Galapagos Island Tours For Seniors-10 Best in 2023

Wondering Which Galapagos Island Tours For Seniors Should Be On Your Bucket List?

Special thank you to John and Katie W. for sharing their recent tour photos from their Galapagos Island tour!

Author, Cynthia Ross Tustin Updated February 9th, 2023

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If you have a bucket list of travel destinations, as I do, I bet a trip to the Galapagos Islands is on it! First came the pirates, then Charles Darwin, and then the rest of us to this tiny Island Archipelago, off the coast of Ecuador. Don’t let the title, Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors fool you, this ain’t your Granny’s bus tour.

Although in fairness…sensible granny shoes are probably a really good idea!

This author’s top pick for a Galapagos Island tour for seniors is the 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat. Why is it the fave? Because it’s the only one that’s a sumptuous mind, body, and spirit experience…and sorry fellas, ladies only!

Why Would the Galapagos Islands Appeal to Seniors?

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most complete and fascinating destinations in the world for senior travelers. Why? Well, it’s simple:

1. It feels like an expedition and the activities range from easy to moderate in difficulty.
2. You will not be subject to mass tourism. It’s an ecological Disneyworld with limited access.
3. Usually, “it’s the journey, not the destination”, as they say; but in this instance, it really is the unforgettable nature of the destination!

Factor in the freedom from work, the empty nest, and the constant sunshine of the tropics…what other destination could possibly be on your “once in a lifetime” trip list?!

Let’s start with my favorite, the 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat!

Please check with the tour provider if you have any questions relating to exertion levels or mobility issues.

Author’s Top Galapagos Island Tour For Seniors

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#1 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat

Eco Tip: This is an ecologically fragile area, that’s why tourism is limited. There is a “no smoking policy” on every island…indoors and out.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Eco Tip: Travellers are asked to ensure that their clothes and especially their shoes are clean and free of hazardous soil.

Why choose this tour? 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat I’m super excited to recommend this Women’s Quest Retreat to the Galapagos Islands. Women’s Quest was founded by my good friend Colleen Cannon. After a highly successful career as a professional triathlete, she wanted to create adventures for women that are both liberating and empowering.

In her racing days, she was World Champion in 1984 and National Champion in 1988 and 1990. She also was a multiple U.S. National team member. She designs and leads transformative luxury retreats for women that focus on movement, balance, and targeting their “true hearts’ desires”. These adventures are full of joyful physical experiences that create true happiness.

You should know that Colleen’s retreats are all small, unique, and exclusive. You can think of it as an artisanal, small-batch, gourmet travel.

You’ll visit the Giant Tortoise and learn about the ecological reserve that helps to rescue them and return them to their natural habitat, which they also help protect. Hiking on Bartolome Island to the Galapagos pinnacle will give you the best view of the entire area. Then spend some time snorkeling on the North beach with the sea lions, fish, rays, and turtles.

Surfing at Tortuga Bay will be amazing, and not just because this beach is the only one in the world where you can watch iguanas (and maybe sharks up close); but also because Colleen has decades of pro-surf experience to share with you. You will love swimming in the crystal-clear pools between high volcanic walls. An opportunity for more snorkeling and perhaps a little cliff diving.

Science and Transformative Experiences

Colleen is keenly aware of the transformative benefits of spending time in these rare and protected environments. Studies have proven that connecting with these places “are often strongly related to emotion, affect, and social cognitive variables, such as developmental/therapeutic health, physical health, self-sufficiency, and educational, spiritual, and aesthetic/creativity benefits. The relationship between these types of experiences and transformations of attitude, beliefs, and behaviors in human
populations is presented.”

What do guests have to say about the 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat?

“Traveling to Galapagos and Ecuador with Women’s Quest is a magical adventure. In fact – it’s two adventures!   Traveling to Quito and staying with a local family, hiking in the mountains, and staying in a homestay is the best way to get a feel for the country. From there you move on to the Galapagos which is like a “fire hose” of nature where everywhere you look there is literally some amazing species just waiting for you to snap a photo. Even though you are experiencing real adventure- you are always in the capable hands of Jacqueline and her staff – encouraging you to do just a bit more than you wanted and cheering you and the other Questers along the way. This trip is not to be missed. It truly is a trip of a lifetime!” 

Elizabeth, April 2022 (read more reviews)

Colleen makes sure that you get a true Ecuadorian experience, your accommodation is at this little family-owned hotel. It has 17 rooms, comfortable and modern, surrounded by interesting fauna, and a beautiful landscape, and is maintaining the basic principles of conservation. Further adding to the immersive experience.

A typical day during this retreat takes you amongst the spectacular volcanic landscapes and blue waters of this archipelago; there are different activities every day, but Colleen takes the time to make sure you will see finches, seabirds, giant tortoises, iguanas, swim with the sea lions, snorkel, surf and most importantly learn all about the habitats and evolution of the Galapagos Islands. 

There is also a saltwater pond close by that is home to the rosy birds themselves, American flamingos. This is also a great place to take a dip and snorkel along the beach, thanks in large part to the unique combination of underwater species and aquatic terrain. And don’t be surprised if you see dolphins!

