How long should I go for?
Cruises are generally 4 to 15 days long. When choosing a shorter cruise, you may wish to check which islands you’ll be visiting and which you’ll be missing.
Bear in mind that you will spend a good part of the first and last days getting to and from the islands, (airport transfer in Ecuador, flight (3hrs), transfer in the islands, embarking and disembarking your boat). Generally speaking we recommend the longer cruise.
Should I cruise or take a land-based holiday in the islands?
Anyone who doesn’t trust their sea legs, prefers not to be confined on a sea-going vessel or who’d like to do some sporting activities in the islands should consider a hotel-based visit to the Islands. Or you can combine a shorter cruise with a few days in a hotel.
There are a few attractive hotels in the first class and tourist class categories now on Santa Cruz Island, along with a safari camp, and there are a few basic guesthouses on Isabela Island. You can take day trips to neighbouring islands as well as explore the island you are staying on, where there are outdoor activities such as trekking, biking, horse riding and snorkelling on offer.
How do I choose my cruise?
All tourist vessels have a comprehensive crew including English-speaking naturalist guide.
There are boat options ranging from luxury cruise liner, motorised schooner and economical motor launches.
The liners are the most stable, have spacious cabins and more facilities than the smaller ships, eg libraries, beauty salons, gourmet dining, Jacuzzis and medical services. Most have a capacity for 40-100 passengers.
First class yachts - sailing yachts, schooners and brigantines are also equipped to a high standard but accommodate only 12-20 passengers. They have a more intimate, nautical feel, although light winds mean the sails are seldom up.
Tourist class yachts - motor yachts or schooner/motor sailers offer an economical alternative, they are less spacious than the first class vessels but have more than adequate facilities, including en suite shower/toilet and air-conditioning. They are relatively small (12-25 paying guests again), and the ambience is informal and friendly.
Smaller ships anchor closer to the islands, minimising time spent disembarking on island visits.
Each ship will have a pre-programmed itinerary, if it is important to you to visit specific islands, check this out. Some boats travel faster than others, enabling them to visit the outlying islands.
Bearing all this factors in mind, we suggest you speak to our experienced consultants - most have cruised in the Islands - us before choosing your cruise.
What will I see?
All the boats offer itineraries that provide a diverse mix of wildlife and landscapes. On any itinerary, you are likely to see sea-lions, iguanas, tortoises, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies among many other species. Once a boat reaches a particular island, you will likely have a similar experience on that island whatever kind of vessel you are travelling on. The daily itinerary (two island visits, time for snorkelling, etc.) is also very similar on every boat.
When's the best time to go?
The Islands, which lie on the Equator, can be visited at any time of the year. Wildlife will put on a fantastic show whenever you go. The sun is at its strongest from December to May, with clear skies and temperatures of over 28°C (water temperature 20-26°C). You can swim without a wetsuit but should protect your skin with a hat, sun-block etc. When it is very hot, some wildlife may be less visible as it seeks shelter.
From June to November the sun may be veiled in a light mist, or garúa, keeping temperatures down to 15-25°C (June-Sept) or 21-28°C. Water temperature is cooler then - 18-23°C, you may want to use a wet suit if you plan to swim or snorkel for lengthy periods.
The cold Pacific Humboldt current is most influential in September and October, so the water will be a little more choppy during these months.
Are the cruises suitable for children?
The Galápagos Islands offer access to unique wildlife like almost no other place on earth. Activities such as snorkelling with sea lions, observing playful dolphins leaping in front of the boat, and nearly tripping over massive land iguanas straddled across the paths are sure to entertain all the family
Most yachts suggest a minimum age of 6-7 years old. Safety is a concern for younger children as deck handrails are not low enough adequately to protect young children. Entertainment onboard is also limited, especially on the smaller yachts.
Families may want to consider joining one of the larger vessels (50 passengers plus) as these are more likely to offer suite accommodation, onboard swimming pools, games rooms, and other facilities for children. Most do not have television or video games.
Are these trips a good choice for single travellers?
