Galapagos Cruises

The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places left on earth where man's habits and influence have not enduced fear in native animals. This allows you to approach and stand next to animals without disturbing them. You will stroll between curious sea lion pups that stop to sniff your feet; or perhaps view the mating dance of the Blue Footed-Boobies from a few feet away. Many visitors feel as though they are on the set of their own personal wildlife documentary. You will tread in the foot steps of Charles Darwin who first documented the rich secrets of the Islands in 1835.

Local guides and experienced crew will move you effortlessly from Island to Island, leaving you free to enjoy the re-freshing sea air and sunshine. You will learn about the forces that shaped the islands, their critical position at the confluence of three ocean currents and how these factors uniquely influenced the development of each islands inhabitants.

For those wishing to balance luxury against budget constraints, there are some excellent First Class and Tourist boats that visit most Islands of interest and have very good guides. Our experience is at your disposal. We pride ourselves on our ability to find the cruise that will best meet your overall needs.

Economy cruises start from as little as US$1,245 including return airfare from Quito to the Islands. During off peak season (End September- End October), flights to Ecuador from the US can be as low as US$550 from NYC or US$395 from Miami. See the Cruise Ships

Our experience in the Galapagos Islands includes not just knowledge of the best cruises, but also four years spent overseeing environmental projects on the Islands, one of which is continuing to this day. Contact robin@specialisedadventure.com to book or for further information.

Cruises

Galapagos cruises are 4, 5 or 8 days long. A 4-day cruise will give you a taste of the islands, but I personally recommend at least a 5 day cruise. An 8-day cruise should enable you to visit all the islands where tourists are permitted. The inhabitants of each island vary considerably and it is certainly worth experiencing it all if you have time.

Cruise ships and boats come in four classes; Luxury, First Class, Tourist and Economy. At the luxury end of the scale, top quality service on a curise liner with the best guides will make this a memorable trip. With all the trimmings of luxury liner travel, fine dining at night combined with visits to the premium Islands at the best time of day this a truly fulfiling life time experience.

Economy boats offer reasonable service on a comfortable boat. However, permits to visit some Islands are limited and economy vessels will not normally have them. The guide will be competant, but with less experience than a top guide on a luxury boat. However, if you are on a budget and must go, this is an acceptable choice.

When to go

Assuming that you are not tied to a particular vacation time, three main factors usually influence a decision on when to visit the Galapagos Islands; Cost, Climate and What you can see. With a free choice, we recommend a visit in either May or October. A visit during these months is usually better value for money, less crowded and with good weather. Some key mating seasons occur during these times as well. March, April and the second part of September are also good times to visit. There are no bad times to visit.
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Cost

The cost of any trip to the Islands is affected by peak travel seasons. July, August and December are busy travel months and International airfares are higher and cruises become booked up to 9-months in advance. Low season prices from May 1 - June 14 and September 15 - October 31 tend to reflect this. During this time prices are 6-10% lower.

Climate

In climatic terms, a visit from January and May during which the Galapagos Islands reach their peak temperatures allows you to escape some harsh winter months of the North America or Europe. Although known as the wet season, you should see plenty of clear bright blue skies mixed with short, but heavy showers.

From June mid-September a cool mist is often present and temperatures average 21 C (72 F). During this period, the sea is rougher, but still relatively light. The highlands are normally dry. From June to December the southern trade-winds bring the colder Humboldt Current north to the Galapagos, lowering the water temperature to an average of 60 F during July and August.

What you can see

If there is a particular animal or bird, or event that you simply must see let us know. We will get you on a cruise at the right time of year. You may wish to see the Blue Footed Boobies mating dance, or the Frigate birds nesting. Perhaps the lush inland vegitation or sea turtles hold mysteries for you?