Get on board for the 6-Day Galapagos Transformative Luxury Retreat

Start ticking off your bucket list – read my blog post and discover the best tips for fixed-income travel!

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#2 6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles

Pro Tip: Take multiple battery chargers for devices like your phone or camera…you’ll take soooo many pictures. But you won’t be talking on your phone, cell coverage is extremely limited.

Rating: 4.5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with 23 great reviews.

Why choose this tour 6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles? This all-inclusive, and in my opinion budget-friendly, tour ticks all the boxes on my sightseeing list. It starts and ends at Baltra Airport – Santa Cruz. You visit multiple islands. And that’s great because each island has its own set of unique features.

In addition to Santa Cruz, where your tour begins, you will also visit Los Tuneles, Santa Fe, and Tintoreras. On a daily basis, you’ll travel via speedboat to island destinations, and at night you can sleep in a bed that’s not afloat.

You’ll Like The Small Group Size

I also like the small group size of 15 pax. maximum. This makes your adventure more memorable and gives you plenty of access to your naturalist guide. Your guide will take you to places where you can observe native wildlife at close range.

Tintoreras, an islet, gets its name from the White Tip Shark and has one of the best opportunities to see the nesting of the Galapagos Penguins.

There is also ample opportunity to see flamingos, sea turtles, and giant tortoises.

There’s time for snorkeling in Los Tuneles and a day at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

What do guests have to say about the Galapagos 6-Day Island Hopping Tour?

“Interesting views, bird and animal life, excellent guides and a climate perfect for vacations also for retired people.”

Arney V. 2022 (read more reviews)

Hotels on Santa Cruz Island are generally between 3-5 stars. Wifi is generally very good at the hotels, most have pools, and excellent dining opportunities are an easy walk.

Book the 6-Day Galapagos Island Hopping Tour: Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Los Tuneles

Land-based Galapagos Island Tours For Seniors

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

# 3 Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing

Eco Tip: The islands are not “plastic friendly” and the water is not generally potable, especially on the outer island. Take your own refillable water bottle.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with 24 excellent reviews.

Why choose the Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing?

This one day will get you out to Floreana Island on a luxury yacht, an extremely remote area of the Galapagos. It’s a small, intimate tour with a 10-guest maximum, led by a well-trained naturalist guide.

I love these Blue-Footed Boobies! Floreana Island is a great place to see the unique wildlife that these islands are renowned for. That is why you came. Isn’t it? Here you’ll see Sea Lions, Frigate Birds, Nazca Boobies, Blue-Footed Boobies, Petrels, Pelicans, Flamingos, and more.

I’m a huge bird watcher. If you aren’t a subscriber to my posts, you missed my Galapagos Bird Quiz. Take the quiz, and let me know you well you do!

You’ll Like The Small Group Size

You’ll also get a chance to enjoy some snorkeling with the marine wildlife-filled waters, fishing, and exploring unique landscapes. With only 10 guests on the boat, there’s plenty of room to move around, And who doesn’t like an uncrowded experience?! Includes lunch, snacks, and soft drinks served onboard

What do guests have to say about this tour?

“This was a great tour. This tour and the Crew of Mein Steffi were EXCELLENT! They went over and beyond to make sure this trip was enjoyable and memorable. Chef Manny cooked up some delicious seafood and had refreshing drinks available. The snorkeling was unbelievable! We swam with Sharks, Sea Lions and turtles saw a Puffer Fish and every fish you can think of! Yazmany was superb and was very knowledgeable about everything he showed us and explained. The Captain took us to the best snorkeling spots and Joy maintained the beautiful yacht and helped us in and out of our gear.I can’t say enough about this tour! I booked two tours with them both were excellent.”

Angela 2021 (read more reviews)

This tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for anyone with back problems or serious cardiac conditions.

You might be interested to know that Floreana, located in the southern part of the archipelago, is the most remote out of the four inhabited islands with only 150 persons living here.

Book the Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing early!

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#4 The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos

Eco Tip: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rare and unique flora and fauna. Do not take anything with seeds. No fruits or vegetables. There is a need to ensure that no invasive species take hold here.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 9 excellent reviews.

Why choose The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos Tour?

Many day tours depart from Santa Cruz. But it doesn’t mean you have to! This island is as full of unique wildlife-watching opportunities as all of them. Take advantage of this afternoon tour and enjoy breakfast with the locals.

Go out for a morning walk and find a restaurant with a breakfast special, they all have them. The breakfast plate of the day (Plato del dia) is generally a point of pride. Reasonably priced ($3-5USD) and always delicious!

The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos Tour is three great tours in one. A knowledgeable naturalist guide will take you to visit the Los Gremelos volcanic formations, and the Giant Tortoise Wildlife Reserve, and then you’ll finish with a hike through a lava tube.

A Nod To Science

Want to know more about lava tubes? OMG, totally! Here’s a link to Science Direct, for all the juicy, nerdy details. Tubes only last about 10,000 years. However, the oldest one in the world is near Sedona, Arizona. Here’s a link to The Best 9 Outdoor Sedona Tours for Seniors…yes, it’s a shameless plug!

