PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, AND WHO LIVED THERE, AND WHO MAKE A LIVING TAKING PICTURES THERE

Galapagos is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. We estimate that over 1,000,000 pictures are taken in Galapagos every day. Sadly, most of these will likely be forever lost in the overloaded memory chips of phones.  But by being prepared before going out to Galapagos, we hope that a larger proportion of your pictures will be keepers.

Much of Galapagos Advisor’s inspiration for this page comes from our friendship with Daniel Fitter, a Galapagos native, naturalist guide and professional photographer. More information is sourced from DP Software, a dedicated photographer, and former TripAdvisor Destination Expert for Galapagos and ken photo geek, who provided an exhaustive set of recommendations on TripAdvisor, emanating from his photography trip to Galapagos.

Daniel Fitter is the CNH Tours' guide manager and a professional photographer.   A marine iguana poses for him. 

Galapagos Photography - Tips & Lessons Learned

1. Have some way to back up your photos so that you don’t run the risk of losing them all due to a technical glitch. You can drop your camera in the water, your SD card can get stuck in the “locked position”, or suddenly go blank on you. You may want to consider bringing a computer to back up your pictures there, or onto USB sticks.

2. If you are going to do any snorkeling, either bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof housing for one of your cameras. You can get some remarkable underwater pictures in Galapagos. Galapagos currents carry lots of nutrients, which contribute to both animal diversity and turbidity of the water. Shooting a fast film without flash (against park regulations anyway) works best.

3. If you have an SLR or a camera that will support a Polarizing filter, you should consider using one. While riding or touring in a Panga (small boat) you will have opportunities to photograph animals such as rays, turtles, sea lions and penguins.

4. The lighting in the Galapagos can be challenging. It can be very stark with a lot of contrast. You have to select your angles carefully when shooting things such as a dark sea lion on a white beach with a bright sun overhead. A neutral density filter can help with this.

5. Bring a spare camera. If you only have one camera, and you lose it or it breaks, you are out of luck. A fairly large SLR can be complemented by a point and shoot special (e.g. about the size of a pack of cards).

6. If you bring an SLR think carefully about lenses. Swapping lenses frequently can be impractical. It is not uncommon to quickly want to change from wide angle for a landscape to telephoto (say for an animal). In the end, a 18-270 mm lens can be a good compromise, or a 70-300 mm. When you are moving with a group, swapping lenses can be difficult.

7. Condensation can be a large issue as you move your camera from the cool (sometimes cold) environment of your cabin to the hot, humid air outside. Before doing any shooting you need to let your camera to warm up and acclimate. If you just wipe the condensation off a cold camera or lens, it will come right back. Remember to take your camera to a warm environment a good 15 minutes or more before you intend to use it.

8. You will be making a lot of small boat transfers, some with dry landings and some with wet landings. The possibility is always out there of your equipment getting wet during a transfer, a landing or when getting back in the boat. It is a good idea to buy some dry bags for your equipment, just to be safe.

9. A tripod is usually a burden. You will have limited opportunities to use it. You will be with a moving group of people and not always have the time required to set up a good tripod shot. A monopod is a good alternative (and can also be used as a walking stick!).

10. Using a flash is against park regulations, except in town and on the boat. 

11. Do what you can to get early morning, or late afternoon walks on the islands - light is best then. Talk to your naturalist guide.

12. Keep your camera well secured around your neck - you don’t want to drop it into the ocean!

13. Take a good cleaning kit as everything gets really dirty.

14. Double the number of SD cards you think you will need, because you will take thousands of photos.

Only in Galapagos is one prompted to use a macro lens for bird pictures!

 

If you're an avid photographer, considering joining our Galapagos Photo / Artist / Zen Tour.  15 days aboard a ship for a slow and complete circumnavigation of the entire archipelago, in the company of a professional Galapagos photographer and two hand-picked naturalist guides.   MORE INFO HERE. 

Do you have more pointers you'd like to share?  Reach out to us and let us know.

PACKING

Here is a list of possible things you might want to bring along. It’s a bit exhaustive and not all items are
absolutely necessary but can help you think about your specific needs (remember – if you can manage it,
nothing spells freedom like travelling with just a carry-on…).


CNH Tours Galapagos Packing List:

• Swimsuit (maybe 2) & Sunblock (a couple of bottles – very expensive in Galapagos)
• UV protective shirt (though you may find that regular shirts are good enough)
• Something to protect your scalp from the sun swimming (for the follicly challenged)
• Mosquito repellent (they are not that bad)
• Polarized sunglasses
• A wide brimmed hat with a string to keep it from blowing away while on the boat
• Decent walking shoes – some will be comfortable with sturdy running shoes / toe-covering
  sandals; others may prefer light hiking boots. Wet/dry sandals or water shoes for wet landings
  (some just go barefoot)
• Quick drying shorts and trousers (a couple of pairs), skirt, skorts
• Quick drying T-shirts or short sleeved shirts / long sleeved shirts for the sun
• A sweatshirt, fleece or warm top (the evenings on the boat get fresh especially July - November)
• A waterproof shell
• A camera, batteries, large capacity memory cards, extra USB memory stick to store your photos
• You may want to have an underwater camera to take photos of the animal life while snorkelling
• Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste
• A small flashlight / torch for your cabin at night if you feel it’s needed
• Light cotton scarf to protect your neck from the sun
• Snorkel, mask and fins are available, though you may bring your own (fins are no fun to carry)
• Waterproof bag for gear, especially for cameras during wet landings
• Water bottle
• A small bag of biodegradable laundry soap – for hand-washing (or just use shampoo)
• Binoculars
• If you are accustomed to using a walking stick, you may wish to bring one along – the terrain is
  uneven in places
• Small pack to use during land excursions (to carry your water bottle, extra sunscreen, camera
  accessories, etc)

NB. There is no need to bring a wetsuit; unless otherwise specified, your ship offers complimentary
wetsuits.

Unless otherwise specified, the hotels and ships provide soap and shampoo, as well as towels / beach
towels.

ON THE MAINLAND: If you are spending time in Quito / the highlands – expect cool evenings (as low as
12C / 54F) and occasional rain (short downpours or rainy days). The sun here is very strong – sensitive
skin will burn very quickly – wear protective clothing / sunscreen. Coastal Ecuador is very warm and
humid, and expect tropical downpours from time to time between January and April. The Amazon is very
much like coastal Ecuador. Pack accordingly.

WHAT NOT TO PACK: A trip to Galapagos is a chance to leave behind the hassles of urban life. Please
consider leaving behind your fancy dress clothes, jewellery, and other valuables at home. There are no
“tuxedo nights” on board.

PACK FOR A PURPOSE: CNH Tours works hand-in-hand with the Public Library of Galapagos to support
early learning and community activities for local children. If you wish to help us support the library, they
have a need for art supplies and learning materials for children in Spanish or English. Contact us for more
information if you’d like to do this.

