It was our second go to to the Galapagos Islands, and we had been excited to be a part of Hurtigruten Expeditions to go island hopping in Darwin’s Footsteps on their newly refurbished Santa Cruz II. This actually was our dream Galapagos Cruise. The first time we visited Galapagos National Park, we stayed on land and took water taxis and shuttles from island to island. That was enjoyable, however this journey with Hurtigruten Expeditions was luxurious, adventurous, informative, and enjoyable. We had a nice time on the ship with solely 39 like-minded passengers. We felt like we had our personal private service as 60 professional guides and crew members taken care of our each want.
About the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos islands are a haven for an astonishing number of endemic species, from the well-known large tortoises to the playful sea lions and the colourful blue-footed boobies; you will note animals which might be distinctive solely to these enchanted islands. The Galapagos marine iguana is the one iguana on this planet that feeds underwater, and Galápagos penguins are the one penguin species within the northern hemisphere. The wildlife right here was the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s concept of evolution. Book your Galapagos Cruise and save up to 50% on Feb and March Sailings: Details right here.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos archipelago contains 18 essential islands off the coast of mainland Ecuador in the course of the Pacific Ocean. These volcanic islands are among the many most remoted locations on Earth, and one of the best ways to see them is by expedition cruise. Throughout our Galapagos journey, we spied on distinctive marine life and visited completely different islands boasting distinct ecosystems and landscapes, starting from lush highlands to barren volcanic terrain.
Book your Galapagos Cruise and save up to 50% on Feb and March Sailings: Details right here.
With strict conservation efforts in place, the Galapagos Islands stay some of the unspoiled pure paradises on earth, inviting vacationers to witness the wonders of evolution in actual time. We cruised the east Galapagos Islands, following the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who developed his Theory of Natural Selection after visiting the Galapagos.
Best Galapagos Cruise
Following in Darwin Footsteps is the most effective route for a Galapagos cruise to introduce you to all of the highlights of Galapagos National Park in a brief time. Being on presents a distinctive vantage level to discover this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as you sail to distant locations and discover islands free from different folks.
About HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Hurtigruten based Expedition Cruising in 1896 and is the chief in sustainable cruising. It is the biggest operator by capability in expedition cruising and is taken into account top-of-the-line Galapagos cruises within the Galapagos Islands.
If you’re looking for an expedition ship to take to the Galápagos Islands, the Santa Cruz II was implausible. Plus it runs with carbon-neutral operations, is environmentally sustainable, and works with the area people.
It was giant sufficient to have all of the comforts you want but sufficiently small to get to the hard-to-reach locations. This expedition cruise supplied connoisseur eating with wine pairings, luxurious cabins, native Galapagos consultants, and personalised service.
What’s Included on a Galapagos Cruise?
When on the MS Santa Cruz II, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the principle restaurant, drinks (home beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) are included. All excursions, together with snorkeling, glass backside boat excursions, stand-up paddleboarding, panga rides, kayaking, climbing, and day excursions, are additionally included.
The Darwin Research Station, Tortoise Farm, Cultural Experiences, and metropolis excursions are additionally included.
On the ship, complimentary snacks, tea, and low are included all through the day. The solely issues you may have to pay for when onboard are drinks on the bar (though they’re affordable and have a number of completely happy hours all through the journey) and any souvenirs you might have considered trying.
Gratuities are additionally included in Hurtigruten cruises, so that you don’t want to fear about what to tip crew and guides on the finish of the journey. However, a little further is all the time appreciated.
The MS Santa Cruz II even had free laundry with washers and dryers on deck. We relaxed within the sizzling tubs after a day of climbing and washed our garments on the similar time.
Hurtigruten has greater than a century of expedition expertise and continuously evolves its conservation efforts.
HX based Expedition Cruising in 1896 and is the international chief in sustainable cruising. Today, it’s the largest operator by capability in expedition cruising. HX presents huge adventures on small, custom-built ships to over 250 locations in additional than 30 international locations from pole to pole and is dedicated to being a catalyst for change towards a greener journey trade. Hurtigruten additionally launched the world’s first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship (2019), and has since added two extra They had been the primary to ban heavy gasoline oil (2009) and single-use plastics (2018). When selecting a Galapagos Cruise, you’ll be able to really feel snug understanding that this firm is taking further precautions to protect the surroundings, wildlife, and cultures of the vacation spot.
Our six-day Galapagos cruise took us via a number of jap islands the place we may go snorkeling, sea kayaking, climbing, SUP, and zodiac cruising via the archipelago in the hunt for marine life similar to sea turtles, sharks, and sea lions.
