Planning a Galapagos Luxury Cruise for Your Next Vacation
The Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, are made up of more than a dozen different islands. Each one offers visitors unique experiences to be enjoyed. Whether it's spending time learning at the Charles Darwin Research Station or exploring and seeking out wildlife in its natural habitat, there is plenty of adventure to be had here. All of this awaits when you book one of our Galapagos cruise packages.
When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Galapagos Islands?
The most popular times to take a Galapagos cruise are between mid-June and early September and mid-December through mid-January, but you can find discount Galapagos cruises and decent weather at any time of the year. The coolest weather is in June through November, but this attracts rare birds and fish, making it a perfect time of year for nature-lovers.
How Long Is a Galapagos Cruise?
Cruises in the Galapagos Islands are often between seven and 15 days long. This length allows you to truly experience this wondrous archipelago of natural beauty and creatures found nowhere else on Earth.
What Types of Things Can You Do When You Book Cruises to the Galapagos Islands?
There are so many different Galapagos excursions you can take part in when you book a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. How does snorkeling in bright blue waters with friendly sea lions, sea turtles, tropical fish, and manta rays sound? You can also hike a long-extinct volcano and explore caves, cliffs, and lava tunnels!
Popular highlights of the Galapagos Islands include:
- Watching the mating rituals of the blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island
- Visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island
- Sunbathing with sea lions at Garner Bay on Espanola Island
- Swimming with Galapagos penguins near Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island
- Seeing the giant tortoise reserve on Floreana Island
- Snorkeling in the lava tunnels of the Tintoreras Islets on Isabela Island to see puffer fish, giant rays, and white-tipped sharks
Cruise Tips for the Galapagos Islands
- Pack weather-appropriately. You will need quick-drying shirts for yourself and plastic baggies to protect items from rain. For the sun, don't forget sunblock, aloe, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- There are lava flows all over the Galapagos Islands, and they form rough and sometimes sharp surfaces, so make sure you've packed sturdy shoes.
- Bring medication for motion sickness if you're traveling during Humboldt Current season: It's strongest between June and November and can bring choppy seas.
- Do a little pre-trip research. Many famous biologists have studied here, and reading On the Origin of Species, The Beak of the Finch, or My Father's Island can add some interesting context to your trip. You could also check out the BBC documentary Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World.
- Make sure you bring your best camera for videos and photos. You'll be able to get some incredible views of wildlife. The animals often allow tourists to get surprisingly close, but a zoom lens is still helpful.