What to expect on board the boat?

Most live-aboard cruise experiences in the Galapagos offer 4-8 day itineraries, with set route and departure dates. This is because the routes are dictated by the Galapagos National Park officials in order to control the number of visitors and reduce environmental stress.

Galapagos boats are limited to a maximum of 100 passenger, but many boats carry much fewer than that. While larger boats have more services on board such as lectures and medical facilities, the smaller boats offer a more intimate experience.

Comfort Level

Onboard a luxury ship you’ll usually have a larger cabin, sometimes with your own private balcony. The cabins are usually en suite and are compact in their design so that they can maximise living space. However, even on the smallest of vessels you’ll usually find a sun deck where you can stretch out and relax and watch wildlife, as well as a dining area and lounge.

Food

What will the food be like on your Galapagos cruise? It depends on the boat you book your tour on, but you can rest assured that on a luxury cruise you will be fed well. (Keep in mind, the smaller and more high end the boat, the better the food – as the head chef will be cooking for 16 guests rather than 100)

Since you’ll be in one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world, you can rest assured that the seafood and fish will be wonderfully fresh and tasty. One of the most famous dishes is ceviche, made with lobster, shrimp, fish, squid or octopus marinated in a tangy, citrus brine.

Many of the dishes on board will be inspired by traditional Ecuadorian cuisine – which features rice, Andean potatoes and meat. Of course, there’s also the delicious tropical fruit. You can expect to feast on guanabana, naranjilla and other yummy local produce.

Plus, nearly every Ecuadorian-style meal you will have on the Galapagos Islands will come with plantain – a fruit similar to banana that is served fried, mashed or made into chips.

Fitness Level

If you are content with viewing wildlife from the deck of the boat and not venturing much further than that, then a Galapagos trip could suit travelers of any fitness level. However, in order to truly get the most out of a visit to this unique island archipelago you’ll need to be able to hike to the more remote spots. Many of the hikes involve walking up volcanoes and hiking uphill in the dry heat.

Plus, you’ll also need to be physically prepared to swim and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean. After all, it would be a shame to miss the chance to see turtles and penguins close up. So, it is recommended that you have at least a moderate level of fitness in order to enjoy this trip to the fullest.

Safety

Flying through mainland Ecuador to reach the Galapagos Islands is very safe. According to the State Department, there are no travel warnings for Ecuador and the only advice is to “exercise normal precautions.” The Galapagos Islands are even safer than the mainland – so as long as you’re aware of your surroundings and you listen to any safety advice from your tour guide, you’ll be fine. (For example, be cautious around certain types of wildlife such as sharks and male sea lions.)

One of the major safety risks you’ll need to worry about when you are on a Galapagos tour is sunburn and heatstroke. Because you will be very close to the equator, the sun’s rays will be stronger and you’ll need to take extra care to protect yourself. Even if the air feels cool, the sun can still be quite strong. Bring along coral-reef friendly sunscreen, a hat with a brim and a skin to wear during snorkeling excursions.

Also, take care when swimming in the Pacific Ocean – as there can be many hidden currents and riptides. Your guide will advise you on where you can safely swim.

In case of an emergency, the boat is equipped with first aid supplies, a satellite phone, life vests for all passengers and emergency flares. The boats are all regularly checked to ensure that they are safe for passengers.

Health

If you suffer from seasickness, book a cruise on a larger boat as it will experience less movement. You can also bring along seasickness medication. On most boats there are emergency medical services on board and on the larger boats there might even be a pharmacy. It also helps to sit out on the open deck where you can breathe the fresh air and see the horizon.

Ecuador does not require visitors to have any specific vaccinations. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you are vaccinated for typhoid and hepatitis A. Malaria and rabies precautions are recommended by the CDC as well, but check with your doctor before you travel.

If you are taking any form of medication, make sure that you have your prescribed supply for the duration of your trip – as you can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to find your specific drug in one of the pharmacies on the islands.

Guides

All ships in the Galapagos have to bring a certified naturalist with them. The Galapagos National Park provides training and strictly regulates the guides who are allowed to work on the islands. The guide course is very long and detailed, which ensures that all guides are well-educated. Usually, the more luxurious the ship the more experienced and professional the guide will be.

However, you can’t necessarily assume that all guides will speak English – so it’s something to check before booking a tour. The main duty of your guide will be to accompany you on all land excursions and tell you about the animals, plants, geology and history of each of the islands you visit.