After our success with using an agent (Enrique Plummer), to transit the Panama Canal we did not hesitate when advised to use an agent in the Galapagos. On our arrival in Puerto Ayora, we went ashore to complete the formalities. Whilst standing in a long, slowly moving queue, a local said it would be quicker to use an agent, recommending Peter Scheiss of Galapagos Ocean Services. www.gos.ec

The formalities were completed swiftly, with the minimum of fuss & cheaper than we anticipated. The same applied for when we departed. Within a matter of minutes, we got our Zarpe & were cleared to go. We calculated that the money Peter saved us almost covered his fee.

Peter also offered an invaluable service of delivering fuel to the boat at the pump price ($1.10/gal in Feb’06). He has a 150-gallon tank loaded on his boat. He tied alongside on a calm sunny morning, attached an electric pump to a battery, switched on & in a very short space of time, with very little effort, we took on 135 gallons.

On rejoining the boat from the UK, my suitcase didn’t make it. After a ‘phone call to the airline, we arranged for it to be flown in from Quito & delivered to Peter. Having a contact address in this instance proved invaluable & saved us the challenging 1 ½ hour round trip to the airport. The address is also useful for any letters or parcels from overseas.

Peter also offers Internet facilities to his clients as well as access to a fax machine & other admin services, not so readily available on the island. He acts as a one-man tourist information bureau, advising on dining out, scuba diving (we used Iguana Divers, very safe & efficient) & helping with our provisioning needs. He even recommended where to get a good haircut. Future plans are afoot to build a dock for his clients to take on fuel & water.

If you plan to use an agent in the Galapagos, it is advisable to contact them in advance of your arrival. Peter can be contacted on tel: 593 5 252 6060, info@gos.ec

Vicki

S/V Papillon