Galapagos
Islands Tourist Visit Statistics
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The Galapagos
Islands have become an increasing popular tourist
destination. For this reason, cruises in the archipelago book out
months (even up to a year) in advance (particularly onboard
reasonably-priced cruise yachts). We recommend booking your
cruise as early as possible, particularly for high season (May through
to September; December and January) cruises. Leaving it until the
last minute will result in limit or no cruise options.
Here
are
recent
visitor
statistics
for
the
Galapagos
Islands:
Visitors
per
year
(1979
to
2008):
source: www.galapagospark.org
Visitors
per
month
(2008):
source: www.galapagospark.org |
*IMPORTANT*
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
WHEN SELECTING A
GALAPAGOS CRUISE

Today there is so much information on Galapagos Islands cruises
available on the internet to make your head spin. This can be very
advantageous and helpful for the reader as information is readily
available …. everything from island descriptions, weather details,
island maps, wildlife details and cruise options.



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But how accurate and
honest is most of the information regarding Galapagos Island cruise on
the internet?
INFORMATION (DATA) IS
ONLY AS GOOD AND USEFUL AS IT IS ACCURATE, HONEST AND UP TO DATE.
Making
one’s
decision
based
on
inaccurate,
incomplete
and/or
out-of-date
information
can
cause
not
only
frustration
but
a
sense of
deception. With accurate information, and complete information, your
choices and decisions are made easier.
Let me
explain the most common information that is either out-of-date or
inaccurate.
EXAMPLES OF BOATS THAT NO LONGER EXIST ...
With
a Google search conducted on April 9th, 2009, I searched the following
term: “Darwin Explorer” (a boat that, incidentally, that sunk in
September 2005). There are dozens of agencies apparently offering
cruises on a boat that no longer exists. The same holds true for other
Galapagos boats that no longer exist, like the Spondylus, Parranda,
Ambassador (to name a few). The same exercise can be applied to
other frequent and wide-spread “errors” relating to Galapagos cruise
details, which mainly include the following information that is
inaccurate: (1) Cruise itinerary and/or departure days;
(2)Classification of boats;
(3)Images of
boats (some are correct but have been ‘adjusted’); and (4) Technical
details
(i.e.,
capacity,
cabin
types
etc).
It is
now wonder that many people are easily frustrate and confused during
their Galapagos internet surfing as many inconsistency or conflicting
information arises!
I have found that individuals’
experience and feedback comments on any given cruise are directly
related to their EXPECTATIONS. If one’s
expectations have been falsely (purposely or not) raised beyond the
reality, the person will almost always be disappointed. If one’s
expectations are in line with reality, one’s experience will be what
you expect. A great deal boils down to one’s expectations. I would
rather prefer to err on the side of caution and have my clients have a
slightly lower level of expectation about their Galapagos boat and be
pleasantly surprised when the reality is better than expected. I have
seen, all too many a time, that on the same Galapagos cruise that there
is a wide discrepancy regarding the passengers’ overall review of the
cruise – with some disappointed, others exactly what they were
expecting and others extremely satisfied. It boils down to how closely
their expectations matched the reality!
That being said, there is no one
Galapagos cruise that is perfect for everyone. Each client has his or
her particular likes and dislikes, expectations and requirements. Some
prefer the large, comfortable Deluxe cruise ships that carry 40 to 100
passengers (i.e., Galapagos Explorer II, Santa Cruz, Galapagos Legend,
Evolution, Eclipse etc) while most prefer a more intimate, smaller
option. Of these smaller options, they can neatly be divided into the
following type: motor, motor sailer (or sailer) and catamarans (motor
or motor sailer).
For those with an ecological and
environmental concern and interest, there are a limited number of
Galapagos boats that take serious steps to reduce any negative
environmental impact and can be considered as responsible tourism
options.
The vast majority of the
non-cruise ships are, on average for 16 passengers
(allocated into 8 double cabins).
While most Galapagos boats only
have double cabins (cabin for two people), a very limited number have
single and/or triple cabin arrangements. The standard bedding
arrangements are upper / lower twin bed berth (or bunk beds),
while a good number – generally in the First and Deluxe classes – may
have several cabins that have one double bed and/or two lower twin
beds. With very few exceptions, almost every cabin on the various
Galapagos boats has its own private facilities (i.e., shower, bathroom
etc).
