A visit to the Galapagos Islands is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It is a ‘big ticket’ purchase, so getting it right is important, but for some the choice between a Galapagos Islands cruise or a Galapagos land-based option can be a very tricky one. In the past, the vast majority of visitors went on cruises, and while that is still true, land-based trips are becoming more common these days and there are several good options. So, which should you choose? Here are some tips to consider the possibilities and decide what will work best for you.
On a Galapagos Islands cruise you will stay in a cabin on a boat for the duration of your trip. You will travel between a number of different islands depending on the itinerary you choose. The length of cruise you choose will influence the islands that you get to visit and you will not visit all of the islands, regardless of the choice you make. Some cruises do visit more islands than others. Quite often you will travel by boat between islands during the evening, but also during the daytime sometimes too.
On a Galapagos land-based option you will stay in accommodation on land. Sometimes that will be at just one hotel, and other times, you might stay in more than one hotel on different islands. You will then do day trips and visits to get to see what the Galapagos Islands has to offer, which will be places that are reachable from your hotel. Inhabited islands where you might stay on your Galapagos land-based trip include Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island or Isabela Island. Most of the islands are uninhabited and it is not possible to stay there.
On a Galapagos Islands cruise, the chances are that you will visit a wider range of visitor sites, giving you access to the greatest diversity of wildlife on your trip. This is simply down to the fact that if you locate yourself on one or two of the islands for your visit and take day trips, there are a significant proportion of islands that you will not be able to get to. For example, while a good number of visitor sites can be accessed from Santa Cruz Island, a substantial range of places cannot be accessed. Examples of islands not accessible on a day trip from Santa Cruz include Espanola Island, Genovesa Island and Rabida Island. On a Galapagos Islands cruise you are much more likely to visit islands that are more remote and to see more.
It is also worth noting that when taking day trips to other islands while on a Galapagos land-based trip you are more likely to end up arriving at visitor sites at the hottest time of the day. This also tends to be the time of day when wildlife is at its least active, which should be considered.
Comfort can be found on both Galapagos Islands cruises and on Galapagos land-based trips. For some people, comfort is of paramount importance. However, one person’s “comfort” may be another person’s discomfort. An important point to make about comfort is that for those that suffer with sea sickness, comfort may be about staying on solid ground overnight to minimize the effects of this issue. For those that do experience very unpleasant sea sickness, a land-based option may very well be best because this will limit the amount of time that you will be on the water. However, to get to some visitor sites, the only way will be by boat so there will probably still be some sea time.
Sea sickness aside, there are cruises that offer cabins of a fabulous standard and similarly there are superb hotels. That said, generally speaking you will probably have more space at your accommodation if you opt for a land-based trip. Obviously, the more you spend, the more comfort you are likely to enjoy on your Galapagos Islands trip whether that is a cruise or a land-based option.
On a Galapagos Islands cruise it is likely that you will be around other people more often than if you take a Galapagos land-based trip. On a boat you will have a similar schedule to others, and you will be likely to be eating with the same people as well as around them in common areas. While you can go back to your cabin, you probably will not want to spend all your free time there. Meanwhile, on a Galapagos land-based option you will probably have more flexibility to not be with other people quite so often. For those that prefer peace and quiet, a land-based trip may be a better choice.
Being on a Galapagos cruise may for some feel a bit regimented. You will be expected to get up at a certain time and keep to a schedule. This is for your benefit because you will get to maximize your trip that way, but this is not everyone’s idea of a great vacation. For those that want greater flexibility to plan out their own days and activities, a Galapagos land-based trip will be the best option.
Generally speaking, a Galapagos land-based option is likely to be cheaper than going on a Galapagos Islands cruise. However, apart from drinks, most of your cruise costs will be covered as all-inclusive once you board your vessel. On the other hand, on Galapagos land-based trips will often have other costs once you have arrived and checked in. Often not all meals will be included and sometimes you will have to pay extra for day trips to visitor sites, if not all agreed in an upfront itinerary with your tour operator. Therefore, a land-based trip that might look cheap compared to a cruise at the start might start to rack up costs quite quickly as you start to enjoy your vacation.
Ultimately, which is best, cruise or land-based trip will depend on your own personal preferences. However, for getting to see a greater diversity of species and islands, a Galapagos Islands cruise is going to be a better option. This is why this way of visiting is still the most popular choice for most visitors to the archipelago. For those that cannot take a cruise, a Galapagos land-based trip still offers a chance to see a fair amount, so this should not be ruled out for some.
