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PLANNING: The Big Picture

IMPORTANT

If you love animals and the outdoors, you will find a visit to the Galapagos one of the most fascinating and exquisite wildlife encounters possible on earth. The Galapagos is indeed one of Nature's Greatest Shows on Earth.

But if you don't like animals, don't like the outdoors, don't like to be somewhat active, stay home.  You can still check the Galapagos off your "Life List" and say you did it.

GETTING THERE:
There are multiple daily flights to both Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and Guayaquil, Ecuador's main port. Two nights on the mainland in either Quito or Guayaquil is mandatory.

Flights from the mainland (Quito and Guayaquil) are confirmed by the cruise line so when your cruise is confirmed, so is the accompanying air - the only factor to be determined is if you will embark the flight in Quito or in Guayaquil.

Once in the islands, getting from the airport to the pier and pier to the ship is also handled by the cruise line.

HOW LONG?
Generally, cruises are either 3 or 4 or 7 nights. Depending upon the port, the 3 nights may be the northern part of the archipelago or it may be the southern part. A cruise of 7 nights generally does a "figure 8" getting both the northern and southern parts.

Cruises can begin any day of the week, totally dependent upon the yacht or ship's schedule.

The length of cruise you select will depend entirely upon how long you want AND your total travel schedule. Generally you should confirm your cruise first - on your preferred vessel for your preferred length of time - and THEN plan the rest of your trip.

IS IT REALLY A "CRUISE":
No, not in the sense of the word most commonly used. If you think of your "cruise" simply as the comfortable, safe means to get around the islands to the main visitor sites, and NOT as a floating entertainment center, you'll have the correct understanding. Entertainment at night is generally a briefing and presentation on the next day's activities and visits, perhaps followed by some music and dancing. Activities by day are shore visits often combined with a chance to swim and snorkel.