For those sensitive to motion
or
sea-sickness, there are two factors to keep in mind: (1)
time of year – try to avoid late August through to October – as the
seas are generally more turbulent this time of the year; and (2) try to
avoid the sailing (or motor sailer) boats – the narrower the boat the
more prone it is to rocking in the open waters, while the wider (and
heavier) the boat is the more stable it is. The most stable are the
large cruise ships and the motor catamarans (i.e., Athala, Anahi,
Cormorant II, Queen of Galapagos), followed by the wider motor boats
and then down to the narrow sailing boats.
Without any doubt, the on-board
naturalist
guide
is
one
of
the
MOST
IMPORTANT
aspects on a
Galapagos Islands cruise. Although all are technically bilingual
(Spanish / English), the degree of English spoken does vary. In
addition, the level of knowledge regarding the Galapagos (i.e., the
wildlife, the geography, the history etc) does play an important part.
You can have a guide that speaks almost fluent English but does not
know a great deal on the Galapagos – you have a great conversation with
them but won’t learn much about the wildlife, for example. Reversely,
an extremely knowledgeable guide on Galapagos but one that has
difficulty conversing in English won’t help that much either! The key
is to have a naturalist guide that not only speaks almost fluent
English but is also extremely knowledgeable.
Another consideration is the length
of
cruise. The fist and last day of any given cruise are short
days (as they are based on the flight arrival and departure schedules
into/out of Galapagos). Cruises really start between 09h30 and 11h30
the morning of the first day of the cruise in Galapagos, and end
between 08h30 and 10h30 in the morning of the last day of the cruise.
What most classify as cruises that are 4-DAY, 5-DAYS and 8-DAYS these
cruises really translates into 2, 4 and 6 full nights respectively (or
3, 4 and 7 full nights respectively) in the Galapagos Islands. The two
partial days at the beginning and end of the cruise are mainly occupied
traveling to and from the islands. |



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WHEN
IS
THE
BEST
TIME
TO
VISIT
THE
GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS?
The Galapagos is visited all
year round, but most people select the holiday / vacation periods
(i.e., Christmas/New Year’s, Easter, summer holidays/vacations). These
periods sell out up to one year in advance (or more!).
The warmest period (air &
water temperatures) generally run from November through to April. The
coldest (and generally has more turbulent seas) are generally September
and October. June through September is normally characterized by the
presence of whales in Galapagos (mainly off the coasts of the western
islands of Isabela & Fernandina. February through to April are the
most desirable months. During this period, the islands not only adopt
an emerald-green color, and turn humid and balmy warm, but many species
start reproducing now.
- calmest waters;
- the hottest period in
Galapagos;
- the islands are generally a
lush green due to high humidity & scattered showers;
- most animals are in the
height of reproduction, courting and/or nesting;
- Reproduction of land
reptiles, as well as land birds.
WHAT IF I AM SENSITIVE
TO MOTION / SEA SICKNESS?
TIME OF YEAR –
First, it would be advisable to consider traveling the Galapagos in any
month except for September & October (when the seas are generally
rougher). Most of the wildlife is present all year round (although in
different activities depending on the month in question). The Waved
Albatross (usually present on Espanola only from March to December),
and whales (usually only present between June and September) have very
distinct calendars.
TYPE OF GALAPAGOS BOAT
– The most stable boats are the large capacity cruise ships (Deluxe
class), followed by the motor catamarans, and then the wider motor
boats. The least stable are the sailing (motor sailer) boats.
Finally, the respective CRUISE
PRICES
DO
NOT
NECESSARILY
REFLECT
THE
QUALITY
OF
THE
CRUISE.
Some reasonably-priced cruises are just as good as many more expensive
options (but this greatly depends on the yachts in question). During
high demand periods such as mid-December through to mid-January
(Christmas/New Year’s), April (Easter) and July through to August
(summer holidays/vacation), cruise rates can often increase in price
(especially for last minute reservations) – this especially applies to
Economic, Tourist and Tourist Superior options.
