Can’t-Miss Galapagos Adventures
As you start planning the perfect cruise to the Galapagos Islands, make sure you’re filling up your itinerary with several exciting activities and adventures. Many people head to the Galapagos Islands to spend a few days in nature and relax in untouched territory. Most of the island remains untouched so you can see it from the eyes of early discovery. Here are some things you can do to make it the ultimate Galapagos adventure.
Guided Nature Tour of North Seymour Island
This glorious natural territory is home to the largest colony of frigatebirds on the island. These blue-footed birds have a unique courtship ritual where the males inflate their distinctive red gular pouch, which they inflate to attract females – you may be able to witness firsthand during your guided tour. North Seymour Island is almost entirely covered with vegetation, which is why you’ll find all sorts of land and marine iguanas, garden eels, and other animals across the land. Hiking and snorkeling are popular activities here so you’ll want to plan at least a day on the water and a day on land.
Kayaking Excursions on Santa Fe Island
Santa Fe Island is a hotbed of endemic species and is the perfect destination for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. You’ll probably see sea lions on the beaches around Barrington Bay before you head out for a guided surfing lesson. Hawks, snakes, finches, and mockingbirds are common around these parts so you can expect to see a variety of wildlife and birds in their natural habitat.
Shopping in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
If you’re looking for a taste of culture and local history, make your way to the waterfront town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on Santa Cruz island. This is about as commercial as you will get in the Galapagos and is where you’ll find a few local shops, luxury hotel accommodations and a visitor’s center where you can learn more about the islands.
Silversea’s Newest Ship to Sail the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands, may be the ultimate bucket list destination for many travelers. However, to lessen environmental stress to the islands, the government highly regulates tourism and boats. Enter Silver Origin, Silversea’s first ever destination-specific ship that will unleash meaningful travel experiences for guests in the Galapagos Islands starting in summer 2020. “Silver Origin will elevate our industry-leading offering in the Galapagos Islands, unlocking meaningful experiences for guests, as they travel in ultimate luxury,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s CEO.
Silver Origin will be one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ships ever built, thanks to state-of-the-art technology and solutions designed specifically for sailing the Galapagos Islands.
Silver Origin will see the highest crew-to-guest ratio (1:1.16) and the highest ratio of qualified guides per guest (1:10) in the Galapagos Islands. This will extend to the in-suite experience, as Silver Origin will be the only ship in the Galapagos Islands to offer butler service to all suites.
The same level of understated elegance evident throughout the Silversea fleet carries over to this intimate ship. But it’s the unique regional materials and bright, colorful motifs, borrowed from the Galapagos’ natural environment, that sets Silver Origin apart from its sister ships. Here’s an inside look into Silversea’s newest build.
Basecamp
The perfect space for socializing and the site of educational activities on board, Basecamp just may be one of Silver Origin’s most innovative areas. Basecamp features a large, interactive digital wall — through which guests will be able to access destination-related content, including pictures, videos, excursion previews, and scientific presentations.
Explore Lounge
An elegant hideaway for guests showcasing incredible views of the destination, Explore Lounge is the ideal place for guests to relax with a book from the library’s destination-focused collection.
Suites
Silver Origin will feature eight different suite categories — the largest of which, the Owner’s Suite, will feature panoramic views. Guests in every suite will enjoy the use of a private balcony, while specific suite categories even feature an innovative Horizon Balcony, which easily converts to enclose the terrace with a floor-to-ceiling window. Plus, a first for Silversea, selected suite categories will incorporate an ocean-view bathtub, as well as an ocean-view shower that is accessible from the balcony.
Dining
Expert local chefs will take guests on a journey of culinary discovery with fresh local ingredients and regional wines in Silver Origin’s two dining venues. Plus, there will be a focus on authentic Ecuadorian flavors.
With so many firsts, Silver Origin is leading the way on the exploration of the Galapagos. There’s no better time to set off for an idyllic adventure than with the launch of this innovative new ship.
Sleep Under the Stars on This Mega Yacht
Cruise lines are always looking for ways to improve their ships and the offerings available to appeal to a wide range of travelers. Celebrity Cruises is no exception. Their newer ship, the Celebrity Flora is a mega yacht full of exciting features and its made especially for their Galapagos explorations. This luxurious ship offers only suites, so you know you’ll get a comfortable cabin. Additionally, only 100 passengers are on board at one time — making for a more intimate cruising experience. But, there’s more to love, too. If you’ve always wanted to sleep under the stars while cruising, while aboard Celebrity Flora, you can!
Hop aboard a cruise to the Galapagos and get ready to take part in an incredible stargazing experience. While aboard the Celebrity Flora, you’ll have the chance to check out the stunning stars above. The ship has its own stargazing platform where travelers can check out the views and also listen to ecological seminars led by experts.
But the most exciting part of the stargazing platform is that you can book exclusive “glamping” cabanas for evening and night use. Each booking includes two cabanas. One is for al fresco dining featuring campfire-inspired eats, and the other cabana features a double bed to sleep under the stars. Talk about an incredible, unique travel experience. Guests can book this experience for one evening while on their Galapagos cruise.
Another cool feature of the Celebrity Flora is the observatory deck. Here guests can continue their exploration of the Galapagos Islands. The cozy library-like setting is full of books that are ready to be browsed. Passengers can take in the outdoor views while relaxing, through the impressive floor to ceiling windows.
If you’re thinking of visiting the Galapagos, you’ll want to book a journey with Celebrity Cruises so that you can enjoy all that Celebrity Flora has to offer!
Our Favorite Ships to Sail in the Galapagos
A volcanic archipelago in the Pacific is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape to nature and also has a place in history. Charles Darwin first visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and developed his first ideas of the theory of evolution on these grounds. Today, you can take a cruise around the beautiful waters and discover nature at its best with a wildlife viewing tour. Whether you’re a planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, here are our top three picks for cruises to the Galapagos Islands:
Endemic Luxury Catamaran Cruise
Set sail on a small ship cruise adventure on board the Endemic, a new 16-passenger luxury catamaran that offers spacious cabins and modern comforts. The ship is designed with a sky lounge, bar and Jacuzzi so you can enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Shore excursions include snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking with a guide.
Silverseas Baltra to San Cristobal Cruise
Head off on a 7-day cruise through the north-central region of Galapagos to see the wildlife up close and take a separate boating adventure to explore the lava tunnels of the region. The voyage takes place on the Silver Galapagos that features two dining options — outdoor patio dining at The Grill with grills made with volcanic rock, and The Restaurant with its open-seat dining room. A dedicated snorkeling area on the ship with snorkeling equipment will give you a chance to enjoy the waters for some underwater exploring. The ship is also home to a library featuring a selection of hardcover books, magazines, and newspapers to enjoy at your leisure.
Avalon Waterways Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands Cruise
Head off on a 12-day adventure from Quito, the “Center of the World” where you can start with a sightseeing adventure and visit to an Ecuadorian chocolate factory before heading off on your voyage with a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This trip takes you to the Ecuadorian Amazon and includes a 4-night cruise on the Treasure of Galapagos ship. You’ll have the chance to go snorkeling to discover the tropical waters and see dozens of species that Darwin documented almost two centuries ago.
