest assessment of what to expect and of the expense.

[@mijuajua4820]

I could look at birds for hours! 😊Thanks for making this video. I am going in September though😮

[@athenatheos3678]

Great videos thank you Gary. Which Loop did you do? Am planning myself.

[@bigsarge2085]

Happy New Year!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Happy new year!

[@danos1011]

brillaint video Gary. thank yoou

[@davidandrew1078]

Happy New Years from Berri, South Australia.

[@MadeNCda]

Thanks so much for this run down of what to pack Gary. I'm new to cruising but have thus far in last month booked: Mediterranean (Costa), Alaska (HAL), Norwegian Fjords (MSC) and Western EU Cities (on Cunard's Queen Anne) dep during 2023 and 2024. I have used your advice when bkg all of the above, and will purchase specific clothing in line w above. I esp want excellent quality waterproof pants and jacket for Fjords.

[@stevenjohnson4205]

For the fjords make sure you have a wind proof jacket. Once you cross the artic circle it is cold and windy.

[@MadeNCda]

@@stevenjohnson4205 Thank you Steven! I will buy a 3 in 1 waterproof & wind proof jacket, as I do want my mind on the scenery and not my potentially cold body 🤣

[@CarboneCat]

It will also be worth it for the Alaskan cruise as it is windy and rainy. Go with layers as, when I was in Alaska last July, we had very confortable weather in Skagway and Ketchikan. Also, I brought a waterproof pant shell that I could layer on top of warmer leggings. When it rains, it can be muddy in Alaska. We easily cleaned these of and they dry quickly. I have a waterproof windbreaker that I wore on top of breathable long sleeved shirt and a gym t-shirt.

[@MadeNCda]

@@CarboneCat Thank you so much for the wonderful advice. 🤗 Happy New Year!

[@tipsfortravellers]

A great range of cruises and lots of great trips to look forward to!

[@lilbatz]

Gary, are there bird watching tours? I can do without the larger animals, but I heard the bird diversity is amazing.

[@mariaf5474]

I thought I would chime in, as I am a birdwatcher. I spent several weeks birding Ecuador and with 1400 species, mainland is much more diverse. I certainly saw a few unique birds on the Islands, but you don't get the same bang for your buck unless you have a specific target list. A number of landing areas are quite barren limiting bird choices. Some birds I have seen in other parts of the world, but there is a reasonable endemic list, but not every island. On the smaller boats, my preference, they travel about half the islands on a tour, so you want to research birds to islands, and then, for albatross, the correct season. Ebird Hotspots and list will be a good place to review whether there are enough birds of interest to make it worth your while. I did a NW loop in February some years ago. At that time, it was one of the very few that went to Genovesa Island (Gary's cruise also went there) and it was perhaps the best birding experience with frigate birds and boobies nesting right along the paths, and short eared owls, to name a few. Birds weren't my main focus and I am sure you could find a birding tour, so my 48 species over 10 lists may be a poor reflection of what you may see, but my guide knew I was interested and pointed out the few I may have missed. In comparison, my Ecuador list for 3 weeks was 350 species, most of them new. I did go to birdy locations and had private guides for about 9 days.

[@lilbatz]

@@mariaf5474 THANK YOU SO MUCH for the write up! I love bird watching, but don't get to leave the US much. I'm not jaded yet, so the happy little finches would still delight me.

[@mariaf5474]

Haha, I didn't see as many finches as expected, but if they will make you happy, you'll love the penguin antics, flightless cormorants (such amazing blue eyes), boobirs and frigate birds. Enjoy.

[@Nopi9]

Could you go into detail between the difference between iwhat was told to you about the sea lions and the smaller ship

[@WeFade2Grey]

looks more like a school trip than a holiday LOL

[@torin1001]

What is that at 7:28 ? Komodo dragon shell?

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

It would have been an amazing voyage. I am not into animals, so it would not be my first priority, but I can say that if I went on this cruise I would relish every minute! Thank you for the video and happy travels in 2023!

[@catherinegalbreath5836]

I took Natural Habitat Adventures. All packing items were recommended.

[@yogerke]

Good to know

[@josephtomlinson1995]

Happy New year

[@johnley8168]

A trip to the Galapagos is NOT a cruise, but an expedition. You're there to experience Darwin's theory on evolution and not to relax or party. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and researched before booking so we knew what to expect and what size vessel to book.

[@karenjensen2345]

We are going to Galapagos and Machu Pichu on Celebrity in June.

[@chloe5susan]

Karen we did it in Dec with Celebrity Flora. Excellent trip!!!

[@sannes3185]

So the expedition team was better on your ship rather than what you encountered with smaller boats?

[@randyv8232]

That smaller boat he was talking about looked like the one from Quasar.

[@DVBandDad8]

Gary - which Sony RX100 model (version) were you using?

[@tigertelecom1]

Hi Gary. That was my question too! Really enjoy the videos....

[@tipsfortravellers]

I use the VII

[@ElleiDan]

Looks magnificent to me!

[@Saserca]

Any time is goos to go to galapagos. Avery month something will change and tjats galapagos.

[@eprohoda]

unusual ,Tisp! 👽

[@barnabywilde374]

i would've expected a riding tour around the island on the back of one of those giant turtles. Thanks for sparing me that embarrassment. And yes ... TORTOISE.

[@scootypooper]

No jeans? Sounds like a snooty people cruise!

[@davida.4933]

Because they would get waterlogged. C'mon man, think!

[@BoninBrighton]

I would highly recommend visiting the Galápagos NOT via a cruise. It’s not ideal. Best is to go via an adventure group like Exodus or Explore. You’ll stay overnight with locals and have the opportunity to traverse the islands and see spectacular scenery. I spent 4 weeks there one Xmas/New Year a trip of a lifetime: snorkelling, climbing volcanoes, wildlife, beaches, camping, small fishing boat transfers between islands.

[@Saserca]

This is so wrong. The best is to see the the most with cruise ships and top guides.

[@LPAdams1001]

Goodness these people's diving skills are horrible! OWWWW! 0:19 ; 2:29 ; 7:41; 9:02

[@janinekleiber7717]

for old people its okay on a swimming skyscraper

[@Saserca]

This video has so many mistakes. Is only one point of view. If you planing to come to Galapagos find a good agency either land base tours or cruise ships. There is a lot to do depending who you are. This is a good local agency there. Galapgos Best Option.

[@kazaabitboll2026]

Excellent video, just confirmed I am not interested and would be happy looking at a video. I do not like birds, thye do not interest me at all

[@wrlord]

So... you did no research at all.

[@johnoregan9808]

Gary, put a sock in it

[@semsemeini7905]

Does not excite me and super expensive. Prefer a hotel.