We had a luxurious expertise from the second we landed in Quito to our ultimate vacation spot within the rainforest of Mashpi Lodge. In whole, we spent two weeks in Ecuador, with six of our days exploring the Galapagos Archipelago.
We arrived in Quito at evening, the place the HX Expeditions crew met us and drove us by personal switch to the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel Quito. This resort is top-notch notch, with stylish rooms, a stunning swimming pool, a number of eating places, and a lounge.
We liked having a little bit of time to calm down on this attractive property.
Pre-Tour in Quito – Cotopaxi Volcano
Most itineraries begin in Quito and provides passengers a day or two within the metropolis and ours was no exception. Many folks additionally go for pre-trips to Machu Pichu to see the Inca empire, the cloud forest, or discover Lima Peru. Hey, it’s your dream Galapagos cruise, you’ll be able to see as a lot or as little as you want!
After a good evening’s relaxation, we joined the HX expeditions crew within the foyer of the JW Marriott for a day journey to the Cotopaxi Volcano and surrounding villages.
Cotopaxi is without doubt one of the high day journeys from Quito and was included as a pre-tour to our Galapagos journey. Just a brief drive from the capital, Cotopaxi National Park is dwelling to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of many highest energetic volcanoes on this planet.
After a hike across the lake to take within the views of the volcanic cone, we stopped at a hacienda for lunch, adopted by the chance to feed lamas the cutest lamas. We additionally stopped at close by cities to discover markets and get immersed within the tradition with our native information…
Day 1 – Fly to Baltra Island (Aka South Seymour Island)
It was an early morning wake-up name to fly to the Galapagos Islands. We had been up at 4:30 am for breakfast after which a 45-minute drive to the airport. The flight to the Galapagos Islands takes about 2 1/2 hours from Quito, with a brief cease at Guayaquil on the coast.
The Galapagos Islands are distant. They are a tiny archipelago 1,369 km off the coast of South America with no different land in sight. It actually seems like you’re an early explorer whenever you land on the islands.
Galápagos National Park rules are strict (rightfully so), and all of us had our luggage scanned for something that would contaminate the vacation spot. Before flying from Quito and upon touchdown within the Galapagos.
One within the Galápagos Islands, we had been greeted by the Hurtigruten employees and the resident land iguanas on the native airport. With that sort of welcome, we knew we had been in for a deal with as we toured the enchanted islands.
Welcome Meeting and Emergency Drills
We gathered our baggage and made our means to our transfers to the ship. Hopping on zodiacs, we had been on the MS Santa Cruz II in a flash, the place we had been fed lunch and had an introduction to the week.
Lunch was a buffet adopted by a essential course and dessert. We may even have wine or beer if we felt prefer it. But, with excursions to be had, our day was simply getting began!
After lunch, we met on the muster stations for our emergency drill and discovered how we’d be disembarking to ship. Once we had been completed, we grabbed our PFDs (private floating units), met within the library and disembarked in teams of 8 – 10 folks for our first island vacation spot.
Mosquera Island – Hike on the Beach
Our first afternoon within the Galapagos was already off to a tremendous begin with a day tour that started with a panga journey (you could know pangas as zodiacs), the place we explored the ocean cliffs of Mosquera Island. We spied frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and pelicans alongside its rocky shore.
After an hour on the water, we had been let off on probably the most pristine white sand seashore you’ll ever see. This was our first encounter with sea lions of their pure habitat, and it didn’t disappoint. We walked alongside the pristine seashore watching frigate birds construct nests and puff their purple chests to entice a mate, loved sea lions enjoying within the surf and basking on the sand, and watched Sally Foot Crabs flitter round within the sand.
As the solar set, we returned to the pangas in meal time and a welcome toast with the captain
Day 2 – San Cristobal – Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
No journey to the Galapagos Islands could be full with out getting within the water and most Galapagos cruises supply a number of alternatives for snorkeling. We had a number of possibilities to go swimming, but in addition snorkeling. For individuals who need to discover the underwater world, all snorkeling gear is included. Our expedition cruise had moist fits, snorkels, fins, and even inflatable life preservers for those who wished further buoyancy.
We met the expedition crew on deck to get all of our gear, and after a frenzy of making an attempt on fits and becoming our discover, we had been prepared to go. This was our snorkeling gear for the following week, and we saved it on deck with our room quantity on it so we didn’t odor up our rooms. Wet fits will be fairly smelly.
