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, this archipelago is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Nothing can prepare you for a visit to this exotic masterpiece of Mother Nature. The archipelago is made up of thirteen main islands, six 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 ever since explorers and pirates first landed on those volcanic shores 500 years ago. These “enchanted islands” feel supremely ancient, visiting is 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 species 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...
But if you think that enjoying such wild pleasures requires sacrificing all comforts – think again! The Galapagos Islands play host to a wide variety of seagoing vessels to suit every taste and pocketbook: from luxury motor yachts, to catamarans and sailing ships, all giving you an inkling of what it must have been like when Charles 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 Island archipelago consist of thirteen large volcanic islands, six smaller islands and 107 cays and islets – all distributed close to the earth's equator.
Travellers 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 into Ecuador on February 12, 1832. The province was created for the third time and in its final form as the Galapagos, on February 18, 1973.
The Galapagos Islands were declared a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978.
Luxury cruise ships serving the Galapagos offer multi-day tours where you can enjoy comfortably and safely while marveling at the variety of flora and fauna found in these paradisiacal islands of Ecuador.
All Galapagos luxury cruise ships provide comfortable rooms, restaurants serving delicious dishes of national and international cuisine, recreation areas with pools, sun decks and everything you need to make your stay onboard sheer delight. You only have to concern yourself with enjoying the journey at sea and on the islands.
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!
Taking a first class cruise in the Galapagos Islands will definitely be a great opportunity to combine adventure and comfort. Imagine traveling between the islands of the archipelago while looking at the scenery and enjoying the sun and the breeze on the ship´s deck – all this coupled with first-class service, as the crew will always be ready to offer personalized service and make you feel at home.
On these first-class ships the rooms are spacious, with plenty of windows – one of the most important elements of a Galapagos cruise. 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. Travel is brisk, allowing your voyage to proceed smoothly without any loss of valuable time when boarding or landing.
Travelling on a cruise through the Galapagos tourist class is an ideal choice if you want to explore the islands with your family or friends. All of these yachts provide accommodations for small groups up to 16 people and have comfortable facilities that provide rest and relaxation in their journeys through the archipelago.
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.
If you're a diving enthusiast and want to visit the Galapagos Islands for its incredible marine life, a diving cruise is a unique option. 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.
Cruise in comfort aboard medium-sized, 100-120 foot, 14+ passenger ships -- the finest ships in the Galapagos cruise fleet, where you can roam freely without the worry of "rocking the boat."
Here you will find a wide selection 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 that 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 its species of shore fish, half of the plants and almost all the island´s 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 up. 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!
