GALAPAGOS CRUISES

Galapagos Cruises cater to nature lovers from all over the world and are the classic way to visit the Galapagos Islands. Cruises through the Galapagos combines the romance of an ocean voyage, the spirit of adventure, and the spectacle of exotic and uninhibited wildlife which makes these Galapagos Cruises a dream vacation. When you begin researching going to the Galapagos it can seem overwhelming. We have broken down the options into easy information to help you plan your cruise.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE LENGTHS

In 2010 Galapagos Cruises are available in 4, 5, 8 or 15-days. Currently there are only a few Galapagos Cruises that offer 15-day option. Like all Galapagos Cruises these cruises visit 1 to 2 sites each day for the two weeks you are in Galapagos. The 8 day Galapagos Cruises are traditionally the most popular and is currently how most boats operate. The 4 or 5 day Galapagos Cruises are a portion of the 8 day Galapagos Cruise.

The longer 15 day Galapagos Cruises are a wonderful way to see most of the Islands. However, if you have time or budget constraints shorter Galapagos Cruises are a great option.

In 2011 all Galapagos Cruises will have a 15-day itinerary approved by the Galapagos National Park. Each of the yachts or ships are currently deciding how they are dividing up their 15-day Galapagos itinerary to the public.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE ITINERARIES

All Galapagos Cruises have a set itinerary designated in conjunction with the Galapagos National Park to offer travelers with the best experience while minimizing the effect that tourism has on the Galapagos. When weighing the alternatives of Galapagos Cruises the most important factor to compare is the cruise itinerary. You want an cruise that offers you the broadest range of diversity after all that's why you decided to take a Galapagos Cruise in the first place.

The Galapagos Islands can be divided into four different areas within the archipelago: Western, Southern, Northern and Central. Each region of Galapagos has distinguishing features showcasing both the geological features and the wildlife that lives there. Many Galapagos Islands have their own endemic wildlife - species found there and nowhere else in the world. It is in witnessing firsthand how these animals evolved differently from each other can observe Darwin's Theory of Evolution up close. Our Galapagos Islands section provides details as to each region and the different Galapagos Islands to help you decide between Galapagos Cruises based on the itineraries.

WHEN TO GO ON YOUR GALAPAGOS CRUISE

The Galapagos Islands is a year round destination. When deciding what time of year for your cruise you should be aware Galapagos has two different season offering different experiences.

The Galapagos "rainy season" is from December to June, when the temperatures are the warmest, the seas are the calmest, and there is the greater chance of afternoon tropical showers. During this season conditions in Galapagos are influenced by the arrival of the tropical Panama Current giving the Galapagos a tropical feel. This season is a popular time for Cruises to the Galapagos while it is cold in the northern hemisphere - it's warm in the southern hemisphere. You'll enjoy swimming and snorkeling and cooling off in the water while snorkeling colorful fish and playful sea lion pups.

The Galapagos "dry season" from June to December, when temperatures are at the coolest a marine layer locally known as garua comes to cover the islands. The cold Humboldt Current running up South America from Antarctica influences the Galapagos this season. This is the time of year when rain showers are infrequent the seas are roughest. Galapagos Cruises are very popular this time of year as hiking is more comfortable due to the lower temperatures and indirect sunlight. You may want a wetsuit for swimming or snorkeling. Animals are more active this time of year and it is the best time for seeing whales or dolphins. For scuba divers this is peak season marked by the arrival of whale sharks in Galapagos from May to November.

CRUISE SIZE

Unlike cruised to other destinations where your ship is a small moving city, Galapagos Cruises are restricted to yachts and ships carrying 100 passengers or less. To seasoned travelers a 100 passenger cruise ship may seem like a small boat, yet the average number of people on board Galapagos Cruises is 16. You might question why the small size, it has to do with the fragile environment that is Galapagos. Smaller groups have less impact on the environment. Galapagos Cruises can be qualified into three categories based on the number of passengers on board - Small Galapagos Cruises, Mid-size Galapagos Cruises and Galapagos Cruise Ships. There are advantages and disadvantages in each choice.

Small Galapagos Cruises

Small Galapagos Cruises are the standard in the Galapagos Islands. These are large comfortable yachts carrying up to 16 passengers these cruises have a more personalized service; with fewer people on board you will get to know the other passengers, the guide as well as the crew members and they will get to know you. When it is time to go ashore, like all tours the national park has implemented a maximum of 16:1 traveler to guide ratio. On the smaller cruises the whole boat will get on and off for shore excursions at the same time. The guide will get to know and your interests and can provide a more personalized tour. Small cruises offer the most options from budget cruises to the most luxurious cruises of the Galapagos. Small Galapagos Cruises are the favorite choice for family charters.

Small Galapagos Cruises - Advantages

More Personalized service
You get to know other passengers, guide and crew
Ease of getting to and from shore excursions

Small Galapagos Cruises - Disadvantages

You get to know the other passengers and crew

Mid-size Galapagos Cruises

Mid-size Galapagos Cruises carry between 17 - 40 passengers offer many of the benefits of a small cruises and many of the benefits of the larger cruise ships. You'll receive a more personalized service, yet you'll benefit from more common space and additional amenities available on a larger cruise ship. Mid-size Galapagos Cruises often are a great option for families many cruises offer special family departures.