Today was additionally the day we explored San Cristobal Island. Starting with a panga journey, we had a superb sunny day on the water, viewing sea arches, sea cliffs, and the magnificent Kicker Rock. The final time we had been within the Galapagos Islands, we snorkeled at Kicker Rock and it was a tremendous place to view Galapagos sharks.
Morning Panga Tour to the seashore and snorkeling for the primary time. The water was heat and blue and this gave us a good likelihood to take a look at out our snorkeling gear from the shore earlier than our upcoming deep water snorkels.
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
There is little question that probably the most iconic wildlife on the Galapagos are the enormous tortoises. The pleasant giants dwell to 200 years previous and may weigh up to 800 kilos! We had three completely different alternatives to see large tortoises with our first cease being the most recent tortoise breeding heart on the Galapagos Islands, the David Rodriguez Centro de Crianza de Tortugas Terrestres.
We had the possibility to see child tortoises and juveniles of their pure habitat. There had been 15 species of large tortoises on the Galapagos Islands however in the present day there are solely 11. However, they’ll quickly be asserting that they discovered one other species that survived extinction so there at the moment are 12.
Tortoises had been practically worn out due to whalers and pirates taking tortoises to their ships to use as meals. Because large tortoises can go for thus lengthy with out meals and water, they made glorious meals for people with little entry to meat.
Sadly, their numbers dropped considerably. At one time there have been practically 100,000 large tortoises on the Galapagos. Today with the entire conservation efforts, their numbers have climbed to 20,000.
San Cristobal Downtown
It was then free time to get pleasure from downtown San Cristobal. This city is known for the colony of sea lions that bask on its shores. Here you’ll discover sea lions on the sidewalks, on park benches, and even in boats. They have fenced off the city for the reason that final time we had been right here in order that they now have to work a bit more durable to get into city, however some nonetheless sneak via, and it’s so cute.
Day 3 – Santa Fe Island
The day we began with a Panga Ride to the seashore with loads of sea lions within the water. After driving for about half-hour across the island, we loved a moist touchdown to go for considered one of our greatest walks on the cruise. We broke into teams of 8 – 12 folks for a lengthy, leisurely hike round this island.
There are stunning cacti on the island and plenty of land iguanas. Santa Fe Land Iguanas (aka yellow – or smiling iguanas) had been scattered all through the dry, rocky panorama and put on a present for us. We even noticed birds mating and a few folks spied on iguanas sparring.
After lunch, we had a pictures chat to find out how to take higher pictures with our iPhones and cameras as our ship moved to the following location. There is rarely a uninteresting second on a Galapagos Cruise, however you’re free to calm down as a lot as you want. Not everybody attended the talks and never everybody attended the hikes. You will be as busy or as relaxed as you want. Remember, it’s your trip!
Deep Water Snorkeling
The snorkeling at Santa Fe Island was precisely what you’d anticipate of snorkeling within the Galapagos. We performed with sea lions as they blew bubbles in our faces and zipped round us in circles. They appeared to be enjoying a recreation of “let’s see how close we can get to the humans without actually touching them.”
After enjoying with them for a while, our information, Claudia, advised us that there have been sea turtles close by. We swam to watch them gracefully swim via the water and low and behold, two noticed eagle rays swam into view.
The marine life go about their enterprise with out a care on this planet, and as a substitute of snorkelers needing to search and comply with sealife, they arrive to you! We had the possibility to swim with them for a bit and it was extraordinary to watch them fly via the water like hovering birds..
The water was crystal clear, heat, and calm. We spent greater than an hour having fun with the colourful fish, marine iguanas, and underwater world.
Day 4 – Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is known for the Charles Darwin Research Station. This tour took us to one other large tortoise breeding heart with a focus on training. We discovered all concerning the evolution of animals of the Galapagos, its historical past, and, after all, Darwin’s concept of pure choice.
We even noticed Darwin’s finches, nonetheless, we discovered that it was the mockingbird that was necessary in discovering his theories his theories and the truth that folks say it was the Galapagos finch is a delusion. It was nonetheless cute to see them although.
It was then time to pay our respects to Lonesome George. This tortoise died in 2012 however stays a reminder to preserve and protect. He was the final of his species of Giant Tortoise, and even with all of the efforts put forth to assist him breed, he by no means did produce offspring, and when he died, his species died with him.
Dave and I had the chance to see Lonesome George in 2012 once we first visited the Galapagos Islands. He lived a completely happy, lengthy life, and regardless that he didn’t produce offspring, he did have a good time making an attempt!
