FEATURE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Sunvil Traveller is one tour operator planning to run fam trips, training and UK workshops this year.
From the Front Line LLOYD BOUTCHER
Director, Sunvil Traveller “The trend is for people to mix cruising with land-
based options. There’s a trend towards family groups and choosing high-end vessels. Finchbay Hotel, one of the most ecological and luxurious of the hotels in the Galapagos Islands, is accessible by boat. Near Puerto Ayora, it has its own private beach, nice restaurants and bars. People like the freedom to do what they want.”
are available on five- and seven-night cruises on the MC Eclipse and the new MC Athala (www,sanctuaryretreats. com/cruises/galapagos). Red Mangrove, which runs dive and
snorkel expeditions, is due to open a new dive academy on Santa Cruz in July.
“Wildlife in the Galapagos generally lives without fear, often making it possible for visitors to get very close to different species”
DAVID HORWELL Director, Select Latin America “Tailor-made is selling
better as people become more specific about their travel requirements and dates. Most of our customers book a week’s cruise to the Galapagos, generally on the smaller 14-20 passenger vessels. “We always recommend a cruise over hotel-based trips, and prefer to promote boats that offer 'early bird' discounts to those who book 180 days in advance. Agents' commission is 10% on the non-flight element, but this is always negotiable depending on the nature of the package.”
REBECCA MCKERNAN Manager of Intrepid My Adventure Store “People don’t realise how
expensive it is. The Galapagos is usually
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2012 29
combined with other destinations, and potential visitors need to budget an extra £2,000 on top of whatever else is planned. Clients tend to be in their thirties, those with savings or older retired people with a disposable income. People always say what an amazing time they have had.”
KAREN SHEPHERD UK & Europe Sales Manager, Peregrine & Gecko’s Adventures
“Our best sellers are two 10-day trips – ‘Enchanted Galapagos’ and ‘Classic Galapagos’. Clients spend seven nights on board the MY San Jose, the perfect number of days to give them a wonderful experience. Peregrine’s maximum group size of 16 is small enough to offer individual service and an intimate Galapagos experience. We have just introduced Reserve by Peregrine featuring
'Galapagos in Style' on board the Galapagos Grand Odyssey, one of the most luxurious
boats in the Archipelago. “Geckos Adventures is for the more price-sensitive traveller who tend to
favour the shorter voyages which spend three to four nights on a boat.”
Main picture: A turtle off Tortuga Above: sunset in the Galapagos; up close and personal in a kayak; a red-breasted Frigate Bird looking to attract a female
Where to Book It HEADWATER – 01606 720 033
www.headwater.com
The Galapagos Wildlife Cruise, a 13-day trip departing October 28, 2012 is £5,079pp, with flights, meals and transfers. Park entry fee of $100 is payable at the destination. Price includes three nights at the Patio Andaluz on mainland Ecuador in Quito, transferring for seven nights to the 90-guest yacht, the Santa Cruz. The itinerary visits 10 of the islands as well as the Charles Darwin Research station accompanied by English-speaking naturalist guides.
INTREPID – 020 7288 4303
www.intrepidtravel.com
The Active Galapagos 10-day tour starts and ends in Quito with hotel overnights on four Galapagos Islands. Priced from £1,620pp (not including flights) it includes transfers between the
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