Quasar Expeditions Reviews 765

Absolutely exceptional, from start to finish. Every detail and every person we interacted with greatly exceeded our expectations. If you're headed to the Galapagos, save yourself time Googling and simply book with Quasar. It is impossible to travel with them and not be blown away.

Date of experience: June 02, 2025

As we boarded the Grace Yacht on April 29th we had very high expectations for our two-week Galapagos cruise. I'm happy to report that not only did the cruise meet my wife, Rhonda's, and my expectations, but it also greatly exceeded them.
It was a thrilling two weeks. Each day, we averaged two hikes and two snorkel sessions, each in different areas of the Galapagos, under the direction of our superb naturalist guides, Alejandro, Diego, and Walter. There were always two guides on the yacht and we divided into small groups of 8 passengers each day. We have never had such intimate interaction with wild animals on any trip we've taken, including an African photo safari last August. To say the animals were oblivious to our presence would be an accurate description of their attitude, but a bit too harsh. A better description would be that they were unconcerned and, in many instances, quite curious about our being in their world. They would frequently invade our personal space to check us out, and that was just fine with us.
The Grace yacht was spectacular. Its pedigree is fascinating. It was once owned by Aristotle Onassis, who gave it to Princess Grace for her honeymoon with Prince Rainier III. The ship has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to name just a few. It also played an amazing role in World War II taking part in the evacuation of Dunkirk and even capturing a Nazi submarine. Spending time on its decks allowed one to experience a life gone by reserved for only a few. And it remains the second fastest boat currently touring the Galapagos, which helps maximize the area you can cover each day.
The crew was also spectacular. Our every need was taken care of. And the food each day, prepared by a couple of outstanding chefs, was superb. No trip is ever perfect, but this one was close to perfect.

Date of experience: May 06, 2025

Quasar is totally focused on all the details needed to provide a safe, fun, educational and delicious experience. Beginning with the registration process, to meeting us at the airport, to boarding, to the incredible guides and gourmet food, all of it was spectacular. We learned a great deal, met others who were committed to learning and had a lot of fun. If you are contemplating going to the Galapagos, there is only one company to consider, Quasar.

Date of experience: April 05, 2025

Quasar were excellent throughout the holiday from our planning, their execution and the overall experience. Paul and Diane were excellent and pulled together an almost 3 week trip to the Galapagos, the Amazon and the day trips in mainland Ecuador. The entire itinterary was perfectly planned and executed. We had a very low people to naturalist ration in Galapagos and the Amazon and a person naturalist on Mainland Ecuador. This was such a good experience we are thinking about going with Quasar to Patagonia next year. Top marks!

Date of experience: April 21, 2025

We sailed with the Quasar Evolution from April 5 to 12. The booking agents (Diane and Paul), ship, captain (Diego), cruise director (Ruben), crew, naturalists (Bolivar, Cornelia, and Monika), meals, island visits, water activities, scenery, and animals all exceeded our expectations.
The booking process was simple, with a lot of information that helped us prepare for the trip. Even though we arrived very late (near midnight) and had a long drive (45 min) from the airport into Old Town Quito, we felt safe with our driver and the hotel staff was waiting for us (all arranged by Quasar). Our city tour guide, Gabriel (also arranged by Quasar), gave us a good introduction to the history of Quito and its beautiful plaza and churches.
The seven days on the Evolution were well-organized and filled with a comfortably paced schedule of water and land activities. All activities were led by the national park naturalists who were very personable, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about the islands. Unscripted on-board activities added to the trip, such as daily siestas, visiting the bridge while crossing the equator, impromptu stargazing, and happy hours in the open-air lounge.
We also enjoyed the company of extraordinary, interesting, and friendly fellow passengers. While the mix of people on an expedition cruise cannot be predicted, we can’t help but think that the Evolution itself attracts special people.

Date of experience: April 05, 2025

Truly a trip of a lifetime! From start to finish the entire cruise was a dream. The Schicke's made planning the trip easy with VIP entry, excellent recommendations for Quito hotel and day trip. The Evolution crew was superb as were the knowledgable and local guides providing informative and fun daily expeditions - hiking, exploring and snorkeling. The only thing I would change is limiting the time spent at Darwin Research Center in Santa Cruz. It could have been much shorter. All else A+++

Date of experience: March 29, 2025

All of the quasar elements were very well organized and top quality. Diane's recommendations for pre and post trip excursions were very enjoyable and the guides and drivers were exceptional. I especially enjoyed the express customs clearance after a long travelling day. The Grace ship and crew were excellent, I really enjoyed the meals. To have such an excellent chef for only 16 passengers was a treat. The naturalist/guides on board were very professional and helpful and we especially appreciated Monica. The bar was not always manned, if there is a way to increase the coverage, that would be good. We were told there was a buzzer to summon the bartender but I did not find it.

