The Galapagos
Islands have become an incredibly popular cruise destination and it’s no
wonder. These small, volcanic islands are like no place else on earth. A remote
province of Ecuador, which lies 550 miles to the east, the islands teem with
wildlife found nowhere else on the globe. They are a World Heritage Site, a
biological marine reserve, and a national park. In other words, a real
treasure.
A small-ship cruise
is an ideal way to visit these special islands. A luxurious ship provides easy
movement between the islands, along with comfortable accommodations and
exceptional dining. There are cruises as brief as four days and some as long as
18 days, which usually includes a pre-or post-cruise stay in Ecuador. To see a
good variety of Galapagos habitats and species, experts recommend a cruise of
at least eight days.
Cruise ship
routes in the Galapagos are carefully controlled for the protection and
preservation of the islands’ unique ecologies, but there are variations between
itineraries. Be sure to compare carefully before you choose.
Guided shore
excursions will help you fully experience the islands. Wear your sturdy walking
or hiking shoes and bring your camera. You may be able to capture photos of:
Marine iguanas, the only type of iguana that forages for food in
the sea.
Darwin’s finches, with species that vary in subtle ways from one
island to another.
Blue-footed boobies, which have bright-blue feet they show off
when courting.
Giant tortoises, versions of which used to roam most of the earth,
however, now, the Galapagos are one of only two places on earth that you’ll
find them.
Flightless cormorants, the only type of cormorant that has lost
the ability to fly (although, with their small wings, they swim well).
Galapagos penguins, the world’s only tropical penguin.
You can sail to
the islands at any time of year, but you may prefer one or the other of two
main seasons:
December through May, the weather is warm (high 80s during the
day) with sporadic rain and calm water.
June through November, the weather is a bit cooler and more
comfortable for hiking (high 70s during the day), with little rain. A change in
ocean currents means that the water, while rarely rough, may be choppy.
To plan your
cruise to the Galapagos – one of the world’s most distinctive destinations –
talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.
