Pikaia Lodge

The yacht is still on my mind. Swimming with baby sea lions and turtles was incredible, and the excursions and guides were wonderful. The staff, lodge, and food and beverage team were all so kind and attentive. Their care made this bucket list trip feel luxurious and relaxing compared with a typical cruise. We traveled as two adults with a middle school aged child, and we can’t wait to come back someday. People had told me a Galapagos trip was an adventure rather than a vacation. At Pikaia, it felt like a vacation.

I became seriously ill with food poisoning after dining at Pikaia Lodge three days before my wedding, and had to be hospitalized. Those final wedding preparations ended up happening from a hospital bed. The meal itself was disappointing, with poor food quality and portions that seemed surprisingly small for a luxury hotel. What bothered me even more was the response when I contacted management. They refused responsibility, showed no interest in looking into what happened or reviewing kitchen practices, and didn’t follow up. I saw no concern that other guests might be at risk. For a serious illness requiring hospitalization, that lack of concern is unacceptable. At the very least, I expected them to investigate food safety. I can’t recommend this place, especially for an important occasion. The food and management’s dismissal of the incident are deeply concerning. Puerto Ayora town has much better restaurant options.

The yacht excursions were a highlight, taking us to amazing places. We saw a huge pod of dolphins and swam with sea lions, penguins, turtles, and eagle rays, along with plenty of other marine life. The guides were highly qualified, degree level or higher, and explained the wildlife and island history really well. Luis and Xavier deserve a special mention. Service at the hotel was outstanding. The staff remembered our names and preferences, and after each trip we were welcomed back with cold towels and refreshing juice. The food was superb too. A truly exceptional stay that surpassed our already high expectations.

When I broke my leg near the end of the trip, the staff treated me like a queen. They carried me up and down stairs, along with my wheelchair, arranged a doctor visit, and picked up my prescriptions. Someone even carried me piggyback for a mile so I could get medical care. They also organized two special excursions for me while the others went snorkeling and hiking. It was hard to leave, since the people had become family and friends, and the scenery was gorgeous. The four of us felt welcome from the start and, by the end, like honored guests who were part of the family. I can’t remember ever feeling so well looked after. We were greeted on arrival and welcomed back with cool washcloths and refreshing drinks. There were regular, vegetarian, and vegan menus, plus excellent food, wine, cocktails, and juices. We loved both the garden suite and the terrace suite, and the rooms were spacious at the lodge and on the yacht. There’s also a library with books and videos about the Galapagos islands and their history. We had some surprise experiences we loved, but I won’t spoil them. The naturalist guides and yacht crew were knowledgeable and eager to share what they knew. I learned a lot and loved every minute of it.