Why Galapagos?
A journey to the Galapagos Islands is time travel to a pristine age awash in life—an example of what once was and what can be again. The memories you’ll make here are unforgettable.
Born in extreme isolation without terrestrial predators, resident species developed unique forms and behaviors; you’ll encounter more curiosity than fear. Go on a safari in Africa, and most of the wildlife won’t even recognize you as distinct from your vehicle—that’s probably for the best with a lion or cape buffalo, isn’t it? But here, under the guidance of expert naturalists, you can observe nature’s grace, genius, and playfulness as nowhere else.
Even the land is alive: shield volcanos and lava plateaus change and grow through eruption and subduction. Geologically speaking, these islands are newborns, having emerged from the sea roughly 5 million years ago.
Although the landscape appears harsh and barren, this is a fragile, irreplaceable ecosystem; more than ever, how we visit matters.
With cruise and land-based options, the team at LANDED will help you experience the magic, while protecting these treasured islands. We know this territory first-hand and by heart.
How to Choose the Right Cruise in the Galapagos Islands
This article is meant to help you think through some of the key questions for travelers interested in experiencing the Galapagos Islands.
Evaluating all of the Galapagos cruise options can be confusing and tiring. Trust the team at LANDED. For more than 20 years, LANDED has helped travelers like you connect with the best of the Galapagos Islands. We design and manage all aspects of your journey, leaving you free to enjoy the moments.
We know these cruises first-hand and by heart. No AI, and no BS. Speak to a living, breathing, thinking Galapagos expert today at LANDED (hello@landedtravel.com or 801.582.2100).
Which cruise is right for you? Start with these questions:
- What do you want out of this trip?
- What do you picture when you image being in the Galapagos Islands?
- What’s calling you to the Galapagos?
Other key questions are outlined below.
What Kinds Cruise Vessels are Available in Galapagos?
- Large yachts / small ships – a greater range of amenities, and accommodation for up to 100 guests. Slower travel between islands. Longer embarkation and disembarkation times. Larger groups at landing sites, even with staggered visits.
- Smaller yachts – most are designed for fewer than 20 guests. Faster inter-island crossings. Ability to anchor close to shore or in sheltered bays.
- Motor catamarans – Also designed for fewer than 20 guests. Added stability due to dual or triple-hull designs. The broader footprint allows for larger cabin sizes.
- Private charters – most smaller yachts and motor catamarans can be privately chartered. Even ships can be chartered for groups. Charters offer greater flexibility, and the ability to hand-select guide and chefs.
LANDED has direct, wholesale relationships with approximately 30 of the top-tier Galapagos cruise ships, yachts, and multi-hulled catamarans. Booking through LANDED saves you time, frustration, and money.
What are the best cruise options in the Galapagos?
Here is a list of 10 of our favorite Galapagos yachts and motor catamarans.
Many of our recommended yachts have new, modern designs, stabilizers, and anchors both in the bow and at the stern.
Others—catamarans and tri-marans—have twin or triple hulls to increase stability. Most of these vessels accommodate 16 to 20 guests; most are built to accommodate 16 guests in 8 cabins.
Which Galapagos cruise itinerary is right for me?
Most vessels in the Galapagos offer two itineraries: a central / western route and a central / southern route. Typically, both routes are completed consecutively every two weeks. Most Galapagos cruises span 7-nights, although LANDED can arrange 3-night, 4-night, and 5-night options.
The western route includes longer inter-island navigation periods, allowing more opportunity for viewing large pelagic species. We love the western part of the island chain for its active volcanoes, multi-colored beaches, and magical landing sites at islands like Fernandina and Isabela. These itineraries are great for active couples and families with older children.
The central / southern routes visit older islands—ones that have had more time to erode. Often these central / southern itineraries are best for young families, as the landscapes are less hilly and the hiking trails are shorter. Expect plenty of interaction with sea lions, iguanas, and sea birds.
Some of our favorite smaller islands are North Seymour, Rabida, Genovesa, and Bartolome. Almost every itinerary will visit tortoise reserves on either Santa Cruz or San Cristobal.
Cruise itineraries are set well in advance, in cooperation with the local authorities. Landing sites are reserved and limited, to protect the landscape and the wildlife colonies. Cruise itineraries are not usually flexible, although some changes may be allowed in advance for private charters.
