Galapagos Cruises Perfect for Nature Lovers
Galapagos cruises let guests experience both land and sea.
The Galapagos Islands, located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are a haven for those who love natural beauty. Hopping aboard a Galapagos cruise is the ideal way to experience all that these islands have to offer.
The 13 islands of this archipelago are all unique. Though 5 are inhabited, travelers flock to the islands not to meet the friendly people there, but to view the amazing flora and fauna that are part of the Galapagos Islands.
The islands were made most famous by scientist Charles Darwin, who was fascinated by the many unusual species found on the islands and the way they adapted to their surroundings. His famous book, The Origin of Species, is largely based on his observations in the Galapagos Islands.
Cruising the Islands
Because both the islands and the water around them offer so much, it's best to see Galapagos from the vantage of a cruise ship. Galapagos cruises allow visitors to spend time on both land and sea.
Typical itineraries will include observations of the islands from the deck of a ship, informative hikes through the natural habitats of the islands' unusual wildlife, and scuba or snorkeling trips to view the area's diverse marine life.
Choosing the Right Cruise for Me
Many tour companies offer splendid itineraries to assist visitors in exploring the islands. Accommodations range from large cruise-type ships to much smaller sailing vessels or power boats.
Choosing the ship that best fits your needs will make your Galapagos cruise most enjoyable. Consider these points when choosing a ship for your cruise.
Small yachts are perfect for those who want a more intimate, friendly experience. You'll have more opportunity to get to know your shipmates and guides.
Smaller ships are able to dock in places that are inaccessible to larger boats. If you're particularly environmentally conscious, you'll notice that the small boats have less impact on the natural resources of the islands.
Cruise ships certainly offer more luxury and the sleeping and eating accommodations are spacious. However, don't expect to see any posh cruise liners. The island authorities limit the number on board to 100 passengers.
Dinners are more formal on these large ships and may include buffet-style meals as well. There's also a wider selection of activities and a more flexible schedule.
Ships of many sizes can be chartered for private honeymoon excursions or group tours.
If you're looking for particular activities, like scuba diving, be sure that the boat you choose is properly equipped. Most offer snorkeling excursions but not all are outfitted for diving.
What Will I See?
No matter how you travel, you'll see some of the world's most beautiful yet rugged islands! The volcanic topography is stunning. The animals and flowers are among the most unusual found anywhere.
Search for the evil-looking Galapagos Marine Iguana, an innocuous lizard that actually prefers vegetables to meat. Don't miss the Sally Lightfoot Crab, quite photogenic and unlike any crab you've ever eaten!
Bird lovers should look for the Blue or Red-footed Booby, indigenous to the Galapagos Islands. Other Galapagos cruise finds might include a number of interesting finches as well as the Great Frigate Bird.
Flora includes a variety of unusual cactuses as well as the Muyuyo with its bright yellow flowers.
From the deck of your ship, you'll often spot whales and other large marine animals. Snorkeling or scuba diving will provide you with a close-up look at the island's smaller sea creatures.
Best Time to Go
The weather's great year-round in the Galapagos Islands. It's a bit cooler in the months of June through December, though it rarely rains. Sea birds and land mammals are most active during this season.
If you prefer warmer weather, you can travel there between January and May but you'll experience more wet weather.
The patterns of various animals are diverse enough that most Galapagos cruises, regardless of season, afford visitors a good look at native wildlife.