CNH Tours

06/12/2026

Shark incident yesterday
Local reports indicate a woman snorkeling at Santa Fe Island yesterday, as part of a day tour there, was bitten on the leg by a shark. She was transported to San Cristobal hospital. This is the 2nd time in our memory (the 1st being maybe 10 years ago) that we have heard of a shark bite incident at Santa Fe.

Sharks are very common in Galapagos, yet incidents such as these are very rare. We do see reports of a shark bite every few years (no reports of deaths).

Given that on any one day, there are likely thousands of people snorkeling and swimming in Galapagos, 365 days / year, the risk is indeed extremely low - but not zero.

06/11/2026

A new Google Review from a happy guest just came in:

𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼
𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗦:

My husband and I recently booked a boat portion of our trip to the Galapagos using CHN. We were specifically looking at them as they offered an "active tour" option and we like to be active. We had been trying to book since 2019, but
covid/avian flu kept pushing it off. We were finally able to go in May and had the most wonderful time.

I had been communicating with Heather since 2019 on and off as we tried to plan. Communications were always prompt. They did some sort of company reset or something with more staff or Galapagos staff, so we switched over to some other staff members who were equally responsive and able to answer questions. It was nice to have a point person.

I had read of some slow email responses after payment and emails are not answered instantly (as I read of slow response), but nothing was really urgent and we always received a response within probably 48 hrs which is very reasonable, esp when you have a lot of time until the trip. During travel, your point person is available 24/7 and I had to call one time for a question at the airport and was helped immediately.

We were doing independent travel in the Galapagos post cruise and CNH is required to book air travel coming and leaving the Galapagos and originally booked us on the flight with the others leaving after the cruise, but corrected it very quickly when I noted the error. That was a very fast response to the email and still with plenty of time (like at least 9 mo) before the trip so there was no concern.

Before the trip, you get your itinerary on an app so that messages can be sent, even without having wifi. It was nice to have it to review and to check for any messages. Thankfully, only received messages that our flights were on time!

This trip is billed as "active" and it is, not olympic athlete strenuous, but busy with some challenges people may not consider...many times, we were up before dawn and in the pangas before sunrise to be on the shore for daybreak. We would be leaving as others were arriving. We typically had 3-4 excursions per day and ample water time. The short hikes in the Galapagos are not strenuous due to length or elevation gain, but you are walking in full exposure in the heat on extremly uneven terrain so it is not your typical one mile walk that you have no problem doing at home. If you book this, you need to have some self-awareness of your health and fitness level so you can participate fully and not hold up the others who are ready for the activity level.

We did have several people skip various excursions that they thought might be too much for them or if they were not feeling well. That is always an option for every single activity we were presented. The crew on board takes such great care of everyone, so no worries if you have to sit something out. We were thankful to avoid any seasickness and participated fully in every single thing offered. We had a great group of people on board and we all got along quite well and had fun together.

I am looking forward to booking the Active Galapagos East Itinerary with CNH again. No doubt, this was the perfect fit for us.

(pic added for visual appeal...)

06/11/2026

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡

CNH Tours owner Marc Patry is ceding his place on the board of directors at the International Galapagos Tour Operators' Association (IGTOA). He had been actively serving since 2016. One of his key contributions was as the link between IGTOA and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's Latin American desk, where Marc had worked for 11 years.

Kelsey Bradley, CNH Tours' managing director for Galapagos, has tossed her hat into the IGTOA ring. Fingers crossed she will be elected later this month. Kelsey brings 15 years of full-on Galapagos experience, both working in Galapagos (8 years) and with CNH Tours (7 years). Good luck to Kelsey!

From Matt Kareus, IGTOA Executive Director:

I would like to extend a special thanks to Marc Patry from CNH Tours who is stepping down from IGTOA's Board after years of service. His unique perspective and deep knowledge of the Galapagos have been invaluable to our organization, and we are grateful for his contributions and service.

06/01/2026

A moment of levity on the Samba recently. The naturalist guide was well surrounded! Great team spirit on an 8 day cruise.

05/30/2026

It's very satisfying to see so many CNH Tours recommendations on the TripAdvisor Galapagos forum!

Answer 1 of 5: My wife and I are planning a Galapagos trip for early next year. (Thanks to all who previously provided fantastic advice to calm my qualms about snorkeling there!) I've started to peruse the very useful trip planning posts here, but still have...

05/27/2026

Not too late to join our Polar Destination Expert Danna Walker on our Iceland to Newfoundland trip this September...

🤍 In 2015 and 2016, I had the incredible privilege of spending meaningful time with cultural guide and Labrador Inuit storyteller Wayne Broomfield. During those experiences, Wayne opened my eyes to the true spirit of northern life — a way of living grounded in respect, community, resilience, storytelling, and a deep connection to the land and sea. ❄️🌊

Through Wayne, I came to better understand the values and culture of the Inuit people, and it changed me forever. I fell deeply in love with the North, not only because of its breathtaking landscapes, but because of the warmth, wisdom, and traditions carried by the people who call it home. 🧊✨

These are teachings and experiences that stay with you for life.

That’s why I feel so honoured that Wayne will be joining our Iceland to Newfoundland group expedition this September 🚢🌎 Our guests will have the rare opportunity to hear his stories, learn from his experiences, and connect with a culture and history that is both powerful and deeply meaningful.

To share this important part of northern heritage with our group is something truly special, and I couldn’t be happier to have Wayne with us on this journey. 🤍

❄️

05/25/2026

Arctic adventures await. Contact our Polar Destination Expert, Danna Walker to start planning yours.