Galapagos?

[moveoverye]

Hi, I posted on aibu, but advised to put it here too.
I really want to go to the Galapagos but I don‘t have a huge budget. I have found a tour which is affordable for me, but it I am almost afraid to do too much research about the itinerary or compare to other tours, because I am almost sure that there will be things that I am likely to miss out on, as some trips are many thousands more expensive.

Is the Galapagos the sort of place where you can’t really go wrong even if you don’t see every island or hidden beach or breed of bird? Or is it the sort of place where it’s not worth going unless you’re going to go ‘all out’?

If the former I will feel happier about going ahead to book and ticking this amazing place off my bucket list, but if the latter, perhaps I should be looking at a different destination altogether, if you see what I mean?

This is the trip, it appealed to me because it includes some Ecuador too, is quite active and I like to have a varied itinerary. I am not a massively knowledgeable naturalist but obviously if going to the Galapagos nature is the main point and I don’t want to compromise on that too much. This is really my maximum budget. https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/products/10115-adventures-island-hopping-adventure-in-the-galapagos-islands/

Any thoughts welcome! And thanks.

I think the itinerary looks good and you will get a taster of what the islands have to offer. It’s an amazing place and I don’t think it matters if you don’t see every single bird (unless you are a keen bird watcher).
I went in 2013 and the original plan was to do day trips from Santa Cruz to keep costs down but we did one and didn’t enjoy it. We managed to get on a cruise at the the last minute and did half the islands on a small boat and it was incredible. Looking at your itinerary you’ll be able to see lots of stuff though hiking or cycling and the snorkelling will be incredible. If you have a nice group then it sounds like an excellent trip.

Thanks @Aliensrus great to have an experienced opinion on this!

@moveoverye To keep costs down, the use of a boat is limited on this holiday. The islands visited are fairly close to each other and being land based saves money. The more expensive holidays see more wildlife on more islands by using a cruising boat which must have a naturalist on board. Some islands are quite a sail away from each other and do have wildlife not seen on other Islands. I think this looks decent enough for the money though. The itinerary gives you quite a variety of wildlife.

I don’t think there are direct flights to Quito from the uk. The info seems to indicate there is. There were not when we went. Also the sea water can be freezing! Check kit regarding a wet suit!

Are you aware this does not include flights to/from the meeting point in Quito airport. Also does not include accommodation pre/post trip if needed and the Ecuador trip is an add on. Maybe this is why it is so much cheaper than other trips which may include all these things

@MidtoLon
Hopefully the op did know that. I read it! Lots of holidays are quoted flight free these days as they sell internationally. No cheap route to Quito though.

If you’re not a mad wildlife/birdwatcher, you’ll have a wonderful trip in this itinerary.

There are ‘main’ creatures you’ll see - sea lions galore, the iguanas - marine and land, the tortoises, the penguins, the volcanoes. sharks… The sea is surprisingly cold!

I don’t even want to count how many years ago I visited, but I am that mad person and did all the islands, bar two.

And I believe it’s changed a heck of a lot since then, with many more tourists, so it will be well set up for you.

@PlatinumBrunette The boat trips see next to no one as they don’t all land in the same place on each island and itineraries avoid each other. However you pay a lot for that!