Galapagos Holidays, Cruises & Vacation

A luxury Galapagos cruise on a yacht around these enchanted islands is the best way to holiday in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are a place apart, a truly extraordinary vacation destination in which a unique wildlife experience is guaranteed. The marine life here is phenomenal, the animals - with no reason to run - are incredibly approachable. One can see how Charles Darwin was able to advance his theory of evolution here; it feels like the secret heart of the natural world

Where are the Galapagos Islands?


The volcanic Galapagos Islands are remotely located 970km west of the Ecuadorian coast. A multitude of regulated cruising boats and yachts sail these waters, allowing us to explore, experience and learn more about this incredible natural wildlife sanctuary.The Galapagos Islands intersect the equator at a point where six different ocean currents converge, creating ideal conditions for a huge array of marine wildlife and animals that have all evolved in slightly different ways on the differing islands.

The best Galapagos Holidays


A luxury Galapagos cruise aboard one of our hand selected vessels is the very best way to visit and experience the Galapagos Islands. Throughout the year there are set departures that you can join. We strongly advice that if you are making the effort to get out to the island then you want to spend at least one week aboard one of the boats. However, if you are short for time then speak to us about the shorter length cruises that spend 3 nights on the islands.

The best Galapagos yachts for your Galapagos Vacation


There are many different Galapagos boats and selecting the best one for you can be a difficult decision. Over the past few years all the boats that have the permits have all upped their game, and price. The best boats now offer wifi, have a dedicated member of the team that acts as concierge to look after the guests, the food is becoming a lot more varied, the spec is higher with jacuzzi and balconies on some boats, and generally speaking the companies have realised that although the mai spectacle is the wildlife, spending a wee or so on a boat means that guests seek comfort too. The disadvantage is that everything is becoming more expensive, but the experience is substantially more luxurious, and still considerably less than a top end Africa Safari. When we speka to our clients about the Galapagos boats we like to focus on what we think are the most important factors of any galapagos cruise-the size of the baot, what level of luxury you seek, what price would you feel comfortable spending, duration of the cruise, if there are any specific animals you want to see (itineraries play a factor) and what the difference is between travelling in a specific month is. We don't leave any stone unturned to ensure the boat you are on is perfect for you.

Our favourite Galapagos boats


We spend a considerable amount of the year in the Galapagos researching all the developments and testing the products. When you spend so long on the boats you get to know the pros and cons of each Galapagos cruise. Spending time on the islands also helps us forge strong working relationships with the teams that work in the reservations departments,ensuring Odyssey Travels can always guarantee the best price for you.
Currently for those seeking luxury then the MV Origin is hard to overlook as it is the only (and first boat) to be awarded Relais & Chateax status, the ratio of guide to guest is the best on the island and the boat is utterly gorgeous. This magnificient boat costs  $8,050 per person per week. If that makes your eyes water then you could consider a shorter length cruise aboard the equally luxurious option like the Endemic. The Endemic is a very high quality catamaran with all cabins boasting a private balcony. Prices start at  $3590 per person for 3 nights. For a classic boat run by an extremely professional family that offers a first class cruise where no corners are cut then the Integrity is also an absilute gem. Prices per person for a week start at $6695 in low season.

Of the more economical options to consider then Tip Top II and the Petrel are two very comfortable, stable catamarans with interesting itineraries and a good friendly crew. Prices on the Tip Top II start from $3250 per person for three nights. Prices on the petrel start at $3580 per person for three nights.

Here are a few of the best Galapagos cruises below. For more information please do get in touch for a friendly and informed chat, with no obligation.

AT A GLANCE

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BEST GALAPAGOS CRUISES

How to get to the Galapagos Islands


To get to the Galapagos Islands you will first need to fly to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador, South America. From the United Kingdom you can fly via Miami with American Airlines, via Amsterdam with KLM, or via Madrid with Iberia. There are currently no direct flight from the UK to mainland Ecuador. If you are departing from the US then there are lots of direct options.

Once in Ecuador, you take a domestic flight from Quito, via Guayaquil, to get to the Galapagos Islands. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Flights from Guayaquil or Quito land on the Galapagos islands of Baltra Island or San Cristobal Island. We will arrange your flight depending on where your luxury Galapagos yacht and cruise departs from to fly you back to mainland Ecuador. You may decide to go for a few days relaxing at a haceinda like Zuleta or continue your exploration of Ecuador's wildlfie in the Amazon jungle at Napo Wildlife Centre.

A typical day on a Galapagos Cruise


A typical day on a Galapagos holiday consist of having brekfast between 7-8am before your first landing. After a few hours with your naturalist guide the pangas will take you back to the boat. You can then refresh or snorkel before a little break then lunch. After lunch you usually have an hour or so to relax, take a siesta, or catch come rays from the comfort of the sundeck. At around 3pm you will land on another island with your naturalist guide. You may then have the opportunity to snorkel again (depending on where abouts you are). Before your evening meal your guide(s) will give you a full debrief and tell you what you will be doing the following day. After your evening meal you may have a night cap or head to your cabin. The captain normally sails at night from one island to the next, so that you wake up with new species to discover, and each new day is very different from the last. This is truly any animal-lover or safari-enthusiast's dream!


We hope to speak to you and offer our guaranteed independent advice and the best prices for your Galapagos holiday.






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