Tuesday, April 2, 2024

6 Best Galapagos Cruises For Every Kind of Traveler 2023

galapagos island cruise

The small ships in the Galapagos rely on pangas, or inflatable dinghies, to speed passengers from boat to beach. I didn't need an underwater camera for these on-the-water rides, but I was afraid to pull out my phone to grab quick pictures for fear of it might get wet. Because I didn't have a waterproof case, I missed a lot of the action. Head back to the olivine beach to swim or snorkel amongst sea turtles, reef fish, sea lions and, on a good day, white-tipped reef sharks. A small colony of penguins resides on Floreana and can sometimes be observed as well.

CardMatch

(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. Sixteen-passenger Eden is also equipped with eight cabins, seven of which sleep two people in twin-bed configurations and one of which offers a queen bed. Aqua Mare joined the Aqua Expeditions fleet in 2021 and underwent a total overhaul to bring it up to the standards of the luxury line, which operates four other yacht-style ships. Refurbished in 2019, it offers modern touches without too much excess. With more crew than passengers, service on Abercombie & Kent voyages is top-notch. Galapagos-based ships are required to hire locally, so most of the crew on ships in the area are Ecuadorian.

How rough are the seas? Will I get seasick?

If you’re a certified scuba diver, a live-aboard dive boat might be for you. These boats are built to accommodate the specific needs (and gear) of divers, and they navigate special routes and itineraries that include top dive sites. The Galápagos is home to whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, sunfish, and many other marine creatures. The 32-passenger Evolution was designed by Adriana Hoyos, a furniture and interior designer renowned for her work on luxury hotels across the Americas. Passengers can choose between three itineraries, ranging from eight to 15 days and taking different routes around the Galápagos.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora features all of the design elements, amenities, and services of its sibling ships and then some. It has two 1,288-square-foot penthouse suites (the largest in the Galápagos), naturalist-guided stargazing sessions, and outdoor cabanas that you can reserve for a unique glamping experience. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board.

With Itinerary C, the ship will sail around Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, and San Cristobal Island. On this cruise itinerary, visit interesting highlights including Pinnacle Rock, South Plaza Islet, Pitt Point and the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve. Around five million years ago a series of violent volcanic events began in the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles from the coast of South America.

The balance is smaller, privately owned and operated vessels typically carrying 10 to 20 passengers. December through May, the air and water temperatures are typically warmer, in the high 80's, and seas are calmer. Light rain falls for a short period of time each day, but the spritz is balanced with potent sunshine. Sun-worshippers may be tested in February and March, when equatorial heat scorches the lava.

Difference Between the Eastern and Western Galapagos Islands

Also, keep any fresh fruits and vegetables at home, along with loose nuts and seeds. The local government is extremely cautious about preventing visitors from introducing anything foreign that could harm the islands' delicate ecosystems. In terms of accessories, you'll want binoculars, a day pack (waterproof, if possible) that you can use ashore and a water bottle if your cruise line doesn't provide one. Toss some seasickness remedies into your bag, and download some movies or TV shows onto your smartphone or tablet in case your cabin doesn't have a TV. 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.

galapagos island cruise

Your vessel might have an open-bridge policy, though; check it out to see if you can catch a peek inside. Frigate bird eggs start hatching, and flamingos and flightless cormorants initiate the mating process during this time of the year. If you'd like to time your trip to see certain animals or animal behaviors, below are some timeframes to keep in mind. Though there is no risk of yellow fever in the Galapagos Islands, a vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from infected areas. Meals will be prepared by your on-board chef for breakfast, lunch and dinner, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Find your dream Galapagos cruise now:

Using boats, kayaks, snorkels and your own legs, you’ll get close – but not too close – to the Galápagos Islands wildlife you know from TV nature documentaries. Galápagos is one of the planet’s most beautiful and ecologically fascinating destinations. You’ll find out why conservation efforts are so important here as you experience the wonders of these unique islands first hand. Immerse yourself in nature as you venture to off-the-beaten track locations to try sea kayaking, SUP boarding, reef snorkelling and more. EcoGalaxy Catamaran Galapagos Cruise guarantees you encounter the Enchanted Islands in an eco-friendly, low carbon footprint and the best hidden gems, wildlife settlements, and snorkel sites.

Some of the suites even come with walk-in closets and their own Jacuzzi tubs. Travelers can opt for a four- to eight-day cruise with inclusive excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. You'll enjoy more space, a larger group to mingle with, and sometimes a wider variety of activities and services to accommodate more people. Return to the ship for a freshly-prepared lunch as you recall the morning’s adventure. As you dine, your ship gently moves to your next island destination.

Excellent - lots of sitings of the 2 dozen or so must see animals. Even had over 100 galapagos sharks circling the boat one night chasing flying fish. Book your next Galapagos cruise adventure to the incredible Galapagos Islands online today. Plan ahead - To avoid disappointment, planning your Galapagos Small Ship cruise well ahead of time is best. Most Galapagos yachts sell out at least 6 months in advance, so try to book early. That being said, sometimes there are good deals due to cancellations.

HX Launches Biggest Ever FAM Competition to Galapagos Islands - Cruise Industry News

HX Launches Biggest Ever FAM Competition to Galapagos Islands.

Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The 20-guest Origin, Theory and Evolve Galapagos Cruises are identical sister yachts, are three of the newest Galapagos yachts to explore the Islands. The Origin began sailing in 2016, the Theory launched in 2019 and the Evolve will make her debut in May of 2021. The Theory Galapagos Cruise (sister yacht to the ORIGIN) offers modern furnishings & high-end amenities with remarkable speed. The THEORY offers ten spacious deluxe staterooms on one deck with ocean views with two twin beds that convert to a King bed. The wind-drawn Humboldt Current can bring with it nauseating, choppy waters from July to December, so be sure to bring motion sickness medication like Dramamine.

Also operated by Metropolitan Touring, the 90-passenger Santa Cruz II is an expedition ship with contemporary decor and comfortable single, double and triple cabins. This intimate, 48-passenger yacht is operated by Metropolitan Touring and offers popular four-night and six-night itineraries. At Galapagos Travel Center, we offer a range of boats from luxury to budget. Explorer Ventures' two live-aboard vessels, the Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer, accommodate 16 passengers each. The Humboldt has a large dive deck, which makes it easier to get into and out of your dive gear. The eight-day excursion includes up to 19 dives and the 11-day excursion includes up to 28.

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