Quasar ExpeditionsReviews of quasarex.com

It's like summer camp without the rules, and much better food.

Having wanted to visit Galapagos for many years, I researched various companies and trips online as well as reviews from other travellers and decided to go with Quasar. I have to say that everything was organized brilliantly and questions asked before my trip answered satisfactorily by Diane Schicke. She also recommended a hotel in my price range for stay for 2 nights in Quito before the cruise started. It was the Hotel Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita, which was very nice and only 15 minutes from the Airport. It is 50 mins into Quito from that Hotel, but it is set in very peaceful grounds and I liked it. The staff were all very friendly and I also stayed there for 1 night on my way home, and they were happy to make me a very light meal, as I had picked up a tummy bug at the end of my trip onboard (which often happens no matter how careful you are!) The cruise on the Grace Yacht was top class, meals were amazing (full marks to the Chef and his assistants). The cabin was very comfortable and the crew cleaned, emptied bins and changed towels whenever you were off doing anything, whether it was having lunch or on an activity off the ship. You could not ask for more. If you had any special requests, the cruise director, Steve, would do his utmost to give you what you asked for. The Guides, Gustavo and Roberto, were passionate about the Islands and caring for them, stopping more than once to collect debris that had washed up on an Island, as it could be hazardous or deadly to the wildlife, and they gave you so much information about all the flora and fauna, on the activities that they organised. They could not have been more helpful and it was fascinating learning about all the wildlife that we saw. Excursions started early each day and everyone went to bed early as we were all tired after the day’s activities. There was always a briefing each evening at 7pm, telling us about the next day’s activities and what we would need to bring each day. The sea was a bit colder than I expected and not as clear as I expected, but that can vary, but I enjoyed the snorkelling, and the beach walks and panga rides were great. I loved the holiday, and although I travelled alone, everyone got along well and there was always a good vibe on the boat. I would thoroughly recommend using Quasar to book your holiday, and the Grace is definitely the best ship (takes 18 people). If you go for one with more people on it, I think the organisation would be more complicated to ensure that everyone got off the boat to see all the places where the boat stops. Also the bigger ships cannot go to some of the bays that the smaller boats can access. Lesley B

Qasar Expeditions was fantastic. They organized a completely hassle-free trip to the Galapagos Islands, which were of course amazing. The attention to detail both before arriving in the Islands and on the boat (Evolution) allowed us to have a relaxing visit so we could enjoy both the Islands and the boat trip. The guides were fabulous, the food was excellent, the Evolution was lovely, and the atmosphere created by the crew was friendly and relaxed.

Our experience on Quasar was beyond anything we could have imagined. The staff and naturalists guides were professional, personable and attentive to any need we might have, going beyond our expectations to accommodate a dietary restriction. The cabins were well-appointed, clean and comfortable, far exceeding our expectations for size. The food was amazing, fresh and healthy. The experience of being in the Galapagos was truly amazing - I can't think of a better outfitter for this bucket list trip!

Everything was incredibly well organized, efficiently communicated and expertly executed. The way in which we were managed through the trip process was so well done resulting in a trip of a lifetime with no issues or problems. Thank you!

We booked our trip of a lifetime with Quasar Expeditions after extensive research -- narrowing it down to the Evolution’s Western itinerary with a chance at visiting Española and seeing the waved albatross. The booking process was organized and well managed by Diane and Paul - whose years of experience were evident every step of the way. They fielded my many questions, gave thoughtful advice, set up our land tours in mainland Ecuador and were extremely responsive in providing any information we required. Quito and Day Tours: Quasar set up a walking tour of Colonial Quito for us and our guide Vicki was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about Ecuadorian history and culture while visiting churches, the plazas, food shops and a museum. Our full day tour with Pablo was excellent and we covered a lot of ground taking a trip up to the Andes Highlands. We visited the Equator monument, saw Mira Lago and tried Ecuadorian “bizcoches”, did a short hike to Peguche waterfall, visited the home of artisan weavers using traditional looms, had lunch at charming old Hacienda Pinsaqui and finished the day shopping at Otavalo market. We enjoyed Pablo immensely and appreciated his ability to answer all of our questions as well as his professionalism. We learned a great deal about Ecuador that we wouldn’t have if we had just done the cruise and that made our 3 nights in Quito worth it. The Ship and Cabin: We also chose the Evolution based on the number of passengers - 32 - which seemed just right to us. This size allowed for manageable numbers at meals, on board and during excursions as they always split the group up in the "pangas" (zodiacs) to go hiking and snorkeling. We chose a cabin on the D level and did not regret the decision. The cabin suited our needs perfectly - enough storage space, charging outlets, a very comfortable bed and a huge bathroom by ship standards. The crew cleaned the cabin several times a day so we always had fresh linens if required and a spotless bathroom. We spent most of our days busy with activities, meals and socializing and did not miss having an accessible porthole since we really only returned to the cabin to shower and sleep. The Evolution was recently remodeled and the new decor is tasteful, modern and classy with clean lines and a coastal spin. Very inviting. The Crew and Guides: We cannot say enough good things about the crew and our guides. From the warm welcome we received, we knew we had chosen the right “home away from home” for the week. The service was 5-star without being fussy -- the crew treated us warmly, kindly and genuinely. Everyone was extremely polite and professional -- a special shout-out to Edison our Cruise Director who knew everyone’s name within a day (and helped make my birthday special) and our bartender Franklin who was a real gentleman. We were also impressed that the Captain was so personable even accompanying us on several outings and interacting with all the passengers. Our naturalist guides Roberto and Carolina were fantastic as well -- passionate about the Galapagos, conservation, the wildlife, ecology, geology and eager to share their knowledge with us. They made every outing memorable with their enthusiasm and unique approaches to sharing such a special place with us. Excursions: Days start early on the Evolution and are jam-packed with activities from morning until dusk. This is not a relax and chill on the deck kind of cruise! Get ready to snorkel in an ocean teaming with marine life, hike on pristine, untouched islands and be wowed by birds, tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, penguins, gorgeous volcanic landscapes, forests and beaches. The guides prepare you with a briefing the night before so you know exactly what the next day holds as well as what you need to wear and bring. Every day brought a new adventure in a new place and none disappointed. Food: The food was delicious! Served buffet style in the dining room (on occasion we had lunch outside on the deck which was wonderful) So many options for each meal with fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, several types of meat and also fresh seafood daily. Not to mention the brilliant pastry chef who spoiled us with dessert at lunch and at dinner! Fresh, wholesome cooking and really good quality. The Ecuadorian ceviche with popcorn is something everyone should try! Overall this was one of the best vacations we have ever taken and we would highly recommend Quasar Expeditions and the Evolution to anyone considering a trip to the Galapagos.

Spent a wonderful week on the Evolution. Could not find fault with anything

I felt at home and supported for ALL my needs, be they questions about nature and the Galapagos, or our itinerary and food options. Everything on the ship was clean and tidy, and the rooms were very spacious for a ship. I can’t wait to join again!