Hidden some 906 km (563 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a haven for unspoiled nature and extraordinary wildlife. Because of the distinct volcanic local weather, these remoted islands foster distinctive species of land and marine animals not like anyplace else.
Visiting the Galapagos archipelago is a real bucket-list vacation spot for nature lovers and travellers alike. The islands are residence to endemic species that guided Charles Darwin in creating his concept of evolution and supply fascinating encounters on each nook.
Our first journey to the Galapagos Islands was again in 2017 on a land-based tour that took us round the primary cities on the islands of San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. We had a incredible time on that journey, however we knew that at some point we would want to come back again to see extra.
So when the chance got here knocking, we couldn’t say no. This time, we determined to journey additional than we did again in 2017 and opted to go to the Galapagos Islands aboard a sustainable cruise with Oniric Cruises.
Why Oniric Cruises
There isn’t any denying it that Galapagos Cruises supply a novel alternative to go to the Galapagos Islands. A Galapagos cruise permits vacationers to transcend the populated areas, to go to uninhabited islands and see locations that you just cannot attain on a day journey from city.
For us, becoming a member of any Galapagos Cruise wasn’t an choice. As sustainable vacationers, we’re aware of the destructive influence the cruising trade has on the atmosphere. Consequently, we are likely to restrict cruising in our travels.
Then we realized about Oniric Cruises.
Established in 2007, Oniric Cruises gives Galapagos small ship cruises with a dedication to sustainability. Provided that these islands are so biologically important, Oniric acknowledges the significance of conservation in eco-tourism. The corporate goals to supply one of the best Galapagos excursions with the bottom influence on the delicate ecosystem.
Oniric Cruises supply small ship Galapagos Cruises on energy-efficient boats constructed with sensible, eco-conscious supplies. Their fleet has boats with sun-powered navigation and all of their journeys contribute to Galapagos conservation NGOs and purpose to positively influence native communities.
Our Boat: Treasure of Galapagos Catamaran
Oniric Cruises has a fleet of 4 boats, each providing 3-4 totally different itineraries starting from 4-8 days in size. The ships are all small, in a position to accommodate at most 16 passengers on board in air-conditioned rooms with personal loos.
We opted to discover the Galapagos on an itinerary aboard the Treasure Catamaran.
Our Galapagos Cruise boat by Oniric Cruises
The Specs
Treasure is a 31 m (101 ft) catamaran with 9 cabins and 3 decks. The boat can accommodate 16 visitors and has all of the comforts of luxurious Galapagos yachts, full with 2 zodiac tenders for shore excursions.
Our Room
For us, the largest draw of the Treasure Catamaran over the opposite boats within the Oniric Cruises fleet was the snug spacious cabins with an en-suite. The ensuite was geared up with a full-size on-demand scorching bathe (a real luxurious on any sailboat)! And if that wasn’t sufficient, every cabin had its personal personal balcony for having fun with sluggish mornings or watching sundown en route.
Our cabin aboard the Treasure of Galapagos by Oniric Cruises
Ensuite lavatory in our cabin onboard Treasure Catamaran of Oniric Cruises
Services on Board
The sundeck space with a shaded resting space and a jacuzzi sealed the deal. And though the new tub wasn’t working throughout our journey, we spent many afternoons and evenings having fun with the solar deck space with fellow passengers.
Different frequent areas aboard Treasure included an indoor and outside eating space (with a BBQ!), a lounge sitting space with video games and and a small library, and a bar, stocked with wines, beers and spirits.
Indoor eating space aboard Treasure Catamaran
Outside eating space on Treasure Catamaran
Sundeck aboard Treasure of Galapagos
Meals & Drink
All meals, water, espresso & tea had been included within the value of our Galapagos Cruise.
Meals had been served buffet type and supplied a pleasant choice of contemporary and grilled veggies, rice/pasta/potatoes and quite a lot of protein choices, together with some meat, rooster and fish/different seafood. The entire meals was constituted of contemporary, regionally sourced substances from mainland Ecuador.
The chef was in a position to accommodate dietary necessities together with, low carb for Max, vegetarian for me and a vegan choice for a fellow passenger. Meals had been totally different each night time and had been filling and engaging!
The bar on board was stocked with fundamental beers, some wines and spirits.
Outside BBQ onboard Treasure Catamaran
Bar on the Treasure Catamaran
Our Galapagos Cruise Itinerary
Treasure of Galapagos gives 3 totally different itineraries across the Galapagos Islands
Itinerary A: 5D/4N visiting Santiago, Bartholomew, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands
Itinerary B: 5D/4N visiting San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Fe, and Santa Cruz Islands
Itinerary C: 7D/6N visiting Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina Islands
Whereas all of the itineraries supply one thing fascinating, we had been most inquisitive about visiting islands and locations we hadn’t but skilled on our earlier go to. Realizing that we selected to expertise Itinerary C.
