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For anyone wishing to make their adventure last longer, cruise lines will allow passengers to sail back-to-back voyages that string different itineraries together. The ship has a nature-focused theme and features neutral colors and wooden accents. In the early part of the year, sea turtles lay their eggs ashore, and giant tortoise eggs continue to hatch. Many types of birds — including flamingos, Galapagos doves, mockingbirds, finches and Nazca boobies — begin their mating and nesting rituals, as do land and marine iguanas.
Planning Your Galapagos Trip
Because sailings can cost upwards of $10,000 per person and last two weeks or more, you'll want to know what to expect ahead of time, so you can get the most out of such a sizeable investment in both time and funds. In terms of accessories, you'll want binoculars, a day pack (waterproof, if possible) that you can use ashore and a water bottle if your cruise line doesn't provide one. Toss some seasickness remedies into your bag, and download some movies or TV shows onto your smartphone or tablet in case your cabin doesn't have a TV. 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.
Will there be a certified nature guide on board?
It is always recommended that you visit your doctor or travel clinic for up to date advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective. 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. The islands are 973 kilometres (605 miles) off the Ecuadorian coast, and are considered a remote location from the mainland. 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.
Best Times of Year to Visit the Galapagos
San Cristobal Island, another of the Galapagos' inhabited islands, is home to a second airport that cruise passengers sometimes use to reach their ships. Here's a rough breakdown of which islands you might visit in each region. It's also possible you could visit the same island more than once on a sailing. Again, note that specific itineraries will vary by cruise line and are subject to change. Silversea originally purchased a 30-year-old vessel, Silver Galapagos, to operate its voyages in the region.
There are multiple itineraries to choose from, each stopping off at different islands and exploring different parts of the Galápagos. All cabins on the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II have windows, and some even have private patios. The ship offers deck hammocks, Wi-Fi, and food made with ingredients sourced from farms in the Galápagos whenever possible.
Almost half of Silver Galapagos' cabins have true balconies, a rarity in the region, and all passengers have butlers. Budget options, many of which can be booked last-minute in the Galapagos at a substantial discount, feature cramped quarters and fewer amenities. The island's Puerto Ayora is where you'll find the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to a center that protects, hatches and studies giant tortoises. A Galapagos cruise can also offer a hassle-free way to tour the islands compared to a land-based trip. The cruise booking may cover many travel logistics, including pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, land-based adventure extensions and meals. Your Expedition Team are experts in Galápagos tours with many years of experience showing guests their home islands.
Buy one get one free on selected sailings
On the top deck of Celebrity Flora, you can even join optional Galapagos Glamping—stargazing with the naturalists and waking to a private breakfast. Floreana is home to the Galapagos' famous barrel-cum-mailbox at Post Office Bay. For centuries, those visiting the famous Ecuadorian isles relied on the unspoken duty of fellow pirates and whalers to get letters to an intended destination. A mariner would leave a dispatch, then pick through the stack for missives he could personally deliver (travel schedule allowing).
Extraordinary wildlife
Explore the remarkable wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands in small groups aboard expedition boats, guided by our Expedition Team. Nothing opens your world—and your imagination—like the Galapagos Islands. Sealed off for millions of years, this pristine archipelago is home to foliage and wildlife found nowhere else. Our all-inclusive Galapagos packages offer you the chance to explore these unspoiled islands to the fullest, and it doesn’t end there. While the Galapagos Islands are on the equator, its unique location means it avoids the extremes of a tropical climate and the weather is fairly reasonable all year round. They do experience a distinct ‘dry season’ from June to December and a ‘warm season’ from January to May.
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Plan an extra day or two of travel on either side of your cruise to account for any flight connections. For North American travelers, the journey will require a minimum of two flights — one to Quito or Guayaquil and another to Baltra or San Cristobal, depending on where your sailing departs. However, if you're unable to find a direct flight from your hometown to Quito or Guayaquil, it's possible a third (or even fourth) flight could be necessary. Cruises to the Galapagos operate year-round, which means there's no universal "best" time to visit.
In the second quarter of the year, sea turtle, land iguana and marine iguana eggs hatch, and the mating seasons for blue-footed boobies, albatrosses and Galapagos sea lions begin. Galápagos is one of the planet’s most beautiful and ecologically fascinating destinations. You’ll find out why conservation efforts are so important here as you experience the wonders of these unique islands first hand. Immerse yourself in nature as you venture to off-the-beaten track locations to try sea kayaking, SUP boarding, reef snorkelling and more. New, improved itineraries offer a vast range of island wildlife, including many endemic species. Even better, our team of enthusiastic and dedicated experts will guide you every step of the way.
When August rolls around, Galapagos hawks — the islands' rarest birds — begin the courtship process. During the hot, rainy season, which runs from December to June, the weather is warmer and cloudier, but the snorkeling and diving conditions are also better. 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.
Also operated by Metropolitan Touring, the 90-passenger Santa Cruz II is an expedition ship with contemporary decor and comfortable single, double and triple cabins. An expedition leader along with onboard naturalists will guide you through your trip. The ship is equipped with kayaks for guest use, and a glass-bottom boat provides views for those who aren't into snorkeling. Birdwatchers may want to do a full 14-night trip to touch every corner and add many species to their Life List. For the rest of us, a week or less can provide enough brag-worthy wildlife encounters to last a lifetime.
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