Galapagos Islands Cruises
A Unique Destination With A Biological Learning Experience
Made Famous by Charles Darwin
The top Galapagos Islands cruises and tour operators for the unusual educational and fun wildlife soft adventure experience.
The Galapagos Islands are located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, and was made famous by Charles Darwin.
By visiting each of the Islands by boat the traveler experiences the geographic diversity of each of the islands and is able to witness first hand how species evolved into new versions of themselves and are no longer found elsewhere on earth.
The Galapagos Islands are a model for eco-tourism where the government imposes strict controls on group sizes and tour activities to preserve the natural eco-systems.
Travelers on Galapagos Islands cruises can experience wildlife led by guides on walking or hiking tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking...
The Top Galapagos Island Tour Operators
Each of the Galapagos Islands cruises listed below are known to practice responsible travel and offer soft adventure cruises with light or moderate physical activity for travelers 12-80 years of age who are in good physical condition.Adventure Life
1655 S 3rd St. W
Missoula MT, 59801 USA
Website
They offer a variety of small ship cruises on 16 -20 passenger, air conditioned yachts with excellent international cuisine. Island tours are led by naturalist guides with hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking options available.
Amazing Galapagos
United States Marketing Office:
5750 Collins Ave, Suite 16E
Miami Beach, FL 33140 - USA
Toll Free 1800 701 4039
Website
They offer a variety of guided small group tours.
The largest ship, a 100-passenger cruise ship, the Legend offers the amenities of a cruise liner yet it is still small enough for a more intimate experience with nature. With fully carpeted and air-conditioned state rooms (54 external and 3 internal), and with hot and cold water supply, the Legend is a ship specifically conditioned for Galapagos Islands cruises. You will be able to bathe under the sun at the sky deck by the pool and with broad observation decks you will be able to spot dolphins and whales in the rich Galapagos waters. With al fresco dining areas and a kids corner equipped with soft padding, stuffed animals and video games, the Legend caters for couples and families alike. There is also a boutique with souvenirs and an on board clinic with a 24 hour doctor on duty. Full crew with 10 Level III naturalist guides.
Ecoventura
5805 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami, Florida 33126
305-262-6264
800-633-7972
Website
Ecoventura operates a fleet of four expedition vessels in the Galapagos Islands cruises catering to active adults and families using the Eric, Flamingo & Letty, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts,
Lindblad Expeditions
96 Morton St.
New York, 10014
212/765-7740
800/397-3348
Website
An alliance with National Geographic specializing expedition travel to remote, unsoiled territory without sacrificing comfort. Each ship features comfortable cabins, a lounge, a library, and wellness services so that you can unwind after an active day. And chefs on board create delicious meals that reflect the cuisine of the places we visit using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. On board each ship, you'll find Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, and snorkeling gear, as well as specially designed tools that allow for more extensive exploration.
They cruise with the National Geographic Endeavour, a 96 passenger ship. Fully air-conditioned with covered deck with chairs and tables, doctor's office, fitness center, global gallery, LEXspa, library, lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations, sauna and small swimming pool.
Southern Explorations
Seattle, WA. 98127 USA
1.877.784.5400 Toll Free from within the US and Canada
001.206.784.8111 from outside the US and Canada
Website
They offer a variety of guided cruises on small cruise ships carrying 13 to 36 passengers with luxury, superior, deluxe, and first class style accommodations. Their tours tend to attract a mix of solo travelers and people traveling with families and friends.
Where To Stay
Most small ship cruise operators offer complete packages with airfare from the Ecuador mainland cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Quito and Guayaquil.Casa Gangotena Bolivar
Quito, Ecuador
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena offers 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts.
Sonesta Hotel Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador
This
112 room new hotel is located near the airport in front of a huge shopping mall. The architecture is modern and rich with an abundance of stone in the lobby. The rooms are spacious, the ambience is very restful and welcoming.