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CRUISE
LENGTH
Selecting a short cruise (i.e., 3 or
4-nights) when a longer cruise is what you want; or selecting a long
cruise (i.e., 7-nights) when a shorter cruise is really want you need.
What is not commonly stated is the
following: The first and last day of any given cruise are short days
(as they are based on the flight arrival and departure schedules
into/out of Galapagos). Cruises really start with the arrival of
your flight into Galapagos between 09h30 and 11h30 the morning of the
first day of the cruise in Galapagos, and end between 08h30 and 10h30
in the morning of the last day of the cruise. Most classify
Galapagos cruises as 4-DAY, 5-DAYS and 8-DAYS when these cruises really
translates into 2, 3 and 6 full days, respectively (or 3, 4 and 7 full
nights, respectively) in the Galapagos Islands. The two partial
days at the beginning and end of the cruise are mainly occupied
traveling to and from the islands.
In my years of experience I have
equal numbers saying that a 4-night cruise was the perfect length,
while others stated that the 7-night experience was without a doubt the
best. If you want to cover as much of the diversity that the
Galapagos has to offer, the 7-night cruise is the best and only option
for you.
TYPE
OF
VESSEL
Selecting a cruise ship when a
smaller vessel is more your style; or selecting a sailing boat when a
motor or cruise ship is really what you’re after. The vast
majority of the non-cruise ships are, on average, for 16 passengers
(allocated into 8 double cabins). There are a small handful that carry
less (i.e., 10 passengers) an equal number that can carry up to 24
passengers.
PHYSICAL ASPECT: There
are
different
advantages
and
disadvantages
of
the
various
types
of
vessel
(cruise
ship,
motor
catamaran,
motor-sail
catamaran,
motor boat,
sailing and motor-sailers). The larger and heavier the vessel,
the more stable it is in the water. The most stable (important
for those extremely sensitive to sea sickness) are the large capacity cruise
ships (i.e., Eclipse, Evolution, Galapagos Explorer II,
Galapagos Legend, Isabella II, La Pinta & Santa Cruz).
These
vessels
carry
between
32
to
100
passengers,
have
spacious
and
well
acquainted
cabins
&
facilities,
spacious
decks and social
areas and highly qualified and trained crew members. Cabins are
generally allocated on two (or more) different decks. Several
boast jacuzzis, gyms and other perks. The possible disadvantages
(depending obviously on one’s point of view) are the following: (1)
generally attract an older and higher socio-economic clientele; (2) a
greater number of fellow passengers; (3) the activities are generally
geared towards older passengers so are not demanding (for those wanting
a more active cruise – plenty of snorkeling & hiking etc – a
smaller vessel is better suited for you); and (4) slower boarding and
debarking of the vessel (i.e., for island visits) as passengers are
divided into smaller groups of 16 to 20 passengers each.
Turning to the non-cruise ship
options, you have (1) the catamarans – motor &
motor sailers – that include Valkiria, Archipel I (aka
Galapagos Journey III), Archipel II, Nemo II, Queen Beatriz
(aka GAP VI), Queen of Galapagos, Seaman II, Treasure of
Galapagos, Anahi, Athala & Nina; (2) sailing
&
motor
sailers like Angelique, Encantada, Beagle,
Cachalote, Mary Anne, Nautilus, Sagitta & Alta; and
(3) the motor boats – which is the largest list of
vessels in Galapagos.
The heavy, wide motor catamaran
version (i.e., Archipel I & II, Anahi etc) are not only
well appointed, but due to the width of the vessel are spacious in
terms of cabins and social areas and stable. Some even have
onboard jacuzzi to soak into after a long day hiking the islands.
The lighter motor sailing catamarans (i.e., Valkiria, Nemo II
etc) are comfortable and relatively spacious, but not as stable as
their heavy motor brothers above.
The sailing boats (most of them are
technically motor sailers – when there isn’t sufficient wind, I think
you would be glad that they can still navigate under motor power!) are
long and narrow by nature. This makes them vulnerable to swaying
(or rocking) in the seas … even when anchored. Most of these
vessels have small and somewhat cramped cabins and limited deck and
social areas. However, vessels like the Beagle, Cachalote,
Mary Anne, and Alta have an attractive and cozy
atmosphere aboard. These vessels are, without a doubt, geared
more towards your adventurous and active passenger. They provide
and intimate experience – something that is hard to replicate on a
large cruise ship.
