Last update: November 2, 2024
I went on an amazing Galapagos Islands cruise in 2024 with HX Travel (formerly Hurtigruten.) As a travel agent and travel writer, I can’t help but gather tidbits of information that I want to share with other travelers. So here are some of my Galapagos Islands Cruise tips that you may not know about. And then read on to see how to get even more of our Galapagos Islands Cruise Tips!
Be ready for a regimented Galapagos Islands Cruise
There are very strict rules for touring the Galapagos Islands. In nearly all of the wildlife areas you will visit on your Galapagos Islands Cruise, you must be with a certified naturalist guide. You can’t leisurely explore on your own. Because of that, you need to be on the ship’s schedule, which is a busy one! Right after breakfast you may be going out for a hike, and then snorkeling, and then another hike in the afternoon. Don’t expect the classic cruise experience of relaxing on the beach!
Understand how long your Galapagos Islands Cruise actually is
You may see a cruise advertised as a 7 day Galapagos Islands Cruise. But, that may only include 4 days of actually being in the Galapagos Islands. The other days may be traveling to or from Quito, or a pre-cruise tour in and around Quito.
Quito is a great town, and you can visit the equator, old town, and much more. But make sure you’re getting enough time on the Galapagos Islands to experience them!
Practice Snorkeling
In my opinion, snorkeling is the most amazing way to experience sea life during your Galapagos Islands Cruise. There will usually be an alternative activity for people who don’t want to snorkel, like a glass-bottomed boat ride. But this pales in comparison to being face-to-flipper with a sea turtle.
Maybe you’ve snorkeled dozens of times, or you’re a certified diver. You[re ready to go. But if you’ve never snorkeled before, the time to try it out is before your cruise, not on the beach in the Galapagos Islands. Buy a snorkel set to try out, even if it’s in your bathtub. You can take the snorkel set with you if you love it, but your ship will let you borrow all of the equipment you need.
Understand which fees are included in cost of your Galapagos Cruise
As of August 2024, the fee to enter the Galapagos Islands is now $200. Some cruise fares include this fee, but some don’t.
Similarly, some packages include transportation from Quito to the airport on the Galapagos Islands, but some assume the trip starts once you get to the airport.
For 2 people, the total cost of just these 2 things can be $800 or more. When you’re comparing cruises, make sure you know what’s included and what isn’t.
Book your Quito airport Transfer ahead of time
Your trip also may or may not include a transfer from the Quito airport to lodging in Quito. Or, even if it’s included, it may only be offered on a specific arrival date.
If you need to arrange for a transfer on your own, you should pre-book with a trustworthy tour operator. The cost won’t be much more than Uber or taxis, and you’ll have a driver waiting for you when you arrive at the Quito Airport.
We used and recommend Overland Adventures.
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