Galapagos is the most prominent attraction of Ecuador. It consists of 13 major and 7 smaller islands. This chain of pristine islands was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. This region has a plethora of flora and fauna, making it a nature wonderland.
Galapagos is a fantastic cruise destination. A cruise trip provides adventure coupled with onboard amenities for an enriching experience. Cruises take passengers to famous areas as well as less-traveled islands.
This blog features the best Galapagos cruises, offering excellent travel amenities. It explores various destinations for an unforgettable trip. For adventurous souls, this guide outlines the thrilling shore excursions on the Galapagos Islands.
30-Second Summary
As one of the most famous traveling destinations, Galapagos has a prominent place on everyone’s bucket list. You can see the activity of seabirds, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas. This place fascinated Charles Darwin and continues to captivate every tourist.
In this blog, you will learn about the ideal Galapagos cruises, offering adventurous and comfortable trips. Discover the destinations and shore excursions. Moreover, the additional tips will help you plan a trip without any complications.
Best Galapagos Cruise Lines
Cruising the Galapagos provides you with an opportunity to explore wildlife and remote locations. With an expert guide, you can learn about numerous species and the historical significance of the sites.
Below is a list of cruises offering a journey to the stunning Galapagos Islands.
- Lindblad Expeditions
The fleet of Lindblad Expeditions provides an intimate and adventurous trip to the Galapagos Islands. The vessel National Geographic Islander II carries 48 guests. Traveling on it offers an experience of your private yacht.
This vessel has “tools for exploration” onboard. These include kayaks, Zodiacs, snorkel gear, and remote ocean-view cameras. The other ships for the Galapagos are National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Delfina, and National Geographic Gemini.
- Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises has different vessels offering a journey to Galapagos. If you do not want to travel with a large group, you can choose Celebrity Xpedition with 16 berths. The itineraries of these vessels include locations with dynamic wildlife.
You can go snorkeling and enjoy dinghy rides on the shore. This cruise line conducts nightly briefings with experts. You can ask them about the species you encountered and learn about the region’s diversity.
- Silversea Cruises
Silversea launched a new vessel named Silver Origin in 2020 for Galapagos. This ship accommodates 100 people, with butler service designated for each suite. It also provides high-tech hardware.
This vessel has the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos Islands. The all-inclusive package covers everything, from flights from the UK to a two-night pre-cruise stay in Quito.
- Hurtigruten Expeditions
The vessel MS Santa Cruz II by Hurtigruten Expeditions is designed for the Galapagos Islands. This ship was refurbished in 2021 for a more comfortable travel for guests. It consists of 50 suites and accommodates 90 passengers.
It is one of the larger ships operating in this region. It has single-occupancy cabins as well as interconnecting rooms for families. With excellent facilities, this cruise is a wonderful choice for visiting the Galapagos.
- Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions launched the first superyacht for the Galapagos, named Aqua Mare. This company started out as a river cruise line but expanded into ocean cruising. Aqua Mare offers an exclusive journey to this wildlife wonderland.
Carrying only 16 passengers, this vessel provides an intimate journey. The 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and superb onboard facilities make it a top choice for all travelers.
- Quasar Expeditions
Travel like royalty to the Galapagos with Quasar’s Grace. Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco once used this vessel. Now, it is open to people with luxurious tastes and affluent backgrounds.
The look of the ship still has the feel of old times. However, if you want to experience something different, choose its sister ship, The Evolution. It has a striking retro beauty. The itinerary includes eight to 15 days of travel.
- Ecoventura
Ecoventura promises a unique travel experience to the Galapagos Islands. The vessels Theory and Origen offer tours to the east and west islands. The excellent cuisine and onboard services make the entire journey more enjoyable.
The enthusiastic guides have a plethora of knowledge about the wildlife and historic sites in the Galapagos. The evening cocktails and spacious cabins provide a comfortable travel experience.
- Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways operates the Treasure of Galapagos. This ship has 9 suites and offers a truly intimate journey with only 16 guests onboard. You can explore the archipelago from the comfort of your balcony.
Explore the diversity of wildlife, from colorful marine life to beautiful birds. An expert Naturalist onboard ensures that you learn about the marvelous flora and fauna of this region.
