P. Norwood
Offering very high levels of services, the Letty boat is fitted with solar panels, eco-friendly soaps and carbon offset the cruise.
This stylish, 20-passenger eco motor-yacht has two guides aboard, so day trips are in intimate groups of no more than 10 people, enhancing your Galapagos holiday.
Letty Galapagos cruises have kayaks, 3mm wet suits, snorkel masks and fins all included in the price.
Fine dining is accompanied by free house beer and wine during the gorgeous meals served aboard.
The interior of the boat is in polished teak wood and the cabins are fully air conditioned.
Bountiful communal areas mean you can enjoy the spectacular Galapagos Islands panoramas between guided land visits and snorkels.
Wildlife observation areas, open and shaded sun deck with loungers.
Low guide to passenger radio (max. 10 guests per guide), guided excursions and daily briefings with English-speaking expert naturalists.
Delicious, varied cuisine, prepared by culinary school-trained chefs, with house wine and local beer served during dinner. 24 hour coffee & tea station.
Complimentary mask, fins and snorkels, 3mm custom full wet suits, plus multiple kayaks.
Three meals served daily, after-excursion snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail parties.
10 fully air-conditioned outside (window or porthole) staterooms with private bathrooms (hot and cold showers), 1 x double bed or 2 x twin lower beds.
The boat, Eric, the crew, and the naturalist were all perfect. Thanks so much for your help. Could not have turned out better if I had planned 6 months in advance instead of 6 days.
Jeff Davies, Eric cruise
Itinerary A (8 days) Sun-Sun
Fly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (SCY) on San Cristobal Island, and transfer by bus then zodiac to the Letty, which will be anchored in the bay.
After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon, travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), one of two sites where you can see nesting colonies of both species of Frigate birds (Great and Magnificent), as well lava lizards, the Medium Ground Finch and the Chatham Mockingbird.
Walk along the trail to Punta Carola for scenic views, then return to the yacht in the evening for a briefing followed by our Captain’s welcome party and dinner.
We spend the morning at Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach, with expansive views and good birdwatching.
Take a peaceful walk along the beach, snorkel or kayak or swim with sea lions. Enjoy a scenic zodiac ride through a cave called The Cathedral before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Go ashore this afternoon at Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including all three types of boobies – Blue-footed, Red-footed and Nazca (both Frigate bird species), Swallow-tailed Gulls, Storm Petrels, Shearwaters and Brown Pelicans. Punta Pitt is considered one of the best sites for birds in the archipelago, and is also home to a colony of sea lions.
At Pitt Rock, we snorkel or swim with sea lions and colourful fish such as King Angel and Surgeon fish. Return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner.
Disembark at Punta Suarez, Española (Hood) Island, home to the greatest number of endemic species found in Galapagos.
Sea lions bark noisy greetings as we land on the beach, while curious Hood mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces. Colonies of Blue-footed Boobies engage in sky-pointing to show off for potential mates.
From April to December, the Waved Albatross, found only on Española, performs its wild mating ritual. Other easily spotted wildlife are the Nazca Boobies busily caring for their young, stunning Swallow-tailed Gulls, the only nocturnal gulls in the world. We also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Galapagos Hawks, as well as a unique species of marine iguanas with traces of red and green colourings.
Follow the trail to the dramatic ocean blow hole, watch for colourful sally light-foot crabs crawling along the shoreline.
Return to the yacht for lunch on board.
Disembark at Gardner Bay, where large colonies of sea lions dot the seemingly endless white-sand beach. Take a leisurely stroll or relax on the beach, watching the Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s finch, or Española mockingbird. Swim with playful sea lions from the beach, explore the bay and islets by kayak or stand-up paddle board.
Take a zodiac ride to explore the caves covered with invertebrates. Admire the colourful array of underwater life at the excellent snorkelling site near Tortuga Rock.
Return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner.
Step ashore at Punta Cormorant on Floreana (Charles) Island, where the olive-sand beach is alive with the sounds of sea lions, Lava Herons, Blue-footed boobies, and penguins.
Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home to Bahama ducks, Common Stilts, Galapagos Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers and the Greater Flamingos.
Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including the morning glory, cut-leaf daisies, mangroves (black, red and white), palo verde and scalesia.