TIPPING: HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP?

The age-old custom of tipping has served through the years to encourage and reward excellence. Gratuities must be earned. For that reason, CNH Tours generally does not include tips to guides or the yacht crew in the trip price.

While the following are guidelines, we encourage you to tip in a way that’s proportional to your satisfaction with the service. If the service was horrible, don’t tip. All tips are paid in cash (US$). Be sure to have enough small bills on hand. Remember – tipping is a very good way to support local families and your tips will be very appreciated.

NOTE: Hotel and restaurants in Ecuador are legally required to include a 10% service charge in their bills, which is distributed to the staff. This means that you are not required to tip there, though a little extra never hurts.

• Galápagos Naturalist Guide: $15-$20 / guest/ day. Example: 8 days on board = $120 - $160. More if you like.
• Ship’s crew: $30 / guest / day. An 8-day cruise = $240 / guest. It will be evenly split among the crew members. If
  one has been particularly outstanding, it is OK to give a little extra to that person.
• Other guides (i.e. day guides – mainland and Galápagos): $10-$15 / person / day
• Drivers (i.e. airport transfer): $2 / person in the vehicle
• Porters at hotels: $1-$2 guest
• Taxi drivers: Feel free to round up to the nearest dollar when paying, or add $0.50 - $1.00.

 

 

 

We believe that what you get out of a trip will be much magnified if you invest a bit of effort in learning more about the place you’ll be visiting, not only in terms of what you’ll be seeing and doing, but also in terms of developing a better understanding of the place’s context in the larger scheme of things.

Of course, guidebooks about the natural history of the islands are a good first step. But we encourage you to go further. What makes Galapagos so special? What role did this archipelago play in advancing human understanding of its place among living species? Who were the key players? How did they come up with their ideas? How have these ideas withstood the test of further scrutiny? What are the conservation challenges in Galapagos? How do lessons learned here apply to nature conservation in other parts of the world?

You’ll likely be meeting some locals – not least those working on your ship. Who are they? What motivated them, or their ancestors, to move to Galapagos? How have these ancestors left an imprint on Galapagos today?

GUIDEBOOKS / NATURAL HISTORY

Galapagos: A Natural History by M.H. Jackson (1985 with newer editions). An old friend of CNH Tour’s founder, Michael Jackson
(no, not the singer) had been doing his master's research on Galapagos at the University of Calgary and decided to turn his
research into what became the first popular general guidebook on the Galapagos for many years. Recent new publications have
taken some limelight away, but this one comes with a sense of pioneering history.

Galápagos by Josef Litt (2019). Litt has created one of the most comprehensive guidebooks on Galapagos. He has put together a
work of both in-depth information, through remarkably thorough research; as well as visual beauty, by utilizing his skills as
photographer. He covers not just the visitor sites with their unique flora and fauna, but also the history, people, geography, political
context, science and conservation work, as well as generaltourism topics. The reasoning for it being one of the best is that it balances interesting written content with ample images to compliment it. In summary, “Galápagos” is part guidebook, part
textbook, part beautiful coffee table book.

Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands by Rob Still and Andy Swash (2000). The innovative, simple-to-use format of this new publication will help visitors to Galapagos to identify any bird, mammal or reptile they encounter. The text covers key identification features of each species, and the 53 remarkable colour plates have been produced using the latest digital image
technology. A full species checklist by island and habitat is included.

Flowering Plants of Galapagos by Conley K McMullen (1999). This splendid book provides the visitor to Galapagos with a compact plant guide. Fully illustrated in colour and covering 390 species, the book will be invaluable to both the non-specialist and the expert. 

Galapagos Wildlife - a Visitors Guide by David Horwell and Pete Oxford (2023 – 4th edition). The authors of this guide were both naturalist guides in Galapagos. Their knowledge and insight have enabled them to produce a lively and informative book, illustrated with full colour plates and with detailed maps describing all the main visitor sites.

Guide to the Birds of Galapagos by Isabel Castro and Antonia Phillips(1997). Fully illustrated in colour with paintings by Antonia Phillips. The birds are grouped in families, with several illustrated on each page for easy comparison. The first comprehensive guidebook on Galapagos birds. A good, not too bulky, field guide.

Wildlife of the Galapagos (Collins Safari Guides) by Julian Fitter, Daniel Fitter (Daniel is a Galapagos naturalist guide we frequently rely on) and David Hosking (2015). This guide covers over 350 commonly-seen species including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, plants, and coastal and marine life, and is illustrated with over 550 colour photographs, maps and drawings.

A Pocket Guide to the Birds of Galapagos. Tui De Roy (2022). A compact, richly illustrated photographic field guide to all of the birds of Galápagos, from renowned photographer and writer Tui De Roy (and also the tour leader for our Galapagos Photo / Art trips). A lifelong resident of Galápagos, Tui De Roy has been observing, studying, and photographing the islands’ astonishing birdlife for sixty years. In A Pocket Guide to Birds of Galápagos, she distills everything she has learned to create a one-of-a-kind field guide that every birder visiting the archipelago will want to carry with them wherever they go.

A Sheltered Life: The Unexpected History of the Giant Tortoise by Paul Chambers (2004). For millennia these mighty beasts lived in isolation on remote oceanic islands such as the Galapagos, Seychelles, Mauritius and even the Bahamas. The twentieth century saw the establishment of wildlife reserves in the Galapagos and elsewhere, but it was too late for many species. Paul Chambers shows how modern genetics has been able to track down members of what were once believed to be extinct populations of these magnificent creatures.

Galapagos Diary by Herman Heinzel and Barnaby Hall (2000). Collaboration between renowned illustrator Heinzel and photographer Hall has resulted in a fresh and engaging guide to the archipelago's bird life. Colour photographs, illustrations, maps and an insightful text.

CONSERVATION / EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY / TAXONOMY

The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinctions by David Quammen (1997). a brilliant, stirring work, breathtaking in its scope, far-reaching in its message -- a crucial book in precarious times, which radically alters the way in which we understand the natural world and our place in that world. It's also a book full of entertainment and wonders. In The Song of the Dodo, we follow Quammen's keen intellect through the ideas, theories, and experiments of prominent naturalists of the last two centuries. We trail after him as he travels the world, tracking the subject of island biogeography, which encompasses nothing less than the study of the origin and extinction of all species. Why is this island idea so important? Because islands are where species most commonly go extinct -- and because, as Quammen points out, we live in an age when all of Earth's landscapes are being chopped into island-like fragments by human activity. Through his eyes, we glimpse the nature of evolution and extinction, and in so doing come to understand the monumental diversity of our planet, and the importance of preserving its wild landscapes, animals, and plants. We also meet some fascinating human characters. By the book's end we are wiser, and more deeply concerned, but Quammen leaves us with a message of excitement and hope.