- G Adventures
G Adventures offers a remarkable trip to the Galapagos. The cruise itinerary includes a visit to the small community of Floreana. You can choose ships depending on the time you want to stay in the region.
The vessels Eden and Reina Silvia Voyager are used more frequently. Each of these carries 16 passengers for an exclusive trip.
- Metropolitan Touring
Metropolitan Touring provides a fleet of three ships for a trip to the Galapagos Islands. The vessels La Pinta, Santa Cruz II, and Isabella II have the same standard of onboard facilities.
The expert guides conduct lectures about the region onboard and lead the landings. Travelers can either choose a long trip or divide the time between cruising and staying some nights in their Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.
- Ocean Spray Cruise
The Ocean Spray luxury yacht takes you on a truly enriching tour of the Galapagos Islands. You can observe the breathtaking beauty from your balconies. The shore excursions allow you to experience the charm of the islands up close.
This vessel, operating under Golden Galapagos Cruises, has an elegant design. It is renowned for spacious cabins, a jacuzzi, and sundecks.
Why Visit the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos is home to undisturbed volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. This region has beaches in numerous colors that can spark curiosity in every traveler.
If you are also curious about why you should visit the Galapagos, this section provides you with some solid reasons.
Expeditions: The Galapagos constantly ranks among the best small ship destinations. Take a yacht or catamaran to explore the less-traveled islands and incredible wildlife.
Remoteness: The islands of this archipelago are secluded. These islands have serenity, picturesque beauty, and an unspoiled ecosystem.
Charles Darwin: This destination gained fame after the famous biologist and naturalist Charles Darwin visited it. He recognized the genetic adaptations of similar species on different islands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about the islands’ unique biodiversity.
Colorful Beaches: You can find beaches with different-colored sand in the Galapagos. From white and deep olive to green, yellow, orange, and red, you will be amazed at the striking shades.
Culture: This region allows tourists to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture. Explore the historical sites and interact with locals for a rich cultural experience.
Famous Destinations in Galapagos
As a popular destination, Galapagos attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. If you plan to visit this region, make sure you are aware of local rules, including thedrinking age limit.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is one of the largest in the Galapagos. It is a hub of tourism, offering a tranquil yet exciting travel experience. This island is the only one that has multiple landscapes, including hilly uplands, volcanoes, lava tubes, and beaches.
You can snorkel, hike, or take a stroll to observe the beauty of this island. The cuisine has a wide variety of recipes featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Espanola Island
The Espanola Island has a striking range of fauna. This endemic wildlife, particularly the albatross, is the main tourist attraction. This island has a lot of shore excursions to offer. Therefore, taking a Galapagos expedition cruise is ideal for this journey.
You can enjoy birdwatching in Punta Suarez or snorkeling in Gardner Bay. All in all, you should not miss the wildlife extravaganza of Espanola Island.
Bartolomé Island
Bartolomé Island is the most visited and photographed region in the Galapagos. Tourists have access to two sites. One site includes a climb to a high point for an incredible view. The other is at the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.
This place is delightful for birdwatchers. You can explore herons, Galapagos hawks, and Galapagos penguins.
Isabela Island
Isabela Island is the largest in the Galapagos. This island is also the most volcanically active. It is famous for its giant tortoises. Each volcano has a unique species of tortoise, making it a rich region in terms of fauna.
You can see humpback whales breaching out of the water in the west of the island. Puerto Villamil is the only town on this island that has small beachfront hotels and outdoor activities.
Fernandina Island
Fernandina is a pristine island in this archipelago. It has become a famous destination due to its stunning natural beauty. The La Cumbre volcano last erupted a few years back, making it a volcanically active island.
The famous species you encounter here are land and marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants.
San Cristóbal Island
The San Cristóbal Island provides a scenic and relaxing atmosphere. Despite being largely populated, it has unspoiled beauty. There are plenty of activities to do on this island.
Tourists can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. Adventure seekers can also surf in the turquoise water when waves are at their prime from December to February.
Shore Excursions on the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are the perfect destination to enjoy numerous adventurous activities. This region has some of the most vibrant wildlife that even inspired Charles Darwin.
Let’s take a look at exciting Galapagos shore excursions that make your trip worth it.
