How to Pick the Best Galapagos Cruise: 3 Simple Tricks to Help You Narrow Down Your Options

We’re sure that choosing the best itinerary and vessel must be incredibly harrowing, there being almost 70 cruises to choose from in the Galapagos Islands. But once you know exactly what type of experience and what to look for in a cruise, finding the perfect Galapagos cruise for you will be as easy as One, Two, Three!

In this blog, we’ll help you narrow the plethora of options that are out there by explaining the top three things to look for in order to choose the best Galapagos cruise for you.  

Trick #1 for Choosing the Best Galapagos Cruise :

Does your Galapagos cruise offer a proper variety of simultaneous activities throughout each day? 

There’s nothing more important than getting to do what YOU want to do. You don’t want to waste money on a trip that doesn’t allow you to do as much snorkeling or go on a glass-bottom boat. Therefore, make sure that your Galapagos cruise can provide you with a wide range of activities. There are both multi-guided and single-guided vessels. By law, each vessel must have one Naturalist guide onboard per every 16 guests it takes aboard. A multi-guided vessel has a higher guide–to–guest ratio, which means that a variety of activities are offered at the same time.

Don’t forget: In order to partake in any activity in the Galapagos National Park, you must always be accompanied by a Naturalist Guide. 

So, what have we learned? It’s important that you make sure you choose one of the multi-guided cruises in the Galapagos, simply so that you can have the true freedom to do what you want to do during your visit to the Enchanted Islands. However, be aware that there are only 18 cruises in the Galapagos that offer this type of service, so don’t be fooled by the glitz and glam of advertising and a discounted price. Always be sure to ASK and research the reviews.    

Ready to explore the Galapagos Islands on your own? 

Trick #2 for Choosing the Best Galapagos Cruise :

Is your Galapagos cruise actually concerned about your safety and the wellbeing of Galapagos waters? 

When you come to the Galapagos Islands, we’re sure the majority of visitors will want to have the added peace of mind in knowing that, if anything should happen (and that’s a very big IF), that they’ll be cared for quickly and professionally. This is why your ideal Cruise in the Galapagos should count with an onboard Medical Officer. However, there are only a handful of vessels (ten in fact) that can offer this continuous assistance.  “Is that really necessary?” you might ask yourself. But it’s always important to remember that such a service ensures that any worries that you might incur from a slight cough to a small cut can be attended to quickly, all so that you can go straight back into the Galapagos adventure of a lifetime. Vessels that provide this service do their utmost stop any minor accidents from putting the breaks on your dream Galapagos trip.  

In addition to your safety, these select 10 vessels also keep the wellbeing of the Galapagos environment in mind. We have to remember that the Galapagos is a protected National Park, and every person and company must do their part in keeping it beautiful. These vessels continuously treat wastewater that is produced onboard to make sure that the water itself doesn’t affect the unique and delicate flora and fauna.  

Want to go all out and get the best tour for you and your family? 

What’s the difference: Galapagos Cruise or Yacht?

Choosing between the different types of boats available in the Galapagos can be quite confusing. Remember to take these tips into consideration when choosing between a Galapagos cruise ship (also known as an Expedition Vessel) and a Galapagos yacht:  

• Galapagos Yachts: Provide a very comfortable social exploration of the islands. There are usually about 24 cabins for around 48 guests. Their best features include their luxurious interiors and stability on the water. 

• Galapagos Cruises: These are bigger and offer numerous social areas to lounge out in, these of which can include a restaurant, gym, a library, outdoor patio areas, and numerous other extras. All activities and commodities are covered on these cruises, and each vessel has about 50 cabins for about 90 guests.  

Trick #3 for Choosing the Best Galapagos Cruise:

Does your Galapagos cruise provide you with the exploration tools you’ll need to properly experience Galapagos?

Do you want to experience the Galapagos Islands in every way possible? Particularly, activities focused on both land and water (e.g. glass-bottom boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling)? Astonishingly, only 8 vessels in the islands provide all of these options in their Galapagos tours. Remember that the islands are a multi-faceted destination and should be experienced in as many ways as possible. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try to experience every activity available.  

And what is the best way to experience everything possible? By choosing a multi-guided cruise, of course! That way you have the freedom to mix up your activities so that your Galapagos adventure is as varied as you want it to be. Don’t be a bore if you don’t want to get wet and go snorkeling! Simply jump in the glass-bottom boat and stay dry, or go for a paddle in the kayaks! 

Find out what the Galapagos Islands offer in terms of SCUBA diving!