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cruise the Galapagos islands
A cruise to the Galápagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and one of the best ways to see wildlife up close. Many of the animal and bird species found here are unique to the islands, and have adapted themselves to suit the environment. The animals are fearless and roaming free which is perfect for photography. During your cruise you can also snorkel and swim for a chance to see marine life like rays and marine iguanas in their natural habitat. Many people choose to combine a cruise to the Galápagos Islands with a tour on mainland South America. Â
The Galapagos
northern galapagos
Santiago Island
Deep pools and caves are carved along the lava shoreline. Iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, flamingoes, dolphins and sharks can all be found in the waters and on the beaches. Likewise, Darwin finches and hawks can be seen in the sky. Many cruises will stop at Sullivan Bay where you can view a pahoehoe lava flow.
Bartolomé Island
A volcanic island, Bartolomé is where you will find the Galápagos penguin, the only penguin species to live on the equator. You can spot green turtles on the island, and sealions offshore.Â
North Seymour
This island is one of the best places to see the birds of the Galápagos Islands. From blue-footed boobies to swallow-tailed gulls, here you can witness intimate courtship, breeding and nesting.
Click on the link to read about bird and wildlife spotting.
Baltra Island
Also known as South Seymour, Baltra has the Galápagos Islands’ largest airport. Conversely, it is normally the starting point for most Galápagos itineraries. You can spot small finches and the occasional land iguana here.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz hosts the largest town on the Galápagos Islands called Puerto Ayora. In this town you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where you can learn about the tortoise breeding programs. Across the island there are opportunities to see tortoises in their natural habitat. In the highlands of the island there are magnificient lava tunnels while in the waters around Black Turtle Cove sea turtles, rays and small sharks mate.
eastern galapagos
San Cristóbal Island
Charles Darwin’s first landing spot, on this island is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the Galápagos’ capital. It is also home to one of the Galapagos’ two airports of which some Expedition Cruises fly in and out of. Here you can see frigate birds, sea lions, giant tortoises, blue and red footed boobies, tropic birds, marine iguanas, dolphins and swallow-tailed gulls. There is diverse vegetation across the island and a large freshwater lake in the highlands.
Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe is one of the most beautiful of the Galápagos’ islands. Galápagos hawk, Darwin’s finches and land iguanas habituate in sheltered coves. There is a forest of cactus on the island which gives it one of the most unique landscapes in the Galápagos and perfect for photography.
southern galapagos
Santa Maria (Floreana)
Floreana Island is one of the most fascinating in terms of its human history. Due to the flat landscape, supply of water, plants and animals, this island was the favourite stop for whalers, merchants and shipmen. For some time there was a post office on the island. Floreana suffered the most and it is here that the native tortoise to the island became extinct. Today, you can see penguins and flamingoes and at Devil’s Crown, you can swim with sting rays, sea turtle and sharks. Â
Española Island
Spot the waved albatross and blue-footed booby on this island as well as the Punta Suarez blowhole. Española is the oldest of the Galápagos islands and has a large number of endemic species including the lava lizard, mockingbird, and tortoise. The islands marine iguanas have a distinct red colouring while it is the only place in the Galápagos where the waved albatross nests.
western galapagos
Fernandina Island
The youngest of the islands. However, in 2005 ash and water vapour rose above the island while lava flows ran down the volcano’s slopes. The only island in the world where no species have been introduced, whether accidentally or not, the landscape is often described as a ‘land without time’. Here you can see the flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, pelicans, sea lions and fur seals. The Islands is also home to a dense mangrove forest.
Isabela Island
The largest of the islands in the Galápagos, Isabella was formed by six large volcanoes, and is shaped like a seahorse. You can find mangrove forests, lava crevices and tidal pools. Here you can see penguins, flamingos, sea turtles, marine iguanas and the flightless cormorant.
What should I pack for the Galapagos?
Packing for the Galápagos can be tricky. One of the ways to get it correct is to pack light clothing to save on luggage space. Clothing which is quick to dry, easy to combine layers and give your the correct amount of coverage from the sun.
Packing list - Clothing
- Comfortable shoes/boots built for hard or rough terrain
- Lighter footwear for wearing on the boat
- Swimwear
- Rain Jacket
- Sweater or fleece
- Loose shorts and trousers (and at least one waterproof pair)
- Jeans or other trousers for evenings on the ship
- Normal and walking socks
- Quick drying t-shirts/tops
- Swimwear cover-up or sarong/
- Underwear & Pyjamas
- One long sleeved top for cooler nights
Packing List - other essential items
- Binoculars
- Worldwide Adaptor
- Motion Sickness Tablets if applicable
- Toiletries and personal medication
- Electronic and chargers
- Sun Cap/Hat
- Sun Screen (at least SPF30) and Lip Balm
- Sunglasses
- Anti-Fog Spray for snorkel gear
- Dry bag for on shore excursions
- Laundry Bag
- Insect Repellent
The Galápagos Wildlife Guide
The Galápagos Islands are famous for the number of unique species. Almost 97% of the islands’ land area is a national park. Only specific landing sites are open to tourists, and only then when accompanied by certified naturalist guides. Due to the regulations in place, the animals are less fearful of humans, making the Galápagos islands a great location for viewing wildlife.
Non negotiables of visiting the Galápagos Islands
Dispose of all the trash and/or recyclable waste in designated containers
Fishing is only allowed on boats authorised by the National Parks
Stay within the marked trails at all times
Keep distance of at least 6 feet from wildlife
Use only authorised tour operators and boats
Visitors must explore the national park with an authorised Specialist guide
Camping is only allowed in designated areas with prior authorisation
Never remove any elements from the ecosystem
Do not purchase products or souvenirs which have been made banned
Do not vandalise or introduce any foreign elements into the ecosystem
Smoking, drinking and lighting fires are strickly prohibited
Do not feed the wildlife
Drones and flash photography are strickly prohibited
Motorised aquatic recreational vehicles are not permitted
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