There is nothing better in the global cruise industry today than Galapagos cruises. A Galapagos cruise in South America is what one would call a once in a lifetime experience. It is so much more than the usual "fun on a ship" kind of trip. Visitors here are exposed to a worldwide effort to preserve the eco-system and it teaches people how to be responsible tourists.
Of course, it's also an exciting world full of exotic flora and fauna. Visitors get to see prehistoric reptiles, land iguanas and the mating dance of blue-footed boobies. They get to see the comical penguins and flightless cormorants, and the giant tortoises that are so famous.
Shore trips include hiking on lava fields and beaches with red, green and black sand. Somehow, it looks natural here with the waters of the Pacific lapping into the strange colored sand. Of course, the islands also have the usual fine white sand beaches for tourists.
Getting here is not so easy either. Cruise passengers begin their trip by catching a flight from Miami or Houston to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. From here, there are daily flights in the morning to the Galapagos Islands. Return flights land in the afternoon.
The islands form one province of Ecuador, and are located on the equator itself. While there are 14 large islands, only two have airstrips to receive passengers and transfer them to the waiting cruise boats and yachts. The main airport is on Baltra, while a newer airport opened in 1986 on San Cristobal.
Passengers landing at Baltra will end up at one of the docks. One dock has cruise boats and yachts awaiting passengers who will then be taken on 3, 5 and 8 day cruises of the outer islands. Another dock has a ferry for visitors on their way to Santa Cruz Island.
The cruise itinerary almost always includes the islands of Floreana, Isabella and Espanola. Snorkeling off Floreana on Devil's Crown is a popular activity. Scuba divers can enjoy famous dive sites near the islands of Darwin and Wolf.
Santa Cruz is one of the major destinations on any cruise. It has the giant tortoises that everyone wants to see, and the town of Puerto Ayora is also here. All the major conservation organizations that manage the islands are located in Puerto Ayora, including the Darwin Foundation, Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
On top of that, tourists will enjoy Tortuga Bay and the Las Bachas beach on Santa Cruz. The white sand and clear water are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. During breeding season, it is also a prime nesting ground for sea turtles.
Passengers who want to experience and see all these natural wonders up close have to follow some very strict rules. Galapagos cruises are actually intruding into an exceedingly fragile eco-system containing endangered species. Take extra care to keep away from restricted zones. Do not litter anywhere, and never take a foreign plant or animal along for the trip.
Of course, it's also an exciting world full of exotic flora and fauna. Visitors get to see prehistoric reptiles, land iguanas and the mating dance of blue-footed boobies. They get to see the comical penguins and flightless cormorants, and the giant tortoises that are so famous.
Shore trips include hiking on lava fields and beaches with red, green and black sand. Somehow, it looks natural here with the waters of the Pacific lapping into the strange colored sand. Of course, the islands also have the usual fine white sand beaches for tourists.
Getting here is not so easy either. Cruise passengers begin their trip by catching a flight from Miami or Houston to Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. From here, there are daily flights in the morning to the Galapagos Islands. Return flights land in the afternoon.
The islands form one province of Ecuador, and are located on the equator itself. While there are 14 large islands, only two have airstrips to receive passengers and transfer them to the waiting cruise boats and yachts. The main airport is on Baltra, while a newer airport opened in 1986 on San Cristobal.
Passengers landing at Baltra will end up at one of the docks. One dock has cruise boats and yachts awaiting passengers who will then be taken on 3, 5 and 8 day cruises of the outer islands. Another dock has a ferry for visitors on their way to Santa Cruz Island.
The cruise itinerary almost always includes the islands of Floreana, Isabella and Espanola. Snorkeling off Floreana on Devil's Crown is a popular activity. Scuba divers can enjoy famous dive sites near the islands of Darwin and Wolf.
Santa Cruz is one of the major destinations on any cruise. It has the giant tortoises that everyone wants to see, and the town of Puerto Ayora is also here. All the major conservation organizations that manage the islands are located in Puerto Ayora, including the Darwin Foundation, Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
On top of that, tourists will enjoy Tortuga Bay and the Las Bachas beach on Santa Cruz. The white sand and clear water are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. During breeding season, it is also a prime nesting ground for sea turtles.
Passengers who want to experience and see all these natural wonders up close have to follow some very strict rules. Galapagos cruises are actually intruding into an exceedingly fragile eco-system containing endangered species. Take extra care to keep away from restricted zones. Do not litter anywhere, and never take a foreign plant or animal along for the trip.
About the Author:
You can find a summary of the reasons why you should experience Galapagos cruises and information about a specialist travel company at http://vayaadventures.com/destinations/the-galapagos-ecuador today.
