The Galapagos Islands include 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and many rocks/islets. Besides being 600 miles from Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, only 5 of the islands are inhabited. The best way to see this ecological and geological wonder is on a cruise!
It is possible to see much of the Galapagos in 1 week, or tour the region extensively in 2 weeks. Land-based day trips make it impossible to achieve a comparable experience, thus making a cruise the most efficient way to see the islands.
When we visited the Galapagos, we did 2 to 3 stops per day so we were able to experience the islands’ diversity even within a single day. If you did a land-based itinerary you would spend part of the day traveling to and from your hotel. On a cruise, your hotel conveniently follows you wherever you go! The ship re-positions during lunch and over night, so you maximize your time. When you wake up each day, you are ready to explore a whole new destination.
Additionally, you will be able to see more islands. Land-based itineraries are limited to the 5 inhabited islands and the other islands that can be reached during a 1-day excursion. Seeing more of the protected and isolated areas is only practical via a cruise.
Silversea offers two 7-day itineraries: eastern and western. If you want to see as much as possible, then you could do the two itineraries back-to-back. If you want to see a particular animal like the Galapagos Giant Tortoises, be sure to check with us to make sure that island where that animal is found is on your itinerary.
An advantage of going on a Silversea cruise is that it is all-inclusive. It includes the flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, transfers, pre-cruise hotel in Quito, National Park fees, enrichment lectures, guided land and sea tours, and all on-board dining.
The Galapagos are known for their large number of endemic species originally studied by Charles Darwin. Additionally, the islands are volcanic and active volcanoes still exist on the west side of the chain. They really have a lot to offer!
Contact me today to reserve your cruise to the Galapagos. We highly recommend booking early as space is limited (only 100 guests per sailing).
LBL Travel is a certified Silversea Specialist and a certified Silversea Expeditions Specialist.