Small Ship Cruises: The Galapagos
Cruises are the best way to discover the Galapagos. Ecuador’s archipelago is home to a diverse eco-system that is best explored by land and sea. Small ships offer flexible itineraries that allow for maximum freedom to spend more time in pursuit of wildlife sightings. The archipelago’s islands and landscapes are dramatically different, be prepared for total destination immersion.
Santiago Island, Ecuador
I don’t know what these two have against each other, but they couldn’t work it out while I was on the island. Puerto Egas on Santiago Island is one of the top wildlife viewing areas of the Galapagos, home to a stunning array of endemic species including crabs, turtles, tortoises, hawks, birds, sharks, rays, and more.
Isabela Island, Ecuador
The Galapagos penguin is cute. Rediculously cute. Especially when doing its very best to teach an uncoordinated adventurer how to swim in rough waters near Isabela Island. The Galapagos is the only penguin able to survive north of (in this case, directly on) the equator, thanks in part to the chilly waters brought to the islands thanks to the Humboldt Current. They’re also spectacular, if not somewhat impatient, diving instructors, keen on showing off their sensational underwater skills for anyone brave enough to test the icy depths. Metropolitan Touring arranged all of my snorkeling expeditions, and can also arrange some of the world’s most spectacular dives.
