The Natural Wonders Of A Galapagos Cruise

Ecotourism, like certified organic, is a buzz phrase that is being stretched to the extremes these days. But there is one cruise destination that thankfully still manages to capture the full meaning of the phrase. The Galapagos Islands are a nature-lover's dream come true. First made famous by Darwin in his On the Origin of Species, these pristine islands straddle the equator, 600 miles off the west coast of South America.

If you are interested in conservation, if one of the most unique microcosms of nature appeals, then a Galapagos cruise is a must before you die.

Part of Ecuador, the Galapagos archipelago can be reached by air from Quito, the capital, or from the port city of Guayaquil. There are also cruises that leave right from the mainland where the Islands can easily be reached overnight.

In order to minimize the impact of tourists on this fragile ecosystem, the government of Ecuador has a strict quota on the number of visitor permits it issues each year. A good thing, too since a Galapagos cruise is becoming a highly sought after experience, and specialty cruise lines are jostling each other to get in on this destination that is winning over nature lovers and naturalists alike.

It is hard to imagine a place where sea birds, marine mammals and reptiles have no innate fear of humans. To be able to approach within mere feet of sea lions, iguanas, and blue-footed boobies is unprecedented. It's no wonder that a Galapagos cruise is right up there among many travelers' top experiences or top must-do's.

The best way to fully experience this destination is by island hopping on a cruise ship. And there are plenty of options. From expedition vessels to 100-passenger mega yachts, starting prices generally range from US$350 to US$600 per person per night. This includes all your meals, your accommodation and transportation around these ruggedly beautiful islands.

Thanks to the efforts of the Ecuadorian government and the fact that the islands have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not much has changed since Darwin arrived here on the HMS Beagle in the 1830's. Ancient giant tortoises still walk the rocky inlands, marine iguanas still plunge into the sea to feed, and the distinctive birds that he studied can still be seen up close today. The profusion of flora and fauna found nowhere else but here is mind boggling.

Surprisingly, the weather here can be quite erratic. You would think being on the Equator means consistent temperatures year-round, but this is not the case. The warm season is generally December to May when temperatures average 25?C at sea level. During these months, sunny days prevail but sporadic heavy showers can occur. For the balance of the year, the season known as the Garua (June to November), sea level temperatures average 22 ?C and a steady and cold wind blows in from the south and southeast. Frequent drizzles (Garuas) last most of the day and dense fog often conceals the islands. Even rainfall can differ substantially from one island to the next, depending on their proximity to one another.

So, what are you waiting for? Heed the call of the wild on a Galapagos cruise. Experience the indigenous wildlife of this unique destination. Because of the quotas for visitors, you will need to book early as most vessels visiting the Islands are the smaller cruise ships. Space therefore is at a premium. But once you've been, these special islands will be etched on your memory for the rest of your life.