Rancho Manzanillo
After studying concerning the tortoises and seeing them on the analysis heart, we lastly noticed the enormous tortoises of their pure habitat. Driving up to our subsequent vacation spot, we noticed tortoises on the street, tortoises within the fields, and tortoises beside cows; they had been all over the place.
We walked via the grounds and noticed a whole lot of large tortoises going about their each day lives. We even noticed a couple mating, soaking in ponds, and chewing on leaves. It was uplifting to see how they’re now thriving in in the present day’s surroundings.
Cultural Experiences
Lots of people don’t understand that the Galapagos Islands are inhabited. The islands are 97% nationwide parks, however 3% of them have cities, residents, and companies. We stopped at a distillery for a tour of the farm and shows displaying us how spirits are fermented and the way sugar cane is harvested.
We had been stunned by simply how a lot we loved this a part of our cruise. We had been right here for the wildlife and panorama, however studying concerning the tradition and assembly the locals was considered one of our favourite excursions. We sampled Cacao, sugar, espresso, and 50+ proof moonshine.
Today, the federal government requires Galapagos cruises to cease at native companies and I’m glad that they do! To go to a vacation spot and never perceive the native communities is simply half a journey. I went away with fond reminiscences of our time and a little bit of a buzz from the pictures of moonshine!
Day 5 – Espanola Island
Today was one other spectacular day with panga rides, science corners, sea lions, Blue Footed Boobies, and an abundance of nature however what made in the present day completely different was our go to to the bridge to go to the captain.
HX Expeditions has an open-door coverage the place you’ll be able to go to the captain anytime. All you want to do is ask the entrance desk whether it is a good time, and they’re going to notify the bridge that you just’ll be stopping by.
The captain was welcoming and informative, displaying us how the crew navigates via the islands, the tools and mapping, and the each day lifetime of being a captain. It was fascinating.
It may be very cool to hang around on the bridge and watch the officers effortlessly sail the ship via an unforgiving surroundings. We extremely suggest you are taking it for those who can go to the bridge!
Adventurous Days
Like our traditional days on the SM Santa Cruz, we had been up on the morning time collaborating in snorkeling, panga rides, and hikes. It is the expedition crew’s objective to have passengers encounter not less than 11 of the Big 15 Galapagos animals. That meant that we had been out on the boats from morning to night in the hunt for these iconic endemic animals.
What are the Galapagos Big 15?
Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Blue-Footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Galápagos Sea Lion, Santa Fe Iguana, Land Iguana, Greater Frigate Bird, Galápagos Hawk, Galápagos Fur Seal, Galápagos Albatross, Galápagos Flamingo, Galápagos Penguin, Galápagos Hawk, Red-Footed Booby, and Flightless Cormorant.
We noticed most on this cruise aside from the Galápagos Penguin, Galápagos Hawk, Red-Footed Booby, and the Flightless Cormorant.
Day 6 – Mosquera Island Eden Island
Snorkel with sharks
Our ultimate day ended with our most intense snorkeling journey. Our information had watched us all week to see how effectively our group may deal with the water so he took us out to deep and uneven waters the place the sharks hang around. And after spending a number of days snorkeling within the Galapagos, we had been relaxed and ready. Plus, we had a information in the back and front to hold an eye fixed on us all as we snorkeled within the swift present.
We noticed a hammerhead shark from the panga, nevertheless it didn’t present itself as soon as we jumped within the water, however we had been fortunate sufficient to see a number of sharks within the depths under.
It was a spectacular feeling to bounce from the pangas and immediately see half a dozen sharks under. There is nothing higher than snorkeling within the Galapagos.
For these not snug snorkeling, there was an possibility for glass-bottom boat excursions so everybody may benefit from the islands’ marine life. It actually caters to each stage of journey you’re snug with.
Final Hike
After one final hike to see Frigate Birds puffing out their purple chests, Blue Footed Boobies doing their mating dance and spying on child frigates and boobies, we took a panga journey again to the ship feeling fully happy with our time within the Galapagos Islands.
We had six nights and 7 days within the Galapagos Islands, which was the right period of time. Days are lengthy and busy; I received’t lie, we had been exhausted but exhilarated abruptly and we wouldn’t have it every other means. We made nice new buddies and had the time of our lives. We had taken half in so many distinctive experiences that we didn’t need to miss a factor.
Book your Galapagos Cruise and save up to 50% on Feb and March Sailings: Details right here.
A Galapagos Cruise is on many individuals’s bucket lists, and we liked our time on this remoted area. While it is vitally completely different from different cruise locations, if you’re prepared for an journey, you’ll take dwelling reminiscences that may final a lifetime.