Quasar ExpeditionsReviews of quasarex.com

We did extensive research before deciding on the ship Evolution for our Galapagos cruise. Since it is owned by Quasar Expeditions we contacted them to plan our trip. Diane and Paul (in the US office) were extremely helpful and personable in planning our itinerary. We booked our own flights to Quito but once we arrived we were in the capable hands of our Quito guide and driver, Gustavo. He was knowledgeable, interesting, always prompt and very cordial. Diane had recommended Hacienda La Jimenita for our pre-Galapagos stay of three nights and we couldn't have been more pleased. It was a lovely property with a most welcoming owner, Daniel, and a wonderful, warm staff. We stayed there one night also post-Galapagos and felt like we were returning home. Our seven day cruise on the Evolution was great. The staff was outstanding, cabin very nice, food delicious, and plenty of activities with two excellent naturalist guides. From start to finish this was an exceptional trip and we highly rate Quasar Expeditions and would certainly travel with them again.

Staff and crew were fantastic from airport collection to end drop off. The room was lovely and very well cared for during our time. The only thing I would mention is the aircon system which could be updated and more efficient as well as the addition of heated towel racks....would all help with the dampness. Food was perfect and we wanted for nothing. The guides were spectacular (Walter and Gustov) and the 8 days in the Galapagos aboard the Grace was really the trip of a lifetime!

Wonderful trip. The Grace is a terrific boat. We loved our cabin and the common areas. Staff was superb especially accommodating Lynette’s dairy allergy. The excursions were great fun...especially the snorkling. Our naturalist (Sam) was extremely knowlegeable and entertaining. I would highly (highly) recommend the Grace to anyone thinking about a trip to the Galapagos.

From the moment I got to the Galapagos and got on your beautiful boat, my trip exceeded any expectations I may have had! Each day was a new discovery, from the moment we swam with the sea lions to our last day on North Seymour island with the frigates and the booby’s! Our naturalists, Gustavo and Walter, had so much knowledge And their love and respect for their islands was palpable. I can’t imagine that I will take another trip in my life that will top this one, so thank you so much!

We had a fabulous trip to Galapagos on MV Evolution. We were impressed with the organisation and service. Excellent staff, the experience, knowledge and passion of the naturalist guides was exceptional, food really good ( only complaint there was too much, and lighter alternatives for lunch would be welcome). The itinerary was action packed which we enjoyed to get most out of our experience and the boat high standard of comfort. Thank you Quasar!

My husband and I recently got back from an amazing trip to the Galapagos Islands on the Evolution with Quasar expeditions. I cannot say enough good things about this expedition! The crew was outstanding. Our naturalist guides Carolina, Roberto and Alex were amazing and really made the trip a once in a lifetime experience. Their commitment to the environment and enthusiasm about the flora and fauna of the regional really enhanced our experience. We saw every animal on my list and a whole lot more! Accommodations on the ship are great, food was excellent and Alex the bartender was top notch. The captain of the ship was so welcoming and friendly. I cannot think of anything I would change at all! Keep up the great work!

Quasar arranged my dream vacation to Galapagos for a landmark birthday. Beautiful vessel, amazing guides, friendly and competent crew, and delicious food. Expeience and attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from clensing towel upon return from excursions, variety in meals, amble delicious snacks, and every luxury. Our very experienced guide even arranged to share photos with passengers before we disembarked. I cannot think of an area in which to improve - maybe a larger wine selection for dinner? I look forward to my next Quasar expedition. This trip was 100% perfect.

Galapagos Review Agent (Quasar Expeditions) Outstanding support in scheduling the expedition. Once deposit placed very detailed information was provided including all aspects of the trip. Travel to Ecuador, clothing, health information, insurance required, detailed itinerary and suggestions for pre and post cruise arrangements were all easily available. Emails usually responded to within 4 working hours. Ground agents in Quito and Galapagos were always where they said they would be at the time they said with the proper documents. Yacht We were on the Evolution in a C deck cabin. The cabin was very spacious, clean, plenty of storage space with full size bathroom /shower. All cabins had individually controllable A/C with range from 18-26C. All common areas had been recently refurbished thus the cabins and common areas looked almost new. Total ship’s crew 21 including the physician and cruise director. If ship was full that would be 1.5 passengers/crewmember. All crew members were warm cheerful. Meals We found the meals excellent. Passengers with dietary restrictions were accommodated without fuss. Cuisine reflected the region with salads, vegetables, fish and chicken prominent. Each meal had a selection of vegetables and fish/meat to choose from. All non-alcoholic beverages were included. I felt the price for alcoholic beverages was reasonable. Amenities Cabins were cleaned/straightened a minimum of 2 times a day. Generous sized safe in each cabin for important documents. About 2 feet of hanging space, 3 shelves and more than 10 drawers were available in our cabin. Water, coffee, tea, crackers, fruit and small candies were available 24/7. Binoculars available for loan at the cruise director’s station. Snorkeling gear including shorty wet suit provided at no charge. Guides Our two guides were outstanding. Both were level 3 guides (from back when that credential was issued) and each had decades of experience. They were warm, cheerful, engaging and always ready to answer any question. If they did not know the answer to the question they would say so and try to look it up. Their English was excellent. Itinerary We were on the “eastern” loop described as “footsteps back in time”. Each day was full with morning and late afternoon land excursions and a snorkeling excursion usually scheduled after lunch. Information on landing conditions, terrain conditions, shoes/clothing to wear and water conditions for snorkeling were announced the evening before, morning of and just before leaving the boat. Great care taken in seeing that passengers safely entered and exited the Zodiacs. We usually had 12 passengers/naturalist when on shore. Specifics of anchorages and time on shore are highly regulated by the Galapagos NPS and must be adhered to by all ships and guides. Other thoughts: I would suggest bringing a light fleece layer since occasionally in the evening common areas of the ship were seemed cool due to the A/C. Sun protection is a must. I found lightweight SPF 30-50 hooded long sleeve shirt, long pants and large brimmed hat worked for me. I only needed sunscreen for my face and hands. Others passengers just used liberal amounts of sunscreen on all exposed skin. A day pack with hydration reservoir is a good way to stay adequately hydrated during land excursions where pulling out a water bottle might be put off. Day pack is suggested for land excursion to carry extra shoes, camera gear and water. Zip lock freezer bags are useful to protect cameras/phones from inadvertent dunking during entry and exit from Zodiacs. Summary We had an excellent experience in the Galapagos with Quasar on their larger ship the Evolution. We came in with high expectations and they were exceeded.