Galapagos at the Crossroads: Pirates, Biologists, Tourists, and Creationists Battle for Darwin's Cradle of Evolution (2009) By Carol Ann Bassett. A good overview of the conservation challenges facing Galapagos.

The Tangled Tree by David Quammen (2019). This is not a book about Galapagos, but rather one that takes Darwin’s concept of biological evolution well into the 21st century. The author explains what the latest advances in molecular biology have done to Darwinian concepts of evolution in a way similar to how Einstein’s relativity did to Newton’s more simple physics. In the mid-1970s, scientists began using DNA sequences to reexamine the history of all life. Perhaps the most startling discovery to come out of this new field—the study of life’s diversity and relatedness at the molecular level—is horizontal gene transfer (HGT), or the movement of genes across species lines. It turns out that HGT has been widespread and important; we now know that roughly eight percent of the human genome arrived sideways by viral infection—a type of HGT.

Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life by Jason Roberts (2024). Once again, not a book about Galapagos, but one that will help the reader get into Darwin’s headspace when he undertook his journey on the Beagle. In the eighteenth century, two men—exact contemporaries and polar opposites—dedicated their lives to the same daunting task: identifying and describing all life on Earth. Carl Linnaeus, a pious Swedish doctor with a huckster’s flair, believed that life belonged in tidy, static categories. Georges-Louis de Buffon, an aristocratic polymath and keeper of France’s royal garden, viewed life as a dynamic swirl of complexities. Each began his task believing it to be difficult but not impossible: How could the planet possibly hold more than a few thousand species—or as many could fit on Noah’s Ark? Both fell far short of their goal, but in the process they articulated starkly divergent views on nature, the future of the Earth, and humanity itself. Linnaeus gave the world such concepts as mammal, primate, and Homo sapiens, but he also denied that species change and he promulgated racist pseudoscience. Buffon formulated early prototypes of evolution and genetics,warned of global climate change, and argued passionately against prejudice. The clash of their conflicting worldviews continued well after their deaths, as their successors contended for dominance in the emerging science that came to be called biology.

Beak of the Finch (1995) Jonathan Weiner. A Pulitzer prize winner – that’s a big deal. The book provides a first hand account of the hard work carried out by evolutionary biologist Peter Grant and his wife Rosemary. It’s illustrated by their daughter (and CNH Tours friend), Thalia - who is the wife of Greg Estes (see his book below on retracing Darwin’s Footsteps in Galapagos – yes, it’s a small world!). Peter and Rosemary spent two months each year for decades (yes, decades) on the small, arid and extremely desolate island of Daphne Major, monitoring the shifting populations of different Galapagos finch species. Their work was able to demonstrate, for the first time, natural selection actually taking place. A deep dive into what it’s like to do field research, and the implications of findings in evolutionary biology.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre Reports For a better and authoritative understanding on conservation concerns in the Galapagos, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre presents all of its reports on its website. See: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1/documents/

HUMAN HISTORY / HISTORICAL FICTION

Mr. Darwin’s Shooter by Roger McDonald (1998). Not a “Galapagos” book per se, but very nicely done. In this richly detailed novel based on the life of Syms Covington, Charles Darwin's hardworking shipboard assistant and later his house-servant, Roger McDonald shines a light on a man forgotten by history, capturing the breathtaking excitement of the historic voyage of the Beagle and brilliantly illuminating the scientific, religious, and social controversies that exploded around Darwin's watershed theories.

Annie's Box: Charles Darwin, his Daughter and Human Evolution by Randal Keynes (2001). The book recounts the personal tragedy that lay behind Darwin's revolutionary understanding of man's place in nature. Taking the story of Darwin's daughter as his starting point, Randal Keynes brings together science and humanity in a ground-breaking book that makes a major contribution to our understanding of Charles Darwin.

My Father’s Island: A Galapagos Quest by Johanna Angermeyer (1990). The Angermeyers and their descendants continue to play an outsized role in Galapagos. One of our guides is an Angermeyer. In this book, the author attempts to discover what happened
to her father in the Galapagos after his flight from Nazi Germany, in a chronicle of her parents' marriage, her father's tragic death, and the evocative natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Evolution's Workshop: God and Science on the Galapagos Islands by Edward J. Larson 2001). A history of the generations of scientists who have travelled to Galapagos.

Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World by Paul D. Stewart (2007). An overview of the geology, human history and biodiversity of the islands.

The Reluctant Mr. Darwin: An Intimate Portrait of Charles Darwin and the Making of His Theory of Evolution by award-winning David Quammen (2006). A fascinating portrait of Darwin's homecoming from his five-year trip on the Beagle focuses on how he gained enough confidence and evidence to publish a book that would displace humankind from its privileged position as a special creation.

Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, A Graphic Adaptation by Michael Keller and illustrated by Nicolle Rager (2009). The book tackles the life of Darwin, the main themes of On the Origin of Species (often in Darwin's words) and the public reception to its publication in lavish, full color panels.

This Thing of Darkness.  By Harry Thompson (2005).  The book reimagines Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle through the eyes of Captain Robert FitzRoy. Blending meticulous research with psychological insight, the book explores the fraught relationship between FitzRoy and Darwin, examining themes of faith versus reason, authority, mental illness, and the moral tensions of Victorian imperial science, all while charting the expedition that helped reshape humanity’s understanding of the natural world.

Darwin in Galapagos, Footsteps to a New World. by Greg Estes (2009). The definitive account of Darwin's five-week visit to the Galapagos – which islands did he visit? What did he do there. Find out if you’ll be retracing his steps during your own visit. Greg is a Galapagos naturalist guide and an old friend.

FILMS

The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came To Eden (2009). An intriguing documentary that recounts the mysterious goings-on among the very early settlers of Floreana Island in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Intrigue, a shady European baroness and her lovers, a dentist with no teeth, scientists, death and disappearances. Many of the people interviewed for this films are old friends / colleagues of CNH Tours’ founders. Watch it on YouTube.

Eden (2024). The documentary was turned into a feature film EDEN by director Ron Howard in 2024, starring Jude Law (as the dentist with no teeth!) and Ana de Armas as the baroness.

 

Do you have a book to recommend? Share it with us. hello@cnhtours.com

GALAPAGOS TRAVEL INSURANCE 101 

Most of us are keen to have our trips insured (and for some trips, it’s a requirement). For this, we turn to “travel insurance”. But what exactly is travel insurance, what does it cover, and where can I get the best deals?

We’ve put together a primer on this complex subject and hope it will help you make choices that are most suited to your travel style / level of risk aversion.

What is “Travel Insurance”… Really? Travel insurance is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of policies designed to reduce the additional risks you (or your money) may be exposed to after having purchased a trip, while travelling to - and spending time in - faraway places. A standard off-the-shelf travel insurance policy will typically include varying extents of coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, and accidental death and dismemberment.

