Galapagos Alternative
Galapagos Alternative
5
Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Fishing Charters & Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
At Galapagos Alternative we specialize in personalized land-based tour packages. We offer unique experiences of the islands the way we see them: as locals. Choose the sights and activities most interesting to you, stay at local places, eat at local restaurants, and of course, get up-close experiences with the amazing animals that make the Galapagos Islands so special. We can help you find the best options to fit your timeframe, budget and preferences. We can help with all aspects of your trip, from booking unique accommodations to daily activities and transport between the islands. We are Jill and Javier Moreno, and we'd like to welcome you to our home. We look forward to treating you like family, showing you our favorite places, and ensuring that you have the experience of a lifetime in the amazing and beautiful Galapagos!
Galapagos Alternative
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(17 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
364 reviews
Excellent
325
Very good
22
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Josee W
NYC4 contributions
Jan 2023
We had a wonderful and smooth travel experience with Galapagos Alternative. They worked closely with my friend and myself to create an itinerary that worked for us. The daily checkins with local representatives were a great way to make sure all went smoothly and we knew exactly how to prepare for each day trip. From the moment we arrived in Baltra, we were taken care of, and the activity they planned were terrific.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kandra Y
South Lake Tahoe, CA1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
When trying to plan our Galapagos trip I was pretty overwhelmed by all of the choices and companies, despite being an avid family travel planner. We are a family of four with two tween-age girls. We used Galapagos Alternative for the first week of our trip to the Galápagos and truly, couldn't be happier. We landed in Baltra (Santa Cruz) and visited Isabela as well via ferry. The company arranged tours, ferry rides, and hotel accommodations that were just right for us. Prior to landing, Lauren was helpful and quick to reply to email questions. From the moment we landed we were taken care of, but not in an intrusive way. Clara on Santa Cruz and Emilie on Isabela were both incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. Importantly, they helped us get where we needed to be, when we needed to be there! And while we are trying to practice our Spanish, it was convenient that both are fluent in English. We felt very spoiled by this company and have already recommended it to friends visiting the islands. We would highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring the Galápagos!
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for this glowing review! We are glad we were able to make your trip so easy. :)
Written January 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert L
2 contributions
Oct 2022
We really appreciated Galapagos Alternative for their support of local businesses and guides and their close attention to our needs as a group of six adults. Their selection of well-informed and personable guides for our nine land-based days was excellent - we all had a great time and learned a lot!
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert K
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
My wife and I took our 2 teenage grandchildren to the Galapagos for 10 days. Galapagos Alternative designed an excellent itinerary. The logistics were flawless and the tours and representatives excellent. Two of the three hotels were a little below our expectations. They have an excellent reputation in the Galapagos which we thought resulted in our being treated very well throughout.
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christine E
San Rafael, CA2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I recently used Galapagos Alternative for a land based tour focused on snorkeling and seeing a wide variety of animals on the islands. I initially found it very daunting trying to figure out what islands to go to and how to get there. I was priced out of a Marine tour because I only wanted to spend a total of $10,000 for 2 people, my adult son and I to have an eight day vacation on the Galapagos. The cost of the tour planned by Galapagos alternative allowed for us to have enough funds for our airfare and hotels in Quito.
I was pleasantly surprised when we were met at the airport in Baltra by the Galapagos Alternative representatives. This created a smooth entrance to the islands as well as a taxi ride directly to our hotel. At our hotel we were met by Sabine from GA,who went over our entire visit with all the details. She made excellent recommendations for restaurants and other points of interest on the island. We were in close communication with her regarding renting wetsuits, organizing a dive for my son, and arranging taxis to and from the pier where we were traveling from for our day trips.
She escorted us to the ferry when it was time to travel to our next islands, Isabella. This made for a very smooth transition in a bit of a complicated scenario at 6:30 AM. We were met at the dock by beautiful Emilie on the island of Isabella. She picked us up in her car drove us to our next hotel. Again she let us know where to be what to bring and what would be entailed in our tours that were arranged for us on the island of Isabella. She also recommended restaurants and helped us with renting wetsuits and fans.
