Galapagos Islands

All of the islands offer something different and often unique. The western islands of Isabela and Fernandina offer great wildlife viewing opportunities with vast colonies of birds and marine iguanas and the opportunity to hike to the caldera of Sierra Negra on Isabela. The central islands include Santa Cruz, Santiago and Bartolome with its barren volcanic landscape, dramatic vistas and spectacular views from Pinnacle Rock. To the south, Espanola and Floreana offer white sand beaches and great snorkelling opportunities and of course the chance to visit Post Office Bay on Floreana, probably the most famous man-made site on the Galapagos, where mail can be left for another traveller to collect and hand-deliver. In the north, Genovesa is home to the largest nesting colonies of frigatebirds and red-footed boobies with a hiking trail to El Barranco.

The main considerations are type of ship, class of ship, duration of cruise and itinerary. The different ship types are:

• Motor sailboats
• Catamarans
• Yachts
• Cruise ships

The classes of boats are:

• Standard
• Superior
• First Class
• Luxury

The main differences between the classes are space (cabins and common areas), private or shared facilities, experience of the guides, quality and quantity of food, availability of facilities such as air-conditioning, hot water, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, which will all affect the cost.

Galapagos tours generally range from 4 to 15 days allowing for different budgets and time constraints. 4, 5 and 8 day Galapagos cruises are the most common options and will include different islands, some of which may hold more interest to you than others.

Although the larger vessels are often more luxurious and stable and offer more facilities, the smaller boats offer a much more intimate experience with greater flexibility and more time on the islands.

Some Galapagos cruises do offer internet facilities via satellite but please be warned that it is expensive.

Casual, light quick-drying clothing is recommended on board the ships.

• Cotton long sleeved shirts

• T-shirts

• Lightweight pair of trousers

• Shorts

• Good walking shoes

• Thongs/flip flops or tevas

• Wide brimmed hat (with strap)

• Swimwear

• Sunglasses (with strap)

• Windproof and waterproof jacket and maybe an umbrella

• Light sweatshirt or fleece

• Sunscreen (30+ & waterproof)

• Camera with spare memory cards and batteries

• Dry bags for cameras and other electronic equipment

• Binoculars

• Refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste

• Motion-sickness medication for boat tours

• US$ cash to cover the National Park fee and tips

Most ships have snorkelling equipment and wetsuits on board - either for rent or included in the cruise price. If you have your own equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit), you may wish to consider taking it with you as this will ensure you have well-fitting gear.

The Galapagos Islands currently use USD as their main currency.

Apart from marvelling at the spectacular landscapes and impressive array of wildlife, there are opportunities to hike across volcanic beaches and to the crater of volcanoes, to explore lava tubes and to swim and snorkel amongst the marine life. There are tours to see giant tortoises in the wild and visits to the Charles Darwin Research Centre and the Interpretive Centre.

Spanish is the official language of the Galapagos Islands, but English is widely spoken.

Yes, the Galapagos Islands is a wonderful family friendly destination, although the minimum age is usually 6.

The Galapagos Islands are renowned for their wildlife with vast numbers and varieties found on the islands and in the waters surrounding the islands. There are whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions and fur seals, bird species too numerous to mention ranging from blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds to penguins and hummingbirds, giant tortoises, turtles, iguanas and lava lizards. Some species are seen only at certain times of the year.