Some policies may also include coverage for things like trip delay, baggage delay, and rental car damage. In general, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for you and your trip, but it's important to purchase the right policy for your needs and budget. There may be minor or major differences between policies, so it’s important to… …..read the fine print

While there is a standard generic list of what’s covered / not covered in a standard travel insurance package, it is incumbent on purchasers of insurance to read the fine print so that you understand what exactly is covered and not covered, and the extent to which you may be covered or not covered. Some exclusions include pre-existing medical conditions, certain types of adventure activities, and events related to terrorism, and force majeure. Some policies (more typical for credit cards) act as secondary insurers – covering only those expenses not covered by a primary insurer. In all cases mentioned below, the coverage and limits may vary depending on the provider and the policy.

Trip Interruption Insurance

Trip interruption insurance helps protect you and your trip in case you have to interrupt or cut your trip short due to certain covered events. These events can include things like a natural disaster, a serious illness or injury, or a death in the family. Typically, trip interruption insurance will cover the cost of your unused, non-refundable trip expenses, as well as the cost of additional transportation to return home or to continue your trip. Some policies may also cover additional expenses such as meals and accommodations if you need to stay somewhere unexpectedly. It's important to note that trip interruption coverage is generally included in a comprehensive travel insurance policy, but it can also be purchased as a separate coverage. Some exclusions may apply, such as pre-existing medical conditions or certain types of adventure activities.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Emergency medical evacuation insurance helps pay for transportation and medical care in the event that you become seriously ill or injured while traveling and need to be transported to a hospital or medical facility for treatment. This coverage can include the cost of an air ambulance, ground transportation to a hospital, and medical care en route. This coverage is typically included in comprehensive travel insurance policies, but it can also be purchased as a standalone coverage. It is particularly useful for travelers who are visiting remote or underdeveloped areas where medical facilities may be limited or unavailable. In case of emergency, the insurance company will arrange and pay for the evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Some exclusions may apply, such as pre-existing medical conditions or certain types of adventure activities. It's also important to keep in mind that emergency medical evacuation coverage is not the same as health insurance, and it may not cover the cost of ongoing medical treatment once you have been evacuated to a hospital or medical facility.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Emergency medical insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical treatment and expenses in the event of an illness or injury while traveling outside your home country. This can include things like doctor's visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. Travel medical insurance can provide coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and even evacuation to your home country in case of a medical emergency. Some policies may also provide coverage for things like accidental death and dismemberment. It's important to note that travel medical insurance is not the same as traditional health insurance and it may not cover pre-existing conditions or ongoing medical treatment. Also, it's usually purchased for a certain period of time, usually the duration of the trip.

Trip Delay Insurance

Trip delay insurance can help cover expenses associated with delayed travel. This can include things like additional transportation costs, lodging, and meals if your trip is delayed for a specified length of time. This coverage can be part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy or offered as an addon to an existing policy. It can also be offered as a benefit on some credit cards. It typically kicks in when a trip is delayed for a certain number of hours, usually 6-12 hours, due to an eligible reason such as flight delays, missed connections, or weather. The policy will usually provide a set amount of coverage per day, for a certain number of days, for expenses such as additional accommodation, meals and local transportation to the accommodation.

Lost of Delayed Baggage

Lost or delayed baggage insurance can help cover expenses associated with lost or delayed baggage while traveling. This can include things like the cost of replacing necessary items or the cost of additional transportation if your bags are delayed. This coverage can be part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy or offered as an add-on to an existing policy. It can also be offered as a benefit on some credit cards. It typically kicks in when your bags are delayed for a certain number of hours, usually 6-12 hours, due to an eligible reason such as flight delays, missed connections, or weather. The policy will usually provide a set amount of coverage per day, for a certain number of days, for expenses such as additional accommodation, meals and local transportation to the accommodation. In case of lost bags, the policy will usually provide coverage for the cost of replacing necessary items or the cost of additional transportation if your bags are lost permanently, or delayed for an extended period of time.

Trip Cancellation

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you financially in case you need to cancel your trip before you even start it due to certain covered events. These events can include things like natural disasters, serious illnesses or injuries, a death in the family, or even certain work-related events. Typically, trip cancellation insurance will cover the cost of your non-refundable trip expenses, such as airfare, hotel reservations, tours, and other prepaid expenses.

It's important to note that coverage and reimbursement percentages may vary depending on the policy and the reason for cancellation. It's also important to note that most trip cancellation policies have a list of specific covered reasons for cancellation, such as a natural disaster or a serious illness or injury.

Cancel for Any Reason Insurance

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance is a type of travel insurance that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, not just for the specific reasons listed in the policy. This type of coverage is generally an add-on (you have to pay more) to a standard trip cancellation insurance policy and is more expensive than a standard policy. CFAR coverage typically allows you to cancel your trip for any reason up to 2 or 3 days before the trip departure date. The policy will usually reimburse you for a portion of your non-refundable trip costs, often around 75% or less.

It's important to note that even with CFAR coverage, there may still be certain exclusions and restrictions on what is covered. For example, the policy may not cover pre-existing medical conditions, certain types of adventure activities, or events related to terrorism. Additionally, some policies may have a time limit on when you can purchase this coverage (you can’t buy it just after learning that you’ll need to cancel your trip – the insurance company will typically investigate the circumstances of your cancellation). CFAR insurance is expensive and doesn’t cover the full cost of your trip. Do a cost-benefit-risk analysis before purchasing it. 

Should I buy an Annual Travel Insurance Policy?

Like many things in life, it depends. An annual travel insurance policy is a type of coverage that provides protection for multiple trips taken within a year. This can include things like trip cancellation, emergency medical treatment, and emergency medical evacuation. It is particularly useful for people who take multiple trips per year, either for leisure or business purpose. It's important to evaluate your travel needs, and consider factors such as your destination, the length of your trip, and the activities you will be doing, as well as your budget and the level of coverage you need. Overall, whether or not to buy an annual travel insurance policy depends on your individual travel needs and budget. It's a good idea to assess your own travel habits and determine if it would be more cost-effective for you.

Doesn’t my Credit Card Provide Travel Insurance?

Many credit cards offer some form of travel insurance as a benefit, but it's important to understand that the level of coverage provided can vary widely depending on the card and the issuer. It's also important to note that these benefits are often secondary coverage, which means they will only cover expenses not covered by your primary insurance (i.e. if you don’t have a primary insurance, they will not cover you).

Some common types of coverage provided by credit cards include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This can help cover the cost of nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to a covered event.

• Emergency medical and dental coverage: This can provide coverage for medical treatment and expenses in case of an illness or injury while traveling.

• Baggage loss and delay coverage: This can provide coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. 