The trail leads to a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs in the powdery sand dunes and sting rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, there is an opportunity to snorkel at Champion Islet, a shallow sunken crater colonised by a brilliant array of colourful fish and coral, white-tipped sharks, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and sea stars.
Lunch is served back on board on the sundeck, weather permitting.
Floreana is one of the few populated islands in Galapagos with a rich and intriguing human history.
After lunch, visit one of the most famous sites in Galapagos, Post Office Bay, where a post barrel was erected in the late 18th Century for use by English whaling vessels. Visitors are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail destined for their home town.
There is an opportunity to swim from the beach with sea lions.
Late afternoon, take a zodiac ride near Baroness Point to look for sea turtles and rays.
Disembark at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, the social heart of the Galapagos, with a population of 24,000 humans.
Travel by bus to the highlands, passing through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Visit Rancho El Manzanillo, a privately-owned hacienda where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat. Stop at the lava tunnels at El Mirador, the largest in the archipelago, and visit Los Gemelos, (The Twins), a pair of large craters.
This afternoon, visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (formerly Charles Darwin Research Station). Visit the tortoise corals and the breeding center with hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated when grown. A new exhibit honouring Lonesome George is open, a worldwide icon of conservation as the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island that tragically died of natural causes.
We stop at a local chocolate shop to learn how high quality Arriba cacao is produced in Ecuador. Stroll through town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café or museum to stimulate the local economy. Or if you prefer more active options, we can arrange for guests to kayak at Punta Estrada or ride bicycles (additional charges apply).
Return to the boat for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore for dinner on your own at a local restaurant. Zodiac shuttles from the yachts to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening.
Today, guests aboard the Eric visit Las Bachas (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Explore the long stretch of a white sand beach and the interior lagoons populated by greater flamingo, then take the opportunity for some wonderful snorkeling from the beach.
Guests aboard the Letty will have a zodiac ride at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. View pairs of mating sea turtles (Sept to Feb), white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays.
We return to the yacht for lunch.
After lunch, disembark at Bartolome, a young Island that is inhospitable to most plants and animals. Climb the long wooden staircase to the summit of a dormant volcano, pausing along the way to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. It seems as if we are walking on the moon!
The panoramic view from the top encompasses the entire island, including the distinctive eroded tuff cone known as Pinnacle Rock. The crystal clear water below beckons for snorkelling with schools of tropical fish, white-tipped reef sharks and Galapagos Penguins.
Take a zodiac ride along the rocky shoreline.
Return to the yacht for the evening briefing and dinner.
Today’s visit is at South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs where Swallow-tailed Gulls, Shearwaters, and Red-billed Tropicbirds build their nests.
The trail leads us through Opuntia (prickly pear) and Sesuvium, and land iguanas are seen here feeding on cactus leaves.
The island is also home to a colony of bachelor sea lions, with dominant bulls in various stages of recovery from battles over prime beach territory.
Return to the yacht and snorkel between North and South Seymour in deeper water.
After lunch, go ashore at North Seymour, a small geological uplift to observe swallow-tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies and endemic land iguanas.
Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds in the Galapagos, and watch for marine iguanas and sea lions body surfing the northern swells.
Return to the boat for the Captain’s farewell cocktail party and dinner, followed by a slide show presentation.
Travel by bus to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristobal to gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands.
Afterwards, spend time in port before heading to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.
Itinerary B (8 days) Sun-Sun
Fly to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, and transfer by bus then zodiac to the Letty, waiting and anchored in the bay.
After a welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon, travel to Cerro Colorado to visit Centro de Crianza Jacinto Gordillo (La Galapaguera) where the national park has established a breeding program for giant tortoises in their natural habitat. At the visitor centre, learn about the origin and evolution of tortoises, as well as threats from introduced animals. Along the trail, watch for the San Cristobal mockingbird and Calandrinia plant, both endemic to this island.
Return to the boat for a briefing followed by our Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner prepared by our chefs.
Spend the entire day on Genovesa (Tower) Island, one of the most spectacular places in Galapagos for bird species.
