How to experience the Galapagos islands: land or sea?
There’s always so much to see and do in the Galapagos Islands! This natural paradise is teeming with incredible landscapes, beaches, vegetation, animals, and so much more! Nevertheless, most of the breathtaking action happens out there, in the Galapagos National Park!
To access the park, you need to be accompanied by a certified naturalist guide at all times during your excursions, which gives you only two options to explore it: staying at one of the multiple expedition vessels that sail in the archipelago, or book a day tour! Each one of these options has its specific perks and advantages!
We invite you to follow along in this blog to find out how to experience this magical paradise and how a Galapagos land-based itinerary might be precisely what you need!
How to Experience the Galapagos Option #1: A sea-based Galapagos tour with island stops
All islands in the Galapagos National Park are uninhabited to preserve their pristine and unique environment and fauna, so there’s no other way to stay overnight apart from an expedition vessel. This option instantly grants you access to more visitor sites in the Galapagos National Park, species, islands, and the company of an expert guide that will follow you along the whole way. Every day, you’ll disembark on a different island where you’ll hike, enjoy fascinating aquatic activities, and learn more about this paradise. It’s worth noting that a sea-based option grant guests the opportunity to visit some places that can’t be accessed by staying on land (due to how far away certain visitor sites are).
This option allows you to go further than any day tour can take you. Still, if you’re prone to seasickness (please note: there are “seasickness proof” cruises in the archipelago that help abate this symptom) or you just simply wish to enjoy a more relaxed stay, you can always opt for a Galapagos land-based tour!
All-in-all, the best part about having these two options is the fact that guests can link them together if they wish!
How to Experience the Galapagos Option #2: A Galapagos land-based tour
Staying on land is an option that caters to those more interested in experiencing the archipelago at their own pace. Picture this: you’re lounging near the pool, with an astonishing view of the ocean, with a nice drink in hand, before heading into town to soak in the local island life! You can choose how you fill your Galapagos land-based itinerary!
You can book Day Tours to nearby islands in the Galapagos National Park all over town, but if you can spare the challenging task of comparing perks, prices, and all the back and forth, do it! Some hotels in the Galapagos Islands work with third-party providers to offer their guests these services.
At the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, we own and operate a private yacht, the Sea Lion. With room for only 20 lucky guests, multiple guides for intimate excursion groups, and comfortable spaces, you’ll never feel cramped! Plus, we serve hot meals (not many day tour yachts do this), have the necessary equipment for you to snorkel or do some coastal exploration. Plus, both our hotel and yacht have the strictest safety protocols for you to enjoy at ease!
If you stay with us, you’ll see that ours is an expedition-focused accommodation! Located in a pedestrian-only neighborhood, the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel sits right in front of the secluded “Los Alemanes” beach (we’re the only hotel with direct access to the beach), which allows our guests to enjoy the beach at any hour of the day! Plus, you won’t have to face crowds at the hotel’s social areas since our hotel has only 27 rooms and plenty of wide-open spaces! We also have a wonderful spa, gym, and spaces for yoga for you to prepare your body for the exploration activities you’ll enjoy or to relax afterward!
We offer tours every day to the lovely islands of:
You just need to approach our Front Desk, and our Expedition Leader will take care of all the details, or you can book one of our programs that includes meals and day tours!
Island-2-Island Hopping
Expand your horizons even further with this incredible option that grants guests the ability to fly from Santa Cruz Island all the way to the largest island of the archipelago that is Isabela. Add to the number of checkmarks that you’ve built up on your Galapagos BIG15 list of iconic species and revel in an even greater amount of majestic views by standing at the rim of one of the world’s largest craters!