• Rental car collision coverage: This can provide coverage for damage to a rental car, as long as you decline the rental company's collision coverage and pay for the rental using your credit card.

It's important to check with your credit card issuer to find out exactly what types of coverage are provided and what the limits are. You can usually find this information in the cardholder agreement or on the issuer's website. It's also important to also keep in mind that credit card travel insurance may not be as comprehensive as a standalone travel insurance policy. It's also important to check the exclusions and limits, as well as to check if the coverage is primary or secondary. If you're planning a significant trip or a trip with a high risk activity or destination it may be a good idea to purchase a standalone policy for more comprehensive coverage.

Can I benefit from my credit card coverage by just paying for the trip deposit?

Whether or not you need to purchase the entire trip with your credit card to benefit from the credit card insurance policy can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the specific policy. In some cases, you may only need to pay a portion of the trip, such as a deposit, with your credit card in order to activate the coverage. In other cases, you may need to pay for the entire trip with your credit card in order to be eligible for coverage. It's important to check with your credit card issuer to find out exactly what is required in order to activate the coverage. You can usually find this information in the cardholder agreement or on the issuer's website. It's also important to note that even if you pay for the entire trip with your credit card, it may not cover all your expenses.

What is “force majeure” and how does it apply to my insurance coverage?

Force majeure is a legal term that refers to an unforeseen event or circumstance outside of the control of a party that prevents that party from fulfilling their contractual obligations. In the context of travel insurance, force majeure may be used to refer to events such as natural disasters, terrorist acts, civil unrest or pandemics that prevent a person from being able to take their trip as planned. Many travel insurance policies have a force majeure clause that specifically addresses these types of events and outlines the coverage that may or may not be provided. 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of Organizing your Galapagos expedition cruise ship charter? Read this first…

Organizing a private Galápagos expedition-cruise charter for a larger group of friends or family is less like booking a “floating hotel” and more like producing a small, moving expedition. Done well, it can be one of the most eƯicient and memorable ways for a large party to experience the islands together. Done poorly, it becomes an expensive exercise in mismatched expectations, logistical friction, and last-minute compromises.

The key is to treat the project as four sequential checkpoints—each one designed to prevent you from investing time and deposits into a charter that is not truly aligned with your group.

1) Confirm the group understands what a Galápagos expedition cruise actually is.

Before you compare ships, itineraries, or dates, ensure your group agrees on the nature of the experience. A Galápagos expedition cruise is not a conventional cruise where you watch scenery from the deck and get out occasionally. Most days involve two (or more) guided excursions—typically a wet landing (stepping into shallow water / at a beach), a short slow hike over volcanic terrain and forest trails, snorkeling, kayaking, and/or zodiac rides—often in warm sun, with salt water, and with early starts.

Cabins are comfortable but depending on the ship, they can be compact; the ship should be considered as the basecamp, not the “event.” The wildlife encounters are the centerpiece, and the schedule follows park rules and site rotations rather than a leisurely “choose your own adventure.” This is precisely why charters succeed or fail: they magnify group dynamics. If a meaningful portion of your party expects an easy, resort-style vacation with minimal physical activity, the experience can feel demanding rather than exhilarating (of course, anyone is free to “sit it out” if they’d rather not join a particular activity). Conversely, if the group is excited by active days, natural history, and a structured rhythm, a charter can be extraordinary.

A practical way to de-risk this is to circulate a one-page “Expedition Reality Check” before you discuss dates or budgets: early mornings, two excursions per day, wet landings, snorkeling as a core activity, limited Wi-Fi, and a naturalist-led program. Ask each household to explicitly confirm they are comfortable with that profile. If you do this early, you protect friendships later.

2) Price the full journey, not just the ship

Charter planning often goes off the rails because the group focuses on the ship price and underestimates the “travel overhead” of getting to the Galápagos.

For most parties, the total cost has three layers:

• Layer A: The cruise/charter itself. This is typically priced per cabin (or per person based on double occupancy), and charter contracts may include a mix of cabin categories and a minimum revenue commitment. You will also need to understand what is included: guided excursions, meals, transfers on the islands, wetsuits, alcoholic beverages, park fees, gratuities, and fuel surcharges vary by vessel.
  
  
• Layer B: Access costs to reach the islands. This generally includes international flights to Ecuador, a hotel night (often in Quito or Guayaquil), domestic flights to the Galápagos, and sometimes additional transfers and baggage fees. These costs can be material and can vary widely depending on where your group is coming from and the season.
  
  
• Layer C: Mandatory local fees and incidentals. These typically include national park entrance fees, transit control cards, gratuities, gear rental or purchases (if not included), and personal items. Your job is not to guess exact numbers; it is to build a budget framework that is honest enough for households to commit. Provide a per-person “all-in” estimate with high/low ranges, then explain the biggest variables: cabin category, season, airfare volatility, single supplements, and inclusions. If the group’s affordability is uneven, do not leave it to chance. Decide early whether you will (a) set a single budget level and let some opt out, or (b) deliberately choose a ship with broader cabin-tier pricing so the group can self-select comfort levels while still traveling together.

3) Ensure you are not working at cross purposes inside your own group

Large groups risk having independent parallel planners—well-intentioned people collecting quotes, proposing dates, or lobbying for different ship styles. Without structure, you can end up with contradictory assumptions: one person planning a July departure with high demand pricing, another assuming shoulder-season rates; one prioritizing luxury cabins, another prioritizing a lower per-person cost; one insisting on a specific itinerary, another focused on particular wildlife or activities. Solve this with governance. Establish a small “charter committee” (2–4 decision-makers) and define the non-negotiables in writing:

• Target travel window(s) and flexibility
• Preferred passenger count range and cabin mix assumptions
• Comfort level: expedition-forward vs luxury-forward
• Activity intensity: high-snorkeling focus vs lighter program
• Budget guardrails (per person, all-in)
• Deal-breakers (e.g., no triple cabins, must have stabilizers, must have a certain guide ratio)

Then create a single source of truth: one shared summary document and one communications channel. Make it clear that quotes gathered outside these parameters are informational, not decision-binding. This avoids the most common charter failure mode: discovering late in the process that diƯerent stakeholders have been solving diƯerent problems.

4) Engage a reputable Galápagos expert who can align your needs with the right ship and operators

A charter is not just buying inventory; it is coordinating permits, park logistics, guide teams, flight timing, contingency planning, and local provider performance. The difference between a “travel agent” and a true Galápagos expedition specialist is operational fluency: they know which ships deliver consistent guiding, which itineraries balance visitor sites well, how different vessels handle group needs, and how to protect you contractually.

Look for an expert who can do four things:

1. Translate your group profile into an operational spec (fitness range, snorkeling comfort, cabin expectations, medical considerations, accessibility constraints).