Land at Prince Philip’s Steps, where Red-footed Boobies nest in palo santo trees, while Nazca Boobies nest near the trail, and Storm Petrels gather in large numbers in an open lava field. With luck, you may spot the elusive Short-eared Owl.
Return to the yacht for lunch on the sun deck.
Choose to paddle from a kayak or stand-up paddle board and explore the cliffs. Look for the Red-billed Tropic Bird hiding in the crevices or snorkel in deeper water from the Zodiac.Land at Darwin Bay, a coral sand beach where swallow-tailed and lava gulls gather near the tide pools. Enter a forest of Optuntia cactus and mangroves where colonies of Great Frigate birds nest, the males inflating their red-throated pouches to attract females as they fly overhead.
The trail leads through a rich intertidal zone with diverse wildlife. Choose to relax on the beach or swim with sea lions in these northern warmer waters.Return to the yacht for a briefing followed by dinner and hopefully an evening full of stars.
Today guests on the Letty visit Las Bachas beach, (Spanish for barges) on the northern side of Santa Cruz. Explore the long stretch of a white sand beach and the interior lagoons populated by Greater Flamingo, then take the opportunity for some wonderful snorkeling from the beach.
Guests on board the ERIC have a Zodiac ride at Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) through a series of coves and inlets surrounded by mangroves. View pairs of mating sea turtles (Sept to Feb), white-tipped reef sharks and golden cow-nosed rays.
Return to the yacht for lunch.
This afternoon, step ashore on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) for a majestic view of the bay and the island landscape covered in opuntia cactus, palo santo and muyuyo (Cordia letea). The trail also offers excellent opportunities to see Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, Shearwaters, as well as the endemic land iguanas, that were once part of the park’s breeding program.
In the saltwater lagoon, Pink Flamingos feed alongside other birds such as Stilts, Pintail Ducks and Sandpipers.
After a briefing and dinner, we sail toward the western islands and cross the equator for the second time.
This morning’s stop is at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine Island in Galapagos, with no introduced animals.
Recent lava flows formed by an active volcano stretch their way around the coast. Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their territory, and hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest colony in Galapagos, basking in the sun along the rugged shoreline. Out on the point, the Flightless Cormorants build their nests close to shore after they lost their ability to fly.
There is a chance to snorkel here with large sea turtles that frequent this area before returning to the yacht for lunch.
Disembark at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island, where four miles of coastal seabed were exposed due to a dramatic uplift during a volcanic eruption in 1954. See the remnants of coral skeletons, some of them waist-high, and keep an eye out for the very large and colourful Galapagos land iguanas, as well as marine iguanas, Darwin’s Finches, Brown Pelicans, Flightless Cormorants, and the occasional giant tortoise.
Return to the boat for briefing and dinner.
A sky full of stars beckons to go on deck and observe the galaxy.
Visit Elizabeth Bay on Isabela by zodiac to explore a secluded cove lined with large red mangrove trees, where sea turtles, rays, and shore birds are often spotted. Motor along the rocky islets known as “Las Marielas”, to find a colony of nesting Penguins, Flightless Cormorants and giant marine iguanas.
Isabela was created when six volcanoes flowed together and formed the largest island in Galapagos.
Return to the yacht for lunch served on the sun deck.
Go ashore at Tagus Cove, a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries. Sections of the rocky cliffs are covered with graffiti dating back to the 1800s. An uphill hike leads to a saltwater lagoon and a scenic overlook with a spectacular view of the ocean, lava fields and volcanic formations. Take advantage of the secluded cove and explore the shoreline by kayak or stand up paddle board in search of Galapagos Penguins, Boobies, Pelicans and other seabirds.
Return to the yacht for briefing and dinner as we cross the Equator for the last time.
Stroll along the shoreline at Puerto Egas on Santiago (James) Island looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools.
At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for Great Blue Herons, Lava Herons, American Oystercatchers and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. The walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction.
Before returning to the yacht, there is a chance to snorkel from the beach.
After lunch, take a seat on deck to view the dramatic landscape and dolphins that are often spotted here.
Disembark on Rabida (Jervis), a small Island considered the geographic centre of Galapagos because its volcanic rocks are the most diversified in the archipelago. The dark red colour of the beach comes from the high iron content in the volcanic stones.
