Sail in Nature’s Ultimate Animal Playground on a Galapagos Islands Vacation

“There’s no bad time to visit” is a well-worn travel cliché, but in the case of a Galapagos Islands vacation, it happens to be true. The famed archipelago is located right by the Equator Line, attracting a steady, predictable, and very vacation-friendly climate throughout the year.

While the Galapagos wildlife is legendary, the islands’ geological history is just as dynamic. Having risen from an underwater hotspot, these geologically young formations have never been attached to any continent. That animals and plants managed to reach them at all is a stunning feat of nature, as is how quickly they’ve adapted in order to survive. No wonder then, that when Charles Darwin arrived to the islands in 1835, he was so intrigued by its natural history, that it would partly inspire his famous Theory of Evolution decades later.

A cruise through this natural wonder demands an attractive, eco-friendly ship. The recently renovated M/V Galapagos Legend offers its guests a sense of elegance with teak wood interiors and brass details, yet keeps the emphasis on the adventure. Social areas with panoramic windows ensure passengers never miss a great view of the islands, while the dedicated crew and staff make the journey even more comfortable. Passengers can also catch some sun by the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, or grab a drink by the bar. The Galapagos Legend’s 56 cabins provide twin beds or convertible double beds, all with private bathrooms, while onboard activities for all ages ensure cruising between the islands is never dull. High standards of sustainability are observed to leave the lightest possible footprint on this fragile ecosystem.

A professional naturalist guide is onboard to lead two land excursions each day. These might mean hiking the island trails to quiet corners of the Galapagos that nonetheless harbour astonishing sights and views. Travellers can even enjoy some beach time, enjoying remote hideaways marked by crystal clear waters and surreally beautiful coloured sands. Amid all the adventure there are also close encounters with nature. With their evolution almost unmarked by human interference, the creatures of the Galapagos thrive right throughout the islands. Many of them can only be seen in this specific part of the planet, having adapted perfectly to the archipelago’s climate and geography. From marine iguana species that swim and feed underwater, to tiny lava lizards that camouflage in the lava paths, up to the extraordinary giant tortoises. It looks like a land forgotten in time, where plants and animals have developed amazing survival skills.

While it’s tempting to think of the Galapagos Islands as a whole, each of the nineteen main islands has its own character, geography, and wildlife, meaning visitors wake up into a new adventure each morning. It might mean visiting beaches that are home to sea lions, walking through cacti forest to see blue-footed boobies, or through lush green humid lands to see the iconic Galapagos Tortoises. The adventures continue underwater. The Galapagos Islands are one of the best diving spots in the world, since the nutrients brought by different ocean currents attract not just local creatures, but migrating visitors such as killer whales. Divers can meet the only penguin living in the tropics, the green Pacific turtle, along with playful sea lions known to swim alongside human visitors. Other (less sociable!) species include endemic fish and sharks. Meanwhile, those wanting to stay dry can opt for a glass-bottom boat tour, and because this show of nature never repeats itself, every visit reveals something new.

A Galapagos Islands vacation offers activities for people of all ages, all against a superb natural background. Stunning photos are a given, but no photo will capture the experience of seeing these unique and fearless creatures up close. All these are great reasons to come and visit this amazing destination.

Suggested Itinerary:
Cruising Galapagos 4 Days (M/V Legend)

Catamaran Sailing in the Galapagos

Explore the natural wonders of Ecuador on a Galapagos Islands vacation by sailing from the comfort of one of Haugan Cruises’ three luxury catamarans.

The Galapagos Islands are icons of biodiversity. There’s no better way to explore the albatross nests of Espanola or the “Green Beach” of Floreana than onboard Haugan Cruises’ fleet of exclusive luxury catamarans: M/C Cormorant, M/C Ocean Spray, and M/C Petrel. Each vessel houses only 16 guests, guaranteeing an intimate experience and spacious accommodations with private balconies, as well as incredible itineraries in the company of expert bilingual naturalist guides.

M/C Petrel is the newest and largest of the fleet, but all three vessels have cruise managers and attentive staff members ready to tend to your every need and introduce you to a world of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas, lumbering giant tortoises, and spectacular colonies of colourful fish. Embark on fascinating excursions around the islands during the daytime before enjoying al fresco dining and relaxation in the ample social areas or the Jacuzzi in the evening. Take a kayak out on the water or relax and enjoy the stable ride provided by the catamarans’ twin hulls. There’s no better way to experience the diversity of the Galapagos than with the sustainable operations of Haugan Cruises.

Small Vessel Luxury Cruising in the Galapagos

A Galapagos Islands vacation is an ideal way to discover nature. The only way to improve an exploration of these amazing islands is to cruise aboard the boutique yacht, Sea Star Journey.

This small expeditionary yacht accommodates up to 16 guests in spacious deluxe cabins ranging from 25-35m2. Sea Star Journey offers not only professional crew providing exceptional service, but also convenient facilities where guests can relax, such as the sun deck with both shaded and unshaded Jacuzzis. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available to provide exciting leisure when guests aren’t accompanying experienced naturalist guides around the islands.

Sea Star Journey also offers full-board service, mixing Ecuadorian and international cuisine, ensuring that every meal aboard is a tantalizingly new experience. Whether they dine in the Al Fresco dining area, at an outdoor private table reserved for special occasions, or in the indoor dining room, guests are guaranteed an enchanting experience.

On a Galapagos Islands vacation, the islands may provide the luxury, but a cruise onboard the exceptional Sea Star Journey provides exclusivity and unmatched attention to detail.

Suggested Itineraries:
Cruising Galapagos 5 Days (M/Y Galapagos Sea Star)

For more information on Galapagos Islands vacation ideas, please visit us at www.goway.com.