2. Match ships to needs honestly (not just what is available), including realistic trade-offs between price, comfort, and expedition quality.

3. Stress-test the itinerary and logistics—flight timing, embark/disembark flow, luggage handling, and what happens when weather or operations shift.

4. Negotiate and manage the charter contract—deposit schedule, cancellation terms, name-change rules, passenger minimums, force majeure, and what is included versus billed locally.

Reputation matters. Ask for references from recent charters, not just individual bookings. Request clarity on who is on the ground in Ecuador during operations, and who answers the phone if something changes 48 hours before departure.

The bottom line

A successful Galápagos charter is built less on enthusiasm than on alignment: aligned expectations about expedition life, aligned understanding of the true all-in budget, aligned internal decision-making, and aligned professional guidance from someone who knows the ships and the on-the-ground realities. If you get those four checkpoints right early, the rest of the process—ship selection, dates, cabins, and payments—becomes execution rather than improvisation.

 

We get this question a lot. From Anchorage, London, Chicago, Montreal, Singapore…. to Quito. What's the best flight route? What's the best way, from A to B?

There is no single “best” flight route that suits everyone, because so many factors come into play when booking travel. In other words, it really does depend on what matters most to you personally.

Here’s a deeper look at the key factors that can influence your decision:

• Number of Connections: Some travelers prefer to have as few connections as possible. A direct flight might be the most convenient, but it’s not always available from your home airport, or it might be more expensive. For others, a longer layover may be worth it if it significantly reduces costs.
• Price: Budget can be a big factor. Travelers often balance convenience with price. For example, a direct flight may be more expensive, while a flight with one or two layovers can be much cheaper. Which do you prefer?
• Departure and Arrival Times: People have different preferences. Some don’t mind getting up at 4AM to catch an early flight and arriving at their destination in time for a good night’s sleep. Others may not mind a red-eye, arriving early in the day so you they make the most of their time at the destination.
• Stopovers and Interesting Layovers: Some travelers enjoy routes that allow for a longer stop in another city, turning it into a mini trip within a trip. This can be a great way to explore a new place without buying a separate ticket.
• Airline Loyalty Programs: Frequent flyers might prioritize routes with airlines that offer them the most value in terms of points or status upgrades. If you’re a member of a loyalty program, booking with a partner airline can also bring you added perks.
• Reliability and Flexibility: Some airlines have better reputations for punctuality, fewer cancellations, or more flexible policies on changes and cancellations. This can matter a lot, especially if your plans might shift.

At CNH Tours, when we book our own flights, we typically start by using a comprehensive booking site like Expedia. These platforms show a broad range of airlines and flight options, helping us see the possibilities side-by-side. Once we identify a promising option, we double-check directly with the airline’s website for accuracy and to make sure we’re seeing the most up-to-date schedules and fares. We usually book directly with the airline—this is key—because in our experience, it’s easier to resolve issues or make changes if something goes wrong when you’re dealing directly with the airline, rather than through an intermediary booking site.

Ultimately, the best route for you will come down to balancing these factors—price, comfort, convenience, airline loyalty, and peace of mind—according to your own travel priorities.

Wildlife is good all year long in Galapagos.  Almost all species are resident there, if not even endemic.  But different species go through different life cycles at different times of the year.  This calendar will help you understand what to expect during your visit.

Galapagos Wildlife Calendar '

January

• Beginning of the rainy season (which means the occasional, short lived tropical downpour – on average 1-2 a week)

• Sea warming up nicely

• Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain

• On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly co•lored (green & red + black)

• The green sea turtles come to the beaches for egg laying 

• Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island

• Both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until May-June

• Vegetation bursts into leaf (if rains are on time)

 

February

• On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting

• Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season

• Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season

• Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island

• Seas are fully warmed up, and stay warm until end of April, when they start cooling down again

• Very few penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have followed the cool waters back to the west or near upwelling areas)

• Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak

 

March / April

• Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature can reach up to 30C (86F). Humidity is high.

• Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina

• The waved albatross start arriving later in March (Española Island) and begin courtship

 

• End of hatching season of the giant tortoises

• Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch

• Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela

• Good visibility in the water for snorkelers

 

May

• Temperatures (air and sea) start to go down

• North Seymour's blue-footed boobies begin their courtship

• Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas

• Most of marine iguanas' eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz

• Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage

• Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs

• Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period

 

June

• Beginning of the garúa season (misty mornings, cooler evenings)

• Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places

• Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises

• South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger. Seas generally choppier (no storms in Galapagos)

• Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour.

• Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador, may make an appearance.

 

July

• Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española (can vary from year to year)

• Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.

• If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting.

• Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November

• Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela

• Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and subadults.

• Water temperature does not reach more than 21C (68F)

 

August

• Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago

• Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island

• The temperature of the ocean drops to 18C (64F),  varying according to the geographic zones among the islands.

• Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March

• Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz

• Oceans are more regularly choppy, currents at the strongest levels, surf can be expected along the shores that face west or south

• Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings.

 

September

• Peak of the cold (garúa) season

• Days can still be warm under the sun, but nights are fresh.

• Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.

• Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy.

• Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions activity.

• Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.

 

October

• Lava herons start nesting until March

• The Galapagos Fur Seals begin their mating period

• Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)

• Giant tortoises are still laying eggs

• Days are not always sunny. Garúa can be expected in most locations, except the western islands where most days have a misty start but after few hours of daylight it burns off.

• Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful after the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes.

• Summits are clear, but low-lying fog covers the shoreline.

 

November

• Pupping of sea lions continue.

• Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago.

• Breeding season for the brown noddies

• Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands.

• The genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded at the shores of the Flour Beach at Floreana.

• Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period

• Chop becomes less frequent. South east trade winds have decreased strength. Water temperatures are slowly rising.

• Generally great weather due to transition between one season and the next one

• Good visibility for snorkelers

• Sea lion pups (especially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months.

 

December

• Seas warming up, less choppy.

• Hatching of giant tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April

• Green sea turtles display their mating behavior

• The rainy season begins, all of the plants of the dry zone produce leaves. Galapagos start to become "green"

• The first young waved albatrosses fledge

Heather Blenkiron, CNH Tours co-owner

My husband and I moved to Galapagos 3 weeks after getting married. Our first child was born in Ecuador and spent the first nearly 3 years of his life growing up in Galapagos. He went on a cruise twice - once while still in utero - and a 2nd time at 9 months of age.

The Galápagos Islands offer a stimulating and friendly environment for children. With easy access to the sea, welcoming locals, and fearless (and harmless) wildlife, the archipelago can be an extraordinary experience for young visitors. However, careful planning is essential, as suitability varies depending on the child’s age and level of maturity.

I’ve assembled the following recommendations based on my personal experience and on my experience as long time Galapagos travel advisor, helping all kinds of family groups planning their Galapagos family adventure.

