Last Updated on April 23, 2026
By Jim Ferri
Many travelers consider the beautiful Galapagos Islands one of the most extraordinary places in the world. I’m one of them.
Located 600 miles (970km) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are a group of 127 islands and islets. Although their combined land area is only about half the size of Hawaii, it is spread out across an incredible 17,000 square miles (45,000 sq km) of the Pacific Ocean.
This huge marine reserve is famous for having an amazing array of wildlife you’ll find nowhere else. In fact, it’s one of the foremost destinations for wildlife viewing in the world. Envision dragon-like sea lizards… 500-pound giant tortoises, some more than 100 years old…albatrosses with eight-foot wingspans…birds with blue and red feet. It’s that and much, much more.
One of the earliest travelers here, perhaps the first tourist you might say, was Charles Darwin, who visited in 1835. The Galapagos are the islands that inspired his theory of evolution.
In fact, when the islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, they were described as a “living museum and showcase of evolution.” It remains a living museum…but now it’s also a wonderful, safe Jurassic-like park for the 21st-century traveler.
How To Experience the Galapagos
There are two ways to experience the Galapagos and enjoy its incredible flora and fauna. One is to stay in an island hotel and take day trips to various islands. Although this can mitigate your costs, it also takes up precious time as you travel to various islands. In fact, some islands may be unreachable on day trips.
Expedition cruises, on the other hand, are a more efficient way to visit the islands since their ships often reposition at night or during a meal. That means you’ll have more time to explore or spend on the beach, as well as travel more comfortably. On medium-sized and large ships and yachts, you’ll also enjoy onboard dining facilities and, perhaps, a bar. Some ships offer laundry facilities and small yachts and catamarans are also viable for families or small groups.
Overall, cruises let you travel farther in greater comfort, allowing you to personalize your trip exactly the way you want. They also allow you to see much more than you would on a day trip. The downside is that expedition cruises, yachts, and catamarans are typically more expensive.
The Cost Factor
Don’t decide solely on price, however, since ancillary day-trip costs, such as meals and transportation, can add up quickly. You need to do the math to find the best travel deal, which may not be what you first expected.
For example, my wife and I once rented a villa in Tuscany with two other couples. Although the villa initially appeared more costly, after adding all ancillary costs—meals, transportation, gratuities, etc.— it was less expensive per couple than a hotel.
The same is true in the Galapagos when comparing cost of day trips from an island hotel to the cost of a cruise. Although day trips are initially a less-expensive option, their ancillary costs can add up quickly.
Before booking a hotel and a day trip, find out how much time you’ll actually spend on the specific island you’d like to visit. And how long will it take to travel there from your hotel. Also consider meal costs and the potential for bad weather, which can have a greater impact on day-trippers than cruisers.
Importantly, also be aware that you cannot visit the islands in the Galapagos on your own. Since 97% of the land is in the Galapagos is a National Park, you must hire a licensed guide to visit any part of it. These guides also enforce the strict park regulations that prohibit touching wildlife or picking anything up from the ground at any time.
Leave the Planning To the Experts
Although you must do your homework in planning a Galapagos trip, it’s not wise to plan it alone. There are just too many variables – which ships, hotels, and islands to visit, and when to visit. (December to June offers warmer weather and calm seas, while July to November brings cooler waters with abundant marine life).
The key to having an enjoyable Galapagos vacation is to work closely with a knowledgeable travel advisor to craft every detail of a special tour that meets your needs, expectations, and budget. Ensure your selected advisor provides abundant information on both day trips and cruises before you make a decision.
You’re best off working with a reputable local tour company that can provide that advice. You’ll want them not only to help you plan your trip, but also, importantly, provide support while you’re traveling should anything go awry.
One reputable company is Voyagers Travel, an Ecuadorian tour company that crafts experiential tours to Ecuador, especially the Galapagos. Its tours are luxurious and expedition style, the perfect match for a never-to-be-forgotten Galapagos vacation.
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