We flew to our third island, San Cristobal where we were met at the airport by Juan Karlos. He brought us by taxi to our new hotel and again reviewed our planned activities over the next few days that were spent on the island. Again we were in close communication with him about details and questions that we had. Restaurants were recommended and he actually helped us significantly when my son lost his wallet. I can’t say more about the service that was rendered by all the representatives of Galapagos Alternative. I highly recommend them for anyone who is interested in doing a land tour of the beautiful islands of the Galapagos.
I was pleasantly surprised when we were met at the airport in Baltra by the Galapagos Alternative representatives. This created a smooth entrance to the islands as well as a taxi ride directly to our hotel. At our hotel we were met by Sabine from GA,who went over our entire visit with all the details. She made excellent recommendations for restaurants and other points of interest on the island. We were in close communication with her regarding renting wetsuits, organizing a dive for my son, and arranging taxis to and from the pier where we were traveling from for our day trips.
She escorted us to the ferry when it was time to travel to our next islands, Isabella. This made for a very smooth transition in a bit of a complicated scenario at 6:30 AM. We were met at the dock by beautiful Emilie on the island of Isabella. She picked us up in her car drove us to our next hotel. Again she let us know where to be what to bring and what would be entailed in our tours that were arranged for us on the island of Isabella. She also recommended restaurants and helped us with renting wetsuits and fans.
We flew to our third island, San Cristobal where we were met at the airport by Juan Karlos. He brought us by taxi to our new hotel and again reviewed our planned activities over the next few days that were spent on the island. Again we were in close communication with him about details and questions that we had. Restaurants were recommended and he actually helped us significantly when my son lost his wallet. I can’t say more about the service that was rendered by all the representatives of Galapagos Alternative. I highly recommend them for anyone who is interested in doing a land tour of the beautiful islands of the Galapagos.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your kind response! We are very pleased you had such a wonderful time in Galapagos and that our representatives on each island were able to help you feel welcomed, connected, and cared for. Thank you for trusting us with such a special experience for you and your son.
Written October 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marinabura
London, UK4 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We were meant to go on a trip in April 2029 which was cancelled due to Covid by the company. We were promised a refund once a business picks up within a couple of years, but after following up more than two years later we were told that they are unable to give us a refund. I understand that the business might still be struggling, but I am appalled by the fact that I had to chase for them to tell me that. It means that I couldn’t claim on my insurance for more than two years, and it is unclear to me when the decision to not refund customers has been made, and why the company decided to not communicate it.
The company did offer us a rescheduling of the trip which unfortunately can’t take as we have a baby now.
The company did offer us a rescheduling of the trip which unfortunately can’t take as we have a baby now.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Unfortunately, the pandemic hit Galapagos harder than anyone could have anticipated and many businesses closed permanently. We were certainly hoping to have recovered by now.
We have offered credits for future trips to all of our travelers who could not come because of COVID-19-related cancelations. We apologize for the change and for not communicating this sooner. We hope you are still able to process your claim with your insurance.
We communicated all of this via email. This one-star review seems unjustified since you haven't yet experienced Galapagos Alternatives´five-star service.
The offer still stands if you decide to visit someday. The travel credit does not have an expiration date. Galapagos is a wonderful place to share with children.
Written September 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leiba K
Gainesville, GA7 contributions
May 2022
We recently returned from a 10 day Galapagos adventure, booked with Galapagos Alternative (who I found on TripAdvisor) Lauren customized our trip from the overall budget to the types of places we wanted to stay, the places we wanted to visit and the types of tours we wanted to experience. She was quick to respond to any questions we had in the planning stages as well as in the booking process. We were met a the VIP airport lounge upon arrival and departure in the Galapagos and made to feel welcome. Hotel Solymar on Santa Cruz lived up to its reputation for friendly sea lions and La Casa de Marita on Isabela Island was a beautiful small beachfront property. Most of our breakfasts were included and most of the lunches were included in the tours. Sabine was our "concierge" in Santa Cruz,and met with us every evening to discuss the next day's tours and offer dinner suggestions, Emily was our "concierge" on Isabela Island and met with us each morning. Our tours were with a small group or individual with a local guide ( Paoblo, Darwin, Priscella and Michael, we can't thank you enough for all that you showed us and taught us about conservation and the local wildlife in the islands ! Eddie thank you for the cab rides !) We took the boat transfer from Ecuador on the way to the islands but opted for the plane ride on the day of departure back to the mainland due to timing.(plane was 45 minutes vs approximately 3 hour boat ride). We would not hesitate to re-book with Galapagos Alternative again and wish they had a "sister" tour company in other parts of the world !