Land vs. Cruise with Children The eternal question! While we unreservedly recommend a cruise over a land-based visit to expose yourself to the most of what Galapagos has to offer, if you’re bringing a child along, things can be complicated. A child who has learned to walk, but who has not yet learned some self-discipline and respect for rules and those around him/her can be difficult to bring on a cruise. We generally recommend not bringing children between the ages of about 1 to 7 on a cruise. If that’s your situation we recommend a land-based visit or, better yet, waiting until your child / children are old enough to behave and to enjoy snorkeling and also retain lifelong memories of their trip.

Considerations by Age Group

Infants (5–12 months): Infants who are not yet mobile can often be brought along on a Galápagos cruise without difficulty. They can be carried in baby backpacks during guided walks and may enjoy beach playtime with proper supervision. Their limited mobility makes them easier to manage in the shipboard environment. Be very careful in regard to sun exposure / heat stroke. One parent may need to stay on board with the child for some activities (snorkeling, kayaking etc…).

Toddlers (1–6 years): Once children become mobile, cruise ships may present safety challenges. The ship’s movement can lead to falls and injuries, and the constant need for supervision may make the experience stressful for parents. Misbehaving or crying children will likely not be appreciated by others on your ship - don’t forget, this is their trip of a lifetime as well. For these reasons, cruises are generally not recommended for children in this age group.

Young Children (7–11 years): Children who have developed a sense of personal responsibility can begin to adapt well to the structure of a Galápagos cruise. At this age, they are more likely to understand and respect guidelines such as staying on designated trails, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, and cooperating with the group and guide. Practicing snorkeling and swimming beforehand is encouraged, as marine experiences form a major part of a Galápagos trip. Children aged 7 or 8 and up often demonstrate the discipline necessary to be positive participants. Additionally, children under 12 may be eligible for discounted pricing on cruises.

Teenagers (12 and up): Reactions to travel opportunities can vary widely among teenagers. Some kids may roll their eyes when given the option of a cruise in Galapagos – but once they are there, they pretty much overwhelmingly have a fantastic time. Still - families should assess whether the teen is likely to engage positively with the Galápagos experience before booking. Again, be sure your kids are comfortable in the water, with a mask and snorkel. Practice / take lessons ahead of time if necessary.

Family Cruises: Some ships offer designated “family cruises,” particularly during school holiday periods such as Christmas, Easter, and the summer months (July/August). These cruises are recommended for families, as they often include other children onboard, creating opportunities for peer interaction and shared experiences. Guides may offer child-focused programming or activities to enrich the experience.

General Advice: Regardless of age, all children should be protected from sun exposure, which is particularly strong near the equator. Parents should also be aware that some cruise operators have minimum age requirements or other restrictions concerning children. It is important to confirm such policies when booking. 

Need more insights? See our article: 11 Good Reasons for Going on a Family Cruise in Galapagos. You’ll have a family trip of a lifetime! 

10 Things To Do On Your Free Days in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos

Puerto Ayora was my hometown for 4 years. When you live in a small town, on a small island, you quickly get to know just about all the things to do on a weekend. Here is a list of what I consider are some of the most interesting, quirky, refreshing things you can do on a lazy day in Puerto Ayora.

10. Hike out to Tortuga Bay beach

Tortuga Bay is a beautiful 1.5 km long white sand beach with nice waves rolling in. It’s a popular day outing for Puerto Ayora residents, especially on the weekend. Bring sunscreen and watch out for the currents. You may find nobody there at all if you go on a weekday morning. If you are seeking a more tranquil swimming area, walk to the far end of the beach (turn right at the trail’s end), go around the corner and you’ll find a peaceful and inviting lagoon – watch for small spotted eagles rays swimming near the surface, a nice spectacle. How to get there: Ask for the Tortuga Bay trailhead – a taxi driver can take you there, or you can walk from your hotel (15 minutes). It’s about a 30 minute walk along a volcanic rock wall/trail (what was a rough trail when I arrived was soon improved into a extensive stone walled trail 2 years later, prompting my husband to call it “the great wall of Galapagos”) to the beach. You might even run across a tortoise on the trail from time to time

9. Downhill cycling from the highlands of Santa Cruz to Puerto Ayora

Hire mountain bikes from a local bike shop (make sure the brakes work – these bikes are not always in top condition) and hire a taxi (pick-up truck variety) to take you to El Cascajo (a small farming settlement) area. Take in the nice vistas of the coast below, the cool highland air, small coffee and pineapple plantations, and pass by the occasional donkey. Stop at Bellavista for lunch, where the air is cooler. Bellavista has seen a proliferation of “mom & pop” eateries serving chicken and rice dishes and typical Ecuadorian soups in recent years (but usually only on Sundays). Watch for local traffic! One side option is to head to the collapsed crater at the end of the road in El Camote (as the taxi driver). You can walk around the crater for beautiful vistas and a small lagoon there attracts a variety of birds. This is a dirt road (for now). A good idea would be to start the ride at El Camote, head over to El Cascajo, then use the more scenic route to Bellavista.

8. Go beachcombing at Garapatero Beach

This smaller, isolated beach had been inaccessible by land until a road was built to within 200 metres of the coast in 2001. The beach isn’t enormous, but it is remote, offers more shade than Tortuga Bay, and the waters are calmer. There is a small lagoon nearby (ask around) where you could maybe spot some flamingos and other lagoon birds. During high season, it may be overrun with school children (Feb-March). How to do it: Take a taxi to the beach trailhead (be sure to arrange for a return pick-up) and then begin the 5 minute hike to the shore.

7. Go on a 2 tank diving day trip.

There are plenty of good diving sites that can be reached on a day trip out of Puerto Ayora. If you’re lucky, you can spot that elusive school of hammerheads. My husband saw killer whales feeding on rays just 5 metres away! (ok, it was from the boat deck, and not while he was diving). Conditions are very variable – you might want to talk to the outfitter first. How to do it: There are 2-3 scuba outfitters in town. We usually use Scuba Iguana (they supported the Charles Darwin Research Station activities). You  might need to book ahead a few days. 

6. Take a tour of Academy Bay. There is always an eclectic collection of ships moored at Academy Bay – the usual cruise ships in for re-supplying, some of the long-in-the-tooth fishing boats used by locals, possibly the Galapagos National Park’s marine patrol vessels. You might even find some luxury private yachts, a U.S. research vessel or other unexpected surprises. It can be quite relaxing to take a 1-2 hour slow tour of the Bay on a hot afternoon, and check these ships out more closely. While you’re at it, check out the shoreline and see more wildlife.   How to do it: Ask at the town dock for a Bay Tour (9AM – noon or 2PM – 6PM). The cost is US$ 25 – 30 per person and this includes a snack and snorkeling gear. The best spot to go to: The Loberia on Camanyo Island.

