A one-of-a-kind destination, the Galapagos Islands lie 600 miles off the Ecuador mainland. Remote and isolated, they’re considered a microcosm of evolution. Visitors can see unique wildlife like blue-footed boobies, penguins, giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and sea lions, with many animals seeming almost tame, having never learned to fear humans.
Cruises in the Galapagos provide the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind destination with unique and abundant wildlife, including everything from Galapagos giant tortoises and penguins to blue-footed boobies, and countless sea lions.
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The archipelago is the kind of place where you’ll have to pinch yourself to be sure you aren’t dreaming, with many Galapagos animals never learning to fear humans, providing unbelievable close encounters. You might saunter through sea lions on an idyllic beach and swim right alongside marine iguanas.
We think sailing is the very best way to explore the islands as you’ll get to experience more in one trip. Plus, due to the limited capacity of the vessels, you can expect personalized, attentive service from the expert crew, along with more in-depth insight about what you’re seeing.
Guests on our Galapagos cruises enjoy daily excursions like snorkeling and hiking, evening lectures, and more, for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Encounters with wildlife on land and underwater is the top thing to do while visiting the Galapagos, but visitors can also delve into fascinating history, explore an active volcano, hike volcanic landscapes, and spend time on pristine, white sandy beaches.
There are between two and three thousand Galapagos giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island that can live to be as old as 177. One of the best places to see them is the El Manzanillo Tortoise Reserve which sits along the animals’ natural migrating path where they can be seen around practically every turn.
Just a 10-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Las Tintoreras offers unspoiled white sandy beaches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear, calm turquoise water. One of the top spots for snorkeling, visibility is outstanding while encounters with colorful reef fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions are common.
The only freshwater lake in the Galapagos, Junco Lagoon lies in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, renowned for its diverse birdlife. A short hike to the lagoon viewpoint provides a panoramic view and the chance to spot magnificent frigate birds clean the salt from their wings by brushing the surface of the lake.
The Galapagos can be visited year-round, with the best time to go based on what you hope to see and do. When it comes to the weather, there are only two seasons. The warm, wet season is from December through June, and the cool, dry season is from July through November. If you plan to do lots of snorkeling or diving, the wet season offers excellent visibility and the water and land temperatures will be warmer with daytime highs peaking in the upper 80s. This is also the best time for encounters with Galapagos giant tortoises.
The dry season in the Galapagos is just a bit cooler, with high temperatures reaching 80 degrees. It’s breeding time for many animals here, including marine iguanas, sea lions, and lots of sea birds. With the plankton blooms, you can swim with whale sharks, and this is the best time to see whales like humpbacks too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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