Going on a cruise is a wonderful way to take a vacation. You get to see some truly amazing things, and can often visit multiple different destinations at once, without constantly having to pack and unpack. They can help you meet new people, bond with friends and family, and simply be an all-around fun time. As far as where you take that cruise, your options are nearly unlimited. But one of the most underrated and best places to take a cruise is the Galapagos Islands.
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About Galapagos
Located off the coast of Ecuador, this collection of 21 total islands is a gorgeous place to visit and spend some time. It has beautiful weather, stunning beaches and water, friendly locals, and some of the best biodiversity on the planet. There are even plenty of animals that are seen nowhere else on the planet. But the first part of this magical journey is finding the best cruise for your needs.
Whether you land on one of the many high-quality Galapagos Cruises from Voyagers Travel or go a different route, this article is going to go over some tips to help you find the best cruise for the Galapagos Islands.
Think About When to go
The first part of finding the best cruise is to think about when to go. People can’t often drop everything and go on a cruise, so the best cruise is one that is running at a time that works for your family and friends. Get everyone into a group chat, and find a collection of dates that work well for everyone.
Not all cruises will run all the time, so you need to have your dates and timeline ironed out ahead of time to ensure you can get the cruise you want. But in addition to your schedule and the schedule of those you are going with, you also need to think about the many animals of the islands.
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the wildlife seasonality in the Galapagos. Certain animals will only come around or behave a certain way at certain times of the year. So if you are traveling there to specifically see an animal or witness a certain animal-related event, be sure to do your research and go during the month when that occurs.
Decide on the Size of the Cruise
Next, you need to think about the size of the cruise you want to take. There are many different sizes of cruise ships, and each offers a uniquely different experience. A larger cruise may often be more comfortable and offer better amenities, while a smaller one can provide a more authentic and intimate experience. Even things like the dining options can differ, so always do your research.
Also, be aware that mega cruises aren’t allowed in the Galapagos, so even the largest possible cruise for the area will still be relatively small when compared to many others that you may have been on or seen around the world.
Some cruises may feature a variety of travelers from all over the world, whereas others can be reserved for your family alone. Everyone has their favorite, and be sure to talk it over with everyone attending about the kind of cruise and experience that they want.
Consider the Costs
Of course, you also need to take some time to think about the costs associated with the cruise. Cruises can range from being relatively affordable and budget-friendly, to thousands and thousands of dollars for only a few days. Always consult your budget and know what you are comfortable spending before ever booking or inquiring about a cruise. If you go in without a budget and not knowing what you can spend, it is easy to end up overpaying for an experience well beyond your budget.
The cost of a cruise is often influenced by how long it is, the company you book with, the size and quality of the cruise, and what you do. Different cruises may feature different itineraries and different destinations, which can drastically influence the price.
But while cost is important, it should not be the only or main thing that you consider. Oftentimes, you get what you pay for. And the last thing you want to do is to travel across the world and take an average vacation because it was a little bit cheaper. Sometimes, it is worth it to spend a little more to get the added value of a brilliant trip.
Check Out Reviews and the Experiences of Others
Sometimes, learning about the best cruise isn’t possible without going on it. As a result, it is a good idea to check out the reviews that others have left about a specific cruise. This is the best way to learn their experience and how everything went. You can learn about the amenities, the destinations, how the cruise went, and so much more.
This is valuable information that can help you make your decision, and ensure you have peace of mind that it was a good one. Different cruises will often do different things and offer a different vibe or experience, so always ensure you are looking at reviews of your specific cruise that you want to take.
Things to do and Check Out in the Galapagos
Now that you know how to find and choose the best cruise possible, let’s take a look at a few wonderful things that you need to do and see on your trip to the Galapagos. While there is a ton to do, and you should do as much as you can, these are some things that should be
Check out the Galapagos Tortoises
While the Galapagos is home to many kinds of animals, the most well-known and popular is the Galapagos Tortoises. They can live to well over 100 years old, and are the largest living type of tortoise, often weighing over 900 pounds, and they cannot be seen anywhere else. You need to make it a mission to see these animals at least once on your cruise trip.
Go Diving and Snorkeling
While land animals in the Galapagos get a lot of love, there is a ton of marine life to check out, too. It is home to many fish and other sea-dwelling animals, and one of the best ways to see them is by going snorkeling or diving. This can be a fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience, and will allow you to see the Galapagos in a whole new way.
A great way to explore the underwater world of Galapagos is to join a local liveaboard tour. There are a lot of liveaboards here, with excellent quality of service. They will guide you to the best diving spots around the archipelagos, including some off the beaten, or restricted areas.
Check for liveaboard availabilities in Galapagos!
Relax on the Beaches
While being on the cruise is great, there is nothing quite like laying on a beautiful beach while the sun shines down on you and the waves gently come to shore. It is a great way to pass some time, while also being very relaxing, and you can even watch many different birds fly through the skies at the same time.
By doing these things, you can be sure that your trip to Galapagos is full of fun and unique experiences that truly make it the trip of a lifetime.
We hope that this guide has been able to help you find the best cruise for the Galapagos, and helped you learn just some of the many great things you can do while you’re there. It is truly a wonderful place to visit and can be a life changing trip to experience.
Take a look at this video for more impressions from Galapagos:
Check some travel books about Galapagos:
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