Santa Cruz: This place is perfect for all wildlife enthusiasts. You can watch birds throughout the year, especially the scrub jay. There are several hiking trails you can explore. Moreover, travelers visit the Charles Darwin Research Center to understand the diversity of wildlife in the region.
Espanola Island: The famous points to visit in Espanola Island are Suarez, Osborn Islet, and Gardner Bay. Suarez Point is perfect to see albatrosses and blue-footed boobies. You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in Osborn Islet. Observe sea lions relaxing in Gardner Bay.
Bartolomé Island: If you are visiting Bartolomé Island, you need to visit the Pinnacle Rock. You can hike to the top of the volcano, which has 375 steps. Additionally, you can observe Galapagos penguins and snorkel to see the marine life.
Isabela Island: Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano, which last erupted in 2018. You can see the historical Wall of Tears and observe the natural beauty surrounding it. Tourists also visit the white sandy beach of Puerto Villamil to relax.
Fernandina Island: Fernandina Island is superb for Galapagos wildlife tours. You can snorkel to see the rich marine life. In Punta Espinoza, you can observe the high biodiversity, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and sea lions.
San Cristóbal Island: You can observe diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, sea lions, frigate birds, marine iguanas, and other sea birds here. You can visit the San Cristobal Interpretation Center to delve into the rich history of this island.
The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands have two seasons: dry and cool (June to November) and warm and wet (December to May). Below is a month-by-month guide for the seasons in Galapagos and the ideal time to visit them.
January to February: The temperature of the sea and land begins to warm. Despite being the wet season, these months also bring lots of sunshine. The sea turtles start nesting, and the marine iguana becomes brightly colored.
March to May: The rain begins to stop. The baby sea turtles and iguanas hatch from their eggs. The flowers start to bloom. You can see baby sea lions playing on the beaches.
June to July: June marks the beginning of the seasonal change. The air and water become cooler. The wildlife remains vibrant and active. In July, tourists can see frigate birds and the nesting ritual of flightless cormorants. Albatrosses begin to arrive in Espanola Island.
August to September: The winds are at their strongest in August. The sea lion pupping season is in full swing. September is the quietest month in the archipelago. The sea lions are active in the western and central islands. The seabirds are active as well.
October to November: The winds begin to calm in these months. The blue-footed boobies are raising their chicks on Isabela and Espanola islands. You can see sea pups playing in the water.
December: The weather becomes significantly warmer. The wildlife is abundant, and the islands become green. If you wish to travel during this time (Christmas season), make sure to book in advance.
The best time to visit: The ideal time to travel to the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Extra Tips for the Galapagos Tour
The trip to the Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Keep the following tips in mind to make the most out of this journey.
- Keep money with you for the Transit Control Card and to enter the National Parks.
- Pack light, breathable clothes with you.
- Make sure to pack sturdy and comfortable shoes for hiking and strolling.
- Pack your sunscreen, medications, and swimwear.
- Keep your camera, binoculars, and other electronics with you.
- Always respect wildlife and do not feed them.
- Adhere to designated trails and follow the “Leave No Trace” policy.
- Safeguard your belongings in populous areas.
- Stay hydrated, particularly during hiking and water sports.
Conclusion
The Galapagos Islands are a tourist hotspot. This archipelago has a chain of beautiful beaches, all offering unique travel experiences. Whether you want to feel serenity or an adrenaline rush, this place has everything for everyone.
This blog outlined some famous Galapagos cruises that offer top-notch onboard amenities. It also explored the popular destinations and their attractions. With the additional tips, you can plan a smooth trip to this breathtaking region.
FAQs
What is the Best Month to Visit the Galapagos Islands?
The best time to travel to Galapagos is from December to May. You get plenty of sunshine and ample chances to see wildlife thriving in its habitat.
Why Should You Visit Galapagos?
This archipelago comprises 21 islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galapagos Island offers diverse wildlife with breathtaking natural beauty. It has beaches, mangroves, and volcanoes. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a wildlife lover, this region offers a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic biodiversity of its flora and fauna.
How Long is a Cruise Trip to the Galapagos Islands?
The length of the journey depends on the cruise line you choose to book with. Some cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days in length. Other lines offer longer travel itineraries. It comes down to how much time you want to spend in the archipelago.