The Galapagos archipelago is located some 1000 kilometers straight west of mainland Ecuador and consists of 19 main islands and numerous smaller islets. Organized tourism started in the 1960's and the diversity of the marine world and the fascinating flora and fauna of the islands are an unforgettable experience for many tourists.
The high-range Galapagos cruise boats fall into two general categories: large cruise ships for 48 to 100 passengers and smaller private yachts with a capacity maximum of 22 people. There are several Galapagos cruise ships that sail to the Islands. Often, they have spacious interiors, ample decks, pools, and excellent meals. Other amenities that some of the cruise ships offer are on-board doctors, shops, libraries, conference rooms, and nightly discos. A great choice for families with younger children, they offer lots of space to explore and run about safely.
You can have a tailor made package created for you so that you can learn all there is to know about the Islands. Galapagos cruise and land based tour companies offer variety of Galapagos Islands tours for you to visit different parts of the fascinating Galapagos Islands. You can choose from over 60 yachts and numerous exciting land based tours.
Galapagos Island cruises come in one of three different modes: high-end, medium and economical. A high-end Galapagos cruise can be a Galapagos luxury cruise, which can accommodate between 50 and 100 passengers; and smaller yacht Galapagos cruise. For those who want to sail around the Galapagos Islands in comfort can take the Galapagos Islands luxury cruises aboard the Aggressors I and II that accommodate 14 passengers and usually sail for 8 days cruises. If you would prefer to spend less time on your Galapagos luxury cruise, so that you may take advantage of some time on the islands themselves, the Beluga leaves on Mondays for a 5 day luxury cruise.
Medium Galapagos Island luxury cruises fall into two categories: motor cruises and motor yachts. Ordinarily these medium luxury cruises last for between 5 and 8 days and can accommodate between 8 and 16 passengers. Selecting which of the medium priced cruises to take will depend on whether or not you want to do some scuba-diving and snorkeling. All cruises and yachts accommodate scuba-diving and snorkeling but some, such as the Nemo, are considered to be better equipped to handle diving.
The economical Galapagos cruise is not exactly cheap and you are sure to have a memorable time spent on board one of the Galapagos Island finest boats. The main difference between an economical Galapagos cruise and a medium or high-end cruise is in the size of the cabin that you'll be staying in.
If scuba diving is your thing, the Sea Man is considered one of the best equipped diving vessels in the Galapagos Islands. If you are planning on doing any scuba diving, the Estrella de Mar is considered one of the most stylish vessels in this class of Galapagos Islands luxury cruises.
Whatever your choice, you're sure to find the Galapagos cruise to be one of the most memorable occasions in your life.