Mid-size Galapagos Cruises - Advantages

Typically larger cabins than Small Galapagos Cruises
More communal space than common Small Galapagos Cruises
More personalized service than Galapagos Cruise Ships
Easier to get on and off than the Galapagos Cruise Ships
A doctor on board in case of emergency

Mid-size Galapagos Cruises - Disadvantages

Not as intimate as a Small Galapagos Cruises
Not as much communal space as the Galapagos Cruise Ships

Galapagos Cruise Ships

These are the largest cruises in the Galapagos, carrying between 41 - 100 passengers, they offer the most amenities with features like piano bars, glass bottom boats, on board massages, and much more. Galapagos Cruise Ships usually travel greater distances over the week and are more stable than due to their size and weight.

Galapagos Cruise Ships - Advantages

More common space than Small Galapagos Cruises
More amenities than Small Galapagos Cruises
A doctor on board in case of emergency

Galapagos Cruise Ships - Disadvantages

Less personalized service
More time hurry up and wait time for shore excursions
Restrictions from visiting some areas due to their size

GALAPAGOS CRUISE COMFORT

Comfort at sea is a consideration for most travelers. When you are selecting your Galapagos Cruise you will want to think in terms of both stability of the boat as well as the amenities and services offered on board.

STABILITY

In general terms the heavier and the wider the boat the more stable it will be. A large 100 passenger Galapagos Cruise Ship is going to be more stable than a small yacht. A catamaran will be more stable than a single hull sail boat. During the time of the year when the seas are calm the difference can be negligible. During times when the seas are rougher (especially September and October) we highly recommend traveling on a more stable option to make your Galapagos Cruise more comfortable.

GALAPAGOS CRUISE AMENITIES AND SERVICES

The amenities on board and the level of service can make all the difference for some travelers. If you are use to staying in four or five star hotels when traveling then when you are selecting between Galapagos Cruises you will be more comfortable on a luxury Galapagos Cruise than on a budget cruise.

When selecting your Galapagos Cruise begin by looking at the cabins do they have lower beds or bunk beds? If you are tall you'll want to ask for the dimensions of the beds to make sure you will get a good night's sleep. How big is the cabin and will you have twin beds, a double bed or a king size bed. Do the cabins have picture windows or portholes and do they open to let in fresh air. Would you be more comfortable in suite or if you are traveling with small children are you looking for triple accommodations or connecting cabins. Answering these questions will narrow down your choices quickly and help you chose the right Galapagos Cruise.

You will also want to look common areas featured on board. Is there both inside and outside dining available? Is there a sun deck or shade deck where you can relax in take a nap of read a book? Many boats offer Jacuzzis where you can relax and take in the fabulous Galapagos scenery while the boat is at anchor. Are the comfortable interior space where you can relax during your cruise and review your photos and videos of Galapagos?

Lastly there are recreational items. Does the cruise offer a kayaking? If you do not enjoy swimming is there a glass bottom boat to let you see the Galapagos marine life. Is the snorkel equipment provided to you free of charge and are wetsuits available. These small details can all add up and make a big difference on how much you enjoy your Galapagos experience.

GALAPAGOS GUIDES

One of the single biggest factors that can make the difference between a good cruise and an great cruise is the quality of the guide. All Galapagos Cruises have a licensed Galapagos Naturalist Guide on board. All guides are required to be local residents, speak English as well as Spanish and complete the Galapagos National Park training program. The park has a ranking system based on education and training ranging from Level I to Level III. After a decade without any new guides, in the past 5 years the Galapagos National Park is once again offering training and there are now many new young enthusiastic Level I and II guides. Quality Galapagos Guides are in demand, making it possible for the best guide to pick and chose the boats where they work. Our years of experience working in Galapagos, gives us a firm understanding of guides and how to insure you the best experience. 

OUR SELECT GALAPAGOS CRUISES

We have carefully selected our top choices for Galapagos Cruises to feature on our site. Each of these cruises has consistently have received excellent feedback from other travelers.

All of our select Galapagos Cruises are designed so you can explore the Galapagos with minimum impact on the environment without compromising comfort. Each of our cruises has climate-controlled cabins with lower twin beds or a matrimonial style double bed, picture windows or portholes, as well as private facilities with hot and cold water.

The professional crews onboard are there to make your experience enjoyable, while the expert guides whom accompanying you throughout your visit will provide you with insight to all you see making your Galapagos Cruise both fun and interesting.

Each day you'll explore the islands enjoying a combination of wildlife hikes and water based activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and panga rides. At night you're boat will navigate through the archipelago so you'll awaken ready for your next day's adventure.

We have divided our Galapagos Cruises by the level of service provided on board we offer Luxury Galapagos Cruises, which offer the very best service and amenities. Our First Class Galapagos Cruises like our luxury Galapagos Cruises provide good service and wonderful English speaking guides. These cruises offer varied cruise lengths and offer an excellent value for your money.

GALAPAGOS DIVING CRUISES

Diving in the Galapagos is an incredible experience. The Galapagos Islands are one of premier dive destinations in the world. In recent years the national park has increased the restrictions on diving in the islands. Currently, Galapagos Cruises are divided into either Galapagos Naturalist Cruises or Galapagos Diving Cruises. The same boat cannot offer both experiences on during the same week.

In addition to our Galapagos Naturalist Cruises listed on this page we offer a number of cruises for divers. If you are interested in a Galapagos live aboard dive cruise please see our diving guide at Galapagos Dive.

If you are interested in optional diving or are a diver traveling with a non-diver please contact us for more information as to the options available to you.