Follow the trail to a saltwater lagoon where Greater Flamingos migrate, keeping an eye out for marine iguanas, Mockingbirds, Yellow Warblers and Darwin’s Finches.Afterwards, do not miss the opportunity to snorkel with a colony of sea lions and rays.
Return to the yacht for dinner and the Captain’s farwell cocktail party and dinner as well as a special slide show presentation by your guides.
Travel by bus to the highlands, passing through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Visit Rancho El Manzanillo, a privately-owned hacienda where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat.
Stop at the lava tunnels at El Mirador, the largest in the archipelago, and visit Los Gemelos, (The Twins), a pair of large craters.Return to the yacht for lunch on board.
This afternoon, visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (formerly Charles Darwin Research Station). Visit the tortoise corals and the breeding centre with hatchlings and miniature tortoises that will be repatriated when grown. A new exhibit honouring Lonesome George, a worldwide icon of conservation as the last surviving tortoise from Pinta Island that tragically died of natural causes is here.
We stop at a local chocolate shop to learn how high quality Arriba cacao is produced in Ecuador. Stroll through town to shop for souvenirs or stop at an internet café or museum to stimulate the local economy.
Or if you prefer more active options, we can arrange for guests to kayak at Punta Estrada or ride bicycles (additional charges apply).
Return to the boat for dinner or, if you wish, remain ashore for dinner on your own at a local restaurant.
Zodiac shuttles from the yachts to the main dock will be offered throughout the evening.
Prices From $5,300 / £4,309 per person
Enquire about booking
Cabin accommodation, all meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail, house wine and local beer served complimentary during dinner, guided shore excursions, use of wet suits, snorkel equipment, sea kayaks and stand up paddle boards, transfers in the islands between the airport and dock.
International flights, Galapagos flights, Galapagos entrance fee (park tax), Galapagos transit control card, alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases on board, travel insurance, personal items, Ecuador services.
The Letty features three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with shiny brass fittings. Accommodations include ten double outside-facing cabins with a window or porthole view, one double bed or two twin lower beds, fully air-conditioned with private bathroom (hot and cold water showers), bio-degradable soap/shampoo dispensers, hair dryer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls for your comfort.
Dolphin Deck
Cabins #1, 3 & 4 have two twin lower beds or one double bed and picture windows. Cabin # 2 has one double bed and picture window. (cabins average 95 square feet/8.8 square metres).
Booby Deck
Cabins # 5 & 6 cabins have one double bed and picture windows, (cabins average 90 square reef/8.4 square metres).
Iguana Deck
Cabins #7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and port lights. Cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with port lights and can be sold as triples, (cabins average 110 square feet/10.2 square metres)
Single
Cabins are assigned to the best cabin available at the time of sailing. Female willing to share (WSF) or Male Willing to share (WSM) for age 18 and up are available on the Iguana deck on seasonal departure dates only. On peak departure dates, the single rate is confirmed. A share request can be placed on wait list, and only if matched will the share rate apply.
Triple
Cabins are available on the Iguana deck only in cabins 9 and 10.
The crews are “Galapagueños”, guides, captains and crew members were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
The Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
The boats offer locally sourced, healthy and gourmet style menus designed by the culinary talent of Chef Francisco Ventimilla, Director of the esteemed gastronomy school in Guayaquil, University Espiritu Santo. Chef Francisco trained the on board chefs in his techniques, many of whom have worked in the kitchens of Ecuador’s finest hotels or in popular restaurants in the upscale suburb of Samborondon.
While cruising in the Galapagos, you will look forward to each thoughtfully prepared meal. From breakfast through dinner the kitchens or galleys focus on using only the freshest ingredients, with fully 60% of the food used are sourced from these islands. Many fruits, meats and dairy products come from farms on islands blessed by rain. Organic fruits and vegetables thrive on San Cristobal and meat and dairy come from Santa Cruz. And of course the region is famous for fish and seafood. Minimizing the need for food that has to be shipped from the mainland helps protect the islands from invasive plant species, insects and even animals that can be unwelcome.
