The Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos Islands

Rating:
Summary: Good Galapagos advice
Review: I typically get several travel guides from the library when I plan a trip, then I buy the best one to mark up and take with me on the trip. This is the one for the Galapagos. It really helped me differentiate between the types of tours, the different vessels and the level of guides. It also has much information about the history of the islands, what natural life to expect, the ecological issues, etc. I highly recommend it as a way to plan your visit to the Galapagos Islands.

Rating:
Summary: THE guidebook for those considering going...
Review: The first time I saw this book, I viewed it with a jaundiced eye- after all, Barry is the owner-operator of a travel agency specializing in travel to the Galápagos Islands! Glad I took the time to read it- I've bought every edition since the first!

Barry's book is objective, comprehensive and as up to date as a printed guide can be given that boats are launched and agencies change hands, and includes detailed information on the tour operators, their specializations (e.g. birding, diving, etc.) and even the individual boats. (This is especially valuable- there is no US Coast Guard to assure marine safety in Ecuadórian waters, and the boat you spend a week or more on can make or break the trip- or even you, as more than one boat has sunk or burned.) The book reveals why you can not do the Galápagos justice with a land-based trip, nor in most cases (depending on your trip goals) with a large cruise ship.

You will learn when to go, how to save money to the extent possible, which operators respect the fragile island environment, which ones have university-trained naturalist-guides, which ones do a true seven day trip, vs. those who will take your money for a "seven day trip" and actually put you on a three day trip with a four day trip following (meaning you spend a lot of time in the same places you saw already, not to mention going to port to take on and discharge passengers.) Barry has a dry sense of humor- his slogan is "¡Viva la evolución!"

As someone who has been to "las Islas Encantadas", as the Galápagos islands is often described in Spanish, who is going again in 2003, I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating traveling there as a key planning tool. I only hope Barry is planning to update his valulable book again SOON!

Rating:
Summary: THE guidebook for those considering going...
Review: The first time I saw this book, I viewed it with a jaundiced eye- after all, Barry is the owner-operator of a travel agency specializing in travel to the Galápagos Islands! Glad I took the time to read it- I've bought every edition since the first!

Barry's book is objective, comprehensive and as up to date as a printed guide can be given that boats are launched and agencies change hands, and includes detailed information on the tour operators, their specializations (e.g. birding, diving, etc.) and even the individual boats. (This is especially valuable- there is no US Coast Guard to assure marine safety in Ecuadórian waters, and the boat you spend a week or more on can make or break the trip- or even you, as more than one boat has sunk or burned.) The book reveals why you can not do the Galápagos justice with a land-based trip, nor in most cases (depending on your trip goals) with a large cruise ship.

You will learn when to go, how to save money to the extent possible, which operators respect the fragile island environment, which ones have university-trained naturalist-guides, which ones do a true seven day trip, vs. those who will take your money for a "seven day trip" and actually put you on a three day trip with a four day trip following (meaning you spend a lot of time in the same places you saw already, not to mention going to port to take on and discharge passengers.) Barry has a dry sense of humor- his slogan is "¡Viva la evolución!"

As someone who has been to "las Islas Encantadas", as the Galápagos islands is often described in Spanish, who is going again in 2003, I highly recommend this book to anyone contemplating traveling there as a key planning tool. I only hope Barry is planning to update his valulable book again SOON!

Rating:
Summary: Just back from my trip
Review: Watch out when booking a tour! You're a captive to your boat, your crew, your mates--most of the time on tours is spent en masse, so know before you go. This guide was of great help in selecting a tour, even after hours of internet research.We packed as told, and were glad to have the extra towels, bags, etc. The photography tips weren't relevant to us, but they are equally extensive. He's right--get your guide up early in the morning for optimum viewing. Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Written by an Expert
Review: When going somewhere distant, you'll only get one chance to get things right, and this book is just the ticket to help you know how to prepare. Clearly written, this guide has excellent tips on what to bring, how to pack, how to pick tours, and understanding travel in Galapagos. Boyce also gives plenty of background information on the unique wildlife, geology, climate, and cultural history of these "enchanted islands." Finally, one of the most useful chapters had dozens of photographic tips that helped me get the most from my photos.

Start with this book; it can stand alone as your sole resource on Galapagos travel, or it can be an in-depth introduction that will help you find further references in areas of your interest

Rating:
Summary: The best single book about your Galapagos trip
Review: Written by the owner of the tour company we decided to go with, I had ordered of copy of this from an Internet bookstore, only to find that we were to receive a free copy with our trip deposit. The extra went to Jill's mom, who travels vicariously with us when she and Bob aren't gallivanting about on their own. If you can only get one book for your trip to the Galapagos, this is the most comprehensive, covering booking a tour; the history, geology, botany, zoology of the islands; and photographing flora, fauna and landscape, all written in a light, humorous style. Other guide books go into farther detail on some items, but this is the best one stop shop.