USD $

Call on

+1 844 879 7838
Feefo Platinum Award
USD $

New Destinations

Most Popular Journeys

Travel Guides

Explore

Our Luxury Tours of the Galapagos Islands

Most trips to the Galapagos Islands start on the mainland, arriving in Quito the capital of Ecuador. You will then take a two and half hour flight to the Islands, you will land at either Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island.

The Galapagos Islands are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna that has been protected from mankind and has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Each of the 18 main islands offers a different landscape or wildlife. It can be difficult to narrow down which islands you want to include on your itinerary! Most people who visit the Galapagos choose a cruise where you sail around the islands and take small boats (Zodiac or Panga) to the islands to explore. Most cruises are 4 – 8 days long and you can cover many of the highlights in that time.

If being at sea overnight is not for you, there is the option to stay at a hotel on one of the main islands and take daily excursions by boat to explore the Galapagos. We would suggest you stay on two or three different islands so you can experience as much as possible. Every island is so different with its own unique wildlife.

The usual duration of a trip to the Galapagos Islands is a week, so many people will also explore some of the mainland. You can take a boat deep into the Amazon Rainforest to discover its unique flora and fauna. Another popular destination to combine with the Galapagos is the awe-inspiring Machu Pichu, it is just a two-hour flight from Quito to Lima.

Talk to the Expert

Maite Paz

I have been designing trips to my home country of Ecuador for over 20 years. Traveling itself has always felt like magic to me: my mind is always on travel, but my heart is forever in the Galapagos as it never fails to surprise me.

Maite Paz

Latin America Specialist

+1 844 879 7838
Request a Quote
 

Luxury Galapagos Itineraries

Please take your time to look over the itineraries below– we aim to curate the perfect itinerary for you, and with our friendly and knowledgeable specialists, we are confident we will.

 
From

Maite our Latin America Specialist

Should I stay on a ship or in a hotel?

Ships allow you to explore the more remote areas of the archipelago, hotels restrict you to the islands accessible from the four main islands – Floreana, Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. If you stay in a hotel, you explore the islands by taking day trips, you have the flexibility to build your own schedule but you are limited to the islands that are within a certain distance. On a boat, you can explore two sites per day as you travel between destinations during meals or at night. The idea of a cruise is to see as much as possible within the time you have.

Large Boats vs Small Boasts – which is best for me?

When it comes to cruising, size matters. Larger ships offer more availability, a choice of comfort level, the opportunity to meet all sorts of people from across the globe and enjoy more options for dining and entertainment. However, there are downsides to this mode of travel, especially in the Galapagos. Strict visitor number restrictions have been set by the Ecuadorian Government, so very large liners aren’t allowed to dock on some islands, and if they do, their passengers have to take turns embarking on land excursions which can waste a lot of time. On a small-ship cruise, there is no overcrowding, waiting in long lines or being part of a huge group that besieges a small islet and its wildlife. You can explore all the islands’ most remote bays and coves, unlike large vessels. With fewer passengers, the service is more personalized, and you’ll have more time for those excursions on land.

How fit do I need to be for a Galapagos Cruise?

These trips are pretty active as you are exploring remote islands. You will often land on the islands in shallow water rather than a jetty and to get to the wildlife you will often need to take short hikes on the islands. You will be climbing onto small zodiac boats to get to snorkelling spots and islands. Your consultant will be able to discuss your fitness level with you and which itineraries and boats might suit your needs best.

Get in touch with our travel experts today.

+1 844 879 7838OR
 

Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.

  • 100% Financial Protection

    We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

  • Destination Experts

    Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.

  • The Best Guides

    What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.

  • We Care

    From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.

COPYRIGHT © 2023 UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED