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Lunch will typically be a mix of hot and cold dishes, as well as salads or vegetables, fruit salad and juice. Dinner includes fresh seafood, chicken or pork, pasta, rice, vegetables, salads, and dessert. The islands are 973 kilometres (605 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, and are considered a remote location from the mainland. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. Perhaps the coolest experience on board is glamping on the top deck, overnighting under the stars in a cabana equipped with a double bed.
Best Galapagos Cruises. Selected by the Pioneers.
If you're stuck between whether to book your cruise on a small ship or a large vessel — both have their advantages — one of these medium-sized boats accommodating 20 to 50 passengers could be the best of both worlds. You'll enjoy more space, a larger group to mingle with, and sometimes a wider variety of activities and services to accommodate more people. Trips to the Galapagos Islands are logistically complicated, making cruises an especially good way to experience the area. Travelers to the Galapagos Islands must first fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador, for a night before flying to the Galapagos to board their ships.
Ultraluxury experience on Silver Origin
It's an ideal time for anyone who doesn't mind heat but might want a bit more protection from the sun, particularly if they enjoy underwater sports. The Galapagos Islands are a seasoned traveler's dream — a bucket-list vacation that allows you to observe exotic animals and plants and experience Ecuador's hospitality. Santiago is known as a true gem for nature enthusiasts and features three main visitor sites. These include Sullivan Bay, an otherworldly landscape created by recent volcanic activity; James Bay, a historic salt mine with a beautiful black beach; and Sombrero Chino, a tiny lava islet surrounded by fantastic snorkeling sites. While all of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago are special in their own way, we hold a special liking towards a select few.
Galapagos Sea Star
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The ship's design is outdoor-focused, with alfresco dining and a bar near the Jacuzzi. Pampering ensues — even for young guests who are on board select family departures during which added activities include a cultural exchange with local students. Check out the rare Galapagos publications in the library when you're not in the outdoor Jacuzzi, on the kayaks or on paddleboards. Ecoventura's 20-passenger all-suite yachts, Origin and Theory, are both recognized by the prestigious Relais & Chateaux gourmet restaurant and luxury hospitality association, and intimate and luxurious exploration is their calling card. Adventures by Disney offers sailings in the Galapagos on the 100-passenger Galapagos Legend in March, June-August and December.
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Armed with snorkel gear, sunblock and camera we then board our pangas and head towards shore for our morning adventure. Additionally, many larger Galápagos cruise ships have a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, but vessels of this size cannot visit certain areas when operating in the Galápagos. Today, there are over 70 live aboard tourist vessels in the waters around the Islands. We know all the Galapagos cruises and operators in the Archipelago, and leverage this knowledge to provide our guests with incomparable experiences. That´s why, here, we’re unveiling a trusted list of the Best Galapagos cruises with great value.
Because Galapagos cruises operate all year, there isn't a shoulder season, so fares remain steady year-round. Before or after your cruise, should you choose to visit the Choco Cloud Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you're likely to stay at the Mashpi Lodge, an eco-friendly resort in the canopy. There, you'll be assigned a dedicated guide who will help you plan your daily activities based on your interests and desired exertion level. Many sailings also offer pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, usually in Quito but sometimes in Lima, Peru, with a Machu Picchu add-on. Some also offer the chance to tack on a pre- or post-cruise visit to the Choco Cloud Forest, about 3.5 hours from the center of Quito.
Return to the ship for a freshly-prepared lunch as you recall the morning’s adventure. As you dine, your ship gently moves to your next island destination. After lunch, suit back up, hop into your tender and get ready for another afternoon of excursions. From white sand beaches to black fields of lava flows, each island presents unique discoveries. All of our ships feature service so attentive, so intuitive, yet so unobtrusive, that the things you want tend to appear before you even realize you want them.
Seaman Journey
You can also read our guide to beating seasickness for alternative methods of combating seasickness. The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of Ecuador in South America, right on the equator. For more specific information, check the daily itineraries and Essential Trip Information of your chosen trip. Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline.
Passengers can explore with Zodiacs, kayaks, glass-bottom boats and stand-up paddleboards. River cruise line Avalon Waterways is known for sailings in Europe and on the Mekong. However, it's also in the Galapagos, chartering the 16-passenger small ship Treasure of Galapagos for seven-night sailings from February through November 2023. When you aren't in your cabin you might catch views from the ship's two hot tubs. Activity equipment includes snorkeling gear (with wet suits available to rent), a glass-bottom boat and kayaks, plus a top-deck fitness room.
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. During a cruise along the western loop, you might call on the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina and Floreana. The smaller of Quasar Expeditions' two ships is Grace, a 16-passenger vessel with an interesting past. Aristotle Onassis presented it to actress Grace Kelly as a wedding gift in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier III — hence, its current name. Since Quasar adopted it into the fleet, it has been modernized with touches that have helped it age gracefully.
The station is an information center, library, museum, and breeding ground for tortoises that will be introduced into the wild. Golden Galapagos has set a new standard for premium travel in the world-renowned Galapagos Islands. Enjoy one of the most exhilarating and interesting activities in the Galapagos, which is snorkeling, which will allow you to explore and discover its beautiful rich marine fauna and flora.
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. We work hard to minimize our footprint, and Ecuador’s secretary of tourism has acknowledged our efforts. We support the community by sourcing fresh seafood from local fishermen and pillow treats from local chocolatiers. Guests have donated $1.5 million to the Galapagos Fund and helped plant 50,000 trees.
Relax at the beach, snorkel, or take in a guided hike as you get to know the incredible habitants of this island up close. A few million years ago, volcanos erupted, creating these moonscapes where lumbering tortoises, comical birds, and other wildlife evolved in isolation. Today, you can experience this wondrous environment on shore excursions led by naturalists—two each day—as active or leisurely as you choose. Climb the hills to find colonies of red-footed boobies, hike the coast to spot colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs, watch the sea lions go surfing, or just relax and enjoy the sandy beaches and deck-side bars. The Endemic, Elite, Ocean Spray, and Petrel have been custom designed to ensure maximum stability while sailing the crystal-clear Pacific waters surrounding the islands.
On the flip side, the dry, cool season — July to November — offers more blue skies but also colder water temperatures. Although you can spot wildlife in the Galapagos all year, this season tends to attract more fish, mammals and birds because of the nutrients and plankton that become available as water temperatures cool. Additionally, the islands are home to many plants and animals that you can't find anywhere else, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them up close. Fernandina Island is the Galapagos’ western most isle, located just a stone’s throw off the Isabela Island’s north west coastline. The island is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas in the Galapagos, as well as the flightless cormorant — a bird species that has evolved to swim rather than fly. Located on the western edge of the Galapagos National Park, Isabela Island is the youngest and largest island in the region.
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