We’re thinking of going to the Galápagos Islands next year - any suggestions or advise?

How long are you going for? When? Just Galápagos Islands? Tour or self organize?
I planned my own trip in October 2016, and travelled in Ecuador for 20 days and then 10 days on the Islands. Booked a 4 night yacht trip about a week before we got there. Much cheaper to wait to last minute if you can. We snorkeled twice a day and had zodiac trips for walks on the islands with a naturalist. So amazing!
Took ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabella - Tunnel boat tour was a great day trip.
If you prefer a tour that makes your arrangements for yacht tour, look at GAdventures.

Hi Alison, wow, that sounds like an amazing adventure! We’re planning on going for 10 days just to Galápagos, on a tour - I will definitely look up GAdventures - thankyou for the tip

Sharon A tour takes the stress away for all the planning. But adding free days on your own is easy to do there. I would suggest 7 day yacht tour and 2-3 days exploring on your own. Have fun!

Alison
As a traveller and a travel agent , I totally agree with your assessment
If you have lots of free time and don’t get stressed, doing it yourself will save you money
Tours cost a bit more then doing it yourself but it’s all taken care off and your are guaranteed spots and entrance . No hassle , stress or thinking

We did a heavily discounted 8 day long cruise on a very small ship and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend it. I think we just started on galapagosislands.com and hooked up with a travel professional from there.
GALAPAGOSISLANDS.COM
Galapagos Islands Vacation Tours and Travel | GalapagosIslands.com

We first decided what kind of boat we wanted then we narrowed it down based on that. It was 9 years ago so my memory is foggy about how we found a listing of boats. But we wanted a sailing catamaran, for less than 14 or so guests. Ended up on the Nemo II.
A backpacker did a last minute on our boat and paid a fraction of our costs (naturally).
I bought my bird field guide before we left.
We were a dot in the Pacific, middle of no where, and conincidentally 1/2 the boat were from BC

Make sure you have a crisp $50 and $100 bills to enter the island. Something they don’t tell you about and they don’t take visa!!! Cash only.

Following

Make sure you do your homework for a boat & guide. I was there 16 yrs ago on Gap Adventure tour, have to say, I was underwhelmed. Expensive & the water was really chilly & I’m an ocean swimmer here in Vancouver. Wildlife was minimal, depending on if La Nina or El Nino weather. For the money, I’d go to Africa & see wildlife.

Hi Christin great suggestion about homework for the boat guide - we’ve been to South Africa on an amazing safari and have been to Costa Rica 4x (returning in November) so thought it’ll be nice to see some other rare wildlife- I have my fingers crossed!

Sharon well you’ve seen the big game then! Africa is amazing, been twice. Costa Rica is amazing too! Due diligence for the boat/guide or tour company & I hope it’s fab! Happy
& safe travels. Have to say Ecuador is a fab country, spent a month there, 4 days on Galapagos.