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
Dates: Dec. 30, 2013 – Jan. 6, 2014
Rate per Person: $3374*
The Archipell is a highly recommended 1st-class catamaran which is usually never available over the holidays. However, a last-minute cancellation has left some spaces available on this 8-day cruise that visits San Cristobal, Floreana, Plazas, Fernandina, and the western side of Isabela — all great spots for wildlife in January. * This rate saves you $768 per person
GALAPAGOS EDEN CRUISE
Dates: Dec. 22 – 29, 2013 or Dec. 29, 2013 – Jan. 5, 2014
Rate per Person: $2588*
The Eden is sort of midway between a tourist-superior and 1st-class yacht, so it’s quite comfortable and somewhat spacious without too many frills. Each of these 8-day cruises is quite good and have their own advantages. The Dec. 22 – 29 trip’s highlights are visiting Bartolome, Genovesa, and Espanola Islands; the Dec. 29 – Jan. 5 trip’s highlights are Feranandina, North Seymour, and Isabela Islands. * This rate saves you $412 per person
ANGELITO 4-DAY GALAPAGOS CRUISE
Dates: Jan. 2 – 5, 2014
Rate per Person: $1300*
The Angelito is actually one of our favorite cruises and is definitely our top pick for a tourist-superior class cruise. The owners of the boats are usually the guides who have been guiding for over 20 years each and have exceptional reputations. The boat is also undergoing a significant renovation that will be finished in late-October, so the cabins will feel more updated and spacious than the pictures you see online now. Sites visited include Santa Cruz Highlands, Espanola, and Plazas. * This rate saves you $55 per person
GALAPAGOS 5-DAY MULTISPORT
Dates: Dec. Jan. 1, 2014
Rate: $1600 per person
While this trip isn’t discounted on these dates, it’s already a very good deal and would fit perfectly with the Angelito cruise above. This trip includes Floreana and Isabela, considered some of the very best places in the Galapagos for snorkeling, hiking, stand-up paddling, and wildlife viewing. We tend to think that a cruise and multisport combo gets you the best of the Galapagos since you get to very remote sites (on the cruise), but also get in some more activity and relaxation with the multisport.
Please Note: These trip rates are based on adult double occupancy and do not include the Galapagos flights which will be added on to your tour total.
