The Galapagos Islands are unlike any other destination on the planet. Much of the wildlife there exists NOWHERE else in the WORLD!
What’s even better ... because most of these birds and reptiles and mammals have spent their entire existence in a protected environment, they have zero fear of humans, which means you can observe them in a truly unique way.
Planning a visit to the Galapagos is quite a unique experience, too. We must warn you though ... once you start uncovering all the information and options, it can get pretty overwhelming pretty fast. But have no fear, that’s why we’re here!
To get started on the best path, let’s focus on four important questions:
1. What intrigues you most about the Galapagos Islands?
Unless you have an extended amount of time and a hefty budget, it’s not possible to visit all the islands in one visit. To help narrow down your options, it’s helpful to know what’s most important to you.
Are you curious about the history of Charles Darwin, or the fascinating geology of the islands? Maybe you’re interested in a certain variety of plant life. Maybe you want to see the mating dance of the blue-footed booby. Maybe you know nothing about the islands at all.
2. What activities do you want to do?
Do you like to snorkel? Are you SCUBA certified? Do you love to take photos of animals? Are you a hiker?
3. Would you like to visit the Galapagos Islands via a land tour or a cruise?
In our humble opinion, a cruise (well, the right cruise) is absolutely the best way to experience everything the Galapagos has to offer … with one caveat: If you suffer from seasickness, a land tour is a better option for you.
Now choosing the right cruise is a much more personal matter that depends on a few key factors:
Your overall budget
How much time you have
The level of service and amenities you would like to experience
When it comes to Galapagos cruising, there is a surprisingly wide range of options available. You can find everything from dorm-style bunk beds to private butlers, and from super basic small vessels to luxurious catamarans to a 100-passenger specialty ship designed specifically for the Galapagos.
4. Are you helping or hurting the fragile environment?
Many regulations exist to protect this magical destination, yet some cruise and tour operators find ways around some of the rules. Before you book a tour or a cruise—especially if the price seems too good to be true—please do your research and make sure the company is reputable and respectful of the environment.
One last question: Are you ready to plan your Galapagos adventure?