Monday, April 1, 2024

21 Best Galapagos Cruises, Tours & Trips for 2024-2025

best galapagos cruise

After Celebrity Flora made its debut, Celebrity Xpedition's passenger capacity was knocked down from 100 to just 48, meaning this is one spacious expedition ship. The ship offers all drinks and tips included in the price, along with excursions guided by a stellar expedition team and the high-quality cuisine and service that Celebrity is known for. If you’re looking for a premium, luxury experience, look no further than the Silversea San Cristobal to San Cristobal cruise.

Best small ship Galapagos cruise

The Galapagos is a region unlike anywhere else on Earth, which means a trip there is full of nuance. Because of the length and price of most Galapagos sailings, you'll likely want to plan at least six months in advance, if not further. A short and fairly flat hike will take you over lava rocks to beaches where sea lions laze, play and mate, barking as they make their presence known.

Main Highlights of the Top Galapagos Islands

The ship carries a maximum of 90 passengers, and its operations are carbon-neutral. With pleasant temperatures all year long, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you’re ready to go. Several cruise lines sail to the Galapagos Islands all year long. While you can see wildlife all year, December is hatching season for the giant tortoises, and July is mating season for blue-footed boobies and short-eared owls. Sea turtles lay their eggs early in the year and fully formed marine iguanas typically hatch in April and May.

Do I Need A Visa For The Galápagos Islands?

All cabins on the ship — including the 430-square-foot master suite — have balconies and are done up in welcoming, contemporary decor. The ship's design is outdoor-focused, with alfresco dining and a bar near the Jacuzzi. River cruise line Avalon Waterways is known for sailings in Europe and on the Mekong.

How do I best compare Galapagos cruises?

Some of the suites even come with walk-in closets and their own Jacuzzi tubs. Travelers can opt for a four- to eight-day cruise with inclusive excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. The Letty is one of the best full-service motor yachts in the Galápagos for value. This 20-passenger boat is a solid option with great service and comfortable accommodations.

Adventure Cruises

best galapagos cruise

Plan an extra day or two of travel on either side of your cruise to account for any flight connections. For North American travelers, the journey will require a minimum of two flights — one to Quito or Guayaquil and another to Baltra or San Cristobal, depending on where your sailing departs. However, if you're unable to find a direct flight from your hometown to Quito or Guayaquil, it's possible a third (or even fourth) flight could be necessary. Below is a more extensive breakdown of the ships you can sail under each company in the Galapagos. What you likely won't find on board are theaters, casinos, large fitness centers, organized exercise classes and spa facilities.

Galapagos Islands Cruises with AdventureSmith

If you’d like to experience the Galapagos like royalty, the Grace will catch your eye. Once used by Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco for part of their lavish honeymoon, today it’s available for anyone with fine tastes and deep pockets. For a slightly different feel, sister ship The Evolution is a retro beauty, too. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. You can rest when you get home, but you will probably regret missing any opportunity to explore the islands. Collectively, our crew of experts has been to the Galapagos more than 20 times to travel with our partner small ships and island lodges.

CHECK OUT LIVE GALAPAGOS CRUISES AVAILABILITY

The decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion. Due to our internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking diving activities. The most famous local dish is the ceviche, made with freshly-caught lobster, octopus, squid, or shrimp.

Hotel based Programs

Sometimes crew members also give talks about topics relevant to the sailing. Silversea originally purchased a 30-year-old vessel, Silver Galapagos, to operate its voyages in the region. However, when expedition cruises began to soar in popularity, the ultra-luxury line sold the ship and built one specifically designed for the Galapagos. The vessel plies the waters of the Galapagos, offering space for up to 16 passengers across seven cabins.

Cruise Review: Hurtigruten Expedition to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador - Fodor's Travel

Cruise Review: Hurtigruten Expedition to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

Posted: Wed, 13 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

A trip on the Letty promises a 10 guest-per-guide ratio, as well as dinner with the captain. You get a choice between two seven-day itineraries, each including opportunities to snorkel, hike, and learn about the local wildlife from knowledgeable guides. Galápagos National Park regulates the number and type of tourist boats that are allowed to operate in the famously biodiverse area. This helps with overcrowding, conserving the environment, and minimizing stress on the amazing wildlife of the Galápagos. Many tourist boats in the area offer five- to seven-day all-inclusive itineraries that are strictly monitored by the national park officials. There are also cruises operating illegally, so you have to take care when choosing a tour.

Reflective of the golden age of travel, it's all about luxury on board — polished woodwork, gourmet meals and service from a crew of 10, plus two naturalist guides. About 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a remarkable place to visit for wildlife sightings. You can see flightless Galapagos penguins, Galapagos sea lions, giant Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas and hundreds of other species found nowhere else on earth. All 10 cabins are on the same deck, there’s an open-bar policy, and Wi-Fi is available on board.

Obviously, the higher the costs, the better the services and the more luxurious is the boat. However, even budget Galapagos Cruises will be able to take you around incredible places. It all boils down to what you want to see, how much time you have and the budget available.

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