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jing H
Santa Clara, CA24 contributions
Apr 2022
Galapagos Alternative arranged a two week private trip for my partner and I. We spend 11 days on the islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal) and 3 days around Quito. It was a wonderful trip and we had the time of our lives thanks to GA. From start to finish the GA local representatives and guides are friendly and helpful. As soon as we arrived on Santa Cruz airport we were escorted to the VIP lounge. They took care of paying the National Park fee and we didn't have to stand in line for that. At each location we were greeted by GA rep who took care of everything for us. They gave us all the info we needed and the activities we could do ourselves. All the transports are private and all the drivers are on time and very friendly. We love all the excursions they arranged for us. All the hotel selections are excellent. All the guides are wonderful, very knowledgeable and super friendly. I would recommend GA for anybody who want to visit Galapagos islands and mainland Ecuador.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your kind review, Jing! We're pleased everything went smoothly.
Written May 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David & Marie
1 contribution
Mar 2022
We booked our trip- first to the Galapagos- through Galapagos Alternative(GA). They are an exceptional company to work with. We had only 5 days to spend on the islands and wanted to make the most of the time that we could. We worked via internet with Sabine, who tailored our trip based on our preferences and put together a fabulous experience visiting Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands. She was responsive and knowledgeable and provided us with the best guides, excursions, and hikes. The staff are all locals who love their island home and loved showing it to us. In addition to seeing the incredible flora, fauna, and geology of the islands, we enjoyed learning a little about the local people there. We ate really well at recommended restaurants and even had a gourmet meal at a Peruvian chef's home.
A GA representative was there when we arrived at the airport, transported us to our hotel and met with us at our hotel every evening to make sure we had everything we needed and to plan the next day’s activities. We were provided with a map of Puerto Ayora, restaurant and activity recommendations, and advice about what we needed for each activity and how to stay healthy. Of note, Javier, Daniela, and Juan Carlos were exceptional. There was just the right amount of help without being the least bit intrusive.
We highly recommend this company, without reservation, for an experience that you will never forget.
A GA representative was there when we arrived at the airport, transported us to our hotel and met with us at our hotel every evening to make sure we had everything we needed and to plan the next day’s activities. We were provided with a map of Puerto Ayora, restaurant and activity recommendations, and advice about what we needed for each activity and how to stay healthy. Of note, Javier, Daniela, and Juan Carlos were exceptional. There was just the right amount of help without being the least bit intrusive.
We highly recommend this company, without reservation, for an experience that you will never forget.
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tim D
2 contributions
Jan 2022
After a two year covid delay, my wife and I finally made it to the Galapagos in early January. Galapagos Alternative handled our travel planning. Sabine was very helpful answering all of our planning questions, then covid postponement and finally, the trip. Once the trip began, we dealt with a GA representative in-person at each of the 3 islands we stayed on. It made our awesome trip that much more relaxing knowing we had local knowledge at every turn. They were also flexible when we decided to scuba on one of our tours instead of snorkeling.
Written January 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BritsinUSA
2 contributions
Hi I was wondering if there are any day trips to North Seymour from Santa Cruz without snorkeling. I am traveling with seniors who wish to see the island. Thank you!
4acadia
Boulder, CO198 contributions
Hello again. Did anyone who went to Isabela w/ GA see the Flightless Cormorant? This is the bird my son most wants to see so I need to make sure it's possible on a land-based trip. Thank you!
nytoonc
charlotte,nc
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction?
