Galapagos Cruises 2023/2024

Galapagos Travel Guide

Galapagos Cruises Things To Do

• 
  North Seymour Island

  North Seymour Island is an unpopulated island that's an incredibly important fishing spot for marine birds. Ornithologists and travelers visit the island for a special glimpse at species like frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, herons, hawks, and more. You can also see other wildlife including sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, and rays.  

  Best Time To Visit

  While North Seymour Island is beautiful all year long, a visit in May or June will allow you to watch the blue-footed boobies participate in their fascinating courtship dance and witness the male frigate birds flaunt their bold red pouches.   

   

  You Should Know

  North Seymour Island is not a volcano and was formed by seismic activity. The island gets its name from Lord Hugh Seymour, an 18th century Englishman, Royal Navy officer, and member of one of England's wealthiest families at the time. Look for land iguanas while you're on the island! These creatures were brought to North Seymour Island from Baltra in the 1930s because goats were ruining their natural habitat.
• 
  Tortuga Bay

  Located on Santa Cruz Island, Tortuga Bay is a favorite destination for those wanting to observe the famous black sea turtles. You'll also find all your standard beach activities here, like swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and more.   

  Best Time To Visit

  You can see wildlife on Tortuga Bay all year long, though it's a bit more abundant during the rainy season of July through October. This season also brings lush foliage to the island and presents better temperatures than the hot season (December through May).   

   

  You Should Know

  The best way to reach Tortuga Bay is by walking or taking a water taxi from Puerto Ayora. It's about a 30- to 45-minute walk that's suitable for all guests, or if you opt for a water taxi, you'll pay $1-2 USD for a quicker journey. Playa Brava is a beach at the end of the walking path, and swimming is prohibited here. If you want to swim, head to Playa Mansa. Playa Mansa offers the chance to kayak and swim near the mangroves. Be on the lookout for marine iguanas, sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and more.
• 
  Rancho Primicias

  Though Rancho Primicias is a bit tricky to reach, the journey is well worth it. You'll have unmatched views of the island's giant tortoises in their natural habitat. If you're wanting a whole day full of tortoises, you can also visit El Chato Tortoise Reserve right next door, though this location tends to be more crowded.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Rancho Primicias operates year-round and is a gorgeous destination in any season.  

   

  You Should Know

  To get to Rancho Primicias, the best option is taking a taxi. You can also bike along Santa Cruz Highway to its westernmost point, then ride onto the side street that takes you to the ranch. Rancho Primicias is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission costs $3 per person and includes a guided tour and access to all facilities, including an on-site restaurant and lava tunnels.
• 
  Bartolome Island

  Bartolome Island is one of the younger islands in the Galapagos, but there's still plenty of history on this 1.5-2 million-year-old landmass. The scenery is absolutely stunning, especially if you make it to the top of Pinnacle Rock. The island has a site for divers as well as two main visitors' sites.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Many visitors like to come to Bartolome Island in September to witness the incredibly active Galapagos penguins as they speed through the waters.   

   

  You Should Know

  Bartolome Island was named for Sir Bartholomew James Sullivan, who was a friend of Charles Darwin and worked as a naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle. The Isla Bartolome visitor site is opposite Pinnacle Rock and is near many volcanic formations. The other visitor center is on Pinnacle Rock itself. You can also find a trial from Pinnacle Rock to the southern beach. Bartolome Island is unpopulated, so there are no hotels or restaurants here.
• 
  Lobos Island

  About six miles north of San Cristobal Island, you'll find Lobos Island, an underrated spot that's ideal for divers and snorkelers. One of the biggest attractions here is the sea lion for which the island is named.   

  Best Time To Visit

  While the island is stunning all year long, you should visit between December and May. This is the warmer, drier season which brings gentler currents, better snorkeling conditions, and more wildlife.  