Day 1: Santa Cruz Island
Crusing Time: None
Actions: Boat tour
Locations Visited: Charles Darwin Analysis Station
AM – After flying into Baltra Airport, we paid our entrance charge to Galapagos Nationwide Park (USD $100) and had been greeted by our information, Jaime within the arrivals corridor. We met the remainder of our group and boarded a bus to the loading docks, only a 5 min drive from the airport. As soon as there, we took the zodiacs to our residence for the week – the attractive Treasure of Galapagos.
Stepping foot aboard Treasure, we had been instantly impressed. She was so shiny and clear. Our cabins had been luxurious and spacious and the employees welcomes us with open arms.
PM – After touring the boat and having fun with our first lunch on board, we disembarked the boat and made our solution to the city of Puerto Ayora on Santa Crus Island. We spent the afternoon visiting the Charles Darwin Analysis Station, studying extra concerning the fearless wildlife that calls the Galapagos Islands residence.
On the finish of the go to, we walked again into city and had a few hours to spend in Puerto Ayora. We appreciated a chance to buy, have a snack and a drink, and go away a few of our vacationer {dollars} in the area people – one thing you don’t get an opportunity to do on different Galapagos Cruise itineraries.
Charles Darwin Analysis Centre, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
On the Charles Darwin Analysis Centre, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Day 2: Eden Islet + Santa Cruz Island
Crusing Time: 4:30 hrs in a single day
Actions: Mountain climbing, Snorkelling
Locations Visited: Eden Islet, Dragon Hill
AM – Within the morning, we set sail off the west coast of Santa Cruz to the beautiful islet of El Edén. The primary exercise of the day was an hour-long zodiac journey alongside round El Eden to get a glimpse of blue-footed boobies and lots of different birds. We then jumped within the water for our first snorkelling session within the Galapagos. The water was chilly however we had been fortunate sufficient to be joined by a couple of playful sea lions as we snorkelled round El Eden.
Zodiac journey round El Eden Islet
PM – After one other nice lunch onboard and a much-needed siesta, we disembarked at Dragon Hill – a novel spot on Santa Cruz Island. Right here we set off on a brief hike and had been tremendous fortunate to have an incredible encounter with our first land iguanas. This space can be identified for its hyper-saline lagoon that’s residence to a number of birds that we noticed throughout our hike.
Land iguana at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island
Day 3: Isabela Island
Crusing Time: 7hrs in a single day
Actions: Mountain climbing
Locations Visited: Tintoreras, Sierra Negra Volcano, Wetlands, Puerto Villamil city
AM – We awoke vibrant and early to go to Las Tintoreras lava channels. This was a really distinctive a lovely spot with tons of turtles within the water channels and sea lions on the seashore. They had been so enjoyable to observe! Again on board, we loved a late breakfast and headed again out to hike Cerro Negro (Sierra Negra) Volcano. That is the third highest volcano on Isabela Island and the fifth highest within the Galapagos. It’s one of many few volcanoes vacationers can go to so we had been thrilled to embark on a brief hike to the sting of the caldera and get the unbelievable views of the volcano firsthand.
At Las Tintorenas on Isabela Island
Listening to tales en path to Cerro Negro Volcano
On the caldera of the Cerro Negro Volcano on Isabel Island
PM – Within the afternoon, we continued to discover Isabela Island, this time visiting the wetlands of the coastal lagoon. This spot on the island is the primary breeding web site for flamingos. We walked across the flamingo swimming pools, stumbling upon a large number of marine iguanas and completed off the day with a couple of hours within the city of Puerto Villamil.
On the boardwalk with marine iguanas in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Day 4: Isabela Island
Crusing Time: 8 hrs in a single day + 2:45 in the course of the day
Actions: Mountain climbing
Locations Visited: Punta Moreno, Urbina Bay
AM – This morning we did a brief hike round Punta Moreno on the Western aspect of Isabela Island. We walked across the web site and received to see coastal lagoons and a novel lava seashore. These lava stream areas appeal to a number of species of birds and marine iguanas. However the spotlight of this spot was recognizing a couple of Galapagos penguins!
Zodiac journey round Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
PM – For the afternoon, we sailed to Urbina Bay, the place we launched into a brief however eventful hike. We noticed loads of land iguanas and wild large tortoises. The colorful wildlife right here thrives within the volcanic local weather that’s full of shells and corals.
Big turtle sighting at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
The seashore at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Day 5: Fernandina Island + Isabela Island
Crusing Time: 2hrs
Actions: Mountain climbing, Snorkelling
Locations Visited: Punta Espinoza, Tagus Cove
AM – Day 5 began with an early morning hike on Fernandina Island, the third largest of the Galapagos Islands. The one customer web site, Punta Espinoza is residence to the distinctive flightless cormorant that’s an unbelievable instance of the well-adapted wildlife that’s endemic to the Galapagos. After a hike, we jumped within the water for an additional snorkelling session. The water was chilly and visibility fairly poor, however regardless of all that, we nonetheless managed to identify tons of fish and 18 turtles in only one hour!
