CHOOSING YOUR GALAPAGOS CRUISE
Surreal volcanic landscapes, ancient giant tortoises, myriad bird and marine life; swim and snorkel with penguins and sea lions for a remarkable series of life-changing memories. The ‘Enchanted Isles’ are an experience like no other. Superb boats, naturalist guides, daily shore excursions and informative lectures all ensure you get the best out of this incredible holiday of a lifetime.
CHOOSING YOUR CRUISE/EXPEDITION Bales use a variety of vessels in the Galapagos, offering you a choice to fit your needs. Larger boats (up to 90 passengers) such as the Santa Cruz offer additional amenities such as spacious lounges, and larger cabins. Mid-range vessels (40-50 passengers) tend to have the best combination of guide to guest ratio and on board space, while the intimacy of smaller boats (16-20 passengers) allows more personal interaction and access to smaller bays and inlets. For more images and information see our website. For clients dissuaded by the idea of life on board, land- based options are also available, including the excellent Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
A DAY IN THE GALAPAGOS Our recommended boats all have modern comforts such as air-conditioning and provide expert naturalists, fluent in English and trained at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The vessels will mainly sail at night, arriving at their destination in time for a post-breakfast activity. Days are planned around morning and afternoon shore visits, usually with a chance to swim or snorkel, before your guide will brief you on the next day’s planned activities. In the evening, dinner is usually served between 7pm and 8pm, when you will have the opportunity to relax and share your day’s experiences with your fellow travellers.
POINTS TO CONSIDER When considering your Galapagos holiday there are a number of points to think about. What length of cruise and what size of boat would suit you best? What time of year should you travel and what type of experience do you want in the islands?
1. Whilst the Galapagos is a year round destination, with unique wildlife events each month, peak times such as Christmas and school holidays make booking early advisable.
2. With the variety of life below the ocean surface, should you not be a swimmer or snorkeller, consider choosing a cruise boat such as the Santa Cruz, Isabela II or La Pinta, which all offer glass bottomed observation vessels.
3. This is a destination that is ideal for all ages and also a great experience for children; a number of the Galapagos cruises offer dates which are specifically geared towards families.
4. In 2012 all boats operating in the Galapagos Islands will undergo a change in their scheduled itineraries due to new regulations in the National Park. The sites on the islands (except around the main entry/exit points) can only be visited once a fortnight by any given vessel.
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It’s our experience that makes yours
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