   

  You Should Know

  In addition to snorkeling and diving, you can also take a short hike on Lobos Island. The trail is about 0.6 miles long and gives you an incredible view of the island's wildlife. Of course, you'll see plenty of sea lions, but look out for other animals like rays, tropical fish, turtles, brown pelicans, frigate birds, and blue-footed boobies.
• 
  Black Turtle Cove

  Black Turtle Cove is a mangrove sanctuary located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island. This hidden gem is the perfect location for those who want a special, serene look at the Galapagos turtles, rays, sharks, and more. It's a protected national park that provides a safe and sustainable environment for some of the area's most spectacular wildlife.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visitors can enjoy Black Turtle Cove all year long.  

   

  You Should Know

  You can only reach Black Turtle Cove by panga, which is a motorized dinghy. You must turn off your engine when you get into the cove, but this practice allows you to leave the wildlife undisturbed and connect more deeply with nature. When you book your panga, you will head out with a driver and tour guide. Everyone must observe total silence once you reach the cove. On top of the amazing wildlife, you'll also find beautiful red, black, and white mangroves.
• 
  Charles Darwin Research Station

  The Charles Darwin Research Station is a key location supporting the efforts of the Charles Darwin Foundation. Here, researchers focus on conservation and restoration projects centered on the wellbeing of the archipelago and its inhabitants. Public areas include a library, native gardens, and an exhibition hall.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The Charles Darwin Research Station welcomes visitors all year long, every day of the week. Their operating hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., then again from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.  

   

  You Should Know

  The Charles Darwin Research Station's facilities were inaugurated in 1964 and currently employ more than 75% Ecuadorians. There is no admission fee to enter this attraction.
• 
  Puerto Ayora

  Puerto Ayora is a bustling town on Santa Cruz Island's southern shore. You can find a bit of everything here, from shops and restaurants to calming beaches and natural sites. This is a great stop to get your souvenir shopping done and dine on authentic Ecuadorian food.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Most visitors prefer to explore Puerto Ayora during the dry season from July to November.  

   

  You Should Know

  Almost everything in Puerto Ayora is within walking distance, but you can also flag down a white pickup taxi that charges low rates to take you around town. Some of the most popular restaurants in town include Isla Grill and Garrapata for fresh seafood or The Red Mangrove and La Dolce Italia for international selections. If you're in Puerto Ayora on the weekend, the farmers' market runs on Saturday and is a great place to get fresh fruit and other produce to sample.

Galapagos Cruise Packages

• Warm/Wet Season - December to May

  The Galapagos has two main weather seasons: wet and dry. The wet season, also called the warm season, occurs from December through May. The climate during this time is more topical and features daily rain showers and cloudy skies almost all the time. The water temperature in the wet season ranges between 70°F and 80°F, ideal for diving, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Cold/Dry Season - June to November

  Alternatively, the dry season, also called the cool season, runs from June through November. As you can probably guess, the water is slightly cooler during this time, with temperatures from 65°F to 75°F. You will see less precipitation during these months, though some mid-day showers might occur. Visitors also report seeing more wildlife during this season.

Galapagos Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Galapagos Ocean Cruise?

  Most Galapagos ocean cruises last around 6 to 8 days and will transport you to several of the islands that make up the Galapagos. Most cruises will take you to destinations like Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island, North Seymour Island, and more. You may even be able to find a cruise that ports in nearby destinations like mainland Ecuador or Peru. 

• What’s Included on a Galapagos Ocean Cruise?

  On your Galapagos cruise, all of your onboard meals and drinks will be included with your booking, as well as premium bedding and amenities in your stateroom. You're also likely to have complimentary WiFi onboard, planned excursions, and experienced guides.

• What’s the Best Cruise for a Galapagos Ocean Cruise?

  Several companies offer unique cruises around the Galapagos. Some of the most popular companies include Adventure Smith Explorations, Viking Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Oceanic Society, and Backroads.  

• How Much Does a Galapagos Ocean Cruise Cost?

  The price of a cruise in the Galapagos will vary mainly depending on the company and the length of the cruise. Shorter cruises with more budget-friendly cruise lines can start around $1,200 per guest, while cruises with more luxurious companies may total upwards of $6,000 for the same itinerary. For the longest cruises on the most splurge-worthy cruise lines, you could pay $10,000 or more. Truly, a Galapagos cruise can be as cheap or as expensive as you wish to make it.