Guides in the Galapagos
Guides are mandatory in the Galapagos. The system of education, testing, and licensing is strictly controlled. The cruises recommended by LANDED hire Class 3 (the highest level) guides.
Guide education includes natural history, island history, biology, geology, and safety. Only permanent residents of the Galapagos may work as guides.
The maximum guide to guest ratio is 16:1. Cruises contract with guides in advance, usually for a full season.
Certain activities, such as SCUBA diving and artisanal fishing require specialized guide licenses.
When are you traveling to Galapagos?
The Galapagos are equatorial. Year round, you can expect highs from the upper 70s to upper
80s, with lows between 75F and 65F.
During the cool season (roughly June to November) you may encounter a welcome, cooling mist. The nutrient-rich Humboldt Current prevails, and water temperatures approach 72F. Counterintuitively, the rainiest months (December to May) are also the sunniest; air temperatures are finally high enough to condense the mist to rain.
Even the rainiest month, March, has only about two inches of precipitation for the entire month. High temperatures reach the upper 80s, with lows near 72F. The Panama Current prevails, with water temperatures near
75F.
The busiest months are mid-May to August and mid-December to mid-January. June to September is a season with families from North America, South America, and Europe on school vacation. December to January is festive season—also a busy time for families. The most sought-after festive season space often sells out 18 months in advance. September is low season, and fewer cruise options are available due to annual maintenance.
If you’d like to understand which months are best for seeing avian mating rituals, nesting behaviors, or baby animals, LANDED has provided a month-by-month guide to the Galapagos.
Who is traveling to Galapagos with you?
The Galapagos Islands are an excellent destination for couples. Picture yourself enjoying beautiful beaches, vivid sunsets, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. A handful of smaller yachts and motor catamarans (with 20 or fewer passengers) are our favorite options for couples. They offer the right balance of activities, amenities, and comfort. Some offer suites with private balconies, as well as upper deck hot tubs and sundecks.
Other cruise vessels are a better fit for families. Roughly two-thirds of the journeys we plan to the Galapagos Islands are for families with children. Often those family groups include three- generations. Private family charters (up 20 passengers) are ideal. If you’re traveling with a smaller family group, we have other options.
Can you visit the Galapagos Islands with kids?
Visiting the Galapagos as a family is not only possible, it is worthwhile and unforgettable. We’ve been to the Galapagos several times with our children. When you work with LANDED, you’ll receive first-hand recommendations born of experience.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless families visit the Galapagos. Often, the request is from a family that includes two or three children between the ages of 4 and 18. But for multi-generational families (i.e. grandparents, parents, and grandchildren) the family usually includes toddlers.
What is the minimum age for Galapagos cruises? Many cruises set the minimum age at six. If you’re traveling with younger children, LANDED can arrange private charter cruises with flexible policies for families. Alternatively, you could consider and land-based journey to the Galapagos, staying in a hotel or lodge and enjoying day trips to other nearby islands.
Adding children to the equation complicates cruise selection. You’ll want to know the answers to
these questions:
- What special programs are offered for children and families?
- What on-board amenities make the trip more enjoyable for kids?
- What are the cabin locations, bedding configurations, and interconnection options?
- Will everyone in my family find food they like on the cruise menu?
- Can menus be adapted for special dietary considerations?
- Is equipment (e.g. snorkeling gear and kayaks) available for young travelers?
- Can the guides hold the attention of younger travelers?
- Will my kids get seasick?
- What special safety precautions are necessary?
- Does this cruise bake chocolate chip cookies?
Most cruises in the Galapagos have 7-night itineraries. Some offer 3-night, 4-night, and 5-night options. Often, shorter cruises are a better match with a family’s school schedules.
If you’re thinking about taking your family to the Galapagos Islands, speak with an expert travel designer at LANDED. We take the friction out of travel, so you can enjoy the moments and make memories. We’ll help you sort through the options and find the perfect fit.
What activities do you want your Galapagos cruise to include?
Cruises to the Galapagos are not passive. Each day, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one or two landing sites. Under the care of your expert naturalist guides, you’ll enjoy:
- Trail hiking
- Stair climbs to viewpoints
- Beach, volcano, and lava field visits
- Tours of research stations and historic sites
- Up close wildlife observation on trails, beaches, and at nesting sites
- Many cruise itineraries include plenty of time in the water. That can include:
- Snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, iguanas, and dolphins
- Paddle boarding
- Kayaking
- Glass-bottom boat and zodiac touring
Some of these outings can be adapted for travelers with mobility issues, or for different activity levels.
