Galapagos Cruises or Land Tours?

by Feb 17, 2021Galapagos cruises, Galapagos Information

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Visiting the famous Galapagos Islands is one of those dream vacations, where in addition to relaxing, you can discover wonderful and photogenic landscapes. Obviously, you can also see endemic and unique animal species in the world. To be able to explore these magical islands there is an essential question, Galapagos cruise or island hopping tours. What is the best option to explore the archipelago?

Each option will take you to the best adventure, so special that you will want to live it many more times. Below we will show you the strengths of each alternative so that you can make your decision and encourage yourself to live the experience that will mark your life.

cruise-expereince-vs-land-experience-higland-experiences

Seeing giant tortoises in their natural state is an activity that you can do both in a Galapagos cruise or Island hopping tours.

Cruise trip

A cruise trip offers you a different experience and depending on the categories that exist in the Galapagos Islands, you can satisfy your needs for comfort or luxury.

On board a cruise, the adventures and expeditions will always be unique, for example: kayaking, paddle surfing or snorkeling on a paradisiacal island far from the populated centers is part of the daily activities. In addition, the perfect complement to a cruise trip is the personalized attention of the crew and the naturalist guide in charge of planning all the activities of this unforgettable experience.

servicio a bordo de un crucero en Galápagos

Personalized service is one of the key features of the Galapagos cruises for 16 passengers.

Cruises offer you itineraries of 4 to 8 days. However, you can combine two options and get an experience of up to 15 days designed to explore unimaginable places and reach the most remote islands of the archipelago.

Generally, the rates for these types of tours are all included (meals, excursions, activities, and information sessions). You can find the best rates if you book early or accept last-minute deals.

cruise-expereince-vs-land-experience-cruse-based-experiences

July, August, and September are the perfect months for Humpback Whales spotting in Galapagos, because the sea has food richer, and they take advantage of shallow waters.

 

Island Hopping / Daily Tours 

The Island Hopping / Daily Tours in the Galapagos Islands are an alternative that will allow you to know the main inhabited islands and those closest to them. Through these types of tours, you can better control your time and choose the activities you want to do according to your interests. In addition, it gives you the possibility to socialize and meet local people, who by the way, are very warm and friendly.

cruise-expereince-vs-land-experience-land-based-experience

In the main inhabited islands such as Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela, you can find a wide variety of hotels and restaurants facing the sea and other exclusive areas of each island.

Generally, these tours begin on the islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela Island, where in addition to accommodation that varies in categories and prices, you can find restaurants and visit designated sites for certain activities such as hiking, flora and fauna observation, snorkeling, among others.

To carry out this type of personalized tours, you will have to spend a few nights and settle on one of the inhabited islands, and during the day you can visit the main nearby islands.

visita guiada en Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos

In several visitor sites of the Galapagos Islands, you must have the assistance of a Naturalist Guide certified by the Galapagos National Park.

Key Features

Each type of tour will take you through beautiful sites in the Galapagos Islands and depending on your budget, type of activity you want to do, or if you just want to connect with nature, you will make the decision that best suits your expectations. Here is some valuable information that, according to our experience as specialists in the Galapagos Islands, will help you plan your next trip to the most famous natural laboratory in the world:

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CRUISE TRIP

AND ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

CRUISE TRIP:

  • Watch a greater number of species of fauna and flora.
  • Explore different areas of the archipelago and also the most remote islands (the transfer from island to island takes place at night) within the Galapagos National Park.
  • Activities scheduled at each visitor site.
  • All meals are included.
  • All activities (snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, panga rides) are included. Conditions may apply.
  • More complete experience, service on board, comfort, gastronomy, specialized staff, etc.
  • Bilingual naturalist guides, one for every 16 passengers.
  • The cost is higher (you can get good deals if you book in advance)
  • Departures on fixed dates, you must find the one that fits your vacation.
ISLAND HOPPING / DAILY TOURS:
  • It is a cheaper alternative.
  • It adapts to the dates of your trip.
  • Leisure and expedition activities are flexible and according to your convenience.
  • You can choose a daily tour or island hopping tours at your convenience.
  • Limited observation of flora and fauna.
  • Meals are not included (normally only breakfast).
  • You will be able to visit a small number of islands.
  • Transfers between inhabited islands have a minimum duration of 2 hours. (This experience can be uncomfortable if done in small boats.)

In conclusion, we consider that a cruise trip can be the best option for your next vacation if you want a total disconnection and an encounter with nature at its best. However, if you want an alternative that fits your budget you can opt for an Island Hopping, however, remember that these tours offer you fewer possibilities than a cruise trip.

Relax, being in Galapagos on board a cruise or island hopping is already a dream come true!

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