Date of experience: February 16, 2025

The trip was amazing from start to finish, all elements were perfectly organised and exceeded our expectations in all areas.

Date of experience: January 28, 2025

The Evolution was an amazing boat. We had a great week with the staff on the boat as well as our guides Len, Alejandro and Soto. They were all so knowledgeable on the wildlife and the islands that we visited. The guides were all very passionate about their jobs. The food was great, Cesar the bartender had a fun drink every evening when we arrived back on the boat and the bar area was very inviting to hang out. The evening educational talks before dinner were great as we reviewed our schedule for the following day and learned fun facts about the Galapagos. Would highly recommend.

Date of experience: February 01, 2025

Both the Evolution cruise and the LaSelva Lodge were exceptional. The naturalists enhanced the sights, giving special note to Paul Merino at the lodge for his thorough knowledge and enthusiasm.
Quasar came through in every aspect of the trip planning both on land and at sea.

Date of experience: November 04, 2024

Galapagos is great by iteself but Quasar made it above and beyond for your once-in-a-lifetime experience. From a clean & fully equipped yatch, to an accommodating itinerary, to fully stock and delicious meals, to knowledgeable naturalists, and to super attentive staff. Some sample thoughtful services include little towels for each wet landing, options of activity to support different constraints from each guest, and available hands reaching out to you every time you need.
If I were to plan for a Galapagos trip again, it will have to be Quasar.

Date of experience: November 12, 2024

Great adventure, with wonderful food, knowledgeable guides and flexibility. We opted out of a few of the many interesting excursions just to enjoy the ambiance of the Evolution. Wonderful and educational holiday without being exhausting. Just what we needed!

Date of experience: November 16, 2024

Wonderful experience. Amazing contact with nature and a learning experience. The crew was ver knowledgeable and the food was excellent. Highly recommended. Need to be physically prepared.

Date of experience: November 02, 2024

One of those trips that you realize everything was perfect. A perfect place (galapagos is amazing) a perfect ship, a perfect crew (everybody was kind, warm and so professional) and a perfect service. No doubt that this experience has changed our lives forever. Next trip? Patagonia with Quasar. Gracias por todo!!!!

Date of experience: October 11, 2024

Our experience Quasar exceeded my expectations; From our initial discussion with Diane to experiences with naturalist and interactions with entire crew. Truly an amazing vacation

Date of experience: September 28, 2024

We have the best cruising experience with Quasar. The cruise was intimate with only 25 guests. There were 21 (including 3 naturists) on the 7 days adventure. The staff was very attentive, ensuring safety and enjoyment of the guests. Our cabin was cleaned and tidied at least 3 to 4 times throughout the day. The chefs prepared wonderful and creative meals that were sourced locally. The daily activities were well organized which included nature walks and snorkeling. The naturists were with the guests at all times to provide information and guidance to interesting vistas.

Date of experience: September 14, 2024

Amazing trip of a lifetime. Naturalists (Bolo, Christina, and Hernan) each amazing, kind and patient. Their own excitement in seeing the animal/ sharks made it even more special. Great balance of very active and busy, but never feeling rushed.

Date of experience: July 27, 2024

This is the second time we have used Quasar. We did a Galapagos trip with them several years ago and it was so perfect we selected them for coordinating the land portion and the cruise portion of our trip to southern Patagonia. Best decision we ever made! Every aspect of the trip was flawless. All personnel were knowledgeable, professional, punctual and flexible in terms of making the trip work for us. In addition, everyone we spoke with who worked for or interacted with Quasar had nothing but positive feedback. Save yourself time and stress and work with Quasar

Date of experience: February 10, 2024

We had a great time travelling with Quasar to Chilean Patagonia in July '22. From the moment we arrived in Santiago all went smoothly, our guides were good company to be with and the transfer drivers took us safely to first Torres del Paine and later the Atacama as well.

Seeing Torres del Paine in a thick layer of snow was just stunning. With respect for the natural environment and giving the animals the space they need, our knowledgable guides Christian and Junior went out of their way to show us many different pumas every day - with owls, condors, caracaras and more as a bonus. There were few other people which made for a quiet and memorable experience. We were well taken care of in Explora with a comfortable room and lovely warm shower after a day of spotting pumas in -15c. Great cocktails and good food were a perfect end to every day.

Date of experience: August 08, 2023

Company recommended jeeps that were totally unnecessary. Offered “excursions” that we would have been better off using hotel. Feel like we spent way more than necessary. Tour guide nice but not needed and an unnecessary expense as well. Could have planned on our own better and cheaper at same resorts. In case you are wondering why I wrote this now, it is because I have received several emails asking me to review the company. I replied to them directly that they didn’t want me to do that. Two days later, I received another asking me again to review, so I did.

Date of experience: December 08, 2023