Are you visiting the Galapagos Islands aboard a cruise? What should you consider? And what should you expect from this experience?

My name is Cristina, and I am excited to tell you about my experience during my last visit to the Enchanted Islands with Columbus Travel!

In my daily work, I receive questions about why visiting the Enchanted Islands aboard a cruise is so often recommended and the difference between the categories. After visiting the archipelago in various ways, my favorite is going on a cruise! Below, I share my experience aboard a luxury trimaran as I explore the Galapagos Islands. 

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Galapagos Horizon: Embarking on an Adventure to the Enchanted Islands

Last February, I was invited aboard the luxury trimaran Galapagos Horizon. Of course, I accepted excitedly. If there’s one thing I never tire of, it’s visiting the Galapagos Islands. I discover something new, like a new landscape or a different species each time. This occasion was no exception.

On the morning of the trip, I left home early with a carry-on suitcase, my documents, my plane tickets, and all the excitement to live this new experience. When I arrived at National Departures at the Quito airport, a representative from the cruise ship Galapagos Horizon was waiting for me and my fellow travelers. The representative handed me my traveling documents, like the boarding pass and transit control, and guided me through the different steps to get to the security checkpoint. 

After an approximately 3-hour flight and a 40-minute stop in Guayaquil, I finally arrived in paradise, San Cristóbal Island. As we got off the plane, our guide, James, was waiting to welcome us, give us the first instructions, and take us to the pier. There, we encountered the sea lions and their pups, some swimming and others resting on the rocks—a unique spectacle! Then, we took a Zodiac to the Galapagos Horizon.

Aboard the Galapagos Horizon: Traveling in Unparalleled Luxury

Once we arrived, the cruise director and the rest of the crew greeted us. We were given a welcome drink and taken to our spacious, comfortable cabins, where our luggage was already waiting. We had time to freshen up and enjoy the privileged view from the private balcony. Then, we continued to the buffet lunch with vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. 

After lunch, we filled our water bottles with cold filtered water, which is available 24/7 (coffee, tea, and a wide variety of snacks are also available 24/7). We then headed to our first destination, the Interpretation Center, where we saw the giant tortoises! Afterward, we returned to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Town and had 45 minutes free to enjoy ourselves, have a drink, and do last-minute shopping for sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, and souvenirs. 

Some people in the group took the opportunity to go to the ATM. Meanwhile, I bought a sun hat that covers the neck and shoulders, which is very useful for those with sun-sensitive skin. I also purchased a souvenir for my 3-year-old nephew. We returned to the Galapagos Horizon, and upon arrival, we were greeted, as always, with cold towels, refreshing drinks, and a snack.

Then, we went to the lounge of the luxury trimaran, where the entire crew was introduced, and we were provided with welcome cocktails. As we had every succeeding night, we had the briefing for the next day and then dinner! 

After our meal, we spent some time with all the passengers. There were couples, families with teenagers, and two young people, one of whom was celebrating their 18th birthday (of course, there was a beautiful and delicious cake). The passengers were aged from 14 to 65 years and were of several nationalities, a great combination!

Enjoying the Scenery and Discovering the Amazing Wildlife of the Galapagos Islands

The following days were spectacular; we visited Punta Pitt in San Cristobal, where we saw the red-footed boobies! It was fascinating to see everyone’s reaction. A fellow traveler who loves birds told us that since he was young, he dreamed of going to the Galapagos to see this and other unique species that can only be found there, a dream he fulfilled after retiring! 

Our group also visited Witch Hill, the beautiful Kicker Rock, and Española Island. We saw sea lions, shore birds, finches, mockingbirds, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, the incredible Christmas Iguana, and much more! One of the highlights for the two teenagers was seeing sea turtles and swimming with sea lions. While we all enjoyed seeing these animals, their reaction was incredible—they were delighted! Of course, the snorkeling was spectacular. 

One of the highlights of this Galapagos cruise is undoubtedly the guide, James, who is bilingual and has extensive knowledge of the Islands, their species, and history! He is a naturalist and diving guide, so his explanations were very detailed, and we all appreciated the tips to enjoy snorkeling much more. 

Galapagos Horizon Highlights

It was a spectacular trip to a wonderful, unique place. The combination of personalized and detail-oriented onboard service, delicious food, an excellent guide, and the perfect setting made for the experience of a lifetime. 

• Very spacious cabins with private balconies
• A 5-star naturalist guide on board
• Delicious cuisine for all kinds of diets and requirements
• Very attentive crew
• Excellent condition of snorkeling, wetsuits, and kayak equipment
• Satellite Internet onboard

Who should come to this cruise?

• Families, couples, and friend groups
• Honeymooners
• Travelers looking for big, spacious cabins with private balconies
• Travelers who want to enjoy a vacation but also need to work remotely
• Everyone!

Essentials for the Cruise:

• Go-Pro Camera (trust me, you will use it extensively)
• Tevas and good closed hiking shoes
• Safari-style hats and sunglasses
• Small backpack for a water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen
• Breathable, fast-drying clothes
• Abundant energy for walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming

I do not doubt that choosing this Galapagos cruise will make your trip the best of your life, and you will remember it forever!

The Voyage of a Lifetime Awaits 

Embark on a magical journey to the Galapagos Islands with Columbus Travel. Through our partnerships with tour providers, we curate unforgettable cruises aboard luxuriously appointed yachts, catamarans, and trimarans. Reach out to us today to book a cruise.