Situated along both sides of the equator in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are an enchanting place where endemic species – including some found nowhere else on Earth – live in unspoiled settings. These beautiful, volcanic islands are part of Ecuador, which is about 550 miles to the east. Cruising is a wonderful way to explore this bucket-list destination.
The amazing animals
that inhabit the islands include giant Galapagos tortoises; marine iguanas, the
only iguanas known to feed in water; flightless cormorants; Galapagos penguins,
the world’s only tropical penguins; several species of tanagers, also called
Darwin’s finches, whose characteristics vary from island to island; and
blue-footed boobies, named for their bright blue, webbed feet. There’s also magnificent sea life, from hammerhead sharks to frigatebirds and albatrosses; and
unusual plants, including lava cactus. Most cruises sail with experienced
guides who help you prepare for and understand what you’ll see and experience.
Cruises to the
Galapagos are expedition cruises; they use smaller ships that don’t have as
many features as today’s big ships but are still very comfortable (some are quite
luxurious). Popular cruise lines that visit the Galapagos include Celebrity
Cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, and Silversea
Expeditions.
On a Galapagos
cruise, you won’t miss a big ship’s amenities because there’s so
much to see and do. Expect to be very active: each day will include one or more
excursions on land, on the water or both. While the islands are close to each
other, you’ll discover that they are also distinct from each other, hosting
different species or variations of common species. At night, the ship will move
between islands while you sleep.
Because the
islands straddle the equator, they experience almost 12 hours of daylight daily and warm temperatures all year. But, some seasonal variations in the weather might determine when you want to sail.
From December through May, expect sunny skies with a few showers and daytime
temperatures in the upper 80s. But from June through December, a seasonal ocean
current brings cooler water to the islands, which makes the sea a bit
choppier; daytime highs are still about 80 degrees, and there’s little rain.
Anita, your
professional travel advisor can give you more details about Galapagos cruises, available
ships, and the specific islands they visit. Consider the possibilities for pre-
or post-cruise stays in Ecuador or elsewhere in South America.
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