If you are looking for a unique travel opportunity, the Galapagos Islands provide a fantastic setting with never-before-seen creatures. The Galapagos Islands is one of the amazing and most extraordinary destinations in the world.
The Galapagos Islands were created from major volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean nearly 600 miles away from the nearest continent. This unique set of islands became home to a variety of unique plants that we’re able to grow in the basalt soil.
These islands were completely unknown until Charles Darwin, who was aboard the HMS Beagle began a five-year cruise in search of advancing scientific research. Darwin was 26 when he landed on the Galapagos Islands. It was an experience that changed his life. He noted that the animals which flew, swam, and walked among the islands were completely different from any others seen up to that point and since. It was during this journey that Darwin came up with his Theory of Evolution, which is still held to this day.
It is due to this fascinating history that the Galapagos Islands have become an attraction to tourists. The islands are considered sub-tropical. This means that travel to the islands is nearly possible all year round. The cool season is considered from June to September, yet the temperatures are still comfortable 60 to 70 degrees F.
The best traveling time to the Galapagos Islands is from June to December which is considered the dry season on the Islands. During this time frame, the water is slightly cooler which causes giant tortoises, humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, and many other beautiful creatures to be out and visible to tourists.
From December to May is a great time to travel to the Galapagos Islands, the warm season in the islands, tourists will be able to view the amazing sea life through snorkeling. Tourists can catch sight of marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, flamingos, and other life that is sometimes hidden during the rainy season.
If you are considering going on vacationing to these magnificent islands, it is best to work through a well-established travel agency. While it is certainly possible to arrange your vacation without the assistance of a professional, often the travel agencies have established relationships with many of the businesses on the Galapagos, making it worth the commission to have a thoroughly planned experience.
There are four major ways to take a vacation to the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Islands Cruise
The most popular choice for visiting the Islands is through a cruise tour. Galapagos cruises come in many shapes, sizes, and price ranges to meet most any budget. You can choose from classic small cruise ships that carry 50 or more passengers, to renting luxury yachts and catamarans. There are even relatively inexpensive traditional small boat tours that do not provide elegance but do provide a basic tour for the economically conscious. The prices for these tours range from $200 – $600 per day based on your choices. Remember, however, that this does not include your airfare into Ecuador. So, before opting for any cruise option make sure that have complete Galapagos Islands information for cruise travelers.
Galapagos Islands Hotel
The next most popular choice for vacationing to the Galapagos is through hotel-based tours. This option is less expensive than the cruises, provides roomier accommodations, can be added to a cruise if desired, and allows you to reach sites on the islands that are not accessible by boat. The hotels available on the Islands range in quality from two-star accommodations all the way to five stars. The hotels have a variety of tours available in an even wider variety of price ranges; some options include island hopping, sports tours, such as hiking, diving tours, and more. All hotel prices are based on double occupancy and range from approximately $1500 for seven days all the way to $3400 depending on the quality of the accommodation. This is all-inclusive for the trips, as well as basic food service.
Galapagos Islands Diving
The most expensive of all of the tours offered are the diving tours. In order to book on these tours, you will need to be scuba certified. While every diving tour has certified scuba leaders, they are not intended to keep you from harm. There are several reasons to go for this tour if you are scuba certified. First, the Galapagos offers the 2nd largest marine reserve. They also have the only known penguin north of the equator. The majority of the diving tours are arranged from yachts which include personal rooms, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. However, these tours come at a hefty price tag, over $3500 per person not including airfare. There are diving tours offered as part of the hotel packages, however, and these may offer a more affordable price for the dive. Yet, remember the dives are in addition to the already paid for hotel tours.
Galapagos Islands Travel Adventure
The last travel option to the Galapagos is for true adventures. The Galapagos Adventure Travels includes activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, snorkeling, and horseback riding. These tours are not meant for the faint of heart or mostly inactive individuals. These adventure tours can start at approximately $2500 and work their way up depending on the level of activity and experience level. These charges are once again in addition to the airfare and hotel/boat accommodation you have arranged.
When you are considering what tours to go on and which areas to explore, it is important to keep in mind that although prior planning can be very relaxing, if you are able to take advantage of short notice you can often receive some great discounts. Because tours operate year-round, even when there are very few tourists, they frequently offer deep discounts or incentives for individuals willing to book at the last minute. It is possible to get free airfare, a certain number of days free, or even some tours thrown in at no charge.
So as you plan your next vacation, consider the unique qualities of the Galapagos Islands. No matter what time of year you choose to vacation, you will be welcomed with warm weather, beautiful sights, and friendly people. Not only that, you will be taking part in viewing a portion of our planet’s history that is still unique. Why the Galapagos became the home of some of the most bizarre and singularly unique creatures on the planet, no one knows. But being able to explore this beautiful facet of our planet will live in your memory for a lifetime.
Galapagos Islands travel will be a day to never forget.
