Detour is a member of Travelers Against Plastic, (TAP, https://www.travelersagainstplastic.org). Single use plastic is a problem everywhere in the world, but it is an especially large problem in major tourism destinations in developing countries, where waste disposal is limited and recycling is virtually nonexistent. We strongly discourage the use of disposable water bottles, even if offered […]
Active Galapagos, Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel
Sierra Negra Volcano Eruption – June 2018
29
Jun
Jun
The Galapagos Islands are hailed for endemic wildlife seemingly unaware and uninterested in us humans looking on. Equally as fascinating and quintessential to any Galapagos trip is learning about the geology and the island’s creation. Let’s rephrase that. Ongoing creation. Right now the islands are alive! With volcano activity on both Fernandina (La Cumbre […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To The Galapagos?
16
May
May
The Galapagos is a trip of a lifetime, but you want to make sure that you have the right budget for the type of trip you want to do. How much should you budget for a Naturalist Cruise? Luxury Class boats are very high end. They have spacious cabins with larger king or queen beds, […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Trip To The Galapagos?
16
May
May
This depends on a few factors: when you want to travel, how flexible your dates are, how big your group is, and how picky you are about your itinerary & accommodations. When do you want to travel? The busiest times in the Galapagos are around Christmas and New Years, followed by Easter and Spring Breaks, […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
When Is The Best Time To Go To The Galapagos Islands?
15
May
May
There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos! The weather varies little at the equator and most of the wildlife does not migrate. The “High Season” and “Low Season” in the Galapagos mostly corresponds with holidays. The Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter Holiday are the busiest times in the Galapagos, and it can be […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
How Long Should I Go to the Galapagos Islands For?
15
May
May
Because it takes time and money to get to the Galapagos Islands and the first and last days of your trip are mostly travel days, we recommend that you spend at least 5 days in the Galapagos. The vast majority of travelers go to the Galapagos for 7 or 8 days. The more days you […]
Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
Should I Go on a Galapagos Naturalist Cruise?
05
May
May
Exploring the islands on a small yacht is the classic way to see the Galapagos, just like Charles Darwin did when he traveled around the Galapagos. What is a typical day like on a cruise? Cruises are slow paced. You wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, and then head out for your first […]
Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
Short Galapagos Cruises to the Western Islands of Isabela and Fernandina
10
Sep
Sep
So you’ve done a ton of research, and you know that you want to go to the far western part of at the Galapagos Islands: Isabela and Fernandina Islands. But you’ve run into a problem! Most cruises that go to Isabela and Fernandina Islands are 8 day cruises, and you just don’t have the time […]
02
Jul
Jul
You’ve paid for Galapagos trip and booked your hotel in mainland Ecuador, but there are a few more costs you’ll need to plan on paying once in Ecuador for your Galapagos trip. Below you will find a list of typical extra costs for any Galapagos trip. Keep in mind that your trip may differ a […]
Adventure Travel, Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel
What is the Difference Between the Classes of Boats in the Galapagos Islands?
26
Jun
Jun
There are four classes of boats in the Galapagos Islands: Luxury Class First Class Tourist Superior Class Tourist or Economy Class These classes vary by price, amenities on board, level of comfort, size of the cabins, and sometimes even by the quality of naturalist guide and itinerary. On Luxury Class, First Class, and Tourist Superior […]
The end of December and beginning of January are the absolute busiest times in the Galapagos Islands (aka, the Christmas and New Year’s High Season). It’s pretty tricky to find an available trip over these dates, but right now, there are actually some discounted options available for those who move fast. ARCHIPELL I CATAMARAN CRUISE […]
Dreaming of a Galapagos cruise at a discount price? In the Galapagos, there is a special, little-known time of the year when you can travel on a top-notch boat and during the best weather/wildlife season at a great discount. So when is this magic, sparkly time? The First Few Weeks of December. Do a cruise on […]
Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel
The 3 Best Times of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands
12
Jun
Jun
While there is no bad time to visit the Galapagos, there are three times of year that are the absolute best for wildlife viewing, weather, and water temperature. Though the animals active all year round, and the weather doesn’t fluctuate very significantly between seasons, there are some differences from month to month and this may […]
Before embarking on an exotic adventure, such as a cruise to the Galapagos Islands, there are a few comparatively trivial, but nonetheless essential things you should know. Here is one piece of valuable advice – never underestimate how the lack of basic practical knowledge about a particular destination can undermine your travel plans. Do you […]
Being in the Galapagos is like being in a nature documentary. You can see the wildlife up close and personal, and the animals are completely unafraid of you. Penguins come and play with you while you´re snorkeling. The sea lions follow your panga. And you are steps away from blue footed boobies dancing to attract a […]
There are two basic types of trips in the Galapagos Islands: land-based and yacht-based. In the land-based trips, you will overnight on land in a hotel. There are three towns that can accommodate tourists: Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Cristobal; and Puerto Villamil in Isabela. Often, the town and island […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel
What is the difference between a naturalist and multisport trip in the Galapagos Islands?
