Galapagos Cruise
From LoveToKnow Cruises
While most tropical destinations offer glimpses of local wildlife through preserves, snorkeling excursions, and other tame pursuits, no voyage presents as much wildlife as a Galapagos cruise. Since Charles Darwin first explored the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and postulated his theory of evolution, visitors have been awed at the environmental enclave isolated in this tropical paradise.
When to Take a Galapagos Cruise
Because of the islands’ location on the equator west of Ecuador, cruise passengers interested in visiting this remote destination can book passage throughout the year. The trick is that in order to protect the delicate ecological balance of the various 19 islands and more than 40 islets, the number of visitors is strictly regulated and cruises sell out quickly. Interested passengers should reserve their vacation well in advance.
Cruise Length
Voyages exploring the Galapagos Islands vary from 5-13 nights, though the vast majority fall in the 7-8 night range. Travelers interested in shorter or longer voyages may have more success with privately chartered yacht lines rather than established cruise lines with regular routes.
Cruise Line
The only major cruise line that regularly calls on the Galapagos Islands is Celebrity Cruises, specifically with their small ship, the Xpedition. The ship only accommodates 90 passengers, but does so with Celebrity’s signature star treatment and luxury. No larger ships participate in Galapagos cruises because they cannot maneuver adequately to visit the small islands without disrupting the local flora and fauna. Celebrity, in fact, has made a commitment to conduct its voyages with the smallest possible environmental impact in order to help preserve the islands’ unique ecosystem.
Passengers interested in longer voyages may be able to make brief visits to the Galapagos Islands on world cruises or Panama Canal itineraries.
Embarkation Ports for a Galapagos Cruise
Depending on the specific ports of all arranged for a particular cruise (which are often scheduled with respect to the migration patterns of local wildlife and the climatic conditions of the volcanic islands), cruises will depart from one of several possible cities within the Galapagos Islands themselves:
- Baltra: Once home to a World War II United States military base.
- P. Baquerizo: A volcanic island that hosts the country’s only freshwater lake.
- North Seymour: A smaller island located north of Baltra.
- Punta Suarez: Located on Isla Espanola.
Prior to boarding the ship, most passengers will arrive in San Francisco de Quito, the capitol of Ecuador. Layovers of one or two days are common while all passengers arrive, which also gives adequate time for delayed luggage to be delivered before the cruise begins.
Ports of Call
Ports of call vary on each Galapagos cruise, as they are determined according to environmental and ecological factors. As with any adventure cruise that focuses on discovery and wildlife, visitors are assured of many encounters with the more than 1,200 exotic plants, birds, animals, and fish that inhabit these islands when they visit different landing points, including:
- Puerto Egas, where the highlight is hiking over extensive coastal trails to black lava grottos.
- Puerto Ayora, home to Lonesome George, the last survivor of one species of Galapagos tortoise and the largest city in the islands where visitors can find local and international cuisine, artisans, and numerous snorkeling and scuba opportunities.
- Punta Espinoza, favorite gathering place for the flightless cormorant, a bird which exemplifies Darwin’s concept of evolution.
- Las Bachas, a white sand beach that is a favorite nesting site for Pacific green turtles.
- Bartolome, where sea lions and penguins frolic among both ancient and recent lava tubes.
In addition to these popular landing points, cruise passengers will visit numerous bays and islets where they may spot albatrosses, pelicans, sea turtles, sea urchins, octopus, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Darwin finches (so named because they illustrate natural selection at work with their different beak structures), dolphins, angelfish, and other creatures. In more populated regions, guests may experience the Galapagos Interpretation Center or other museums that help explain the delicate balance that exists in the archipelago.
At most ports of call, cruise passengers are invited to participate in shore excursions at one of three levels of exertion: mild tours that involve nothing more strenuous than boat rides, moderate tours that require minimal hiking, and intensive tours that may require hiking a mile or more through rugged terrain. Because of this variety, a Galapagos cruise can be an enjoyable experience for passengers of all ability levels.
Extensive and unusual wildlife coupled with dramatic landscapes virtually untouched by man gives a Galapagos cruise a wondrous mystique for cruise travelers. By arranging voyages in concert with environmental awareness, Celebrity Cruises as well as the private lines that service the nation are dedicated to protecting its beauty and value for generations to come.
Learn More
Comments
i really want to see the blue footed booby i think it is an amazing bird that has a very interesting name.
-- Contributed by: Loving the blue footed boobyThis page has been accessed 847 times. This page was last modified 16:38, 16 March 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
