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One thing makes our world-renowned cuisine, with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, even better. From the robust coffee grown on Ecuadoran plantations to the fresh local seafood, almost everything was grown, raised, or caught nearby. Then we make culinary magic in venues such as the upscale Seaside Restaurant and alfresco Ocean Grill on Celebrity Flora. In every restaurant on every ship, fine dining will be the highlight of every evening. Twice-daily Galapagos National Park certified Naturalist guided excursions, including equipment.
A Typical Day in the Galapagos
My photos of twirling sea lions, swimming sea tortoises and neon fish are my favorite trip souvenirs. A lot of what makes a Galapagos cruise fascinating is the time spent exploring on the water, in the water and on islands close to water. Bring all the waterproof cases and pouches you might want to keep your belongings safe and dry. If I ever get back to see the playful sea lions, the easy-going boobies and the technicolor marine life, here's what I would do differently now that I know the secrets to traveling in the Galapagos.
Best Times of Year to Visit the Galapagos
The local currency is the US dollar, but most yachts accept major credit cards. If taking cash, try to bring smaller notes, as many restaurants and stores do not accept $100 bills. You should also bring US$ cash to tip the guides and crew aboard your Galapagos cruise.
Video: A Drone’s-Eye View of the National Geographic Islander II
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. If you want to sail with Avalon Waterways, known mainly for its European river cruises, you'll find yourself on board one of two vessels chartered by the line in the Galapagos. There is also likely to be a water sports platform and equipment storage area with outdoor showers or hoses for rinsing off shoes and feet when you return from landings ashore. Cruises to the Galapagos operate year-round, which means there's no universal "best" time to visit. The best time for you and your travel companions to go will depend on your priorities and preferences.
Expect to pay somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 per traveler depending on the ship, itinerary, and length of the voyage. As the evening sun begins to lower, meet at the bar to unwind and talk with fellow explorers about your experiences. Take in a briefing about what the next day holds before settling down for a gourmet dinner, full of fresh seafood and incredible local flavors. Relax, and get ready to rest up in the haven of your room for tomorrow’s adventures. While the animals of the Galapagos Islands get the glory, the evolution and adaptation of plant life here is equally important.
Galapagos Islands Cruise Itineraries
It features light, bright and modern decor with marble double-sink bathrooms with rain showers. It also offers a heated marina, indoor and outdoor dining and a 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio. The vessel plies the waters of the Galapagos, offering space for up to 16 passengers across seven cabins. Highlights include marble bathrooms, sustainably sourced food and a 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio. The waters around the Galapagos Islands are usually pretty calm, with seasickness a minor issue for most passengers. Bearing in mind the unpredictability of nature, big swells and major storms are a rarity.
Beyond that, quick-drying clothing made from synthetic fabrics is best. You'll also need comfortable shoes, including hiking boots and water shoes that can get wet. (I recommend Keen-style sandals, water socks or Crocs.) Bring extra socks; merino wool works well to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable. Because Galapagos cruises operate all year, there isn't a shoulder season, so fares remain steady year-round. On the opposite side of the island is Post Office Bay, named for what might be the world's smallest post office.
Galapagos cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Arrive early - trying to arrive at least 1 to 2 days before your cruise departure date is recommended in case of flight delays. The last thing you want is to miss a few days of your long-awaited Galapagos cruise and have to join the tour later. Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles. Our knowledgeable and passionate expedition team is complemented by our dedicated hotel team who strives to ensure that your time on board is as comfortable and rewarding as your time on shore.
A Galápagos Cruise Challenges the Mind, Body, and Spirit — Here's Why I'm Glad I Took My 7-year-old Son - Travel + Leisure
A Galápagos Cruise Challenges the Mind, Body, and Spirit — Here's Why I'm Glad I Took My 7-year-old Son.
Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Book your Galapagos Cruise with GalapagosIslands.com for the best vacation cruises to the Galapagos. One of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to explore the Galapagos Islands is on a live-aboard cruise ship. Select from the following options to find the best cruise ships & yachts for your Galapagos Island vacation cruise. The Cormorant II can carry 16 passengers in nine cabins, all with private balconies.
Spread out among them, the big 15 endemic species are animal highlights that guide you to the best way to experience the Galápagos. Ships anchor offshore of visitor sites, and passengers are then tendered to the landing site in pangas (Zodiacs). There are two types of landings -- the wet landing and the dry landing. The wet landing might involve hopping off the panga into a foot of water. The likelihood of getting a little wet (but not drenched) is high.
Touring Galapagos has chosen a select new fleet of Small Galápagos Cruises. Most live-aboard cruise ships in the Galápagos carry less than 20 passengers. Smaller Yachts can provide an intimate experience, the similar luxurious amenities available on larger ships, and ensure the same Level 3 naturalist guides and personalized service.
Galapagos cruise itineraries are typically a week long and cover a portion of the islands, sometimes more. Here's everything to know about cruising in the Galapagos, from frequently asked questions to the best itineraries to book now. ATMs are scarce in the capital city of Quito where I started my trip and almost nonexistent on the islands. Yet cash is king at small, family-owned businesses and when it comes to tipping. I had counted on withdrawing more dollars from ATMs as needed, but found myself rationing my bills instead. Next time, I'll stash more cash in my wallet before I leave the U.S.
Diving masks, snorkels and fins are provided on-board the vessel for use by all passengers. From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). With years of experience cruising in the Galapagos, our knowledgeable guides and crew are best placed to show you this incredible region. Select expeditions feature guest National Geographic biologists, authors and photographers, who can help you get the perfect wildlife photos. The cruises are popular with families, and a diving program is available for advanced divers.
It's situated at the locus of the "hot spot" that created, and is still creating and shaping, the Galapagos. As visitors step across lava flows and around the huge population of land iguanas, they gain a first-hand understanding of the geological origins of the islands. Every licensed vessel sailing the Galapagos follows a 15-day route established and approved by Galapagos National Park. During that period, a boat may not visit the same site twice, with the exception of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz.
Galapagos itineraries can be as short as 4 days, but most are 8 days long. However, the best way to see the Galapagos and all it has to offer is to do 2 back-to-back, 7-night itineraries; his way, you will cover most of the islands and visitor sites. Various boat sizes are available for cruising the Galapagos Islands. See our Best Small Ship Cruises in Galapagos page for more information. There's no better way to explore the Galápagos Islands than to sail on a multi-day live-aboard cruise ship.
Rabida is also where you'll find a unique menagerie of birds, including pelicans, mockingbirds, doves, flamingos, white-cheeked pintail ducks, yellow warblers and Darwin finches. If you're a birder eager to check a ton of species off your list, it's a stop you won't want to miss. The island of Rabida is an aesthetic standout, thanks to its pristine red-sand beaches.
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