Helpful Tips to Know Before You Go
- There’s a lot of different wildlife to see in the Galapagos Islands, and a lot of it is limited to specific islands. If you have specific animal-spotting goals, plan your itinerary accordingly - some species of bird and whale are most prevalent in certain months of the year, so be sure to take this into account. Speak to one of our experts if you'd like help deciding when to cruise.
- The Galapagos Islands are home to crucial conservation efforts, and all visitors here must respect the rules that allow the rare native life of the islands to survive. Familiarise yourself with the local rules, including the ban on single-use plastic items like straws, plastic bags and bottles.
- Pay close attention to your guides. If you’re on a guided wildlife or snorkelling tour, your guides have by far the best local knowledge of how and where to spot anything truly exciting, and with their help you stand a much better chance at seeing all of the incredible creatures on your list.
- Galapagos waters can be on the chillier side. The warmest months to visit are February to April, but outside of these, you may wish to bring a wetsuit if your cruise ship doesn’t provide them, and keep warm for your time in the water.
- Most of your time in the Galapagos Islands will be spent exploring nature, so pack accordingly. Practical shoes and clothes are a must, which include long-sleeved tops and a sunhat to protect you from the strong sun. Reef-safe suncream is another essential item.
Things To Do
- With its positioning in Ecuadorian territory, the Galapagos Islands are perfectly placed to include as part of a longer cruise or land trip. Take a trip inland to iconic South American sites like Machu Picchu or the Atacama Desert, or connect to a cruise that explores the South American coasts.
- Spot the ‘Big 15’ of the Galapagos, a list of famous and iconic animals that live in these islands. Many of these animals are unique to the Galapagos, including the renowned Galapagos giant tortoise. With the wildlife being one of these islands’ biggest draws, spotting all of the 15 will be a great goal for any cruiser.
- Visit the top birding sites of the Galapagos. From flamingo-spotting at islands like Floreana to frigatebird finding on San Cristóbal, there are many species of incredible bird that call the Galapagos home. Watch blue-footed boobies, a variety of endangered finches, American flamingos, penguins, and so many more.
- Snorkel and dive amidst rare and beautiful marine life. In the waters of the Galapagos, you’ll find Green Sea Turtles, multiple species of shark and ray, and even marine iguanas, on top of a host of fish and other sea creatures. A truly unique place to take a swim.
- Visit the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center on Santa Cruz Island to learn about Galapagos giant tortoise conservation and the hard-fought battle to preserve these incredible animals. Observe full-grown enormous adult tortoises as well as juveniles and tiny hatchlings.
- Go whale-watching. The waters of the Galapagos are a fantastic place to spot a wide array of whales and smaller cetaceans, particularly at Isabela Island. 16 species of whales have been spotted in this area over the years, including individuals of humpbacks, sperms, minkes and more. Orcas and dolphins also frequent the waters.
- Marvel at the incredible scenery. With so many volcanic islands with such fascinating geology and ecology, hiking here or taking guided tours to explain the natural wonders around you is sure to be a memorable experience.
Why Book With Kenwood Travel
Your Galapagos cruise deserves to be the best it can possibly be, and at Kenwood Travel, we’re dedicated to making that happen. With decades of experience in crafting the perfect cruises, our experts are excited to help you plan your cruise to the Galapagos Islands, giving advice and aid with everything from your itinerary to your flights and every tip and trick you can think of. Your cruise with Kenwood Travel is ATOL and ABTOT protected, ensuring you’ll have total peace of mind to enjoy your Galapagos experiences to the fullest.
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