Can anyone tell me what GA charges for there services. I am looking at a 7 day trip next april and find the trip planning to be daunting.
Any feedback would be very much appreciated
TK , Raleigh NC
William Z
Chicago, Illinois, United States48 contributions
GA is great. Worth the money to ensure quality. There are a lot of truly local guides that you probably wouldn't want to spend a day with.
4acadia
Boulder, CO198 contributions
Hello! This is such a bucket list for me! I'm already in touch with Sabine, but wanted to ask the community a question or two ( I have no idea when we'll be able to do this - 2019 or 2020 I am hoping! Anyway...is 6-7 days long enough to see a lot of the wildlife? What were the must-dos you found, especially in terms of good snorkeling and seeing the most unique wildlife? Anyone go end of March? What was the weather like?
Ssagar7
Washington DC, DC108 contributions
You definitely can, but will have to pick and choose what you want to do - and may be a little rushed, but doable. We went for 8 nights total I think, and got a chance to go to 3 islands and see everything that was “top” on our list. You can customize your tour so I would just do your research, figure out what you want to do, and work with them to plan.
Hola tiene un telefono con whatsapp para pedir informacion? Gracias
jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
Hola si, +593 996455018 Javier
Pablo Sebastián R
1 contribution
Hola, vamos a estar por fin de mayo en Galápagos y queríamos saber qué ofrecen para hacer bautismos de buceos. Si bien no estamos certificados hicimos ocho clases el pileta para naui en una escuela en Argentina. Nos interesa saber a qué lugares nos podrían llevar y qué especies o atracciones podríamos ver. Muchas gracias!
jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
Hola Pablo,
Por favor envíanos un correo para poder ayudar con mayor información.
emily b
Sugar Land, TX118 contributions
We have tried to contact but aren't receiving any response? Is there a better way to get in touch with this company? We leave in 2 days and are still looking at last minute options! Thanks!
jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
The best way to contact us is through our website or email us directly.
claudia i
San Juan, Argentina
Hola, viajamos en enero de 2017, somo 5 personas y me gustaría contactarlos y así tener mas información sobre el servicio que ofrecen. Gracias. Saludos
jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
Gracias por contactarnos. Por favor envíanos un email para poder ayudarle con su pedido.
Henrik B
Copenhagen, Denmark5 contributions
Hi.
We are travelling to Galapagos Islands in January 2017.
We have been trying to contact you for arranging a tour on the islands.
Can you inform about the best way to get in contact with you ?
Best regards,
Henrik Bjerring
jilapagos
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador9 contributions
Thanks Sean! Yes we are happy to help. We recently had problems with our email but it is back up now. Info at galapagosalternative . com is the best way to get started with us for an itinerary catered to your travel style.
Martin G
New York City, NY4 contributions
I want to know if it is feasible to have a 4 or 5 day meaningful trip to Galapagos islands on day trips without having to sleep on a boat. We are a couple in our 60s and do not need diving or snorkeling but just want to have a worthwhile experience and see enough to feel we haven't shortchanged the experience. Thank you. Marty Gordon
Norman H
Richmond, Canada21 contributions
I'd say "Yes" to your question, though it'd be a real pity to miss out on some snorkelling, as it is really wonderful, and really very easy (except perhaps at Kicker Rock). We were there for 2 weeks and had a wonderful time.
A couple of suggestions:
1) Contact "Galapagos Alternative" - Jill Blythe (see our review of them). We worked with them to set up our custom, land-based itinerary, and I'm sure they would be very helpful - let them know what you want and work with them to come up with an itinerary that meets your needs.
2) Stay some of you time on San Cristobal - you leave your waterfront hotel and have to share the promenade with 100s of docile sea lions and marine iguanas.
3) Stay some time on Isabella if you can fit it into your limited time, but fly (extra $s) - the speedboat trip is long and at times uncomfortable.
4) Stay some time on Santa Cruz.
5) Do fit in some boat day or 1/2 day excursions, and please re-consider not snorkelling