Galapagos: How find the right Galapagos Cruise?

An Expedition to the Galapagos Islands is for most people a “once in a lifetime” experience. Good trip planning is essential and the following article will help you to take the right decisions.

When is the best season to travel to Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos have the spectacular flora and fauna all rear round.

My preference are the month February and March because of the warm water temperature. During these 2 months the Galapagos are under the influence of the warm “El Nino Stream” and the sea can reach up to 86 F (24 Celsius).
February and March are also the rainiest and warmest months and the Air temperature can reach over 86 - 88 F (30 Celsius).

In contrast, during the month of August and September the water of the sea is only about 66 - 68 F (18 - 19 Celsius) and the Air 74 - 77 F (24 Celsius). During this period you have little rainfall and the vegetation on the islands is very dry and on some islands desert like. During this period the sea can be rough

What kind of tour is the best to explore the Galapagos Islands?

The best option to explore the Galapagos Islands is with a cruise where you sleep on the yacht.

There are the following kinds of cruises available in Galapagos:

Naturalist Cruises:
On this cruise you do guided land visits on foot. Depending on the island, you have time at a beach to swim and snorkel with sea lions and observe the marine life. You visit in the morning a spot, have lunch on the yacht when navigating to the next spot, and visit another spot in the afternoon.

Active Cruises:
As Naturalist Cruises but you have the possibility to Scuba Dive. Depending on the cruise you can do up to about 4 immersions on a 8 Day cruise.
The responsible yacht operators use specialized diving operator that takes you to special diving spots during the cruise. That means that you will miss the land visits during your “Diving Days”.

Be aware that the diving spots are often not where land visits spots are and if the yacht offers you an immersion at the place where the boat is located for the land visit, you will often not see much more as when snorkeling.

Diving Cruises:
These cruises are for the experienced diver only. To participate you should have at least 50 logged open water dives during the last calendar year. Make sure that the cruises includes Darwin and Wolf Islands. This kind of cruise is whiteout any interest for a non - Diving guest because you do only a very few land visits.

How long should I stay in Galapagos Islands?

The larger 90+ passenger vessels offer 4, 5 and 8 Day Cruises. All these yachts are fast, and even during a 4 Day cruise you will comfortably see a lot of the Galapagos Islands.

If you travel on a smaller yacht, - 20 Passengers, I recommend that you do at least a 5 Day cruise, but better an 8 Day cruise.

A general recommendation is that you do better a good 5 Day cruise than an mediocre 8 Day cruise.

With what kind of yacht should I cruise:

Large vessels up to 100 Passengers:
The Galapagos National Park authorities don’t allow vessels with more than 100 Passengers onboard. Most large Galapagos vessels are larger than for 100 Passengers, that means they are never sold out until the last cabin.

All these large vessels are very good organized when visiting the islands. You don’t really feel the large numbers of travelers visiting the same island at the same time. On all the yachts you have never more than 16 travelers for a naturalist guide.

Motor yachts for up to 20 Passengers:
A motor yacht is a great option to explore the Galapagos Islands. You travel with an intimate group and make easy new friends onboard.

You travel overnight from island to island and especially lower deck cabins will have motor noise overnight. During the day you might hear the Electric Generator.

Make sure that you travel in an upper deck cabin. Unfortunately not all the yachts have cabin assignment in advance or if they have, the upper deck cabins are more expensive.

Depending on the yacht, there are cabins with upper / lower berths or tow lower berths. Especially lower deck cabins on Motor Yachts tend to have upper / lower berths.

Sailing Yacht for up to 16 Passengers:
That’s without any doubt the most authentic Galapagos Experience. Accommodation is in often in cabins with upper / lower berths on the lower deck. Engine and Generator noise you will have as in most Motor Yachts.

The sails will be used only during the day if the wind conditions permit.

Most sailing yachts in Galapagos have a beautiful interior, but to move around is not that easy as onboard a motor yacht. Often you have to go up a ladder instead of a stair and larger guests have sometimes to draw their head when moving around the yacht.

Is it a good idea to bring children to Galapagos?

Most quality yachts have an age restriction of 7 - 10 years for children. On all the yachts you have to sign a “Weaver of Liability” if you child is less than 12 years old.

Think twice to bring children less than 10 years to Galapagos if you like to enjoy the trip yourself too.

Consider that the sea can be rough at any time and the journey by zodiac from the yacht to the island that you visit can be wet for the guests and difficult for children.

Most yachts don’t offer an interesting children discount, and on most cruises is nobody onboard to look specially for your children.

The exception are special “Family Cruises” who leave usually during the US School Holidays and are offered on some medium sized deluxe class motor Yachts. On these cruises is the age limit for children is by 7 years and there is a special naturalist guide on-board to look after the children.