Most yachts have special single rates. A small number may be able to arrange a shared cabin with someone of the same sex. The relatively small groups, shared interests in wildlife and nature and informal atmosphere allow travellers to get to know one another easily.
How are travellers with special needs catered for?
Ecuador is just beginning to apply mandatory facilities for special needs i.e. wheelchair ramps, wide doors, etc. Before you book a particular cruise you should ask us about the provision of services for disabled passengers.
What should I pack?
Hold luggage allowance on the flight to the Galapagos is 20 kilos. It’s best to take a soft sided bag to the Galapagos. as it can be stored into a small drawer or cupboard. You will only need the essentials in clothing and personal items and space is limited on board yachts.
Packing guideline:
- Camera equipment/memory card/spare battery.
- Insect repellent, sun lotion (high factor).
- Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat/baseball cap.
- Binoculars, small back pack.
- Personal medication.
- Personal toiletries.
- Rain jacket/poncho, lightweight cotton trousers, shorts, t-shirts, swimming wear, waterproof sandals, thick sole tennis-type shoes, underwear, socks.
- A sweatshirt for breezy evenings
What do I take on shore to excursions?
Small back pack, camera, extra memory card and batteries, swimming gear, waterproof sandals, insect repellent, sun lotion, sunglasses, hat, binoculars, rain jacket (depending on the season). A re-sealable bag in the likes of a zip-lock bag is recommended to keep camera equipment etc dry.
What do I do about money?
Like the rest of Ecuador, the Galápagos islands have the US dollar as their currency. It is best to take dollars cash, some of which should be in small denominations, although many cruise boats accept major credit cards and there are ATMs on San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz Islands.
Can I use my mobile phone?
There is patchy reception but don’t rely on it. Check with your provider. It’s likely you’ll only get reception close to Puerto Ayora, the main town. The local service is provided by Moviestar. To communicate with home, there are internet cafés in Puerto Ayora and some boats have satellite phones, meant for use in emergencies.
How much should I give in tips?
Not everyone is comfortable about tipping, but the crew and guide in the Galápagos will expect gratuities from all passengers. The quality of service should determine the extent of any gratuity: on average, if the service received has been excellent, a suggestion of USD$40 per person for the guide for one week and USD$120 per person for the crew is considered appropriate. Your cruise operator may, however, have its own suggestions about how much should be given.
What kind of electrical adaptor will I need?
Each yacht has its own type of electrical outlets, depending upon the country where it was built. Most have the same electricity as Ecuador: 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity with the 2 pronged flat type plugs common in the USA.
How should I pay the National park fee?
The charge of USD$100 is payable locally in cash only.
What is not Included in the cruise price?
Alcoholic beverages, tips, laundry service, phone calls, spa treatments, international departure taxes and any expenses of a personal nature.
Why do you no longer show the cruise itineraries on your website?
A cruise in the Galapagos Islands will take you to a number of islands, which are surprisingly different from one another, in terms of size, landscape, wildlife, and what you can do there.
In the past, cruises were of 4,5 or 8 days’ duration, different boats often visiting the same sites on the same islands.
But now, there is good news for conservation - the Galapagos Islands National Park authorities have introduced new guidelines restricting the number of times cruise companies can visit each individual island site, in order to protect the environment.
This means that cruises have had to come up with a greater range of different itineraries, over differing lengths of time, departing on a wider range of days of the week. Cruises last anything from 4 to 15 days. At first sight it’s all a bit bewildering though. We can help you pick and choose or even combine itineraries to arrive at the cruise that best suits your wishes. You can select a cruise to any one of three areas: the northern, central or southern islands or stay on board to include a few days at one of the others.
We can guide you through the maze of choices with information about dates of departure of the different cruises, and which season and cruise itinerary will suit your interests best. In addition to observing wildlife there is so much to see and do. You will of course take guided hikes on the islands, visiting nesting and feeding sites, climbing to viewpoints, taking hundreds of photos. You’ll have lectures and catch up briefings, best to appreciate the natural world of the Enchanted Islands. Depending on your vessel, you can snorkel, swim with sea lions, kayak, ride in a glass-bottomed boat and scuba dive. Even two weeks might not be long enough!