How to choose a Galapagos cruise

The Galápagos National Park is one of the world’s most unique and exciting wildlife watching destinations, with many of the creatures that make their home here found nowhere else in the world. Cruises around these volcanic islands are a wonderful way to explore, sailing you to celebrated shores and reaching the remote corners that land-based trips can’t. They have nothing in common with standard cruises, either, so forget the cabaret and casinos; in the Galápagos, cruises are all about exploration off the boat, to encounter the dazzling biodiversity of this very special part of the world.

A fleet of fully crewed ships cruises around the Galápagos, from motor yachts with just eight cabins, to small ships and mega catamarans. With such a range of cruises available, how do you choose the Galápagos cruise that’s right for you?

Larger vessels tend to be steadier, which is helpful if you suffer from seasickness. Many also have excellent credentials when it comes to responsible tourism. The idea that big is better may seem counterintuitive, but in the Galápagos, larger vessels are constrained by tough ecological regulations, while smaller craft are less tightly regulated. As a result, these larger, modern boats are often the last word in environmentally friendly cruising. They may have their own sewage treatment plants and natural water supplies onboard, as well as a state of the art motor that radically cuts fuel consumption. In this way, bigger, luxury boats can sometimes cause less impact on the environment, despite being twice the size of traditional ships.

Smaller boats, on the other hand, offer a lovely sense of intimacy. When there are just 16 passengers and a small crew, it’s easy to get to know your fellow travelers and friendships quickly blossom. Traveling on a small boat also has a sense of old-school romance – you feel like the first pioneers that went to Galápagos – and allows you to get really close to this very special place. Some of that quiet exploration is lost with a larger boat. From a practical point of view, on a small craft you’ll also spend less time waiting to get on and off, which can be an issue on bigger ships.

Cruises around the Galápagos can be pretty active, with lots of snorkelling and hiking. You will be using a Zodiac to get you to and from the ship, to snorkelling sites and the islands. Wet landings, where you splash out into shallow water rather than stepping onto a jetty, are common, and when snorkelling you’ll simply be jumping in! Read the itinerary carefully and be honest about your ability to cope with the style of travel offered. Make sure you’re comfortable with the included activities, but also with moving around the boat. Many boats have cabins and communal areas spread over several decks, with the steps between the decks often pretty steep.

Seasickness is occasionally an issue. Although the waters are usually calm, there are times when it can get rough and choppy. Steady sea legs (and a sturdy stomach) are needed when walking around the boat during bad weather. Bring seasickness medication if you’re concerned.

Galápagos cruises are usually a once in a lifetime experience, so take your time chatting to vacation specialists to narrow down your options and help you pick your cruise with confidence. Each tour operator should have in-depth knowledge of the boats and the area, and will be able to answer all your questions. Larger operators will offer a choice of 50 or so different craft, ranging from 12 berth yachts and catamarans to 100 passenger cruise ships. If you’re feeling flush, they can even help you charter your own boat!