One of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife-viewing, the volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean known as the Galápagos Islands offers a wide choice of tours and cruises.
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
We owe our greater understanding of our presence on Earth to the Galapagos Islands. More specifically, we owe it to Charles Darwin and his theory of natural selection and evolution following his observations of the natural diversity on these remarkable islands. Understandably, tours of the Galapagos Islands are incredibly popular and a fine balance has to be struck between exaltation of this special place and the protection of it for future generations. Therefore, only certain islands are open to visitors. Here are five of the best Galapagos tours and cruises currently available.
Galapagos Express (3 days)
Ideal for those short on time and budget, this 3-day tour offers a brief but enthralling glimpse into the abundant riches of the Galapagos. As part of a large group, the tour starts with a transfer from Baltra Airport to the ferry terminal where you’ll cross the Itabaca Canal to Santa Cruz Island where you’ll visit a farm with giant tortoises and its lava tunnels. That evening, you’ll have the option of dinner in a local restaurant and a stroll along the Malecón, lined with shops, bars and a famous dock that illuminates at night. The next day, you’ll enjoy a walk along an ecological trail in Playa Tortuga Bay, finally reaching a white sand beach flanked by mangrove swamps. Here you’ll get to swim and snorkel before returning to your hotel. On your final day, there’ll be more snorkelling, this time with sea lions, followed by a sailing trip to Punta Estrada, where you can swim in a natural pool of clear water and spot marine iguanas. A final bit of beach time before your return transfer to the airport closes out the experience. From $710 per person.
Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions (9 days)
(Photo: GAdventures.com)
For an enthralling adventure that visits a few other islands, this nine-day tour is a great option. Go snorkelling with curious sea lions and look out for the endemic marine iguanas, among many other species within this teeming marine park. This is perhaps the best-value Galapagos tour from Quito, but the tour company aims it mainly at people aged 40 years old and under. Much of the accommodation is in hostels or camping-based, with at least one night spent camping in the Isabela Highlands. Most meals are provided as part of the tour price although there many be some additional costs to factor in as well. From $1,359 per person.
Galápagos Island Hopping (9 days)
Another highly-rated nine-day tour spends a little more time on the lesser-visited Floreana Island, where local community-run services feel the full benefit of the tourists that flock to their home island. The black sand beaches and quiet highlands of the island are a great place to go bird watching, due to the less frequent disruption that tour groups to Santa Cruz and Isabela islands bring. Take a boat over to Isabela midway through your trip to experience some of the top sights of the Galapagos, including the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, and a hike to Tortuga Bay, where you might catch a glimpse of marine iguanas and sea turtles. This tour runs only twice a month and accommodation is mostly in hotels. From $2,336 per person.
Complete Galápagos (17 days)
(Photo: GAdventures.com)
Given that trips to the Galapagos Islands are often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s not uncommon that people want to push the boat out. In this case, quite literally, as this top-notch 17-day tour touches down on practically every island that it’s possible for tourists to visit. This is a true Galapagos cruise aboard the Yolita, a 16-passenger ship with large cabins and plenty of deck space. During the tour, 14 nights are spent bedded down here between the islands, while most meals are also provided by the onboard kitchen team. You name the famed species here and there’ll be an opportunity to see it, including the Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. The tour runs between once and twice a month and, despite the higher price, tends to be sold out months in advance. From $8,305 per person.
Galapagos Exciting Private Tour (6 days)
For a more intimate and exclusive trip around the Galapagos, this private 6-day tour may well fit the bill. Over the course of the excursion, you and your select group of up to 10 family members or friends will be accompanied by expert private guides as you embark on a range of memorable activities. As well as encountering wonderful wildlife, there’ll also be energetic pursuits including hiking, biking, swimming, and snorkelling. There’ll also be several round-trip boat rides in Tintoreras, an uninhabited island where sharks and penguins can be found off the coast, as well as between Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island, during which snorkelling gear will be provided. Airport pick-up and drop-off, as well as accommodation, transport, guides, and some meals, are included in the tour price. From $1,935 per person.