Cruising in the Galapagos: The Ultimate Experience
Home to some of the world’s most magnificent scenery and spectacular wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for travelers everywhere. Whether you’re traveling with family or embarking on a group trip with friends, there’s no better way to soak it all in than by indulging on a luxury cruise.
The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the best small-ship cruise destinations in the world, and exploring by private charter allows you to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in luxury. If you only explore this part of the world once, you might as well do it in style.
Imagine enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by your chef while taking in jaw-dropping views of black lava and white-sand beaches. How about sipping cocktails on the deck at sunset while blue-footed boobies watch you from atop their dizzy cliff perches? Spoiler alert: It’s even more magical than it sounds.
Why Visit the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos are made up of 127 islands located roughly 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. Because the archipelago is so isolated, it shelters a diverse array of plant and animal life—many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It’s for this reason that the island chain is most famously known as the place that inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.
While there are hundreds of species of wildlife that live on the islands, some are more common to spot than others. You can expect to see animals like tortoises, iguanas, penguins, sea lions, and the iconic blue or red footed boobies that are famous for their brightly colored feet. Aside from the remarkable flora and fauna, most of the islands remain largely uninhabited to this day. In fact, 97.5% of the archipelago is a designated national park.
For lovers of the outdoors, this is phenomenal news because it means that the majority of the Galapagos is unspoiled and equally as beautiful as it was when Charles Darwin first visited nearly two centuries ago. The Galapagos Islands are a wonderland of pristine beaches, volcanic mountains, rugged cliffs, craters, and crystal-blue waters. It’s basically impossible not to fall in love with the beauty of these islands at first glance.
Galapagos Islands by Land vs. Sea
So, why explore the Galapagos Islands by sea instead of land? The most obvious answer is that it makes even the furthest outlying islands far more accessible, allowing you to truly make the most of your trip. From Isabela Island to Bartolome to Genovesa Island, there are many uniquely beautiful islands in the Galapagos worth checking out.
Land excursions and day trips trips are feasible from Baltra or San Cristobal islands but the range of these smaller boats is small so travelers are restricted to visiting local beaches and neighboring islets. Many of the best hiking trails and wildlife-rich photography spots are on the more remote islands, like Floreana and Fernandina, in areas that are only accessible by ocean-faring vessels. This means that the larger catamarans and charter yachts provide a far more comprehensive island itinerary and one gets to cruise the islands in luxury and style.
Where to Start a Galapagos Islands Cruise
The best place to start your travel to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands cruise is Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital city. Quito was established in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Incan city and to this day boasts the most well-preserved historic center in South America. You can wander the colorful streets of the Old Town, visit the equator to straddle between hemispheres, indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine, and check out La Mariscal for shopping and nightlife.
Day trips to the Andean Highlands and “Avenue of the Volcanoes” with overnight stays in traditional haciendas are great ways to experience the landscape, local food and mountain culture. To start your Galapagian adventure you must take a flight to the Pacific coastline to either one of 2 gateway ports of Baltra or San Cristobal, as all islands cruises begin there.
What to Expect on a Galapagos Luxury Cruise
Before you plan a Galapagos Islands cruise, it’s important to understand that not all private charters are the same. One person’s experience may not be the same as yours if you’re booking with different cruise operators. When you book your trip with us, you can expect the highest levels of comfort, privacy, and planning.
Our luxury yacht and catamaran charters can accommodate up to sixteen people, making them ideal for special occasions like a friend’s birthday or a family vacation. Each of the luxury boats features ensuite staterooms with private balconies, upscale common areas, sun decks and an ever-attentive crew. You can count on a luxurious experience with al-fresco bars, exquisite gourmet meals, and whirlpool tubs on the deck with panoramic views.
When you travel to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you deserve to enjoy every second of it. By exploring the Galapagos Islands by private charter, you can do just that. Hop from island to island with your loved ones while relaxing aboard your luxury yacht instead of squeezing onto a crowded ferry or cramped small-seater plane.
Find out the best time to travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Plan Your 2024/2025 Luxury Galapagos Cruise
When you book your travel adventures with xplorearth.us, you get a personalized be-spoke itinerary curated just for you. Unlike many travel advisors and tour operators that offer pre-packaged trips, our luxury trip itineraries are designed to suit your priorities and interests. No two travelers are the same, so no two trips should be either.
If you’re interested in booking a luxury Galapagos cruise in 2023 or beyond, we would love to bring your dream to life. Contact travel expert Harsh Patil to begin planning the Galapagos Islands vacation of your lifetime.
