Galapagos Cruises: Explore One Of The Rarest Places on Earth
A Galapagos Islands Cruise Offers Unusual Pleasures
The fifteen main islands of the Galapagos, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are truly one of the planet's wonders. They rank with African safari tours as a 'must-visit' destination for sophisticated travelers worldwide, and particularly those interested in wildlife. Each year our South America vacation planners arrange Galapagos Island cruises and travel packages for travelers who come away with breathtaking experiences that exceed expectations.
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Why Cruises To The Galapagos So Unusual?
On the protected Galapagos Islands, humans don't threaten wildlife. Because wildlife doesn't have to hide, it provides visitors unparalleled, up-close encounters with nature. Giant tortoises at your feet on Santa Cruz Island... pink flamingos in the tropics... swimming and snorkeling with frolicking sea lions...In fact, if it wasn't so true, most people today would probably consider it science fiction.
If ever the expression "at one with nature" holds true, it's certainly the case on a Galapagos Islands cruise. Here you'll encounter marine iguanas, the only lizards that feed undersea, penguins (at the equator!) and flightless cormorants that lost their ability to fly for a lack of predators.
Galapagos Cruise Ships Are Putting A Strain On The Destination
Galapagos is a relatively newer tourism destination, as the first organized trips didn't start until 1967. Visitors are increasing, which is putting a strain on the infrastructure and the environment. Tourism has provided jobs and income for residents, and many visitors have become advocates for conservation after visiting the destination.
There is a fine balance between the positive benefits of tourism and the strain Galapagos cruise ships put on the environment. New regulations passed in 2011 is better managing tourism, and we support a moratorium on increased growth. The new restrictions placed on all Galapagos cruise ships will limit island visits and regulate snorkeling and boat rides, as well as provide visitors a better experience.
How Does One Get To Their Galapagos Vacation?
Generally you will fly to either Quito, Ecuador's interesting capital city in the Andes, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Guayaquil (on the coast). From Quito it's about a 2 1/2 hour flight to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos, your gateway to the islands. From the airport you'll be transferred to the dock and transfer to your boat to start your island hopping adventure.
How Do You Travel Within The Galapagos?
You visit the islands by boat. The most popular way to visit the islands is on Galapagos Island cruises, where you sleep and eat aboard ship, visiting the islands by day. Or, you can stay on land at a hotel, and take day trips by boat to nearby islands. The latter is less preferred largely because you can't visit most of the islands on a day boat from land, and it involves more travel back and forth on a smaller vessel and becomes less practical. Visits to the uninhabited islands are always done by day, as visitors are not allowed to be ashore on the uninhabited islands after sunset.
What Kinds Of Galapagos Cruises Are Offered?
The largest cruise ships can't visit the Galapagos. They can't get the permits and the islands aren't capable of handling thousands of people at a time. As a result, on Galapagos island cruises you travel on a smaller yacht-like ship, or small cruise ship, generally accommodating anywhere from 10 to 100 passengers.
The government provides certified guides trained by the Galapagos National Park that accompany all travel programs operating in the Galapagos Islands. As a result, the quality of guides is of a high standard, and the decision a traveler needs to make is which program may be most suitable, and whether they'd be more comfortable on a smaller boat (or 10-20 persons) or small cruise ship (75-100 persons).
We work with several companies that provide a variety of options for visitors that cruise to the Galapagos Islands. One of our favorites is Celebrity Xpeditions, a division of Celebrity Cruises, and Lindblad Expeditions. If you're traveling as part of a family group, or group of friends, reserving a small vessel on an exclusive basis for your group may be an ideal option.
It's important to keep in mind that the comfort and quality of boats vary greatly. Not all are suitable for American visitors on vacation. We work with suppliers familiar with the boats, and we book those that best meet your needs.
What Weather Can I Expect On Galapagos Islands Cruises?
January thru March is generally hot and humid, but green. July thru November is cooler. Average year-round temperature is 75 degrees. (Tortoises mating season is April to November, while sea lions give birth July to August.)
Are Galapagos Cruises Physically Taxing?
Because most of the islands are not developed, facilities are rather limited. Visiting an island will often require a beach landing from a zodiac, or stepping onto rocks. While the naturalist guides and staff provide assistance, people with serious difficulty walking and limited mobility may find the landings challenging. Otherwise, there's easy walking on most of the islands, with some uphill and downhill paths.
Extending Your Visit In Ecuador
While cruises to the Galapagos are certainly a vacation onto themselves, mainland
Ecuador is also a fascinating destination in its own right. You can't go wrong extending your Galapagos Islands cruise and seeing more than just these islands. We're excited to assist you in planning your Galapagos Islands cruise - an adventure we guarantee you will never forget.
Quito, Ecuador's capital, is well worth a visit, and the country is a destination rich in opportunities for the adventurous traveler. Quito is experiencing considerable growth, with hotels opening up in historical buildings, and more outdoor cafes opening up. At local markets handicrafts of all sorts from the region are readily available. There's also Teleferiqo, an aerial tramway that transports visitors up to the side of the Pichincha volcano, 13,400 feet above sea level. Peru is also a popular destination to combine with Galapagos cruises. Read more about
Ecuador vacation packages or
Peru vacations.
Are You Ready To Plan Your Best Galapagos Cruise Adventure?
