South American
Travel
Travel
There is a reason why the Galapagos Islands are on most savvy travellers’ “bucket-list.”
Located just 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, they are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Nothing can prepare you for a visit to this masterpiece of Mother Nature. The archipelago is made up of 13 main islands, 6 smaller islands and more than 100 islets and tiny rock formations sticking their heads above the sea just far enough to support the tenacious lives that cling to them.
The Galapagos are every bit as miraculous and magical as people have been saying since explorers and pirates first landed on those volcanic shores 500 years ago. These “enchanted islands” feel supremely ancient, like stepping on the newly born Earth. Rippling waves of long-cooled lava meet the sea, where spectacularly camouflaged Iguanas sneeze seawater after a dip beneath the waves, with small salty geysers spouting in front of their eyes. Enormous land tortoises roam the islands like primitive sculptures moving to their own primeval rhythms.
Nature’s incredible generosity has provided a distinct giant tortoise for each and every volcano! Coral-colored flamingos hover overhead, while flightless cormorants dance their ancient tangos, and blue-footed boobies stare undaunted as fascinated visitors step gingerly around their nests.
Lucky explorers can splash in the waves of the Galapagos and revel at the chance to play tag with precocious sea lions or snorkel through air-sculpted lava tunnels with sea turtles and penguins – far, far away from either of the Earth’s frozen poles. This is an other-worldly sort of place, quite literally bursting with life and waiting to be explored...
If you think that such wild pleasures require renouncing all comfort – think again! The Galapagos play host to a wide variety of seagoing vessels to suit every pocketbook and every taste: from luxury motor yachts, to catamarans and sailing ships, all giving you an inkling of what it must have been like when Darwin and his colleagues sailed these very same waters in years gone by.
For any “landlubbers” in the crowd, or those who just like to kick back and relax, the islands are dotted with little pockets of civilization – some with selections of very comfortable hotels and lodges as well as bars, restaurants and some charming boutiques. Island-hopping can be great on its own or as an extension to your cruise.
At Surtrek, we’ve had an intimate relationship with the Galapagos for years, therefore we can guarantee that your island experience meets your expectations, and hopefully exceeds them. We’re committed to exceptional, detail-orientated service. So, fill us in on what you want, what you need, your budget and what your interests are. Then just relax and leave the rest to us...
Politically, the islands constitute a province of Ecuador, with their capital being Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The Galapagos consist of 13 large volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands and 107 cays and islets that are distributed close to the earth's equator.
Tourists are continually attracted by the appeal of these "enchanted islands."
On March 10, 1535, Fray Tomas de Berlanga accidentally came across the archipelago, which was formally incorporated in Ecuador on February 12, 1832. The province was created for the third time and final form as the Galapagos, the February 18, 1973.
Galapagos was declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.
These are vessels that carry more than 90 passengers, ships recommended for those who worry about seasickness.
You can rest assured of your family's safety and security on board.
Although 16-passenger boats are usually called "small vessels" in the Galapagos, there are also large 16-seater ships. In other words, a small number of people are served by these large ships – what are known as “luxury motor yachts” -- ideal for traveling with those of the same-sex or for traveling alone!
On these ships the rooms are spacious, with plenty of windows – one of the most important elements of Galapagos cruises. The 10-member crews, along with experienced guides, will ensure a pleasant journey for the 16 passengers.
Another feature of these smaller boats is your being able to meet fellow travelers or voyage in the company of a small group of friends.
Movement while traveling is brisk, allowing you to travel smoothly without any loss of valuable time when boarding or landing.
Great values for the money, these comfortable ships offer fabulous cruise adventures to those willing to forego a bit of luxury, giving you the chance to tour the Galapagos Islands while staying within budget.
Cruise in comfort aboard medium-sized, 48-foot, 20-passenger ships.
These are the finest ships in the Galapagos cruise fleet. You can roam freely on this vessel, without the worry of the "rocking the boat."
You can also be able to visit the island that can not be further Iri-to in large vessels, see the many islands in small groups.
From these vessels, it's also possible to observe the animals of the Galapagos Islands to your heart's content -- maximizing your limited vacation time.
Here you will find a wide range of offers of the best cruise ships, yachts, and motor sailors that cruise the Galapagos Islands for 5, 6, 8, and 15 days at the best prices.
We offer trekking tours of the Galapagos, which include overnight stays in island hotels. During these tours you’ll be able to admire the striking landscape and scenery, filled with varieties of flora and fauna.
The volcanic Galapagos archipelago is a paradise on earth, with its natural environment including many endemic species. This of course means that many of them are unique, including a quarter of the species of shore fish, half of the plants and almost all the reptiles – which are found nowhere else on the planet.
There’s hardly any other place on earth where you can trek while observing and photographing animals in their natural environment so well and so close. Our tours will guide you to the most beautiful places in the Galapagos archipelago, ones abundant with all types of animal life.
Our trekking tours are a combination of boat trips, trekking and snorkeling tours. On most days you can leave your luggage in the hotel, so you’ll only have to carry a light daypack. For these treks you don’t have to be in a superb shape, our daily tours are not so exhausting – though they still involve walking on rough volcanic ground. Every tour is guided by experienced and multilingual guides.
If this sounds good to you, browse around a little more and then join us in this once in a lifetime experience!
