Lindblad Expeditions - Absolutely Wonderful Nature Expeditions
Written: Dec 09 '05 (Updated Nov 25 '08)
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Pros: Very thorough, easy booking, no hassles, stress free, often pampered, great staff & naturalists
Cons: Trips are expensive (but worth it)
The Bottom Line: Traveling and touring with Lindblad Expeditions was an amazing experience, and I would do it again in a minute. I highly recommend!!
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| Javelina's Full Review: Lindblad Expeditions |
I have wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands for as long as I can remember. Last year, my husband and I got married in Mexico, so for our one-year anniversary, considering the Mayan Riviera was demolished by hurricanes, we decided we would take the opportunity to go on an adventurous trip and go to the Galapagos.
My husband and I did a ton of research. We found tons of tour operators and tour boats, and a decision was proving difficult. We decided our main factors would be the size of the boat and the tour company – preferably a “decent size boat” without being too large, and “reputable” company – likely U.S. based and some experience under their belts. I was pleased to find out that they “have been exploring Galápagos for almost 40 years”.
It wasn’t too long before we found Lindblad’s site at www.expeditions.com. We wanted a longer, as opposed to shorter trip, so it seemed like they were a good fit. (Why fly and travel so far, only to spend a few days? 10 days was just right).
Destinations
Alaska
Antarctica
Arctic
Baja California
British Isles
Central America
Egypt
Europe
Galapagos
Pacific Northwest
South America
South Pacific
There are a variety trips and different variations according to location. For example, the Galapagos trip was available on different boats and different lengths. A South America trip can have vastly different itineraries.
About Lindblad
Founded by Sven-Olof Lindblad in 1979, Lindblad Expeditions (LEX) was originally established as a division of Lindblad Travel, which was launched in 1958. Over the years, LEX has earned a reputation for creating expeditions that are as eye opening and inspiring as they are comfortable and fun. We take small groups to out-of-the-way places on nimble expedition ships that nose into ports and call on islands where cruise ships simply cannot go. Our distinguished roster of Expedition Leaders (EL) and naturalists are experts in their field with a passion for uncovering - and interpreting - the mysteries of nature and history. At Lindblad, we have faith that adventurous travelers long for an original experience that reveals a destination to them in a way that is unique unto itself. These are not scheduled tours, these are expeditions.
You can read more on www.expeditions.com
The Nitty Gritty: Cost
Lindblad Expeditions is easily very expensive. However, it was very clear to us. If you’re going to the Galapagos, do it the right way. You don’t want to be stuck on a tiny boat, and you want to see as much of the islands as you can. We have had a really rough year (my mom passed away right after I got married, and this year has been an ongoing struggle), and I wanted to make this once-in-a-lifetime adventure one to remember.
Depending on cabin (most tours are based out of a boat), the price varies. 10 days – which really equates to 8 full days on the boat – was priced between $3,650 and $6,280, per person. You think that’s expensive – try their 26 days trip through Antarctica in the nicest cabin for $26,760 per person! Of course, that same trip will cost you much less (but still a lot) for their cheapest cabin.
Booking
In the process of my research, I signed up on Lindblad’s mailing list. I got color brochures, catalogs, and e-mails. One day we were doing research, the next, I had received an e-mail offering $500 discounts on airfare, per person. Since booking and going on my trip, we regularly get notices for discounts – so get on their mailing list!
As soon as I got the discounts, we called to see about availability. I figured the cabins were going to get snatched up right away, but there were some choices. I put down an $800 deposit ($400 pp) to reserve the cabin. Full payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. This meant, because we were booking under three months in advance, we needed to pay, immediately.
Lindblad books your cabins and your air travel, unless you prefer to handle the booking on your own. (For example, someone who wants to use frequent flyer miles).
After booking, we got paperwork from Lindblad to fill out. Personal information, passport information, medical issues, etc.
Shortly before leaving for our trip, we received a sort of trip planner. This was a nice little canvas “book” that held everything we would need – e-tickets, luggage tags, identifiable ribbons for our luggage, name tags, hotel info, itinerary info, etc.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is available through Lindblad. We decided to get it because we had a lot going on and felt we needed the added protection. For our trip, it cost $500.
The Trip: Just Show Up! Everything’s Taken Care of!
We decided to fly to Ecuador a day early (in case there were any mishaps with our air travel, I didn’t want to risk missing the boat), which Lindblad had no problem being flexible in their booking. Even though we arrived early, the same day as another one of their trips was leaving, we were greeted at the airport with large “Lindblad” signs. I explained we were a day early (planning on taking our own transportation) and immediately the guide knew my name. She ushered on to a bus while our luggage was attended to.
We were whisked to our hotel. On the bus ride, the tour explained everything we needed to know. She gave us her room number should we need her assistance any time during our stay. At the hotel, we were greeted with welcome drinks. There was no need to check in – we were given our room cards right away – so we went up to our rooms with drink and breakfast vouchers. Our luggage showed up at our room shortly thereafter.
In the morning, wake-up calls were arranged and we were to put our baggage in front of our rooms for pickup. We went to the lobby, got on our bus, and headed to the airport to fly to Baltra, Galapagos. Once there, we were herded onto a bus, and a few minutes later at the port, we got on Zodiacs to embark on our boat! Again – luggage was delivered shortly after checking into the boat.
