Table Of Content
The Galapagos Islands have been called the most desirable place on earth, virtually untouched by human hand and have been left to evolve as if time has stood still. All the ships are Ecuadorian flagged, Ecuadorian crewed and owned by Ecuadorian companies, sometimes in partnership with leading cruise companies. The sailings are year-round, and routes are always subject to change based on park control. Embark on a Galápagos cruise and experience the evolutionary oddities and breathtaking scenery of an astonishing archipelago famed worldwide for its wildlife-viewing opportunities. Beneath the spectacular volcanic vistas, delve into an underwater wonderland, a nutrient-rich cocktail of currents conducting an oceanic opera of teeming marine life.
Northern Islands
Additionally, the islands are home to many plants and animals that you can't find anywhere else, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them up close. One of the marvels of the Galápagos Islands is that much of the wildlife is unafraid of humans. As we explore on our Galápagos cruises, we ensure we do nothing that might disturb the wildlife and ecosystems and leave as small a footprint as possible. Almost 600 miles from the mainland, the Galapagos Islands are one of the remotest places in the world. Home to an astonishing 9,000 species of flora and fauna, the 19 island-archipelago was the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and is by far the strangest, most wonderful place on Earth. Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and interesting activities in the Galapagos, which is snorkeling, which will allow you to explore and discover its beautiful rich marine fauna and flora.
Explorer Ventures Humboldt Explorer and Tiburon Explorer
Galapagos tours, cruises continue, but Ecuador unrest prompts cancellations - Travel Weekly
Galapagos tours, cruises continue, but Ecuador unrest prompts cancellations.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If a luxury vacation to the Galapagos Islands wasn’t on your bucket list before, it definitely should be now. Santa Cruz features the Galapagos' most populous "city," Puerto Ayora, and is the island chain's main tourism hub. The island offers visitors the only chance to experience the Galapagos' interior high-lands, one of a few places to spot giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The Charles Darwin research center, a visit to which is included on every cruise, is also located there. Be you bucket-lister or wildlife buff, the idea of the Galapagos pulses with animal magnetism. A cruise, which lets visitors efficiently trace remarkable evolutionary variations from island to island, is the most immersive way to see the destination in a three- to 14-night stretch.
Best Galapagos cruise for adventure seekers
Browse through our list of liveaboard diving cruises and let us help you plan your personalized Galapagos adventure now. The live-abroad experience means sleeping and eating aboard a yacht for the duration of your trip. One thing makes our world-renowned cuisine, with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, even better. From the robust coffee grown on Ecuadoran plantations to the fresh local seafood, almost everything was grown, raised, or caught nearby. Then we make culinary magic in venues such as the upscale Seaside Restaurant and alfresco Ocean Grill on Celebrity Flora. In every restaurant on every ship, fine dining will be the highlight of every evening.
In Quito
Excursion options for this visit include a long walk and a short walk. The Baroness’ Viewing Point is the ideal place to take in the unique scenery that defines Floreana, and to learn about the intriguing history of the island, once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers. During the coastal exploration ride around “La Loberia,” you can observe several marine species such as golden eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, mullets and occasionally Galapagos penguins. Floreana was the first capital of the Galapagos, and where Charles Darwin met the islands’ Governor. Its small brackish lagoon is often home to flamingos, stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks, and one of its beaches is a highly used nesting site for sea turtles. Excursion options include a relatively short walk to the lagoon and sea turtle nesting beach, and optional snorkeling and swimming at the landing beach.
Island-by-Island Galapagos Guide
Find out when and where to go, what to see and do, where to eat and sleep, and more below. Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. Let our experts help you choose a cruise and boat that best fits the needs of your travel adventure. While the animals of the Galapagos Islands get the glory, the evolution and adaptation of plant life here is equally important. Check out the beautiful lava Cactus, which only grows on barren lava fields. Plus, after 17 years of award-winning Galapagos cruises and vacations, we can open your world even wider with all-inclusive packages of 10–16 nights in South America.
The Galapagos is a region unlike anywhere else on Earth, which means a trip there is full of nuance. Beyond that, quick-drying clothing made from synthetic fabrics is best. 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. When I priced out a few sailings over the next 18 months, I noticed that fares within the next two months are actually higher than those for voyages six months out.
Windstar Heads to South America and Galapagos in 2025 - Cruise Industry News
Windstar Heads to South America and Galapagos in 2025.
Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast, the perfect combination of coffee and fresh air. Get comfortably seated in your tender for your morning’s commute to your first island where you’ll find yourself surrounded by hundreds of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and so much more. Relax at the beach, snorkel, or take in a guided hike as you get to know the incredible habitants of this island up close.
Deck plan
Dinner includes fresh seafood, chicken or pork, pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, and dessert. In January to June the water tends to be between 20C–26C (70F–80F), while in July to December temperatures are closer to 18C–23C (65F–75F). Any activities not listed in the itinerary for each trip that have not been assessed by us. Therefore, our staff and leaders are unable to assist with booking these activities. The decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion. Due to our internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking diving activities.
Each evening, you'll come home to one of three vessels that are as extraordinary as the islands. The luxurious, 100-guest, all-suites Celebrity Flora—the first and only resort at sea in the region to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating. Everything you want or need will be included—stunning accommodations, inspired food and drink, unlimited Wi-Fi—all delivered with superlative service.
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. 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.
These guides will have university degrees in biology, tourism or a related field; six-plus years' experience guiding in the Galapagos; fluency in English; and will have passed the Park's Level 3 training. There are typically two excursions per day, and if you participate in every hike and snorkel, expect limited down time -- and expect to be enthralled but slightly exhausted by debarkation day. 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. Also, check with your travel agent to see if they can offer you anything extra — like a land-based add-on or extra onboard credit — if you're considering booking. Because Galapagos cruises operate all year, there isn't a shoulder season, so fares remain steady year-round.
There are two types of landings -- the wet landing and the dry landing. The wet landing might involve hopping off the panga into a foot of water. Champion Islet's waters transform into an aquarium teeming with life during September and October, when the water temperatures drop. Sea plants thrive, which brings the marine creatures, which in turn brings in the sea birds. Sea lions, especially the curious juveniles, often zip past and around the awkward humans in fins and masks. Keep an eye out for sales around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as wave season — the period during the first three months of each year when cruise lines offer deep discounts, added perks or a combination of the two.
The guide will be on board with you for the duration of the trip and will accompany you on all excursions. Some passengers choose to bring their own snorkelling equipment, but this is a personal choice. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided on-board the vessel for use by all passengers.
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