The Galapagos Islands are a magical network of unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. There are two primary ways that visitors explore the Islands: cruise boat and land tours. No matter how you make your trip you will find an adventure of a lifetime, but there are a few advantages to each option.
Both cruises and land tours will have similar activities and tours. You will visit many of the same sites and have the same opportunities to snorkel, hike, dive, or tour the islands. The biggest differences are in the accommodations and feel of your trip.
Land Tours in the Galapagos:
Pros: You will have more time to explore the islands you visit. The price per/day is cheaper so you can have a longer tour at the same cost.
Cons: You might not see as many of the islands as you would on a longer cruise.
With our land tours of the Galapagos you will visit several different islands, staying in small, comfortable hotels owned and run by residents of the Islands. You get more time on the Islands in your package and more time overall for the price you’ll pay.
You’ll eat at local restaurants each day and have the evenings free to explore the small towns and communities you stay in. This gives you the chance to get a feel for the islands and truly experience the unique culture of cohabitation between the residents and animals that makes the islands so special.
The residents of the islands are friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious and fresh. Whether it is walking among the sea lions on the docks or having a blue footed booby fly overhead while you eat your dinner, the wildlife in the Islands feel more like neighbors than wild animals. These are the types of experiences you may miss if you’re not spending the extra time on the islands.
Our Land Tours visit three main islands depending on which tour you choose. Here is an overview of the Islands you will visit on the land tours.
Isla Isabela Land Tours:
Isabella is the largest and most volcanically active Island in the Galapagos. The small seaside town of Puerto Villamil is a peaceful and relaxing spot to rest as you explore all this island has to offer. Day Tours include visiting the Galapagos Lava Tunnels where you can snorkel among the maze of lava tunnels which are home to giant sea turtles, reef sharks and sea lions. If your visiting this island you will also have the opportunity to hike up Sierra Negra, a great place to see some volcanic activity including steaming fumaroles and multi-colored lava formations. Best Land Tour for Isla Isabela: Galapagos 7 day Adventure
Isla Santa Cruz Land Tours:
Santa Cruz is a central point on nearly any visit to the Galapagos Islands. It is the home of the Charles Darwin Station where visitors can see baby and adolescent tortoises as they are prepared to be reintroduced to the islands. Day tours here include a visit to Academy Bay where You can swim and snorkel here and it’s a great place to see the sea lions as well as blue-footed boobies. Best Land Tour for Santa Cruz: Discover Galapagos 7 Days
Isla San Cristobal Land Tours:
San Cristobal is the oldest Island in the archipelago, as well as the oldest human settlement. It has some of the most diverse landscapes and beautiful hiking opportunities in the islands. Day tours here include a visit to Isla Lobos which is famous for its birds and marine life. Enjoy a guided tour where you will be sure to see; frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta, sea lions and the frequent sharks that inhabit the island and the surrounding waters.
Best Land Tour for Isla San Cristobal: Discover Galapagos 7 Days
Cruise ships:
Pros: You will have a chance to visit islands that are not included on the land tours. The cruise ships offer a number of amenities and are truly comfortable. You will have time for two daily shore excursions that include snorkeling, hiking and sea kayaking.
Cons: On a per/day basis the cruises are slightly more expensive. You might miss the feel of hanging out on the islands and experiencing the “local” life.
The Galapagos cruise has been the most famous and traditional way to experience the islands for many years. It is comfortable and convenient, as your meals and accommodations almost always take place on board the ship. You spend less time traveling each day than with a land tour, as your cruise ship will move between the islands during the night.
You have all of the amenities and comforts of a traditional cruise without sacrificing the chances to explore the islands during the day. The staff are multi-lingual and well trained, the food is diverse with a mix of international dishes and local specialties. You unpack once in your cabin and have the same home base to return to each night.
We offer cruise itineraries throughout the Islands, with a variety of itineraries to let you pick the perfect option for your trip. You can see those here:
Interested in planning a cruise or land tour (click here) to get started with a few simple questions.
Suggested Reading:
When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Packing List
Galapagos: Island by Island Guide
