HAL Galapagos excursion from Lima

[Mike B Landlubber]

I just signed up for a cruise on Oosterdam in March-April 2024, going from Chile to Florida through the Panama Canal. I’m intrigued that HAL offers a very expensive shore excursion leaving from Lima and going to the Galápagos Islands for a few days. That’s a place I’ve always wanted to see, but I’ve been put off by the high cost of most trips. Using that excursion would let me see the island wildlife for myself for a brief time at a high cost but lower than a special trip. I’m hoping either that will satisfy my desire to see the islands or possibly confirm for me that I think they’re really great and will be willing to spend the high cost for a specialized trip. I don’t see much discussion of that excursion here. Does anyone have experience with the HAL Galapagos excursion they can share?

 

Separately, my package includes a $500 OBC. From older postings here, I see that the credit couldn’t be used till onboard the ship, though there was talk of complaining and hoping for a policy change. Is there any sign HAL might relent and allow use for pre-booking? I’m a little concerned about waiting till I’m on board for many items, especially shore excursions and specialized restaurant reservations. Don’t want the desirable stuff to sell out!

[knitter]

No experience with using HAL to go to the Galapagos but we did a 7 day cruise there (tiny ship- no more than 18-20 people) and it was wonderful. We were out in zodiacs for snorkeling and hikes 2x a day, on board naturalists and food were excellent (I think all ships have to use trained park guides). We combined it with a trip Machu Picchu. I think a cruise is better than a land based trip there- you will see more variety/islands. We saw a pod of orcas and dolphins put on a show for us that was amazing. We actually got into the zodiacs to travel with orcas for a bit.

[CruiserBruce]

There has been no change in the HAL policy about NOT using OBC before you board.

[REOVA]

We book excursions we want ahead of time before they sell out. Then go to excursion desk onboard and ask them to credit back to account and deduct from OBC. We had success in doing that (even on waitlisted if EXC does the rebooking) but need to discuss with them first. "Past performance does not guarantee future results" 😉

 

Pre Covid we might book private tours, especially in ports we are comfortable in. With changes in times and ports being a norm on cruises now, play it safe and book tour with HAL. You can always do Celebrity or excursion cruise for more detail adventures later. 

[CruiserN1]

i went to the Galapagos on Celebrity a year ago. It was so incredible, we're saving up for another trip. If you are interested in wildlife at all, you will love it. It's like snorkeling in an aquarium, there are so many fish. Everything is pristine because of the environmental regulations. 

[Harboursiders]

Our trip is dated (2016) however this was our impression then and now.

We were fortunate to take this tour while sailing aboard the Prinsendam on the 2016 World South America - Antarctica cruise.  For us the HAL Galapagos excursion was worth the price.  There are better ways of seeing the Galapagos but we are in the older demographic and it was probably our only opportunity to get to these amazing islands. 

The tour was very well organized and HAL provided an excellent tour guide to accompany us.  Our tour group (28 if memory serves me correctly) remained together on the first very long day (now shortened).  We were split into smaller daily tour groups on our second and third days based upon individual mobility and interests.  Each group was led by an experienced Galapagos naturalist.

Our group visited three very different islands.  Each island provided insight into the stunning diverse Galapagos aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Time at each island was limited by National Park Regulation but was ample for island trekking on defined paths,  a beach visit and snorkeling.

We were based at hotels in Puerto Ayora that provided suitable accommodations for the Galapagos (not ship standards).  Being based in town provided an excellent opportunity to experience island life and cuisine.  However it meant a scenic bus ride, about 50 minutes each way, both days between town and tour boat harbor.  The bus route was through tortoise habitat however we did not observe any on these days.  We did see numerous tortoises on the first day though. 

We thoroughly enjoyed our Galapagos experience as brief as it was.  It was certainly an excellent introduction to the island archipelago.  Take advantage of this excursion If this is your only opportunity to get there despite the cost.  It was one of the best HAL excursions we have been on.  I will warn you that it will wet your appetite for more if you have interest in the Galapagos Islands.

One advantage of this trip was that it could be combined with an excursion to Machu Picchu.  About half of our group continued on to Machu Picchu.  It made for a lot of travel in a limited time frame however well worth the extra cost.   

 

      Galapagos Welcome 

[Mike B Landlubber]

Just the type of info I wanted! thanks, Harboursider!

Edited January 10, 2023 by Mike B Landlubber

[AKJonesy]

12 hours ago, Harboursiders said:

HIJACK Thread Alert:  Thank you Harboursiders for the information.  I also wanted to know about this excursion.  Do you mind answering one more question? My husband and I both in last year had total shoulder replacement surgery and total hip replacement surgery.  Our recoveries are coming along, but we are currently not 100%.  Are there any restrictions for the Galapagos excursion that you could think of that would restrict us?  For example, was it difficult to get in and out of boats, etc.  I told my husband that I won't go on that HAL sailing UNLESS we can go all in on the Galapagos excursion because we are probably never going to see it again.  We are currently not scheduled for any sailing, but want to plan for it.  Thank you. 

