What to Expect During your Galapagos Cruise

When deciding on your Galapagos Cruise keep in mind though many boats are similar, no two cruises are exactly the same.  The main differences can be seen when looking at the facilities on board, number of crew and other services available.

What to expect during your cruise is similar on many boats based on the regulations set forth by the Galapagos National Park.  In broad terms while on a Galapagos Cruise the boat will use its engines to navigate between islands.  Most of the navigation is done at night. Depending on the length of the passage and the speed of the boat arrival at the day's destination is normally before breakfast.

Your day beings with breakfast followed by your morning visit which is typically a 1-2 hour walk. Strolling at a leisurely pace, the guide will explain about the natural history of the islands along the way. When the walk finishes back at the beach there is usually time to enjoy swimming and snorkeling before lunch.

Completing your morning excursion you will go back on board for lunch.  During the heat of the day you will have time to relax enjoy a siesta, review your photos, read or watch for whales during the before your next visit.

Whether visiting another visitor site on the same island like on Tower (Genovesa) or visiting a different island in the afternoon the group normally goes ashore again in the afternoon. Having the opportunity to snorkel before taking the nature hike.

You will be back on board by 6pm where a snack and something cold to drink will be waiting for you.  Most passengers will go to their cabins and take a shower and change clothes.  Before dinner there is an evening briefing to discuss what you saw that day and what you will do the following day. Dinner is served around 7 or 8pm finishing a very busy day in the islands. After dinner most passengers take time to read, write in their journals or relax in front of a video before going to sleep.

During the briefing the guide will explain whether your next visit is a wet or dry landing.  The type of landing will depend on what you will want to wear when going a shore.

Wet Landings

Wet Landings are landings on the beach rather than on the shore. Passengers go ashore by swinging their legs over the side of the panga and then stepping off into approximately a foot of water, and finally wading to shore. The process is relatively easy and is done in reverse to board the panga.

Unless wearing Tevas or other aqua shoes, the wet landing is made barefoot. Then once on shore there is a few minutes to dry feet and try to remove as much sand as possible before putting on shoes and socks before the natural history walk. Bringing two towels or wash clothes on a wet landing is highly recommended. One towel is used to put your feet on while the other towel is used to dry the feet and get the sand off.

Dry Landings

Dry Landings are made in areas where the passenger can exit the panga directly on to a rock or lava surface. Shoes can be worn for the duration of a dry landing. This is actually the more difficult landing since the panga continues to move while passengers attempt to step off the boat on to a slippery surface.

Good balance and paying attention to what you are doing is the key to a successful dry landing. The guide will go ashore first and offer you a hand. Use the help! The guide will tightly grip your hand so you can balance while trying to find your footing. Boarding the panga is done in the same fashion the guide or a crewmember will offer a hand to everyone as they re-board the panga.

Meals

Typically cruises offer visitors a variety of Ecuadorian and International menus with a large selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood. Most travelers rave about the food they receive in the Galapagos, both in quality and quantity.

Meals on board are normally spaced out during the day with breakfast at 7:30am, lunch around 12:30pm and dinner around 7:30pm. Snacks are generally offered whenever returning from a landing.

The morning begins with a hot breakfast of eggs, meats or pancakes depending on the day served with toast, breads, instant coffee, tea, fresh fruit and fresh fruit juice. While in the Galapagos and in Ecuador try some of the exotic fruits and juices. They have a variety that may not be seen elsewhere.

Lunch is a hearty meal starting with soup or salad, a hot main dish of meat or fish served with vegetables and fresh fruit desert. Some boats serve breakfast and lunch buffet style allowing passengers to select their own meal and eat on the deck if they prefer.

Dinner is similar to lunch only larger. The chef will take advantage of special events like birthdays or anniversaries by demonstrating the exceptional deserts that can be made while at sea. Coffee, tea, milk and water are regularly available at meals. Sodas and alcoholic beverages can be purchased at an additional cost.

Most boats handle extra beverages on the honor system. The bar is stocked with a selection of beverages and a note pad to write down whatever you take. At the end of the cruise each passenger is presented with a bill for the extra items.

Snorkeling and Other Water Activities

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to swim with vibrant tropical sea life you might otherwise only see in an aquarium then snorkeling in the Galapagos is a must. Life in the Galapagos waters is as rich and varied as that above it, and no trip would be complete without a view of this vast underwater kingdom.

Snorkeling is a basic form of skin diving where a swimmer uses fins, mask and a snorkel to move about in shallow water to view the environment from the surface.

The basic equipment includes a waterproof facemask, which encloses the eyes and nose and providing clearer vision under the water. The breathing tube called a snorkel allowing the swimmer to breath while face down at the surface of the water.

It is also possible for swimmers to dive under the surface to observe the underwater scenery for as long as they can hold their breath. Fins give the swimmer a much more efficient kick, requiring less energy for movement due to the larger surface area provided.

Naturalist Cruises generally contain some snorkeling sites within their itineraries. These cruises will visit snorkeling sites closer to shore and easily accessible even by the novice snorkeler. If you have never snorkeled before or are nervous about swimming in the open ocean, let your guide or a crew member know and they will provide you with a life jacket to use while snorkeling.  Wetsuits are also an excellent option while snorkeling not only do they keep you warmer allowing you to snorkel for more time they add buoyancy making it easier for you to stay afloat.

Snorkeling allows visitors to take a glimpse at this unique environment and learn about life under the sea. Snorkeling is frequently the favorite part of a visit to the Galapagos. The highlight of which is commonly a game of tag initiated by young sea lions and penguins.

Many boats offer other water activities including glass bottom boats and sea kayaks.  Glass bottom boats allow you to see under the surface of the water much like snorkeling does only without getting wet. 

Kayaks offer a unique experience of moving through the water silently under your own power.  Kayaks can go close to shore and explore small coves where you can view wildlife up close.  Some of our guests the most spectacular wildlife moments in Galapagos have been on board a kayak whether its a sea lion pup jumping on board for a ride or finding yourself paddling in the middle of a pod of dolphins kayaks offer can bring you face to face with the natural world of the Galapagos.