The Galapagos Islands must find their way into your travel bucket list! You cannot possibly miss the opportunity to visit this volcanic archipelago that is well-known for its wildlife and breathtaking views. Not to mention that it has many volcanoes that are somewhat active in certain periods of the year. There are 19 islands, all close to each other, so you can visit multiple of them in one day. Even though they are part of the same archipelago, they are all different but equally mesmerizing.Â
Cruise Galapagos tours are the best option when it comes to visiting this archipelago since they allow you to easily access more than one island. Moreover, the islands only accept a certain number of visitors at a time, so you might avoid the hustle of planning the timings if you are on board. But whatever trip option you choose, we are here to help and guide you through the amazing Galapagos Islands, so that you can get a bit more familiar with the destination before getting there.
A guide to the Galapagos Islands
Distinct species of animals
The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, but they have a very distinct group of animals that inhabit the island. While you’re there, you can have the opportunity to see giant turtles, sea lions, the endemic Galapagos penguins, and of course the red-footed, blue-footed, and Nazca bobbies. All of the animals are used to humans and visitors, so you shouldn’t be scared of them. People of all ages can explore the wildlife, and it will be a whole new and exciting experience for everyone.
Try local food
The local food is always fresh because of the sea surrounding the islands. If you ever get the chance to go there, you mustn’t settle for your hotel food. Leave your room, wander around the island and make sure to try the food at some local places. The combination of fresh seafood and spices will nurture your palette and you’ll crave that once you return. Seafood galore, Ceviche, Encebollado, Plantain are just the top of the list of food you should try.
Do fun activities
There are tons of fun activities that can both include and exclude water. If you want to get closer to the penguins and the sea lions, you can try kayaking, snorkeling, swimming… but, you can also go hiking, exploring the nature around you, finding some great hidden spots that offer intimacy and space for relaxing… with your tour guide you’ll probably visit some of the volcanoes, such as the Cerro Azul and the Volcan Wolf. The volcanoes are somewhat active, but they haven’t erupted since 2018.
Time management
When you’re visiting the Galapagos islands, you need to manage your time, because you want to visit as many of the Islands as possible. To do so, you’ll have two options available. One of them is to check into a hotel, where you’ll be staying the whole time, and the second one is to move every day from one place to another.
If you want to visit as much as possible, then you should go with the latter one. Moving every day will allow you to sleep on a different island, and you’ll explore them while you move. If you check in a hotel only once, you’ll need to leave in the morning, wait for your transport to the final destination, explore a little bit, and then you’ll have to go back to the hotel, which can be pretty exhausting.
But, the best way to explore all of the islands, and to get some proper rest in between is by cruising. Cruisers offer you everything you need, from food and bed to transportation while you rest or sleep. It may not be the cheapest option, but you’re visiting Galapagos after all, why not enjoy the trip and make the most out of it?
Nail the season
Unlike the other places in the world, the seasons in Galapagos are somewhat blurred and there are no clear lines in between. But, depending on the things you want to do and see, you can visit either from June to December in the dry season, or in between January to May during the wet season.
The best months to visit are from December to May, because you’ll make the most out of it. Those three months offer you great weather, comfortable temperatures and you’ll witness the mating season of the wildlife. The sun shines often, but make sure to bring an umbrella because you’ll be greeted with regular, quick showers.
Galapagos is unique!
The archipelago is unique in every way possible. Starting from the wildlife to the food you’ll taste, it is something that you don’t get to see every day. Make sure to have some great time while you’re there, choose the best option for you, and have tons of fun, because it’s not every day that we’re given this amazing opportunity to get close to sea lions, penguins and to dive with over 440 different species of fish.
