| The Galapagos Islands straddle the equator 600 miles | | | | 1. Boats. From Sail boats, to motor yachts, to luxury |
| west of Ecuador. Discovered in 1535 by a Spanish | | | | ships, the Galapagos Islands have them all. They |
| Bishop and made famous by Darwin's visit in 1835 and | | | | come in different sizes and price ranges, with large |
| subsequent publication of The Origin of Species, the | | | | ships (100 passengers) offering all sorts of extra |
| islands comprise an archipelago of 19 extraordinary | | | | amenities, and smaller ones, a more intimate setting. |
| islands. Each island is unique and offers a stunning | | | | While sailboats have a romantic charm to them, the |
| variety of wildlife and scenic vistas. Well acclimated to | | | | cabins are usually a bit smaller, the deck space a bit |
| visitors, the wildlife is always out and waiting for you. | | | | more limited, and because of the distances, they |
| Watch out for nesting birds as you hike along the | | | | usually only sail once or twice on a cruise. Motor |
| many trails, and then swim with the acrobatic sea | | | | yachts usually offer a more stable ride than sail |
| lions as they dance through the clear waters. | | | | boats, though in the Galapagos, this isn't usually a |
| Tortoises roam the highlands, while marine iguanas | | | | major issue. That said, there is nothing like the feel of |
| feed on the green algae near shore. The Galapagos | | | | the wind through your hair as you silently glide |
| Islands are an exceptional year round destination and | | | | through the rich waters of these enchanted isles. |
| one that everyone should visit in their lifetime. | | | | 2. Itinerary. In an attempt to limit the number of |
| The Galapagos are also wonderful family destination. | | | | visitors at each landing, every ship has a fixed |
| What better classroom than the "Enchanted Isles", | | | | itinerary, so you must find the best combination of |
| where young people can explore and learn in a safe | | | | ship and itinerary that works for you. |
| and exciting environment. Some operators offer | | | | 3. Guides. The quality of the guide is paramount to |
| dedicated family departures while others offer | | | | your experience, so it is important to ensure you |
| discounts for people under 18. | | | | have the best guides available. Each ship will have |
| It is possible to visit the Galapagos on your own, but | | | | guides on board that will split the group into smaller |
| traveling with a guide can enrich your experience | | | | groups. Even on larger ships, you will still be in a small |
| immeasurably. Ferries link several of the islands | | | | group, thereby maintaining the intimacy of your |
| together, but to visit most of the outer islands, you | | | | adventure. |
| must be on a cruise ship of some sort. Keep in mind | | | | If all of this control seems a bit much, consider that |
| that, as in most places, you get what you pay for. | | | | by limiting the number of people that visit each |
| Some expeditions offer the option of camping on | | | | landing, each day, and ensuring that they have a |
| shore for a night in a specially designed tented camp. | | | | trained guide with them when they visit, the islands |
| Others offer pre or post extensions visiting Macchu | | | | and wildlife are still thriving today despite an increasing |
| Pichu in Peru. This is a great combination and | | | | number of visitor each year. Visiting the Galapagos |
| definitely something to consider if the timings work | | | | today, is not far from what it was twenty years |
| for you. | | | | ago, and that is due in large part to the local efforts |
| Some ideas to consider when choosing a Galapagos | | | | to maintain the pristine environment. |
| Cruise: | | | | |