Our ship was clean and we were fully briefed on safety, schedules, the boat, etc. I soon learned that there is a very structured schedule, complete with regular announcements and excursions. Every evening we received a schedule on our bed that told us everything we needed to know about the next day’s activities, including weather, water temperature, how strenuous a hike would be, wet vs. dry landings, etc.
Excursions usually had a variety of opens – slow paced, fast paced, snorkeling vs. beach time or walks, etc. There was usually something to appeal to everyone, so for example, on one of the cooler days when the sun wasn’t out, my husband went snorkeling while I did a walk.
Saying Farewell
The departure procedures were just as nice as our arrival. We were amazed to hear that the next group of tourists were coming on the boat just two hours after we left, so they were going to turn around and do a tour all over again! We left our checked luggage in our room, which was transferred to the airport and completely handled for us. We were treated to the VIP Lounge at the airport, which I have to say was absolutely wonderful. There was even a woman standing in front of the lounge with a big “Lindblad” sign. The Baltra airport is just tiny, and the Lounge was luxurious and felt about the same size as the rest of the airport!
Even when we arrived in the airport in Quito, there was someone standing there with a big “Lindblad” sign. We gathered together and the same smooth procedure of going to the hotel as a group was carried out. Even once we got to the hotel, since Lindblad is teamed up with Metropolitan Touring, we were able to get a nighttime guided bus tour of Quito last minute, which we took advantage of and loved.
My Thoughts
I was worried at first about spending so much money. However, I simply loved our trip, for many reasons. Here are the highlights of the trip:
▪ Smooth booking, thorough paperwork and follow-throughs
▪ Receiving a trip planner in the mail, which was an integral part of our traveling (we even used it for other destinations!)
▪ We learned that Lindblad is allowed more access than other tour companies. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can visit many Parks.
▪ Looking at the other boats as we arrived in port, I knew that the choice of the boat was just right. Some of the smaller boats looked pretty awful, and after traveling for a full week on Lindblad (the Galapagos has some rough seas), I couldn’t imagine going on just about any other boat.
▪ The structured schedule and thoroughness of the staff. We always knew what to bring with us each day, what to expect, and so on.
▪ Lindblad supports environmental causes. The company was “founded on a simple premise – to bring travelers to remote and pristine places and to explore in ways that enable guests to better appreciate wildlife and nature through personal experience. Our leading premise is simple: respectful tourism can be a key factor in helping to sustain a region and, in some cases, even repair it. The company has raised more than $5 million for local projects in the areas of education, conservation and micro-enterprise in regions where we travel.” We were encouraged, on our cruise, to donate to support the Galapagos. Lindblad would match our donation and give us that amount off on any future cruise.
▪ We were taught important environmental lessons. I expected we would learn about the plights of the islands among other issues, and I was pleased when the guides taught us many important lessons. However, despite all the teaching we received, it never felt like they were preaching. In fact, on one excursion, the guides found a sea lion with some kind of cord wrapped around his neck, and they heroically tackled it long enough to cut it off. Wow.
▪ Our guides spoke English, fluently, and we had no problems understanding them. (Not always the case in the Galapagos with other groups). They were extremely knowledgeable and we asked them ridiculous amounts of questions – all of which they were able to answer!
▪ Food was great. There was always something for everyone, including a vegetarian option. On top of that, you could request special accommodation.
▪ Lots of other guests on our boat had been on other Lindblad trips, and they raved about it. We looked at their promotional materials including a video, and we want to go on another trip!
▪ No hidden charges. The trip is all-inclusive, including your $25pp to get out of the country, National Park fees, etc. You can certainly rack up a tab on the boat, but that’s your choice.
▪ There is a video chronicler on the boat. You see sample clips from the chronicle near the end of the trip and can purchase a DVD or VHS for $50 - it was well worth it.
Any Downsides?
Well, cost is certainly an issue, but at least for the Galapagos – we got what we paid for. I wouldn’t have traded a minute for time spent on some of those rust buckets we saw in the port. (The Celebrity Expedition boat is easily nicer, but a lot larger and less time spent on islands – we specifically chose a more personal cruise). Let me just say, it was well worth it.
The demographics of our boat, and I guess a lot of the boats, are that it is mainly older folks (55 , according to their site). This is fine, although some of the walks and activities went really slowly, so I was worried about missing out on things. Usually they had a slower vs. faster activity, but “fast” didn’t mean very fast.
Overall
We absolutely loved our trip. We were initially concerned about spending so much money, but the trip lived up to, if not exceeded, our expectations. Lindblad created the perfect trip, stress free, hassle free, and a completely smooth experience. I have no complaints and I am a very satisfied customer!
Website: http://www.expeditions.com
My other Galapagos/Ecuador reviews:
Galapagos Islands
Hotel Hilton Colon, Quito
Hotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Black Sheep Inn, Chugchilan, Ecuador
Lindblad Expeditions (to the Galapagos)
TAME (the airline of Ecuador)
Quito, Ecuador
Bellavista Cloud Forest, Ecuador
My general review of Ecuador - such a wonderful country!
If you would like to see photos, including a photo tour of the boat as well as photos from throughout the Galapagos, please e-mail me – I would be more than happy to share!
E-mail: EpinionsJavelina@hotmail.com (if I don’t respond within a few days, try again, and please put “Galapagos” in the subject line so it doesn’t get mixed in with junk mail!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Tour type: Group
Tour format: Boat
Tour length: Over a Week
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