Galapagos Islands Savings
The Galapagos Islands are nature’s ultimate playground for wildlife, and the ultimate destination for Globetrotters in search of it. Blue footed boobies, frigate birds, and albatrosses are just a few of the native residents, and those are just the birds on land. The underwater viewing opportunities are just as abundant. Where else can you see penguins swimming alongside tropical fish?
The islands are now even more affordable, with a new Goway special covering return airfare from the mainland of Ecuador to the Galapagos to the value of $450US / $585CA per person.
The Galapagos is a year-round destination, but March offers perhaps the best wildlife viewing opportunities of the year, since water levels are at their highest. Land temperatures are also ideal, reaching the high 20s C/high 80s F. This makes the islands a great place to cut short a North American winter.
Since the Galapagos Islands sit right on the equator, this isn’t exactly ‘springtime’ here as most North Americans would know it. Nonetheless, you’ll find many of the animals at their most (ahem!) active, as they embrace the season of rebirth and renewal. These including the red-footed boobies, green sea turtles, marine and land Iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, and greater flamingoes.
Goway offers more vessels in the Galapagos than most, but some of our most popular choices are the M/V Legend, and sister ships of M/V Coral I and M/V Coral II.
One of the larger vessels in the Galapagos, the Legend is the perfect vessel for individuals, groups and families, with lots of space and many activities for the kids in their down time. There’s even a kids’ centre on board. With her three different decks, the Legend offers a great variety of comfortable and spacious social areas without losing its sense of intimacy. Its fantastic open decks allow you to admire the flora and fauna, enjoy a BBQ at night, or take some sun at the pool and bar areas. For those watching their pennies, the Legend is currently offering its passengers free domestic flights to and from the islands.
The Coral I and Coral II are a gorgeous pair of comfortable twin yachts, offering relaxation areas distributed on three decks, with both open and interior spaces. This allows passengers to have an intimate expedition experience without ever getting that sense of cabin fever. With capacity for 36 (Coral I), and 20 (Coral II) guests respectively, comfort is guaranteed. The Corals are also currently offering passengers free domestic flights to and from the islands.
The wildlife viewing experience in the Galapagos is unrivalled. Being able to sit a mere foot away from sleeping seals, or even come nose to nose creates an unforgettable moment for a Globetrotter of any age. To walk among dozing blue footed boobies and have them not even lift their heads in curiosity, much less fear, only proves how unaffected the local wildlife has been by the presence of people. To come upon albatross in the middle of their mating dance without them breaking stride is jaw-dropping (or possibly beak smacking). To snorkel with sea turtles, penguins, parrot fish, sting rays, and sharks is part of what defines the Galapagos as a once in a lifetime trip.
Recharge from the adventure with amazing food, time around a pool and hot tub, cocktails as the sun sets over the horizon, and stargazing (as an Australian, it’s always important to me to spot the Southern Cross when I can). All this is done under the guidance of an amazing crew, alongside guides with a passion and knowledge that inspires almost as much as the wildlife. It all adds up to a perfect holiday for many different types of Globetrotters.
Ecuador and the Galapagos are one of the many jewels of Latin America waiting to be discovered.
See Goway’s Galapagos Wildlife Calendar on Goway.com.
