The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Galapagos Islands Experience
If you want to take a peek at what’s inside the Pacific Ocean’s heart - visit the Galapagos Islands. Although a vastly underrated cruise destination, the Galapagos Islands recently started to gain more popularity among regular cruisers, and with that among worldwide travelers. It raises the question - what sets the Galapagos Islands apart from other destinations and puts it on the top of every cruise destination list?
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remote archipelago of more than 120 small islands and islets, 18 of which are the largest and frequently visited. Each island is very different from the others, these small pieces of exotic and magical land are best witnessed by taking a Galapagos cruise.
With so many unique things to see and hidden gems to visit, here is the ultimate guide to cruising the Galapagos Islands.
Snorkeling and Diving
Being so close to the equator, with all the active volcanic activity and different oceanic currents, The Galapagos Islands became Mother Nature’s most interesting canvas. Filled with endemic plant life and animal life, the islands are also in the middle of the most exciting marine ecosystem in the world.
So whenever you have the chance to go underwater, you should. It’s a literal paradise for water sports enthusiasts and guaranteed to leave anyone speechless. Every time you snorkel or dive will be a different experience thanks to the multicolored and vast underwater landscape.
There are a couple of world-famous diver spots that you will have at your disposal. Los Tuneles in Isabela Island and Devil’s Crown in Floreana Island are an absolute must. Between the months of December and May you can experience swimming with manta rays.
And from June through November, you can try scuba diving among whale sharks. So whenever you decide to go, there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience waiting for you.
Visit the Volcanoes
The Galapagos Islands are basically a remote set of multiple volcanos. Eruptions tend to happen every few years and a lot of the land of the archipelago is lava-formed. Of the total of 21 volcanos, only 13 are considered “active”. There are some stunning volcanoes that you can visit while you are there.
One of the most loved visitor sites in the islands is actually a volcano called Sierra Negra - the second largest crater in the world. You can enjoy the hike to the top if there isn’t any specific volcanic activity at the time of the visit. You may spot Galapagos hawks and nightingales on the way up and enjoy the breathtaking view once you reach the top.
Other volcanoes that you can visit while you visit the islands are The Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island, Alcedo volcano in the central part of the archipelago, and the twin craters on the island of Santa Cruz.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
On top of swimming with manta rays and whale rays, on the Galapagos islands, you can see animals, fish, and birds that you cannot see anywhere else in the world. This is one of many reasons why you won’t ever forget a cruise of the Galapagos Islands.
A huge reason why Galapagos Island gained so much popularity in recent decades is that they are the perfect place to do some birdwatching. Among the variety of birds that you can watch are the endemic Darwin’s finches. You can also get up close and personal with Galapagos penguins, flamingos, and Nazca boobies.
The waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are home to more than 33 species of sharks, so the second you step foot on a Galapagos island consider yourself on the longest shark-watching trip. You’ll get to see sharks everywhere and at any time of day. You can even get glass-bottomed boat rides and feel like you are swimming with them.
Another interesting animal that you’ll get the chance to see is the huge Galapagos tortoise. It can weigh up to 500kg and it’s an amazing weight to see. You can see the Galapagos tortoises in multiple different reserves located throughout the archipelago but the most famous one is in Santa Cruz - The Charles Darwin Research Centre.
Enjoy the Beaches
The Galapagos Islands aren’t just a place where you can find the most amazing animals and birds, it’s also a place where you can find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Most of them are untouched by humans and very remote, the beaches of Galapagos island will reconnect you with nature.
Just a half an hour walk from Puerto Ayora, you will find the majestic Tortuga Bay. This beach will be an unforgettable experience for anyone, but especially nature lovers. You will see marine iguanas just laying in the crystal clear white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters in front of you.
You can also chill with some sea lions on Bartolome Island Beach, take a perfect picture with flamingos on El Garrapatero Beach, cool off on Puerto Chino Beach, and take a long peaceful walk on Puerto Villamil Beach.
Final Thoughts
The Galapagos Islands are the perfect bucket list destination, especially by cruise!
You definitely won’t be disappointed with all that these islands have to offer. The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most extraordinary animals on the planet.
We hope you are able to experience this adventure of a lifetime! Let us know your favorite part of your trip in the comments below.
