What is the best way to travel to the Galapagos?
No matter how you travel to Galapagos, you are guaranteed a journey full of natural exploration, remote sites, an unforgettable trip, and a lot of exciting activities. Whether it is a land tour or a cruise trip, both offer beautiful memories and promising adventures. Hence, which one is better? Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of each traveling method so you can decide what is the best option for you.
Land Tour Pros and Cons
When you plan your trip, you need to take into consideration all factors, the traveling method, itineraries, additional activities, flights, accommodation, etc. If you opt for more of a vacationing style, the land tour is the best option. With the land-based tour, you’ll have more time and flexibility to be in control of your activities and time and organize your itinerary. For example, the islands like Santa Cruz and San Cristobal have a lot of restaurants for tourists, so you can spend some time tasting the local food.
Pros: Organize Your Time
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll be the boss of your time. And if your trip is a few days long, the last thing you want to do is to spend a lot of time in transit or accommodation. You want to spend your time enjoying a glass of cocktail on some of the sandy beaches and arrange your activities according to your budget.
Pros: Cheaper
Land tours are cheaper compared to the Galapagos cruises. Furthermore, the hotel rooms and common areas are more spacious and you don’t have to worry about seasickness. And the driving tours can fit easier into the logistics of land itineraries.
Cons: Travel Logistics
There are a lot of beautiful islands and so little time to visit most of them. The only drawback when traveling on a land tour is the travel logistics and travel limitations. It can be quite frustrating to check-in and out of hotel rooms, pack your things all the time and wait for the ferry or other local transport. You will need a lot more time getting to places instead of being there. It’s a challenging situation, however, there are a lot of pros as well. Think carefully and choose the best fit for you.
Cons: Limited Access To Remote Sites
Visiting remote sites, especially the uninhabited parts of the islands is a unique experience. There are a lot of islets, islands, and snorkeling sites that can be accessed only by a boat. And the only boats that sail to these places are cruise ships. If your main goal to visit Galapagos was to see these remote sites, a land tour might not be a good option. Make sure you check the sites before you book any trip in advance.
Additionally, you have limited access to the visitor sites around Santa Cruz, Isabela, San Cristobal, and Floreana islands. However, each of these islands offers a range of activities that will keep you busy so you won’t feel like you are missing out. You need time to plan your itinerary for the visits between islands and visitor sites and since the boats run on fixed schedules, you’ll often find yourself running between activities.
Cruise Tours Pros and Cons
Galapagos cruises are referred to as the best way to experience these islands and travel to uninhabited corners. The most rewarding feeling is when you wake up in the morning and you see all of the wonderful landmarks in an all-inclusive resort. And when we add the top-notch activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and many more, you have the recipe for a perfect holiday.
Pros: You Can Visit Different Places
If you are traveling on a cruise, you will get the chance to se and enjoy all of the breathtaking views, majestic sceneries, and exquisite landmarks. Additionally, you’ll see the wildlife, have a close-up meeting with sea lions, giant tortoises, lizards, and a wide variety of sea wildlife. And if you are the type of person who wants to see as much as possible on such journeys, this is the right choice for you. You will save a lot of time that you can use in additional activities, like snorkeling.
Pros: Unique Adventure
Let’s be honest, everybody wants to go to Galapagos! I mean, who wouldn’t? It’s an amazing destination that will give you the adventure of a lifetime. With the diversity of landmarks, activities, and wildlife, this will be a trip you will remember forever.
Pros: All Meals Included
The cruise option is more expensive, but you will have all of the meals provided and covered. You will taste local and traditional foods, try international cuisines and enjoy the cruise buffet. It’s a unique opportunity to see the never-ending waters of the ocean and be a witness to such a trip.
Cons: Expensive
A Galapagos cruise can be quite pricey. Although it’s a perfect choice, you’ll need to count the costs that come with the entire journey. The reality is that not everybody can afford a cruise to Galapagos, and that’s alright. If Galapagos is on your bucket list and the price is the only thing stopping you from visiting it, you can do it via land tour.
Cons: Not Appropriate for People With Motion Sickness
The cruises are not appropriate for anybody that has issues with motion sickness. If you want the cruise experience and opt for a Galapagos cruise, consider booking a larger ship since they are more stable. And since the itineraries on a cruise can be restrictive, you might get an extra hour or two at a particular place you didn’t intend to visit or spend that much time.
What is the best option for you? A Galapagos land tour or Galapagos Cruise? If you have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.
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