28
Mar
Mar
There are two main types of trips in the Galapagos: naturalist tours and multisport tours. Naturalist Tours are the standard type of guided trip in the Galapagos wherein you go for guided walking and snorkeling excursions each day. Multisports are the more active and adventurous alternative to this standard tour. Both tours are geared towards […]
One of the main rules for visitors to the Galapagos is that there is NO SMOKING allowed on the Islands. Most vessels allow you to smoke but usually only outside, on a specific deck. You should check with your guide upon arrival in the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
How much should I tip the guide and crew in the Galapagos?
22
Mar
Mar
Tipping of guides and crew on a Galapagos cruise is always appreciated, but is not required. Amounts should vary depending on service levels provided, but generally each traveler should tip their bilingual naturalist guide $8 – $15 per person per day, and the rest of the crew $8 – $15 per day (the crew will divide the […]
22
Mar
Mar
Sea sickness or motion sickness on a Galapagos Cruise is not as prevalent or terrible as many people fear. We’ve actually found that most Galapagos travelers experience very little to no sea sickness on their cruise. However, there are some other factors to consider:
All water on board a Galapagos cruise is safe to drink and if you prefer bottled water, it is usually available on board. Tour operate with guidelines to prepare all food and drinks with clean, sanitized water on board.
Most Galapagos Islands yachts operate on 110-volts/60-cycle currency, with standard North American outlets, as do the hotels in the Galapagos.
The fuel surcharge for a Galapagos cruise is a rather complicated affair, as it has nothing to do with the retail price of gasoline or diesel in Ecuador. Fuel prices in Ecuador have been subsidized by the Ecuadorian government for quite some time. In 2008, for the first time, the government decided to adjust their […]
Ecuador Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
Which Islands Should My Galapagos Cruise Visit?
22
Feb
Feb
A cruise is the classic way to explore the Galapagos Islands. For good reason. You’re able to reach more islands, explore more terrain, and see more wildlife. Many visitor sites are only available to cruises, so a cruise is the only way to visit them. By visiting many different island you also have a chance […]
After months of delays Quito, Ecuador’s, new Mariscal Sucre airport in the northeast suburb of Tababela, 37 km from the northern part of Quito, will finally open on Wednesday, February 20th at 9 am. February 19th the “old airport,” which is within the city of Quito, will close down at 7 pm. The new airport […]
Trip: Galapagos Islands on the Eden We went aboard the Eden with very average expectations and were overly impressed in every area, especially the guide, Reuben Montalvo and the crew. Helpful, careful, knowledgeable, cheerful, fun and always sensitive, inclusive and caring. As good as good could be. We loved it all and were sad to […]
Ecoventura, the owners of the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo I have a new video about their Galapagos cruises. Check it out below. If you haven’t been to the Galapagos, you need to go!
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s top family travel destinations, and a family cruise is a great way to experience the amazing archipelago. The weather is pleasant, the activities are not so strenuous or difficult that they can’t be enjoyed by multiple age groups at once, and the wildlife viewing is out of […]
Active Galapagos, Adventure Travel, Galapagos Cruise, Galapagos Travel, Travel Tips
Do I need a wetsuit for my Galapagos trip?
17
Dec
Dec
Snorkeling is one of the top activities in the Galapagos Islands, as the wildlife under water is as unafraid of humans as the wildlife on land. On one trip there I found myself swimming in a living room sized cove with 5 large sea turtles, who, oblivious to my presence, were munching (happily I […]
There are 3 islands that you can extend your stay on in the Galapagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal. Most trips start/end at the Baltra Airport, which is right next to Santa Cruz Island. So, this island will have the most options for hotels, restaurants, renting kayaks and other gear, scuba diving and joining […]
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