Galapagos vacation packages can take all forms, all depending on the individual traveler's preferences. From cruises to land-based tours, to Galapagos Island travel packages that also include travel in Ecuador or Peru, you are sure to find a package to suit your needs.

Most people who travel to the Galapagos Islands will go with a boat cruise or yacht tour. The benefit of boat-based Galapagos vacation packages is that your entire itinerary is planned ahead of time, and you have the knowledge of expert nature guides, allowing you to see the most of the islands in your limited time. You will have to spend much of your time on the boat, as you journey between the islands, but this option allows you to sleep during the time the boat is traveling, wasting no time.

There are many options for boat cruises. Luxury cruises will feature beautifully decorated rooms, on-board entertainment, and gourmet food, much as you would expect on a cruise ship anywhere in the world. More basic Galapagos Island travel packages would give you the benefit of boat travel without the price of the added luxury. Most of these packages will include food, drinks, and snacks. In addition, if you are traveling with a group, you may be able to get a yacht charter that will cost less than paying the cost per individual. If you are booking a boat tour for several days, ask about Galapagos vacation packages that might include airfare to and from mainland Ecuador. Many cruise companies can either help you to book your Galapagos flight, or offer it for free.

Galapagos Islands Map

If you wish to combine your trip to the Galapagos Islands with further travel in South America, look for cruises departing from Peru or Ecuador that include stops in the Galapagos. While these ships will not be able to give you the comprehensive detail of Galapagos-based tours, they do allow you to glimpse a broader diversity of travel destinations.

If your primary interest is in scuba diving, look for Galapagos Island travel packages especially geared towards diving enthusiasts. You will need to be open-water certified before going on the tour, or else look for a beginner's tour that includes certification. This is a great way to see some of the most amazing marine life in the world, from hammerhead sharks, to whale sharks, to sea turtles. Your scuba diving boat tour will take you to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world, such as the islands of Darwin and Wolf, the bay of San Cristobal, and dive sites around North Seymour Island. Many dive sites in the Galapagos are protected due to the fragile nature of the ecosystem, so your boat tour is guaranteed to be small and intimate.

If the thought of spending your entire vacation on a boat makes you queasy, you might consider opting for a land-based package. Many resorts and hotels in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island, or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on San Cristobal Island, offer travel services, enabling you to book day tours to different islands, while spending your nights on land. This is also a good option if you enjoy exploring independently, as there are many places on Santa Cruz or San Cristobal you can visit on foot. Look for special vacation packages during special seasons such as the low season or during the holidays. These packages can give you either lower rates, or special services.