FAQs about Galapagos: Will there be time for snorkeling?
During your cruise, you will have magnificent opportunities to enjoy snorkeling in the most fantastic underwater scenarios within the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve as well as other wonderful activities to complement your experience in the Archipelago.
On Luxury and First class cruises snorkeling equipment (snorkel, mask & fins) are included and on Midrange and Economy class cruises they are available for rent. Some Luxury class cruises also include Wet suits while on First, Midrange and Economy class, Wert suits are available for rent.
Other related frequently asked questions
Some cruises do not allow small children on board, mainly for safety reasons as small yachts/catamarans have many open spaces and steep stairs that are not suitable for children to run around. Other cruises, especially the large vessels do accept small children on board and even have qualified guides and staff on board to make a magical experience for small children.
Most yachts/catamarans accept children over 8 years-old on board and offer special rates to children up to 11 years-old for cruises and flights as per availability and feasibility to accommodate a Family on board; with all cruises, it is required as pre-requisite to have parents sign a release form if travelling with children.
Senior travelers are welcome to board a cruise! In fact, many senior travelers find the Galapagos a must-visit destination as the Islands are a true natural treasure that attracts people of all ages!
Perhaps it is important to know that Galapagos cruises do not have complete facilities for passengers with limited mobility or that require a wheelchair. Also some excursions can be considered as strenuous as they’re on uneven terrains and lava formations, which requires a good physical state to perform.
Still, many Luxury and First class cruises are the preferred for senior travelers as they offer the kind of comfort and facilities required making their journey an enjoyable one and being able to meet other fellow travelers of similar age and interests with specialized and friendly guides.
Taking a Galapagos cruise is considered the best way to explorer the Galapagos as it gives you the opportunity to reach the remotest islands as you sail at night from site to site, which means more time to enjoy the location and day’s activities.
However, if you are susceptible to sea sickness the feasible alternative is taking a nice land-based tour with hotel accommodation on the populated Islands of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and/or Isabela; from here you can enjoy interesting day-tours to the nearby sites or Islands; you will also have the possibility to enjoy snorkeling and other activities while taking day-tours.
In general, cruises include: accommodation in cabin with private facilities, guided excursions with professional Licensed bilingual guide, transfers within Galapagos (on cruise dates), Airport assistance, all meals on board while cruising, drinking water, tea, coffee.
Luxury and First class cruises also include usage of snorkeling equipment and most of them have sea-kayaks on board for guests. Some Luxury class cruises also include Wet suits and others and First class cruises have them available for rent on board.
Midrange and Economy class cruises have snorkeling equipment and Wet suits available for rent on board (in cash).