Which ever tour you choose, a trip to Galapagos Islands is expensive and needs exact and professional planning. Make sure that you travel with an expert Galapagos Tour Operator who insures that you have have Your “Once in a Lifetime travel experience” you will be talked about for generations.

Gay Travel: The Galapagos Islands--a Premier Destination

Exclusive Gay travelers from around the world are finding that the Galapagos Islands are a spectacular new destination. The Galapagos gateways of Quito and Guayaquil may be reached daily with direct flights from Miami, Houston or Atlanta.

The finest Galapagos yachts are available for Gay Cruising to discover this unique Natural Paradise. Experience the Galapagos Archipelago on a gay cruise---something very special--and certainly not for everyone. One can learn about Darwin's Theory of Evolution and spend quality time with a partner far away from civilization. You can be personally guaranteed that you see the world much differently after your Galapagos exploration.

If you travel with a small intimate adventurous group of Gay friends and like a stylish and exceptional Galapagos adventure, choose one of the beautiful sailing yachts. When the conditions are right, the sails are hoisted and there will seem to be only you, your partner, the wind and the breathtaking flora and fauna around you.

For authentic Nature lovers who seek to explore the Galapagos Islands in a small group-- but like relaxation and elegance--they will find comfort and elegance in one of the beautiful motor yachts. These yachts are faster than the sailing yachts and for this reason-- you have more time to visit more of these special islands. Some of these yachts even stabilizers, helping to minimize the waves as you travel overnight from island to island.

Those who like to cruise in comfort and refinement should choose one of the medium-sized vessels which gives you a smaller-yacht feel, but offers the amenities of a large vessel. You have the option to stay in large cabins with matrimonial beds and navigate with comfort from Island to Island. Enjoy gourmet meals and make new like-minded friends at the bar after you land on your expedition.

Many wonder, "What's a day like on a Galapagos Cruise?"

A day on a Galapagos cruise starts with a wake-up call. When you arrive in the dining room, a large breakfast has been prepared and ensures that you have en excellent start for the day. After breakfast you have plenty of time to get ready for your shore excursion.

A small Zodiac boat will take you from the yacht to the island you're visiting this morning.

Your naturalist guide will accompany you on an easy hike--the length of which depends on the specific island you are visiting that day. The distance is never long and the paths are well marked, but good walking shoes are recommended because of the slippery undergrowth which you'll see from time to time.

During these hikes you will discover the distinct flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands. On most islands, you will have the possibility to swim and snorkel at one of the spectacular Galapagos Beaches. Have you ever been able to swim and play with Sea lions? In the Galapagos Islands, nearly every day will offer you the opportunity to do so.

For lunch, return to your yacht and during the meal you will begin the journey to your next destination, targeted for your visit during the afternoon. If the weather permits, lunch may be served "al fresco". After lunch you will have time to enjoy sunbathing or reading until you reach your afternoon destination.

Again, the small Zodiac takes you to your afternoon visit. During a hike you discover a new landscape-- and hear other stories about the Islands. Observe strange animals found only in the Galapagos Islands. Have you ever seen birds that can't fly? You will come face to face with Cormorants on some islands during your cruise. Animals in Galapagos are not scared of humans--as a matter of fact, they seem to take pleasure in posing for your photos. But don't touch them! Bring three or four times the quantity of film or memory sticks you expect to use for your camera because of the many opportunities you have for photography.

In the late afternoon, you will return to your yacht. Read a favorite book or have a cold beer with your partner at the yacht's bar until sunset.

Before dinner, listen to an interesting briefing about the next days activities. Often a documentary is presented to describe the next day's visit. Don't hesitate to ask questions and get the latest insights on the Galapagos Islands.

Enjoy a beautiful Dinner onboard your yacht with both new and old friends.

After Dinner, socialize with your fellow cruisers and enjoy a good drink or cocktail at the yacht's bar. Most barmen onboard the yachts are natives from the Galapagos and have other functions on the yacht during the day. An interesting conversation about Sailing, Yachting or about daily life in the Galapagos and in Ecuador is guaranteed.

It's been a full day in the Galapagos Islands, and tomorrow will be yet another. Tired from the many impressions during the day, you go to bed, enjoy a deep sleep and sweet dreams. In the meanwhile, the yacht navigates to the island you will visit the next day.

It is recommended you arrive a day early in Ecuador, and spend a day in Quito before you travel to the Galapagos Islands. If your luggage has been lost or flights are delayed --and both are too common-- either could ruin your Galapagos cruise.

