Unusual wildlife, unique scenery and gorgeous lagoons – its no wonder the Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s paradise. What better way to explore the gorgeous Galapagos Islands and all it’s endemic species than on a Galapagos cruise? What’s even better? Finding a cheap Galapagos cruise from San Francisco!
Before we tell you how to get the cheapest prices on a Galapagos cruise from San Francisco, first here’s some background on the pristine Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from the South American coast. They are an archipelago consisting of 13 large volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107 islets and rocks with a total land area of about 8,000 square kilometers. Five of the Galapagos Islands are inhabited, with a total population of approximately 18,000 people. The capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is on San Cristobal Island. The largest town is Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.
The Galapagos Islands’ exotic and unusual plant and wildlife are the major attractions for Galapagos cruises. The many different species inhabiting the islands, some endangered, others gentle or fearless, include: the giant tortoise (which has evolved into 14 distinct forms), the marine iguana, land iguanas, lava lizards, geckos and snakes. Other creatures include: rice rats, two species of bat, 13 species of small, brownish finches called Darwin’s finches and land birds including a hawk, dove, flycatcher, rail and four species of mockingbird. These species are only found in Galapagos.
The flightless cormorant, two species of gull, and the only penguin species that lives in tropical waters are among the endemic sea birds. The waved albatross is exclusive to Espanola Island, while colonies of blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies can be found alongside frigate birds. Sea lions and fur seals can be found frolicking around the coasts, while dolphins, whales and sea turtles are very common.
Well over 300 species of fish call the Galapagos ocean waters home and there are at least 1,600 species of insects, 80 spiders, 300 beetles, 150 mites, 80 land snails, 650 seashells and other mollusks, 200 starfishes and urchins, 120 crabs, and wide variety of other smaller animals. The different types of plant life in the Galapagos Islands are virtually endless. A good example of this: Galapagos has its very own, endemic species of cotton, tomato, pepper, guava and passionflower.
You can explore the Galapagos Islands from a catamaran, from a private yacht or on a larger cruise ship. Unfortunately, private yacht Galapagos cruises are the most expensive types of cruises, although they are the best way to explore the islands. The advantage of taking a yacht over a larger cruise ship is smaller ships can reach many places the larger ships can’t, so there are more opportunities to get up close and personal with Galapagos’ wildlife and nature. A disadvantage is, most yacht cruises are shorter than larger cruise ships.
Wildlife tours and nature cruises to the Galapagos Islands aboard larger expedition and cruise ships are a great experience for passengers interested in convenience, security, and social activities. This type of Galapagos cruise is perfect for families, large groups, seniors and other passengers seeking a higher level of comfort and a variety of on-board activities.
Expedition cruises may accommodate 100 or more passengers and they typically feature 1 guide for every 16-20 passengers. Passengers have several cruise length options to choose from including 3, 4 or 7 nights. Accommodations and amenities are comparable to most larger cruise lines and may include: comfortable suites with ocean views, boutique, library, karaoke bar, conference room, restaurant, swimming pool, solarium, observatory deck, 24-hour coffee and tea station, medical assistance, massage suite, satellite communication. All Galapagos cruises feature scientific information about the islands and expert naturalist guides.
The most popular cruise line, featuring a number of (not so) cheap Galapagos cruise sailings from San Francisco, is Celebrity Cruises. Depending on length of cruise, type of accommodations, cruise ship, and season, if you book directly through Celebrity Cruises expect to pay anywhere from $2,229 up to $7,000 or more per person. If you feel that you must book through Celebrity Cruises’ Vacation Planner (1-800-647-2251), there are a few ways you can save money. Book far (far) in advance or book at the very last minute, book off-season, book with a group, or if you are a senior, ask about the senior discount.
If you book far in advance you may receive significant discounts, incentives, or credits. If you book last minute, you may save up to 75%. If you book with a group, you will enjoy significant discounts – the larger the group, the better. And if you book off-season you may not enjoy the best weather, but your pocketbook will be pleased. High tourist season is from June 15 to September 14, and low tourist season is from Mat 1 to June 14, and September 15 to October 31.
If you would like to book a truly cheap Galapagos from San Francisco, you may contact your local cruise travel specialist if you want someone else to do the legwork. If you prefer to go it alone, there are numerous “cheap cruise” websites and booking search engines available that currently list some of the cheapest Galapagos cruise prices available. These include:
·Kayak.com
·Expedia.com
·Orbitz.com
·Travelocity.com
·VacationsToGo.com
·Bargain Travel Cruises
·Cruise.com
·Cruise Travel Outlet
·American Discount Cruises
In general, Galapagos Cruise prices include all meals on board (breakfast B, lunch L, dinner D), your Galapagos cruise voyage (sailing), Guided excursions, Briefings and lectures, Bottled water on cruise ship, and airport to dock transfers in the Galapagos islands. The price may not include use of snorkeling equipment, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses.
*Additional Information
Local Roundtrip airfare: Quito/Galapagos/Quito $393, and Guayaquil/Galapagos/Guayaquil $366.
Galapagos Park Tax: $100
Ecuador International Departure Tax: $32
Extras: Hotel nights in Quito or Guayaquil, airport transfers in mainland Ecuador, and Airfare to Ecuador is extra.
Pricing: U.S. Dollars
Fuel Supplement Charge: For U.S. bookings, the fuel supplement applies to all bookings created on or after November 16, 2007 for sailings that depart on or after February 1, 2008. It also applies to all bookings created before November 16, 2007, that were not paid in full by November 16, 2007, for sailings that depart on or after February 1, 2008.
For U.S. and Canadian bookings, the fuel supplement is $5.00(USD/CAN) per guest, per day. The supplement applies to the first and second guests in a stateroom, up to a maximum of $70.00 (USD/CAN) per guest per sailing.