Morning stroll on Fernandina Island
A multitude of marine iguanas on Fernandina Island
A sea lion posing for an image on Fernandina Island
On the lava at Fernandina Island
Marine iguana in motion
PM – We spent the afternoon again on Isabela Island, simply throughout the Bolivar Channel. We hiked round Tagus Cove admiring the attractive views of the cove from above.
Disembarking at Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
Views of Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
Day 6: Santiago Island + Rabida Island
Crusing Time: 12hrs + 3 hrs
Actions: Snorkelling, Mountain climbing
Locations Visited: Puerto Egas, Rábida
AM – Our vacation spot for this morning was Puerto Egas, a novel black sand seashore on western Santiago Island. The panorama right here was very distinctive as was the wildlife. This was one of many few locations you possibly can spot fur seals on a cruise to the Galapagos and we had been fortunate sufficient to identify a couple of. After our morning hike, we jumped within the water for an additional enjoyable snorkelling session with sea lions.
Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
Fur seal at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island
PM – Within the afternoon, we sailed to Rabida Island, identified for its red-coloured sand. It completely reminded us of Western Australia! Strolling the paths and snorkelling is likely one of the finest experiences within the Galapagos because of the super-clear water. We had an incredible session snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, and even an eagle ray. Nevertheless, we had been unhappy to finish the final full day on our Galapagos cruise however the superb night sundown was an ideal ending.
On Rabida Island
Sea lions on the shore on Rabida Island
Day 7: Santa Cruz
Crusing Time: 3hrs
Actions: Seaside stroll
Locations Visited: Las Bachas, Santa Cruz
AM – We spent our final morning en route again to Santa Cruz the place we visited a lovely white sand seashore referred to as Las Bachas. After a peaceable seashore stroll and some final wildlife encounters, it was time to return again on board, pack our baggage and say goodbye to the Treasure of Galapagos.
At Las Bachas seashore, Santa Cruz Island
Closing Ideas on Galapagos Islands Cruises With Oniric Cruises
After an unforgettable journey, we couldn’t advocate a visit to the Galapagos Islands with Oniric Cruises extra!
Our total journey was wonderful, full of in depth data, wonderful service, and memorable experiences. Oniric is a superb firm and we love their sustainable method to cruising.
Important Journey Data
Oniric’s Different Ships and Itineraries
Oniric Cruises is a reasonably new model, however their huge choice of itineraries and a fleet of 4 totally different boats, present numerous choices appropriate for each funds and curiosity stage. Apart from the Treasure of Galapagos, our catamaran of alternative for this cruise to Galapagos, Oniric Cruises gives 3 different boats starting from mid-range to first-class.
Yacht Solaris
The largest of Oniric’s Galapagos cruise ships, Solaris is a 16-passenger yacht with 11 cabins. It’s thought of a first-class motor yacht with three decks to discover, together with a big solar deck good for lounging. Solaris sails on 4 totally different itineraries, starting from 4 to eight days.
- Itinerary A is an 8-day journey that focuses on the distant western islands of Isabela and Fernandina.
- Itinerary B gives a novel glimpse into the japanese islands with an 8-day cruise visiting distant Genovesa Island.
- Itinerary B4 additionally excursions Genovesa on a shorter 4-day journey that additionally hits Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal Island.
- Itinerary B5 packs many Galapagos highlights into 5 days spent exploring the southern islands.
Galapagos Cruises aboard Solaris begin at USD $2,695 per individual with choices for last-minute offers.
Catamaran Archipel
Archipel I is Oniric’s most versatile catamaran, providing 6 totally different itineraries for an impressive worth. The mid-range vessel has 8 cabins holding 16 visitors and is the one cruise that visits all the primary islands in a single journey.
- Itinerary A spends 8 days circling the outstanding archipelago whereas snorkelling with marine life.
- Itinerary A5 and A4 supply shorter Galapagos cruises specializing in the western islands (A5) and japanese islands (A4).
- Itinerary B. The route spends 8 days observing seabird colonies and large tortoises on all 7 of the japanese islands.
- Itineraries B5 and B4 supply shorter journeys full of wildlife on the southeastern islands (B5) and northeastern islands (B4).
Archipel’s Galapagos itineraries begin at USD $2,095 per individual with a number of reductions obtainable.
Yacht Aqua Liveaboards
This Galapagos small ship cruise is all about journey and scuba diving. Aqua is a compact mid-range yacht with 9 cabins and choices for liveaboard dive cruises. Aqua’s Galapagos cruises dive a bit of deeper (actually) into the distant waters of the archipelago.
- Itinerary A is an 8-day diving journey of the northern islands the place inexperienced sea turtles, whale sharks, and tropical fish reside.
- Itinerary B caters to naturalists by exploring the central islands to look at uncommon wildlife on land.
- Itinerary B5 explores land and sea on Baltra, Santa Cruz, and Santiago Island.
- Itinerary B4 visits the south-central islands, together with Floreana Island, the place seabirds and marine iguanas are aplenty.
Cruises to the Galapagos Islands aboard Yacht Aqua begin at USD $2,095 per individual with quite a lot of offers obtainable.