 

[Harboursiders]

11 hours ago, AKJonesy said:

 

Sorry to hear of your medical problems.  Hopefully you both recovery successfully and are able to enjoy your 'new mobility' soon. 

In regards  to your question, I will try to give you the most detail I can in order for you to make a proper assessment.  I will apologize now for the length.

Possible Restrictions 

1) Tendering

We were part of the most active group during our Galapagos excursion (second and third day). 

Each day the island visits required the group to tender by Zodiacs at the port to the tour boat (cabin cruiser).  These transfers required descending vertical ladders (3ft max) to the Zodiac.  Accessing the tour boat from the Zodiacs required stepping from the Zodiac to the swim platform and then stepping through an opening in the transom.  Of course this was repeated in reverse upon return to port.  

We used the Zodiacs to reach the three islands.  Disembarking from the tour boats was by stepping off of the swim platform into the Zodiacs.  Shoreline access required transfer from moving Zodiacs (minor wave and current action) to rocky shorelines but was not much trickier.  

The first island had a fairly level wet fractured lava access point reachable by stepping from the Zodiac bow.  You then had to scramble over a low exposed lava cobble/ boulder tidal shelf to the main island. The second island access was onto a  raised (2ft) lava shelf covered with a tarp to minimize slipping directly from the bow.  This was immediately followed by an 8ft climb on large smooth lava boulders.  The third island was a beach access in the Zodiac directly from the stern swim platform.    

The tour boat crew provided excellent physical and verbal assistance as required for all transfers.  They did not rush anyone and transferred all personal gear as needed.  All transfers were conducted in a very safe manner with support if needed.  One participant had knee problems but was able to negotiate the transfers with minimal concerns. 

2) Terrain

On our first day we stopped for lunch and tortoise viewing.  The terrain was flat with muddy trails that we explored on our own.  There is a lava tube there that requires you to negotiate 15ft stairs with a railing if you elect to see it.  The terrain within the lava tube was generally smooth level lava.  

Touring the first two islands (Day 2/3) required walking for up to 1 to 1.5hr at a moderate rate along established lava paths. Stops were well spread out as the naturalist imparted his extensive knowledge with the group.  The paths were primarily level, gravel/sand/cobble lava surfaces with occasional larger lava outcroppings or depressions.  The naturalist alerted the group to most of the terrain alterations.  Firm footing was present along all paths.

We had to negotiate a moderate incline on the first island immediately after our arrival.  The naturalist stopped frequently along this section of the trail.  

The third island stop was at an extensive sand beach with exposed lava bedrock formations ideal for wandering, swimming and viewing the wildlife. 

Trekking poles would certainly be beneficial along the first island ascent if you feel necessary.     

3) Heat and Shade

It was hot (80 + F) on the islands and shade was scarce to non-existent.  A few group members found it stressful and returned to the tour boat early on the first island.    

4) Snorkeling

Our trip included two snorkeling stops.  The first was a relaxing snorkel in shallow water within a sheltered bay with no current or waves.   

The second snorkel site was a drift dive for 45 minutes in 30ft of water and 40ft offshore of the second island. This dive was more serious requiring comfort in the water and more advanced snorkeling skills to fully appreciate the dive.  Several tour members elected to remain on the tour boat .

Access to the tour boat was via the swim platform ladder. 

The naturalist was also a Dive Master.  He observed the snorkelers from a nearby Zodiac while the remaining crew observed from the tour boat.  Flotation vests were worn by the snorkelers  but did not have to be inflated.  

5) Airports

Access to the aircraft required climbing ramps from the tarmac to the aircraft.  We were left standing on the hot tarmac for 15 minutes while waiting to board when leaving the Galapagos. 

 

I hope this helps you make a more informed decision with input from your medical team. 

There was also a smaller group on our tour that did less strenuous activities.  They did not tender and did less walking but enjoyed their excursions.  They were the envy of our group as they were the only ones to see a Galapagos penguin. 

You must keep in mind that the islands you would visit are not necessarily the ones in our itinerary. Water and weather conditions can alter the itinerary.     

Hopefully you are able to get to the islands.  Pictures are nice but you have to get there to appreciate them, if only briefly.

Harboursiders

                  

First Island Landing Point Terrain (Tour Boat in Background)

 

Second Island Landing Point

 

Second Island Landing Point (Returning)

 

Disembarking Tour Boat to Zodiac

 

First Island Climb

 

Upper level Trail Terrain (Our Fantastic HAL Tour Guide Natalia)

 

Second Island Terrain

 

Second Island Terrain

 

[AKJonesy]

13 hours ago, Harboursiders said:

I am glad I talked my husband out of the most recent trip and said we need to be much farther down the road of our recovery.  Your detail was EXCELLENT and will be extremely helpful to anyone thinking about this excursion.  It made me think about the footwear, clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunblock, water, etc., all that will be needed and can be planned out in advance.  I also forgot to mention that I have vertigo and so I have to be very careful when snorkeling not to "trigger" an event.  So, knowing the conditions for snorkeling is very helpful.  I love your pictures which really tells the story of conditions for this excursion.  Thanks a million.  I am going to share this thread and photos with my husband.  

 

 

Edited January 11, 2023 by AKJonesy