Quasar Expeditions Avis 

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.

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+++

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!!!

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

This trip was the most wonderful vacation we have ever been on! The boat,crew,food and all the wildlife very amazing. Quasar and the whole team really went out of their way to make our vacation the best we have ever been on !!
Rosemarie and Ben

This trip was truly a trip of a lifetime. Exploring the Galapagos islands by boat was the best way to really experience the area and all the inhabitants. It was a Safari on the Water. The ship, Evolution, gave a very casual feel but upscale like a luxury cruise. Every meal was memorable and the cabins were spacious and cleaned throughout the day. All the crew members were great, always there to help or make you laugh. The Naturalist/Guides were really awesome. They made each outing, whether to a beach or in the water more exciting than the previous one. They were not only very knowledgeable but also fun to be around. They seemed to get as excited as the guest whenever we’d come upon a new adventure and they were always adapting to what was going on when different events popped up. When a guest spotted something in the water in the distance our guides took us out in the pangas to check it out. It was actually a very large pod, about 150, of pilot whales. We rode in our inflatables with them for about 45 minutes. The whales were so graceful swimming in and out of the water right next to us. It was unbelievable to be one with them in nature. Hearing them blow air through their blowhole was mesmerizing and then watching them jump just took our breath away. We all took 100s of videos.

Great customer service, great people, great food, great scheduling of daily activities....Did I say great?

and Quasar exceeded them all. I was on the Evolution Yacht (Footsteps back in time, 8 days).

- Food on board was excellent (they took my strict dietary restrictions into account). The non-alcoholic (and alcoholic) cocktails were such a nice touch at the end of each day
- Our guides were doing their best during excursions so we can fully enjoy the trip and get all the pictures we want. From birds and iguanas to penguins, dolphins and sea lions, I saw everything thanks to Christina, Soto and Sofia. They went the extra mile for us.
- Same for the crew who was always friendly, positive and helpful. You do not feel like a guest, you feel like a member of the family.
- Snorkeling was out of this world !
- Excursions were great. We were busy from dawn to dusk. Quasar recommended to take a good book for the trip, I did not need it :)
- Facilities (included cabins) were always kept clean and were very cozy
- All passengers were relaxed and happy

8 days are more than sufficient to have a great tour of the Galapagos. That being said, I will certainly be back to enjoy this experience once more.