The Galapagos Islands

Set along the equator, some 600 miles off the South American coast of Ecuador, is the crown jewel of the natural world.  The Galapagos Islands live up to our dreams of a sheltered place far removed from the usual concerns. The skies are almost always sunny, and the sea breezes create that perfect air temperature that instantly relaxes the body.  The ocean is an ever inviting turquoise blue, matched by long sand beaches of crystal white, pink, volcanic black and looking glass green.  There are crystal coves and mangrove lagoons.

That's just for starters.  What makes your visit here truly exceptional are the many opportunities for close up encounters with wildlife.  The islands and surrounding waters are quite literally teaming with exotic and colorful creatures that have never learned to fear humans.  This translates into a series of daily peak experiences including snorkeling with playful sea lions, tracking giant tortoises and trading stares with unconcerned iguanas.  You may have to give way as a blue footed booby crosses your path, or have the opportunity to observe a Galapagos Hawk perched just a few steps away, as an albatross launches itself off a cliff on a journey that will encompass thousands of miles.

Consisting of 13 major islands, 17 smaller islands and more than 40 rocks the Galapagos National Park preserves this unique environment.  The Galapagos comprises 3100 square miles, which includes 90% of the land surface and the entire ocean area within the region.  Through this vast natural haven there are just 54 sites which welcome visitors.  These ports of call are pre-determined by the the National Park Service in order to minimize the effect of tourism in the islands while creating an astonishing itinerary full of wonder. 

Though many of the visitor sites have similarities, each site is special and some are quite unique. Making the most of your Galapagos Cruise includes insuring you will be visiting a good cross section of sites. Galapagos Online's National Park Visitor Site descriptions makes it easy to select the perfect cruise.

The Galapagos seas tend to be very calm, making travel by yacht ideal and often the only way to see the most the islands have to offer. 

The islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana are the only islands you are permitted to visit at night.  The settlement areas on these islands offer a variety of accommodations from which you can create a land based visit to the Galapagos Islands or extend your stay either before or after your Galapagos Cruise.  We recommend staying on the islands rather than cruising if you:

• Are traveling with small children as it permits a greater amount of flexibility with your itinerary
• Suffer from extreme sea-sickness since the boats move at night staying on shore will permit you a restful nights sleep
• Have a very limited amount of time for your visit, hotels will allow you to stay as many or as few nights as you wish
• Want to extend your stay in the Galapagos and explore the islands in-depth
• If you need to have 24-hour a day communication access to phones, faxes and computers.