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And you won’t have to sacrifice comfort; the suites are seriously luxurious and there’s a hot tub on the sun deck. The sleek twin-hulled catamaran boasts a 180-degree view salon on the main deck, as well as a bar and Jacuzzi sun terrace. Everything is taken care of by the attentive staff including impeccably planned itineraries. Below you’ll find a chart with the vast majority of vessels available as of 2021. Most of them are yachts and catamarans for up to 20 people, which in my opinion often provide a more personal service and intimate experience.
Galapagos Cruises and Hotel Based Tour Options
However, that's often just fine for adventurous travelers who know the focus is on the destination and not the ship. Three other ships — Origin, Theory and Evolve — are luxury expedition yachts rented from Ecoventura, part of the Relais & Chateaux family of luxury brands. Each carries just 20 passengers in a plush, high-end atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the Galapagos' rugged terrain. However, they're likely first-timers to this remote destination. If a Galapagos cruise is new territory for you, this planning guide will provide the overview you need to prepare for your foray into one of the world's most untouched, undeveloped areas.
Compare Galapagos Cruises & Find the Best
Save up to $2,000 per person when you book a select 2024 departure of the below-linked Horizon Galapagos Cruise. Save up to $2,000 per person when you book a select 2024 departure of the below-linked Infinity Galapagos Cruise. Specific departures of 7- or 8-day cruises include two complimentary hotel nights and two airport transfers in Quito or Guayaquil.
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The difference with Contiki is they limit the ages of travelers from 18 to 35, so if you aren’t within this age bracket, you’ll want to look elsewhere. There are many benefits to taking a cruise rather than planning your own vacation. A cruise often takes care of everything you need, from the meals to the accommodation. And, of course, a detailed itinerary also comes with the package — alongside transportation to every destination. Sign up to receive insider tips, travel inspiration, and exclusive offers from Galapagos Unbound, and the ROW Adventures Family of Companies. Rabida makes a bold statement when you arrive at its iron-rich red beach.
A step by step guide to choosing the best Galapagos cruise
With years of experience cruising in the Galapagos, our knowledgeable guides and crew are best placed to show you this incredible region. Our custom Galápagos tours are the ultimate in Galápagos Islands cruise packages, seamlessly combining Galápagos cruises with bespoke land tours featuring private expert-led excursions and curated accommodations. Browse our best-selling Galápagos vacations below and begin an unforgettable journey tailored uniquely to you.
Celebrity Xploration
Journey Latin America has several itineraries that include time around the islands, many of them aboard the motorised catamaran Treasure of Galapagos. All that before laying eyes on blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Originally known for its scenic voyages up and down the Norwegian coast, Hurtigruten has branched out into expedition cruising, including to this corner of South America.
The G Adventures Complete Galapagos cruise starts and ends in Quito. It accommodates everyone aged 12 to 99 and uses English as its primary language to make it easier for most to communicate (an adult guardian must accompany minors). Passengers will have two nights in a hotel and 14 nights aboard the Yolita, an 8-cabin vessel.
Superyacht sailing with Aqua Expeditions
We chose La Pinta because of the size of the ship (not too big or too small), the itinerary (north islands), planned activities for kids, and the availability of a glass-bottom boat. Our definitive Galapagos travel guide blogs are updated regularly and help explain how to choose the best Galapagos cruise for you and your family. Learn which seasons are best to visit, how to travel sustainably on cruises to Galapagos or all about what’s new with Galapagos cruises for 2024 & 2025. AdventureSmith Explorations sends hundreds of passengers on Galapagos Islands cruises each year. And our company founder, Todd Smith, is an elected board member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association.
In Quito
14 of the Best Galápagos Cruises - Travel + Leisure
14 of the Best Galápagos Cruises.
Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Cerro Colorado Tortoise Breeding Center, on the south part of the island, focuses on mitigating threats to the islands' giant tortoise population. It's another location where giant tortoises are bred in captivity and released into a monitored natural habitat to be protected and studied. On the opposite side of the island is Post Office Bay, named for what might be the world's smallest post office. A small door in an old barrel gives way to a pile of postcards stuffed into a Ziploc bag.
Galapagos cruises are the best way to experience the collection of remote, mostly uninhabited islands about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. But cruises in the Galapagos Islands aren’t like cruises anyplace else. The ships here are smaller, with some carrying as few as 16 passengers. There are no water slides, elaborate Broadway shows, casinos, or wild nightclubs. All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios. The ship offers deck hammocks, Wi-Fi, and food made with ingredients sourced from farms in the Galápagos whenever possible.
The vessel is bright and modern but with only the most basic in-cabin comforts. (There are no TVs or bathtubs — showers only.) Although all cabins are outsides (no balconies), the ship does have a small fitness center, two lounges, a small selection of books and a game and movie room. The line charters all of its vessels, which means it doesn't own the ships. When you sail with A&K, you'll be on one of four ships, depending on the specific itinerary you choose. Because of that, it's common for more than one travel company or cruise brand to sell sailings on the same ship. If you're confused about which ship to book or how to book it if it's offered by multiple companies, go directly through your favorite cruise line, or contact your travel agent.
When is the best time to go to Galapagos islands? How my trip went. - USA TODAY
When is the best time to go to Galapagos islands? How my trip went..
Posted: Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You'll also need comfortable shoes, including hiking boots and water shoes that can get wet. (I recommend Keen-style sandals, water socks or Crocs.) Bring extra socks; merino wool works well to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable. Arguably one of the most iconic views in the Galapagos is the one from the Pinnacle Rock volcanic formation on Bartolome Island, one of the smallest of the main islands.
With the fantastic sights, the beautiful wildlife, and the bustling seascapes, it’s easy to see why so many put these islands on their travel bucket lists. Galapagos cruises are often paired with land-based visits to Peru's Machu Picchu, the Ecuadorian rainforest or other South American hotspots. Most passengers will at least spend a day or two exploring Quito or Guayaquil pre- or post-cruise. The balance is smaller, privately owned and operated vessels typically carrying 10 to 20 passengers. We always recommend a minimum of 5 days to adequately experience the Galapagos Islands and strongly advise 8 days to truly appreciate their incredible endemic species and otherworldly landscapes.
Travelers also get to enjoy wildlife sightings, hikes, snorkeling, zodiac rides, swimming, and more. Onboard the Eden, you can expect a large lounge on the upper deck with a forward sun deck. On the main deck, passengers can find a dining room, a bar, and a lounge.
Santa Cruz is one of the most common stops on Galapagos cruise itineraries. It's also where many non-cruise travelers stay when they visit. Celebrity's first Galapagos-based expedition ship may not be the new kid on the block anymore, but this vessel still packs a punch.
If you’re a wanderluster and looking to save money, you can also visit the Galapagos on a budget. If you prefer land-based travel, we have award-winning Galapagos multi-sport tours as well. Our guides are registered and trained in conservation and natural sciences by the Charles Darwin Foundation and licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service. The guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. The waters around the Galapagos Islands are usually pretty calm, with seasickness a minor issue for most passengers. Bearing in mind the unpredictability of nature, big swells and major storms are a rarity.
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