How To Plan Your Galapagos Cruise!

So you've decided to visit the Galapagos Islands! Congratulations, you've made a great decision. However, things only get harder from here as you try to decide just which of the islands to visit, for how long and how to travel between each of the islands!

Having visited the Galapagos Islands ourselves, we know how hard it can be to make decisions. Key questions to ask yourself are:

    How long do you want to go for?
    Do you want to spend all your time on a cruise or have stay on the islands as well?
    What service quality level are you looking for?
    Which of the animals and fauna are you most interested in?
    Should you book your tour in advance or when you arrive?

Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy, with flights departing Quito and Guayaquil daily, but once you're there decisions must be made! Let's go through them one by one.

How long do you want to go for?

This is a key question, and many operators will offer you anything from 4 nights to 10 nights and more. We decided to go for 8 nights.

Cruise or land based?

It is possible to stay on land in hotels and do day trips to the islands, but this is a complicated way to see the islands, and not very time efficient. Our recommendation would be to take a 4 or 5 night cruise, followed by 4 nights on Isabella island. Isabella island is a great base for a number of half and full day excursions, and gives you a chance to relax a little after what will be a busy cruise.

Service level?

If you suffer from sea sickness, it may be worth looking at paying a little extra for a catamaran. Also, apparently the worst area for rough seas is around the west side of Isabella island, so you may want to avoid that area for your cruise. The cheaper you go, the more people will be on the boat, the more cramped it will and the food quality will diminish. Also check to see if wet suits and snorkelling excursions are included in the price.

Which animals and fauna do you want to see?

Each island has its own ecosystem and variants of flora, fauna and animals. Do you want to see giant tortoises? Iguanas? Birds? Sharks? Sea lions? All of these will not be in the same place, so do you research and pick your islands carefully!

Book in advance or when you arrive?

This is the big question. We booked in advance, as we wanted a good service level and we were on a schedule. If you are single, don't mind sharing with strangers and can take any service level, there are good deals to be had by waiting to the last minute! Many places will offer tours, depending on the time of the year you may get lucky!

So if you're thinking of visiting the Galapagos islands, do your research carefully! Check the different islands and wildlife, and find a cruise and/or land based option that fits with your aspirations!