Cruise to the Galapagos archipelago is the most convenient and interesting way to get to know the islands closer. Of course, very few tourists fly to Ecuador only to make such a cruise: in most cases it is combined either with a rich "excursion" on the continental part of the country, or add to the journey a second country - Peru or Venezuela.
Duration of cruise programs
The duration of all cruise programs on the Galapagos is 4, 5 or 8 days. Different cruise companies choose different routes, trying to be original and not like others. But, one way or another, almost all programs include the most interesting and deserving islands of the archipelago: this "standard set" is almost always the same and varies only in terms of the order of their visitation.
"Legends of the Mediterranean" from 38 310 rub. for 8 days
"Music of the Mediterranean" from 97 640 rubles. for 15 days
"Romance of the Mediterranean" from 40 790 rubles. for 8 days
(495) 984-35-27
Gourmet cuisine and exciting leisure on board!
Excursions to the most beautiful capitals of Europe!
Details and booking on www.vikingline.ru
Galapagos Odyssey
Visas, hotels, transfers, air tickets and first-hand excursions.
(495) 727-27-87
Traveler's Day in the Galapagos Islands (with small variations) is as follows: the excursion program begins immediately after breakfast, tourists on small boat-pangas cross the ship to the island, where they are examined by the local "must see" along with the guide. They return to the ship around noon, and after lunch they can rest, sunbathe, etc. After the "siesta" the passengers are going to discuss with the guide plans for the next day.
Since each island has its own unique landscape and a huge variety of flora and fauna, tourists, every day new impressions will await. If you talk about the classification of ships, everything that floats in cruises around the Galapagos is divided into two large groups - liners (large ships) and yachts.
To make it clearer that they are waiting for Gala pagosah, give an approximate program of an eight-day cruise on the islands with the possibility of diving. Such a program will include both a rich "excursion" and an opportunity to get acquainted with the underwater world of Galapagos, making two dives a day.
Day One: From the airport on the island of San Cristobal, tourists go to the ship and at the first day make two dives, between which a "raid" to Lobos Island takes place . The second day begins with a dive, then - an excursion to the island of Hispaniola, in the afternoon - dive . Day Three - dive in the Crown of the Devil near the island Santa Ma and then - visit the island itself, in the evening the second dive is possible . The fourth and fifth days are completely devoted to the study of the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz . The sixth day - diving near the North Seymour island, "excursion" on the island of Bartolome and the second dive near it . The next day will please travelers by diving near the Gordon Rock reef, which is considered one of the best places for diving in the central islands, a visit to the island of Santa Fe and the next dive .And on the last, the eighth day - return to the island of San Cristobal, a tour of it and transfer to the airport .
The cost of such a cruise includes the use of equipment on board, food, drinks (water, tea, coffee), guide services , all transfers according to the program. Extra fee is paid for visiting the Galapagos Islands, flying from the mainland to the islands and additional dives not included in the program.
Choosing a ship
If we talk about the classification of ships, then everything that floats in cruises along the Galapagos, de It flows on two large groups - liners (large ships) and yachts. In turn, the liners are divided into classic oceanic pleasure liners (usually the "luxury" category) and so-called expedition vessels. Most of these vessels are research ships converted into tourist liners. The capacity of large cruise ships is from 50 to 100.
Yachts are divided into a much larger number of "subspecies": sailing, motor, sailing-motor and yachts-catamarans. Such vessels can be from 6-8 (lower class of yachts) to 16-20 passengers. In terms of the level of comfort, yachts are divided into luxury yachts, first class yachts, tourist-class yachts (Tourist superior), yachts of tourist class and yachts of economy class.
Economy class yachts are usually very small - their capacity is about 6 -8 people. If we talk about a simple tourist class, they are somewhat larger: they have a capacity of 8-12, and sometimes - up to 16 people. The capacity of the remaining classes of yachts is 16-20 passengers. Economic class - usually not the newest yachts with a smaller "claim" for the interior. The last repair there, if it was, then a very long time. In these yachts almost always smells of oil or fuel. In addition, there are yachts with the possibility of diving and without it. All yachts on which diving is possible are marked with a standard flag (red with a white stripe diagonally). They have all the necessary equipment, including compressors for charging cylinders, as well as all the necessary equipment that is rented. As a rule, a certain number of dives are included in the cost of cruises on these yachts. These yachts are usually small - for 10-16 people. Of the total number of yachts, only about 20% offer cruises with diving.
How much is it?
Here is the average cost of an eight-day trip on yachts: economy class - 800-1300 USD, tourist class - 1000-1700 USD, Tourist superior - 1500-2200 USD, first class - 2000-3500 USD, luxury category - 2500-4000 USD.
Cruise on the islands on the liner will cost more, and the price dispersion is much greater, because on any liner there are different classes cabins (standard, superior comfort, junior suites, etc.). On average, traveling on a large ship lasting 8 days costs from 2500 to 4000 USD. And, for example, the seat in the penthouse suite on the ship Xpedition will facilitate the traveler's pocket for at least 8000 USD.
The cost of the cruise includes: accommodation in a cabin of the chosen category, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), entertainment program on ship, transportation between all ports on the route. On most ships, alcoholic drinks and additional shore excursions are not included in the basic price and are paid additionally.
Reservations, cancellations and insurance
Cruise liners Galapagos grams of total 150 performs vessels. But even despite such an impressive number, places on ships are often not enough for everyone. Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to book "strongly" in advance, especially this applies to the courts of high comfort and to the most "budgetary" options. The best option is to book a cruise program for 12 months, or at least 6.
If the insurance is not included in the package of the tour operator or you book a cruise directly, you will have to arrange it yourself . Fortunately, many large insurance companies have special programs for diving and cruises .All cruise programs have an increasing coefficient for insurance .Some Russian companies that specialize in cruises cooperate with foreign insurance companies, because overseas to insure this type of program is much cheaper, more coverage and less premium .In addition, many foreign insurance companies actually insure customers for a year, since the cost of insurance for one trip is almost equal to the insurance for a year .That is, the client will be able to travel around the world within a year, once having issued insurance when buying a cruise program .To insure in this way with modern technology is very simple: a policy is issued through the Internet, paid and immediately printed .
Most cruise companies, upon cancellation less than 60 days before the start of the tour, will charge 100% fine, and some companies will be fined "in full" upon refusal for 90 or even 120 days before the start of the trip. And since the cost of cruise programs is not small, many cruise companies offer their clients various types of insurance that will protect their wallets in the event of a variety of unforeseen situations.
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