Marine iguanas represent the
only species of truly marine
lizards and feed almost
exclusively on marine algae

 

 

 

 


The Blue Footed Booby has
excellent eyesight and can
spot fish from about 33
feet up in the air and
then dive down into the
water with their wings
folded back

 

 

 

 


The Galapagos penguin is
mainly found in the western
islands where the water
is cooler

Daily Life

 

ACCOMMODATION: Most of the ships and yachts have air-conditioning throughout. Each cabin has private facilities with hot and cold water showers. Water makers on board provide sufficient water for everyday use. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this equipment is the only source of fresh water so please try and save water whenever possible. Water bottles with safe drinking water will be provided. Each cabin is comfortable but compact. Most of the ships and yachts will have a variety of books, videos (there will be a television with VCR) and snacks available throughout the day. Most ships use the honor system for additional charges such as alcoholic beverages during the cruise. There will be a sheet to write down what you have consumed and you can settle the bill at the end of the cruise by paying with US Dollars, some credit cards or traveler’s checks.

TYPICAL DAILY ROUTINE: Meals are informal and there is just one seating for all passengers.  Although meal times can vary slightly, the typical schedule is breakfast at 7:30 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m.  The menu is international with touches of Ecuadorian specialties.  Snacks are served after shore excursions.  If you are a vegetarian, allergic to any foods or under a special diet, please advise Classic Escapes in writing of your requirements so that special arrangements can be requested.  If you are celebrating a special occasion you may order wine or birthday cake to be served at dinnertime or a fruit basket for your cabin. 

A typical day begins with breakfast followed by the first shore excursion. There are occasions where you will have a shore excursion before and after breakfast, depending on the itinerary and schedule. Passengers return for lunch, followed by sun or a siesta while the vessel navigates to the next island.  In mid-afternoon, passengers disembark for the next excursion and return to prepare for dinner.  There are ample opportunities surrounding the shore excursions for swimming and snorkeling. Specific dive departures will schedule several dives in a day, in addition to shore excursions. In the evening the naturalist gives a briefing for the next day’s shore excursions.  During the night, the vessel navigates to the next island arriving first thing in the morning for a new adventure.

Passengers will be accompanied at all times by naturalist guides who have been trained by the Darwin Station and licensed by the National Park. They know each visitor site intimately and share their knowledge on walks, on the vessels and in general conversations throughout the day.  In the evenings, before dinner, guides give briefings for the next day’s excursions. These briefings will include the level of walk expected and the type of landing (wet or dry) for each excursion as well as the expected marine and bird life that will be seen.

The vessel anchors offshore at two visitor sites or islands per day.  Passengers are ferried to the landing point in inflatable dinghies (locally called pangas).  The landings are either wet (where you step into water anywhere from your ankles to your knees and wade to shore) or dry (where you step from the panga directly onto the volcanic rock).  Your guide and panga driver will assist you with a steady hand.

On the islands, passengers follow marked trails and walk at a leisurely pace.  Guides interpret and explain what you see.  You’ll spend three to four hours at each site allowing plenty of time to explore and photograph the abundant wildlife.

SATELLITE TELEPHONES: Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that areas you may be visiting could be located in very remote parts and often do not have telephones. Most of the vessels in the Galapagos have satellite telephone service for international calls in cases of emergencies. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on their program. Please note that personal phones most likely will not function while cruising.  As most people travel to  “get away from it all”, we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on your program.  We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:

  • Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
  • Please use your phone in the privacy of your room or cabin and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on any of the shore excursions.
  • Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed.

LAUNDRY: No laundry service is available in the Galapagos. (That being said, the Isabela II now offers laundry service only on Fridays when the yacht is in Puerto Ayora.)  Laundry service will be available in most larger city hotels, but at an additional cost. Typically, you will have time for laundry service at any locale where you stay two nights or more.

SMOKING POLICY: While sailing the Galapagos, there is a strict no-smoking policy on shore excursions and sometimes on board the vessels. Please respect this ruling. 

DRINK POLICY: Typically, safe bottled drinking water will be made available for your consumption. All other beverages on board including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are at additional costs.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Galapagos Islands were discovered accidentally by the Bishop Tomás de Berlanga.