The bulk of the Galapagos cruise
vessels fall into the ‘motor’ category – from your small, old &
basic economic motor boats like the Amigo, Rumba & New
Flamingo right up to the luxurious and relatively spacious Galaxy,
Voyager & Grace and Tip Top IV etc. The wider
and heavier the motor boat is, the more stable it is. Many (but
not all) of these motor vessels have cabins allocated on two (or more)
different decks.
CABINS:
While most Galapagos boats only have double cabins (cabin for two
people), a very limited number have single and/or triple cabin
arrangements. The standard bedding arrangements
are upper/lower twin bed berths (bunk beds), while a good number –
generally in the First and Deluxe classes – may have several cabins
that have one double bed and/or two lower twin beds. With very
few exceptions, almost every cabin on the various Galapagos boats has
its own private facilities (i.e., shower, bathroom, hot/cold water
etc). Cabin location can be important.
Generally speaking (but depends on the mechanical layout of the boat in
question) the father forward and up the cabin is, the farther away you
will be from the motors/generators. This translates into less
noise, vibration, heat and possible fuel aroma.
Regardless of the vessel, they all
navigate and operate in a similar fashion – the major inter-island
transitions (i.e., from Espanola over to Floreana, for example) are
done on the overnight hours. That way, when you awake the next
day, the boat is already anchored off the island to be visited that
morning. This maximizes the daylights hours, and thereby
attempting to reduce transitions during the day to a minimum.
There are occasional transitions done on some boats between the morning
and afternoon visit (these transitions may be to another point on the
same island or to a nearby island). These however are generally
not that noticeable as passengers are enjoying lunch aboard during the
transition.
That being said, there is no one
Galapagos cruise that is perfect for everyone. Each person has his or
her particular likes and dislikes, expectations and requirements. Some
prefer the large, comfortable cruise ships that carry 40 to 100
passengers while most prefer a more intimate, smaller option.
For these exact reasons, we at Sangay
Touring have found it necessary to create this blog to keep our clients
and the general public up-to-date and informed on the ever-changing
Galapagos details.
All cruise rates do not
include the following (unless otherwise specified):
- Roundtrip
Galapagos
airline ticket (but this is booked in conjunction with any given cruise)
HIGH
SEASON:
January
1st
to
April
30th
/
June
15th
to
September
14th
/
November
1st
to
December
31st
GALAPAGOS
FLIGHT RATES - HIGH SEASON
| ROUTING |
ADULT |
CHILD |
| QUITO -
GALAPAGOS - QUITO |
USD $422 |
USD $217 |
| QUITO -
GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL |
USD $403 |
USD $208 |
| GUAYAQUIL -
GALAPAGOS - QUITO |
USD $400 |
USD $205 |
| GUAYAQUIL -
GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL |
USD $372 |
USD $191 |
LOW SEASON: May 1st to June 14th / September
15th to
October
31st
GALAPAGOS
FLIGHT RATES - LOW SEASON
| ROUTING |
ADULT |
CHILD |
| QUITO -
GALAPAGOS - QUITO |
USD $367 |
USD $190 |
| QUITO -
GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL |
USD $349 |
USD $181 |
| GUAYAQUIL -
GALAPAGOS - QUITO |
USD $346 |
USD $178 |
| GUAYAQUIL -
GALAPAGOS - GUAYAQUIL |
USD $328 |
USD $169 |
Note:
‘Child’ is
anyone under 12 years of age / ‘Adult’ is anyone over 12 years of age.
Notes
- updated
January
15th,
2010
- Flight
rates are subject to change without prior notice
- Rates
include
aiport taxes
- 'Child' is
considered anyone under the age of 12 at the
time of the flight (copy of passport required).
- Galapagos
National
Park entrance fee (US $100.00 per person)
- Tourist
Control Card
[TCT] ($10.00 per person)
- Tips &
personal
spending
- Alcoholic
beverages
& soft drinks
- Snorkelling
equipment
(on
some
yachts)
- Scuba
diving (where
applicable)
- Services
not
previously specified
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