5. Venture to “Las Grietas" swimming hole on “The Other Side” of Academy Bay.

Puerto Ayora is really 2 distinct communities – the main town, accessible by road, and “the other side” (el otro lado in Spanish). The other side is accessible by boat only, and residents there tend to appreciate being away from the hustle and bustle of the main town. This is where you’ll find the Finch Bay hotel (with a small beach nearby) among others. Following a circuitous 1km trail past the hotel, you can reach “Las Grietas”, Spanish for the caves, of the crevasses. In fact, what we have is a long narrow cool-water swimming hole among a jumble of small cliffs and tumbled boulders. Locals come here for a change of pace, youth enjoying showing off their diving skills. On the way to Las Grietas, you might spot some interesting birdlife among the landlocked shallow water bodies around here. How to do it: One of the difficulties for residents living on “the other side” is transport. To get there, it’s relatively easy to find an aqua-taxi at the main Puerto Ayora dock. Cost: About US$ 1.00 for the 4 minute crossing.

4. Visit the Tunnel of Love!

It sounds a little corny, but it’s a fun outing. Just outside of the town of Bellavista, in the highlands (about 7 km from Puerto Ayora), this long lava tunnel is well worth exploring. The local farmer on whose land it’s located has developed a pretty kitsch interpretation centre. He’ll charge you a small fee, and even rent out a flashlight for you. The tunnel is about 600 metres long, and is a great example of geological formations resulting from lava flows. After you’re done, you can consider walking back to Bellavista (10 minutes) for lunch, taking advantage of the cooler highland air. How to do it: Hire a taxi to take you to “Los Tuneles del Amor” – outside of Bellavista – they should know where it is. You can find taxis easily in Bellavista, to take you back to Puerto Ayora.

3. Commune with giant tortoises “in the wild” at Steve Devine’s Farm. Steve Devine’s farm lies right next to a popular wild giant tortoise hangout. As a result, these lumbering reptiles often enter his farmland, taking advantage of a few water holes. This place is popular with tour groups, but you can go on your own too. How to do it: Hire a taxi to take you to Steve’s farm located in the highlands of Santa Cruz. There is a small entrance fee. Make sure you arrange your return trip.

2. Hike to Media Luna (half moon) hill. 

This is a popular outing for the more active locals – getting out of town, taking in fresh air and nice vistas. About 2 hours uphill hike from Bellavista. Again, you might want to consider lunch at Bellavista after the hike. It’s named halfmoon after the shape of this semi-circular ancient volcanic crater. Don’t forget to bring water! How to do it: Take a taxi to Bellavista to the Media Luna trailhead, approximately 300-400 metres behind town (the taxi driver should know, if not ask locally for directions “el sendero hasta media luna”).

1. Go horseback riding in the highlands  

How to do it: Horseback riding can be arranged upon request. Ask your hotel manager for information. When planning your free days in Puerto Ayora, don’t forget, you are on the equator. The sun sets at about 6PM each and every night.

Any search on the internet will show you that Galapagos expedition cruise ships are classed using what appears to be a variety of classifications systems often leaving you a bit puzzled as to what they actually mean. We've done a good amount of research, contacting the Galapagos National Park Service's (GNPS) department of tourism, the Galapagos Chamber of Tourism (CAPTURGAL), and the International Galapagos Tour Operators' Association (IGTOA), and have compared the results to our own personal knowledge of several ships to come up with the following answers we hope will help clarify any confusion.

There is only one official classification system - the one set up by the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS) in 1995. It classes ships according to 4 basic criteria:

1. Whether or not cabins are private;

2. Whether or not cabins have private bathrooms;

3. Whether or not there is air conditioning.

4. Day tripping ships.

This system was developed in the relatively early days of Galapagos tourism and no longer provides great guidance given that today, all ships provide for private cabins, private bathrooms and air conditioning. Visitors must rely on other variables when considering one ship over another. These could include:

• General spaciousness: Room size, amount of covered and uncovered deck space available, existence and sizes of salons on board, etc.
• General maintenance standards: How rapidly does a ship fix broken or run-down items? Will the air-condition work, or is it chronically broken? Does it need a paint job?
• Professionalism of the crew: Are they always very attentive? Do they go the extra mile?
• Guide Quality: Does he/she really know what he/she is talking about? Is he/she easily understood? Does he/she have lots of enthusiasm?
• Cuisine: Simple meals versus multiple course meals with fine china settings, attentive dining room service, freshly brewed coffee versus instant, etc.
• Quality furnishings: Presence of polished brass fixings and high-end marine décor, use of professionally crafted materials, versus basic fixtures.
• Extras: On board pool / sauna, email access, comprehensive reading room, medically trained staff person etc.

In an attempt to convey these differences, an alternative, informal Galapagos ship classification system has evolved, led primarily by the tour industry. Our experience and first-hand knowledge of the ships lead us to believe that the tour industry classification system is generally accurate and reliable.

Tour Industry led Galapagos Expedition Cruise Ship Classification System

No formal definitions exist. Most commonly seen classes are:  Luxury - First Class Tourist Superior - Tourist Generally, this rating system is fairly accurate, but one can find a ship classed as "First Class" on one web site, and "Tourist Superior" on another.

• Luxury ships go all the way in attention to detail, spaciousness and service. While almost all larger (32 – 100 passengers) vessels are luxury class, about 25% of smaller vessels fall in this category.
• First Class ships may have similar service levels as Luxury ships, but are usually smaller, with less deck space. One or two larger vessels are First Class. Another 40% of smaller ships are first class.
• Tourist Superior ships are usually quite reliable and offer the basics in service and attention. Approximately 25% of ships are in this class – though the number is going down as ship owners swap them out for higher class ships.
• Tourist class ships can be considered backpacker specials. There are very few such ships remaining in Galapagos and none would carry more than 16 passengers.

Each ship will be more or less professionally managed, depending on the people in charge – you may find a tourist superior ship with better guides, or more attentive crew than on a first-class ship, for example. Luxury ships will typically have mastered the “hotel management” aspect of the on-board experience. Tourist class ships should be considered by those for whom the lowest possible cruise price is the main deciding factor. Having said this, we strongly recommend finding sufficient funds for at least a Tourist Superior class ship – remember, Galapagos is a once in a lifetime experience and it’s worth going the extra mile to make sure it’s a good one!

OUR FINAL WORD ON SHIP CLASSIFICATION: In the end, we suggest that the price of a cruise generally reflects the relative level of luxury you can expect on board, with the risk of unexpected problems occurring rising rapidly at the very lowest end of the price scale. If money is no object, a luxury ship will give you a wonderful experience. But if you’re happy with less attention to fine detail, you can also have a top-notch trip in Galapagos on a good ship in any class.

 

BELOW:  A "back-of-the-envelope" illustration of the perceived "value for money" for a Galapagos cruise.