Many people wonder what is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands. It may be tempting to just fly there and see what Galapagos tours can be arranged on the spot, but we don't recommend it unless you have lots of time on your hands. Many Galapagos tours, especially the superior and luxury, will probably be fully-booked. The high quality and service tours are usually booked many months in advance.

Getting to the Galapagos isn't easy, and this may be your only chance. We highly recommend that you spend a lot of time thinking about what islands you want to visit and animals you want to see. This might help you determine the best cruise or tour for you!

A Galapagos tour involves the following:-

a) A 2 hour flight from Guayaquil or Quito to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra or San Cristobal)
b) Paying Galapagos national park tax of $100 per person in cash on arrival at the airport
c) Taking a tour on a live-aboard yacht, or staying at a hotel and taking day tours

You'll have to make your decisions according to the following:

a. Land-based tour or live-aboard boat
b. Type of tour
c. Length of tour
d .Time of year you can (or want to) travel
e .A charter cruise or tour with others

A:Land-based Galapagos tours or live-aboard boat ?
1 ) Hotel and day tours by boat
Though this is the most economical decision, it's definitely not the ideal way to see the islands. Some islands are too far away for land-based tours (Espanola or Floreana). Also, so much time is spent being transported from island to island, you probably will not be able to spend a sufficient amount of time exploring the islands. It is, however, good for those of you who don't like yachts or boats but really want to see the islands.


2 ) Live-aboard boat
This is the best way to get the most out of your Galapagos tour. You sleep on the boat that tours from island to island overnight. This enables you to see more islands, further away. The only disadvantage is if you get seasick, though there are good ways to deal with it.


B:Type of cruise
1) Smaller yachts, larger cruise ships
There are three categories of Galapagos boats: large cruise ships (80-100 passengers), medium (40-50 passengers), and small (up to 20 passengers). The only boats allowed to tour from island to island are licenced Galapagos Boats.

The larger cruise ships usually have more comfortable facilities and power to get to islands further away from Santa Cruz (like the west side of Isabela and Fernandina). Because of the number of passengers, there are more activities planned, and they are more regimented. On the other hand, smaller boats are more intimate, and there is a lot more flexibility in terms of how long the passengers want to snorkel or tour the islands. The smaller boats are, naturally, more cramped and sensitive to the conditions of the ocean. Look carefully at the pictures and descriptions of the boats before you make your decisions.

 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISES RECOMMENDATIONS

2) Quality & price
There are several categories of boats: Luxury, First Class, Tourist Superior, Tourist, and Economy. The price of your Galapagos tour depends on the type of cruise you choose. The most economical boats are usually smaller, have a less experienced guide, and not as great facilities. They, however, are more intimate tours that facilitate a better relationship with your fellow passengers and crew. More expensive tours count on better boats with more power, sometimes diving and kayaking possibilities, and a more experienced guide. Be sure to investigate thoroughly before making any decisions.
The cost of a Galapagos cruise ranges greatly, anywhere from $70.00/night per person to $1,000.00/night per person! Certainly price and quality go together; however, a good time on the islands depends greatly on your guide, the crew, and fellow passengers.

3 ) Special interests
Most Galapagos tours are geared around general interests; however, you can charter a boat if you have a special interests in mind (Scuba diving, bird watching etc.).


4 ) Family
Some boats are appropriate for children, larger cruise ships in particular. They have more activities and are stabler in the water. Another alternative is to charter a yacht for your family. Generally children under 7 years are not allowed on the tours. The restrictive nature of the islands isn't suitable for children. Moreover, the islands have medical facilities suitable only for first-aid. In case of an emergency, you would have to return to the mainland.

C: Length of cruise 3 nights, 4 nights, 7 nights, or longer?


The standard Galapagos trip time is 3 nights or 7 nights. If you are budgeting hard or have little time, a 3-night trip is a good choice. It gives you a good taste of the islands. Ideally, though, you need a week or longer. People might think, "Well, what's another island? One's just like another, right?" NOT SO!! Each island has a unique ecosystem, scenery, flora, and fauna. For a naturalist, birdwatcher, diver or photographer, a week is really a minimum.

Almost all Galapagos tours have 3/4 night and 7 night itineraries. This inevitably means that mid-tour, you're going to have to return to Baltra to pick up new passengers. This is almost unavoidable unless you are on a bigger, cruise-ship kind of a boat or a private charter. It means you'll return to the starting point at one time, but there's virtually no way around it for the budget traveler.

D: WHEN Low or high season, rainy or dry season?


Check out our page on "When to go." to help you decide the right time for you!

E: OWN GROUP OR WITH OTHERS Individual booking or charter?

Don't let the price of a charter fool you. They may look more expensive, but can be more economical if you have a large group to share in the cost. It's actually cheaper to charter if you can fill 80% of the boat! The best thing about it is that you: have the boat to yourselves, you can choose your own itinerary and adjust it (with advance notice), and you can specifically choose a guide. Park authorities need to authorize any changes in schedules or itineraries.

 

 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DAY TOURS RECOMMENDATIONS