Discover during this additional day, visit the spectacular city of Quito which lies at an altitude of 9350 ft (2850 m) above sea level. This beautiful city is considered a UN World Heritage site and lies just 20 miles south of the Equator. Quito has the largest colonial old town in South America, full of cultural heritage, with many spectacular churches and museums. Don't forget to visit the Equator Line outside the City which can easily be visited in an afternoon.

Quito is also famous for its gastronomy and even more for its active Gay life with lots of bars, clubs and cultural events.

Seize the opportunity to travel to Ecuador; enjoy the Galapagos, and make new worldwide friends.

Ecuador: The newest option for Gay Travelers

Ecuador, South America, is being considered more and more as a Gay travel destination without equal.

Gay expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands have been very well known for some time, and there are several of these cruises offered every year. But Ecuador has much more to offer for the Gay and Lesbian Traveler—not the least of which is privacy, enjoyment, and a sense of comfort in the beautiful surroundings within Ecuador.

Gays and Lesbians seeking intimate time with their partner have romantic highland haciendas and small, out of the way inns, as well as major multi-star Hotels to chose from.

Enjoy a candle light dinner next to a romantic fire place or enjoy a nice drink and a good conversation at the hacienda's bar. Because temperatures can be low in the high Andes where many haciendas are located, a fireplace brings just the romantic touch, and will heat your bedroom to ensure that you have a cozy warm night.

During the day, haciendas offer activities ranging from adventurous horseback riding to visits to indigenous markets. There is a day activity for every taste.

Ecuador has a huge artisan tradition and most artisan workshops open their doors to the Gay and Lesbian visitor. Visits to artisan workshops can be combined with hacienda stays, especially north of Quito. Excellent handicraft workshops can be found throughout Ecuador, but especially in the city of Cuenca, about a 40 minute flight south of Quito.

Cuenca has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and this small, yet bustling town is well-known for its excellent, colonial style Hotels and its Gay and Lesbian community---which can be found right in the center of the City. Plan on taking at least 2 days to explore the City and its surroundings.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to spend at least a half a day in Gualaceo and Chordeleg--well known for jewelry workshops and Orchid farms.

A short 4 hour trip by bus from Cuenca is the tropical city of Guayaquil. If you have the time, rent a car or travel with a public bus from Cuenca to Guayaquil. Make sure that you travel through the spectacular Cajas National Park with its hundreds of lakes.

Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and serves as the main port for the country. The city has a very active gay community and it is an excellent gateway for travel to Galapagos Islands. The main gay-bars and clubs can be found at the Rocafuerte Street, 2 blocks behind the Malecon 2000, about at the height of the Ramada Hotel.

Before you dive into the nightlife, walk along the Malecon 2000 and walk up the stairs to the Light House above Las Penas, the small old town of Guayaquil. On both sides of the stairs can be found a variety of bars and restaurants, which invite the Guayaquil visitor in for a cold beer---far and away, the best drink in this tropical city. If you have a moment more, visit “Parque Seminario” or “Parque de las Iguanas” as the locals call it. Here, Iguanas walk around like cats and dogs in North American or European parks. Although it may be tempting, don’t try to pet the Iguanas.

Within 40 minutes flight time is the City of Quito. Should you travel in the morning, make sure that you sit on the right hand side of the Aircraft, because this side of the flight has the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable.
Quito is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, and offers the most of all the Ecuadorian cities to the Gay Traveler. Stay in the old town. Especially recommended is the beautiful—and pricey—“Gay-owned” Bed and Breakfast “Villa Colonna”.
Not far away from this Bed and Breakfast you can find the offices of True Colors Travel, where you can get Expert advice on all travel related topics in Ecuador.

The historical part of Quito has been designated as a World Heritage Site by the UN and offers some of the most spectacular colonial churches in the world. In your visit to the colonial center, seek out and enjoy some of the various excellent museums.
The Gay Clubs and Bars you will find in the Mariscal district in northern Quito. Here, there are many excellent Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. You will feel a comfortable ambiance every day of the week, but especially from Wednesday to Sunday. For Gays and Lesbian who seek Gourmet Dining, there are several excellent restaurants be found behind the Swissotel, around Isabel La Catolica street. My favorite restaurant in this sector, and one which I recommend highly, is “La Choza” which offers excellent Ecuadorian food.

Quito hosts the most important Gay and Lesbian film festival in Latin America. For dates and programs visit quitogay.net

Ecuador offers Gay and Lesbian Travelers interesting options for sightseeing, enjoyment, and unique opportunities, and guarantees the trip of a lifetime.

For the best experience, participate in one of the True Colors exclusive Gay and Lesbian Roundtrips, organized by the Experts of Gay Travel in Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru. We look forward to meeting you on one of our journeys.