Between islands, some of our favorite cruises will stop for whale and dolphin watching. On these pauses, we’ve been able to get closer to orcas, blue whales, and giant rays.
At LANDED, we’ll walk you through the itinerary options to help you choose the cruise that’s right for you.
What other outdoor activities are available in the Galapagos Islands?
At LANDED, we can also arrange special outings or excursions on private basis. Among the options are:
- SCUBA diving (drift, wall, reef, and cave dives)
- Mountain biking
- Artisanal fishing
- Visits to coffee plantations, wood-carving workshops, and conservation projects
- Private meetings with researcher biologists and conservationists
- Privately chartered cruises offer the most flexibility.
How much time have you allocated for your trip to the Galapagos?
Most visitors from North America and Europe plan to spend 9 to 12 days in country. That usually includes from two to five nights in mainland Ecuador, with the remaining time in the Galapagos
Islands.
To make the most of your trip to the Galapagos, stay at least five nights in the islands. If you’re pressed for time, three-nights / four-day cruises are available.
How I extend my Galapagos Islands travel to mainland Ecuador or Peru?
LANDED is your source for customized travel throughout Latin America and the Antarctic. We can arrange all of your pre-cruise and post-cruise travel.
Quito’s historic center was the first city added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Ecuador’s Amazon basin can be reached by a 30-minute flight from Quito. Active volcanoes, cloud forests, and historic Andean ranches are all within a few hours’ drive of the two main airports.
Most LANDED travelers choose to spend at least three nights in mainland Ecuador, visiting Quito and at least one other location—jungle, cloud-forest, or hacienda.
When you plan your journey with the help of LANDED’s expert travel designers, you’re getting the benefit of years of experience and first-hand knowledge. We’ll custom-tailor your travel to fit your precise interests, tastes, and wishes.
Flights from Guayaquil reach Lima, Peru in just under two hours. You can have breakfast in the Galapagos and dinner at a world-class restaurant in Miraflores.
Many of our travelers will spend one week in Ecuador and a second week visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
The team at LANDED knows all the logistics, and we’ll be there for you throughout the journey.
Speak with one of our expert travel planners today at 801.582.2100.
What is your budget?
More than 20 years ago, when we started designing custom travel to the Galapagos, the choices were far fewer; the Galapagos fleet included only a handful of high-end yachts, while most vessels were geared toward budget travelers. Although the number of vessels has remained fairly constant, the overall level of service and comfort has increased dramatically.
If you’re ready to plan a world-class vacation to the Galapagos Islands, LANDED is here to help. We’re a team of expert travel designers who know the options first-hand. Most of the yacht and catamaran owners and managers are our friends, and we’ll make sure you’re welcomed accordingly.
For a full-board experience—including cruise accommodations, onboard meals, guided excursions, and ground transportation in the Galapagos—you can expect to pay around US$1,200 per person per day. Consider that a midpoint in a range. At LANDED, you don’t pay more than if you’d booked the cruise directly, and we’re with you every step of the way.
How do I get to the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands can be reached by air from two international airports in mainland Ecuador: Quito (3 hours) or Guayaquil (1.5 hours). These flights arrive to one of two islands: San Cristobal or Baltra.
The flights use regular commercial jets, like the ones used for domestic flights within the USA. Examples include the Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. LANDED also arranges private jet charter flights to and from the Galapagos Islands.
At LANDED, we recommend at least one night in mainland Ecuador prior to your flight to the
Galapagos. You could to the Galapagos Islands on the same day your cruise begins.
Alternatively, you could spend a few nights at a Galapagos lodge or private villa on the Galapagos Islands prior the beginning of your cruise.
What should I pack for the Galapagos Islands?
To help you start thinking about your journey to the Galapagos Islands, you can view LANDED’s Galapagos Packing List.
Where can I get a Galapagos Travel Guide?
If you’d like more information about traveling to the Galapagos Islands, download our free Galapagos Travel Guide. It’s a great starting point. When you’re ready, contact the team at LANDED and we’ll create your tailor-made travel plan.