Because you are on an adventure cruise and several times a day will be snorkelling and hiking, you don’t have to worry about calories. Also the chefs are watching out for you with reduced-calorie, health-conscious preparations (avoiding fried and heavily sauced foods) that are also low in fat and sodium content. Special-needs diets can be accommodated: vegetarian or vegan, gluten free and low sodium/low fat. House wine (red or white Chilean) and local beer (Pilsner) are served at dinner with no limit and at no additional charge.
Lunch buffets and dinner entrees offer creatively prepared chicken, fish, seafood, beef, pork or vegetarian. Lunches featuring local fish and ceviches can be served with music on the sun deck. Favorite starters include hand-rolled sushi, salmon carpaccio and seafood bouillabaisse with crostini and Pernod. Salads range from Caesar to avocado with hearts of palm. Seafood lovers enjoy grilled langostinos (giant prawns) in garlic and a pistachio-encrusted mahi mahi or tender grilled octopus. Other signature dishes are chicken Cordon Bleu and beef tenderloin in red wine. Ecuadorian and Mexican specialties are also on the menu. Desserts run the gamut from crème brulee to passion fruit mousse.
At breakfast, a few early birds may already be savouring the first cup of coffee or hot chocolate (a specialty of Ecuador). Soon everyone is lined up for the self-serve buffet: fresh fruits of the season, fruit juices, including delicious berry and tropical fruit blends, granola and nearly every day a Swiss oatmeal (muesli) along with assorted breads and cheeses Hot dishes vary daily and range from quiche Lorraine to eggs Benedict to ham and cheddar cheese omelettes, or even stuffed crepes with Nutella. A surprise one morning is the possibility of choosing a local dish, yucca dumplings stuffed with cheese and served with honey, and on another day green plantain dumplings with cheese. Young and old enjoy pancakes, bacon and ham. After returning from the morning shore excursion, our server will greet you when you return the yacht with a warm hand towel, delicious snack and fresh juice or water.
Lunch is always anticipated and indeed is often heartier than dinner because of the active afternoons to come. Served buffet-style either in the dining room or on the sun deck, guests often come back for second helpings. Fresh salads abound along with savory cold and hot presentations. Among the robust presentations look for a tuna tartar and tapenade along with chicken lasagna, a shrimp ceviche paired with a local fish en papillote, and international flavors in a bouillabaisse served with chicken Cordon Bleu, a Cuban-style shredded beef stew “ropa vieja” or Jamaican jerk chicken. One lunch goes local with a green plantain ball soup, sauteed shrimp with garlic, more plantains with potato cakes, refried white corn, a pork dish and a flan called queso de leche.
At some time during lunch, a staff person will share with each guest the menu for that night’s dinner and ask whether meat or fish is preferred. A lingering memory of an on-board dinner is a Basque-style preparation of octopus, grilled langostinos (giant prawns) or Pistachio crusted Mahi. Another night goes Oriental with a pork and vegetable stir-fry. A creamy Ecuadorian potato soup may send some scurrying for the recipe. It is hard to choose on some nights between a roasted pork tenderloin or turkey roulade or preparations of a seafood fettucini or eggplant Parmesan.
Because the chefs play a deft hand with international and classical variations, and because so much of the regional cuisine focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, the vegetarian fare here is equally creative. And youngsters can feel comfortable with hamburgers and other child-friendly menu items.
There is also no pre-arranged seating, thus encouraging guests to mix and mingle and get to know each other by the end of the cruise.
Walks
Every visit to each island involves an easy or moderate walk, which can last between 2 to 3 hours, and are not considered strenuous. On these walks you will be led by an expert naturalist guides in a small group along clearly marked trails. They will explain in great detail all the wonders of each of our carefully selected itineraries. Most days there are two guided walks on a specific island where you will be able to walk and hike on beaches, lava fields, alongside cliffs and around mangrove estuaries.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Islands is the highlight of the Galapagos cruise for many of our guests. You have the opportunity to go snorkelling almost every day – snorkelling with marine iguanas and with playful sea-lions are some of the highlights, as well as with green sea turtles, penguins and an incredible variety of colourful reef fish. On the western islands the water is a little colder but teaming with life. There are beach snorkels for beginners and deeper waters.
