Cruise or island hopping on the Galapagos Islands?

An ocean of unique wildlife and nature experiences await you on the Galapagos islands!

It’s fantastic to experience the beautiful islands on a cruise or island hopping.

But what should you choose?

Below, you can read about the pluses and minuses of the two modes of travel and find out which one is the best one for you and your travel wishes.

What is the difference between a cruise and island hopping?

Whether you choose to experience the Galapagos Islands on a cruise or by island hopping, you will enjoy amazing nature and wildlife experiences.

However, the two ways of experiencing the islands differ on some important points, and it’s a good idea to consider the following:

• Do you tend to get seasick?
• What’s your budget for the tour?
• Do you want to stay at hotels or sleep on a boat?
• How flexible an itinerary do you want?

Island hopping on Galapagos

On an island hopping tour of the Galapagos Islands, you stay at hotels on the islands where possible.

Every day, activities are arranged on the island, or there will be a boat trip to a nearby island. In the afternoon/evening, you have time to experience life in the cosy harbour towns on your own, and you can, for example, go out and eat in the evening.

On our island hopping tours, you visit 2-3 islands and you stay on 2 of them: Santa Cruz and Isabela.

The pluses of island hopping:

• Cheaper than a cruise.
• You sleep at the hotel every night, giving you solid ground under your feet when it’s bedtime. This is ideal if you are prone to seasickness.
• Greater flexibility and freedom to explore on your own.
• You have the opportunity to experience how the locals live as you will stay on the islands.

The minuses of island hopping:

• You experience fewer islands than on a cruise. On our island hopping tour, you get to visit 2-3 islands.
• You miss out on the very special atmosphere that comes from being 100% immersed in the nature and wildlife experiences away from land.
• You experience fewer uninhabited islands and areas where the wildlife is more abundant than you do on a cruise.

Cruise on Galapagos

For many people, a cruise is the ultimate way to experience the magical atmosphere of Galapagos.

You sail around the islands and the boat is your home for the duration of your tour. This is where you will sleep, eat and spend much of the time.

The pluses of a cruise

• You will experience several islands and areas where the only inhabitants are wild animals.
• An indescribably beautiful starry sky with no light pollution.
• Feeling the special Galapagos atmosphere as you sail around is a unique experience.
• Transport, excursions and meals are included so you can enjoy the experience in peace and quiet.
• Time is better spent as the boat transports you between the islands at night.

The minuses of a cruise:

• More expensive than island hopping.
• Greater risk of getting seasick as you are on the boat most of the time.
• There is less space than when you stay at a hotel, and you are very close to the other guests on the boat.
• Less flexibility as it is a set itinerary.
• There is no Wi-Fi on the boat, so it is difficult to get in touch with the outside world online – which, conversely, is also one of the pluses of choosing a cruise!

Your tour to Ecuador and Galapagos will undoubtedly be magical: Unique scenery, fascinating wildlife, relaxation and adventure.

Whether you choose a cruise or island hopping, Galapagos offers world-class experiences!

If you’re still unsure whether to choose island hopping or a cruise, please feel free to contact our travel specialists with any questions you may have.

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