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However, they will soon be announcing that they found another species that survived extinction so there are now 12. There is no doubt that the most iconic wildlife on the Galapagos are the giant tortoises. The friendly giants live to 200 years old and can weigh up to 800 pounds! After an hour on the water, we were let off on the most pristine white sand beach you’ll ever see.
Galapagos Island Tours & Trips
If you are travelling with a larger bag you do have the option of leaving it behind at the start hotel on Day 1and borrowing one of our kit bags, which hold about 12kg. This service is provided by the hotel, and although we haven’t had issues with theft in the past, we highly recommend that you don’t leave any valuables behind. Some passengers choose to bring their own snorkelling equipment, but this is a personal choice. Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided on-board the vessel for use by all passengers. You can also read our guide to beating seasickness for alternative methods of combating seasickness.
Are Galapagos cruises expensive?
Our expedition cruise had wet suits, snorkels, fins, and even inflatable life preservers if you wanted extra buoyancy. The Galapagos archipelago comprises 18 main islands off the coast of mainland Ecuador in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. These volcanic islands are among the most isolated places on Earth, and the best way to see them is by expedition cruise. Throughout our Galapagos journey, we spied on unique marine life and visited different islands boasting distinct ecosystems and landscapes, ranging from lush highlands to barren volcanic terrain. The Galapagos Explorer II, another luxury cruiser, offers fully-equipped suites — you’ll find no tiny standard cabins aboard this ship. Galápagos National Park officials have set a maximum of 100 passengers per vessel, so these are some of the largest ships in the archipelago.
Why Cruise the Galápagos?
They do experience a distinct ‘dry season’ from June to December and a ‘warm season’ from January to May. The dry season brings the Humboldt Current from the south to cool the air and water. While the highlands of the larger islands stay green with the atmospheric mist that creeps over the skyline, there’s little precipitation around the sea-level islands. The warm season brings higher temperatures to the islands and the water that surrounds them, while the skyline gets a little cloudier, with rain a daily occurrence. We’ve taken care of the details so you can focus on spotting wildlife. All our cruises include all meals onboard, tea and coffee, water, beach towels and snorkeling equipment.
Galapagos Islands Cruises Travel FAQ’s
In the morning, a dry landing in the highlands of San Cristobal. Guests will visit the San Cristóbal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the conservation programs put forth by the National Parks. Passengers will also have the opportunity to visit the port village, have a drink or shop for arts and crafts and other souvenirs. With the new renovations on the ship, you can now cruise in style. Grab a drink at the Panorama Lounge Bar and observe the horizons through the floor to ceiling windows, or stargaze in the Open Lounge on the moon deck.
Itinerary
Most people fly into Quito, Ecuador, when traveling to the Galapagos and barely give it a second glance. It wasn’t long ago that people booking a Galapagos cruise skipped the city completely and only explored the tiny archipelago off the coast of South America, but luckily, things have changed. People have quickly learned that Quito is a wonderful city to explore.
At one time there were nearly 100,000 giant tortoises on the Galapagos. Today with all of the conservation efforts, their numbers have climbed to 20,000. Most Galapagos expedition itineraries start in Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many people also opt for pre-trips to Machu Pichu to see the Inca empire and the cloud forest or explore Lima, Peru. Hey, it’s your dream Galapagos cruise; you can see as much or as little as you like! We opted for a day trip to nearby Cotopaxi Volcano which is known for its nearly perfect conical shape covered with a crown of snow.
How to Plan a Trip From Philly to the Galapagos Islands - Philadelphia magazine
How to Plan a Trip From Philly to the Galapagos Islands.
Posted: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:27:20 GMT [source]
Group Cruises & Private Charters in Galapagos
Go on a 2 and ½ hour walk past mangroves of saltbush, where red-footed boobies and great frigatebirds nest. Then, arrive at a tidal lagoon where sightings of the endemic lava gull, the rarest in the world, have occurred. Our guide tells us that as many as five male sea turtles swim around a female and take turns climbing on it, to fertilize her. There are also sea turtle tracks leading to a grassy area, the place where the nests are made and where, of course, as a visitor you are not supposed to walk. On the way back, we meet a perfect crab that stepped right out of a cartoon. All snorkeling equipment is included during the Elite Galapagos Islands 4 day cruise.
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions we often hear from our guests. Proud to be the first in the industry to achieve CO2 neutrality, Golden Galapagos is setting a new standard for responsible travel. With a robust commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and conserving the planet for future generations, travelers can feel good about their vacation knowing that they’re making a positive impact. From investing in renewable energy sources to reducing waste and promoting conservation, this cruise operator is paving the way to a more sustainable future. Enjoy your cruise vacation with confidence, knowing that you are supporting a company that truly cares about the environment.
In the Galapagos Islands, you can choose from numerous ships that operate different itineraries. All providers have the proper papers to operate on the Galapagos Islands and provide a special experience. But there is definitely a difference in service, ship size, included activities, comfort, style and itinerary. Are you looking for a boutique cruise, with up to 18 people on board, with a focus on comfort and high-end service?
After playing with them for some time, our guide, Claudia, told us that sea turtles were nearby. We swam to watch them gracefully swim through the water and low and behold, two spotted eagle rays swam into view. There are beautiful cacti on the island and many land iguanas.
Itineraries may feature two active excursions a day, limiting downtime on board the ship. Instead of museums and historic sights, you’ll visit uninhabited islands to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, unspoiled beaches, and the adventures of a lifetime. The Golden Galapagos Elite 4 day cruise is a perfect way to explore the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador in style. Moreover, the small-scale and boutique concept ensures plenty of privacy and tranquility during the activities. The guides are specialists, so you will learn a lot about the special environment in a short time.
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