Sea kayaking
These ‘sit on top’ kayaks, as the name suggests, involve sitting on top of the kayak in an open area. You require no previous experience to enjoy this activity and with a quick 5-minute lesson from your Galapagos naturalist you are off on your own to explore and venture to shores and coves.
The seas are not rough at all, this activity can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Zodiac rides
Dinghies, or “Pangas” as they are known in Galapagos, are inflatable zodiacs that serve as the main transportation method from our Galapagos yachts to the visitor sites. At several times during your week-long Galapagos travel adventure, you will have the chance to enjoy dinghy (or panga) rides in shores, mangrove estuaries, coves and caves.
Eco-friendly, iconic Galapagos yacht renown for fantastic food, guides, itineraries and stability in the water.
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to visit Galapagos Islands: weather and wildlife
There is no real ‘best’ time to visit Galapagos on holiday as there is always wonderful wildlife and weather to enjoy. Read our blog for more.
Most animals – tortoises, sharks, sea lions and boobies – are found year round and many of the species here are non-migratory.
The Galapagos Islands are located right on the equator so air and water temperatures do not vary by much.
Having said that, there are two recognised seasons, and each months brings natural marvels for the visitor to enjoy.
Below is our quick guide to the weather and wildlife you can find on the Galapagos Islands.
General weather information
The warm season (Jan-Jun)
Sea temperatures: 22-25°C / 72-77°F
Land temperatures: 21-32°C / 72-90°F
The dry ‘garua’ season (Jun-Dec)
Sea temperatures: 15-22°C / 60-72°F
Land temperatures: 18-24°C / 65-75°F
Air and sea temperatures in Galapagos, month-by-month
The Galapagos Islands are a suitable destination for most ages and fitness levels. Walks are generally short, although some volcano hikes are more challenging and may involve 2-3 hours of walking. Snorkelling is a real highlight on the Galapagos, so the ability to swim and snorkel is recommended. Snorkelling is suitable for those that have never tried before.
You need to be able to make some wet landings i.e. stepping out of a panga onto a sandy shore, and you may need to ascend or desend small ladders when getting on or off boats at docks or to snorkel.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the Islands, but they really are accessible to all. You can choose to skip any activities you do not wish to partake in.
Read more in our blog about a typical day on Galapagos.
Read about a day aboard a Galapagos cruise ship in Tom’s blog.
After breakfast aboard your vessels, you go ashore or for a snorkel with your naturalist guide in a small boat, called a “panga”.
Well marked paths lead you to fascinating wildlife discoveries, including sea lions, iguanas and Galapagos penguins.
Snorkeling is encouraged, with opportunities most days to explore an incredible underwater world and enjoy close encounters with a host of colourful fish, sea lions and sea turtles.
You return to your vessel for lunch, followed perhaps by a short siesta while sailing to the next visitor’s site. The rest of the afternoon is spent on shore or snorkelling, before returning to your boat to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
After dinner, your naturalist guide will usually offer a briefing on the next day’s activities.
Since each island has its own unique landscape and diverse animal, bird and plant species, every day is a new adventure.
If you are worried about seasickness, read our blog about Galapagos and avoiding seasickness.
Itineraries
Read our guide to Galapagos itineraries.
Galapagos boats may change itineraries without notice if necessary.
This could be due to Galapagos National Park regulations, weather conditions, route availability or to allow the cruise to reach its desired visiting point.
Boat may also change itinerary to prevent the migration and protect the flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands, domestic flight alterations and acts of providence.
Passengers embarking
Please note that there may be changes of passengers on some days throughout the cruise, which may result in waiting times for remaining passengers.
Equally, if passengers are arriving and leaving on different flights there may be waiting times either on board or at the airport.
Food
Please remember the isolated location of the Galapagos – any food on board is flown in from the mainland.
This may mean limited meals choices on board, and while special dietary requirements (vegetarian/vegan/etc) are catered for, there will likely be a limited selection.
Iguana deck USD 5,300 per person Booby deck USD 5,775 per person Dolphin deck USD 6,250 per person 2022 price, shared room basis, 8 days (Sun-Sun) One triple cabin available Single supplement applies - ask about cabin share
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
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Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
Prices From $6,195 / £5,037 per person
Dates: From January 2024 to December 2024
Duration: 8
Capacity: 16 people
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