Sunset aboard the Galapagos Legend
I recently enjoyed an amazing cruise in the Galapagos (June 2011). My first trip to “the enchanted islands” (“las islas encantadas” as they were known early on to Spanish sailors who thought the often misty islands floated in the sea) did not disappoint; I marveled at the beautiful scenery and the abundant wildlife. I hope I will be lucky enough to return there one day.
Overall I had a wonderful travel experience from the time I boarded a plane in Quito to the time I got back on a plane at Baltra airport in the Galapagos. The main reason was the excellent service and organization of the trip on the Galapagos Legend. Most travel and Galapagos experts will advise that a visitor go on a cruise – it is simply the best way to see what makes these islands so special. But which cruise you choose also makes a big difference.
Over the years we have learned which boats offer consistently excellent service and leave our clients happiest. We have a list of many boats but strive to recommend cruises that best fit a traveler’s budget and travel style as well as our own knowledge of which boats offer great experiences to visitors. Below I will share a few things to look for in a cruise based upon my own experience in the Galapagos.
1. Organization – A well organized tour can help improve your overall Galapagos experience. The better boats have planned their schedules to work with specific flights into and out of the Galapagos and they have representatives available when you check in to your flight (in Quito or Guayaquil) and waiting for you upon arrival. A well organized cruise, such as on the Galapagos Legend, also means that you can expect an early morning activity before your morning flight back to the mainland (think: deep water snorkeling with sharks!).
Sabina, a naturalist guide with the Legend, and a Blue Footed Boobie
2. Guides – The vessel you choose also reflects the quality of guides and the crew. While a good and safe crew is paramount, having a good guide will greatly improve your experience. Your naturalist guide will lead you and about 8 or 12 other companions on daily walks and snorkeling excursions during landings. The best boats and the best companies attract the best guides: friendly, responsible naturalists who put your safety first but also strive to provide you with as much information as possible about the natural history of the islands and the wildlife that you encounter. This part of your experience is certainly one of the best reasons to visit the Galapagos.
The Coral II, a 20 passenger boat
3. Price & Quality – The Galapagos are expensive no matter which boat you choose. We can recommend excellent luxury vessels such as the Eclipse and we can also arrange for “budget class” cruises for travelers on a tight budget. It is best however to at least choose a mid-range boat or even a first class boat such as one of the Coral boats (sister boats of the Legend). A mountain guide working in mainland Ecuador who has been to the Galapagos seven times explained to me the importance of picking a good boat: his first trip there on a budget boat was so rocky at night that he didn’t sleep for 5 days! He swore that he would never go back, but is glad that he changed his mind. So choosing a good boat is an important factor in what is certainly a “trip of a lifetime.”
4. Boat size – Boats in the Galapagos range from approximately 16 passenger to 100 passenger vessels. Would you like to be on a smaller, more intimate boat or a larger boat with more people and larger common areas? The larger boats still feel fairly small and are wonderful experiences, so the boat you finally pick will be one of several excellent choices. Boat size can also affect the overall comfort of the cruise since most boats navigate at night while you sleep – ask us for advice!
5. Your travel style and expectations – Another major criterion for choosing a boat is what you expect to get out of the experience. Are you traveling with children? Do you want more snorkeling opportunities? Opportunities to go kayaking? Do you want to dive? Along with the size of the boat you should consider amenities offered on boats including a pool/ jacuzzi, bar, or laundry service.
6. Cruise length – The duration of the cruise affects what you’ll see and how much the cruise will cost. Most boats have cruises that last either 4, 5 or 8 days. It can be worthwhile to spend an entire week in the Galapagos for some people since you’ll probably get to visit all of the major islands. While one traveler might prefer a shorter cruise with a few days based on Santa Cruz island for relaxation and snorkeling, another might be interested in a shorter cruise followed by time spent discovering the Ecuadorian highlands with the beautiful city of Quito and snow-capped volcanoes.
Sea Lion pup on Seymour Norte
7. Specials – Many boats offer specials during the off-peak seasons. Specials can include free flights to the Galapagos, free park fees, a large discount such as 50% off a 2nd traveler’s fare, or free accommodations on the mainland. Travelers with flexible travel dates should ask us about dates with specials to help them save on their cruise or perhaps upgrade to a higher class of boat or cabin.
We are happy to help our travelers pick the best boat and cruise for their vacation to the Galapagos. It is a special place and a wonderful experience, and we hope that all of our travelers will come back from the Galapagos with great memories and smiles on their faces!
— Tilden Daniels, AWR Employee
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