What do guests have to say about The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos Tour?

“Carla was the perfect guide, she knew everything from the types of birds we saw to the layers of rock names in the lava tubes. I highly recommend this tour as we had private access to the lava tubes and the giant tortoise experience as well as private transportation. it was An amazing experience!”

Emilio G. 2022 (read more reviews)

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. This tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately…and sturdy shoes

Don’t miss the giant tortoises! Book your The Giant Tortoise Experience | Lava Tubes + Los Gemelos Tour

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#5 Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling & Hiking Trip

Pro Tip: You’ll want great pictures from this tour. If you’re using the camera on your phone remember to shoot the picture first and zoom in when editing. Get low to take the picture. And turn your phone upside down.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There are 9 excellent reviews.

Why choose The Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling & Hiking Trip?

Bartolomé Island was named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, a friend of Charles Darwin who served as a principal surveyor and second lieutenant aboard the HMS Beagle. We all love Darwin, but he did have help!

Bartolome Island is part of the Galapagos Conservancy and taking a full-day tour from Puerto Ayora is worth every second. Bartolome is another amazing volcanic island that’s jam-packed with biodiversity both on land and underwater.

Land, Sea, and Sky

Hike the beautiful landscapes from the viewpoint at the top of the island and then check out the unbelievable marine life while you snorkel. Your naturalist guide is with you on the trails and in the water.

What do guests have to say about The Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling & Hiking Trip?

“Overall this was a great tour, went very smoothly with great attention to detail and great service. I was picked up on time, the guide Johan gave very clear expectations and everything happened exactly as planned. He was very accommodating and showed me how to use snorkeling equipment, showed me the best places to dive and where to take the best pictures.”

Francisco P. 2022 (read more reviews)

This tour starts early, at 6 am. Maximum of 16 people on this tour and it has a “moderate activity level” rating. Not recommended for pregnant women, those with bad backs, or serious health conditions.

This is a full day of hiking and snorkeling, and it’s a great opportunity to see all the flora and fauna. Book The Bartolome Island Full-Day Tour: Snorkeling & Hiking Trip.

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#6 Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing

Pro Tip: Many tours like this one, offer snorkeling. Consider bringing your own snorkel, mask, and fins if you’re a regular snorkeler.

Pro Tip #2: If you have an underwater GoPro…bring it!

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 23 excellent reviews.

Why choose the Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing?

This tour is a rare wildlife treat! It takes about 45 minutes to get to Santa Fe Island (also known as Barrington Island, after the British Admiral Samuel Barrington). There are no docks, so you and your small tour group (go ahead, call it an expedition) will make a wet landing on the beach.

Swim with playful sea lions and other Galapagos marine life on a small-group (10-person maximum tour size) snorkeling and fishing tour to Santa Fe Island. Using provided snorkel gear, get up close to sea turtles, eagle rays, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

This island is a very rare formation located in the middle of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands, on the southeast of the archipelago and it holds a beautiful turquoise lagoon on its bay, an often visited historic anchoring point. This island is so isolated that there are no inhabitants (no fresh water).

Just A Couple of Nerd Notes Here

This is the oldest island of all (4.5 million years) and is the result of the uplifting of a layer that previously suffered geological folding even though recent data suggests that it also had volcanic origins. The island has the highest endemism. This is due to its geological nature and its age. Most of the animals on this island are only found on this island.

People choose this tour to experience the rarest of flora and fauna…wait until you see the cactus!

Here you will find the Marine Iguana of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Mockingbird, the Santa Fe Rice Rat, and the Santa Fe lizard.

What guests are saying about Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing

“Santa Fe is the best trip to go on in the Galapagos! Don’t miss it. You get to swim with two different groups of sea lions, and I also got to see white tip sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. The guide was super knowledgeable and recorded some of the best moments on his GoPro that he then sent to everyone after the event was over.

Miles, June 2022 (read more reviews)

Public transportation is available from the departure point in Puerto Ayora. After your snorkel/swim, take a wildlife tour of the island and then you’ll have the chance to fish during the return journey.

The activity level is rated as easy for everyone. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for anyone with serious health conditions.

Snorkeling is rated as easy due to the calm bay with crystal clear, turquoise water (like a natural swimming pool). Most guests will get the opportunity to swim with sea lions; the younger, more playful ones love to get into the water with the snorkelers, twirling and chasing around – an absolutely unique experience!

This Tour Has Exceptional Wildlife Photograph Opportunities

I can’t rave enough about the opportunity to see wildlife on this particular trip. Besides the sea lions, there are Sea Turtles, sharks, tons of tropical fish, Eagle Rays, and more. Birds indigenous to the area include Blue-footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Mockingbirds, and the very rare Galapagos Hawks.

The landscape is stunningly beautiful, the contrast of the turquoise water against the dark lava rocks, the cacti as well as the white sand beach full of sea lions.

Seriously, sign me up for the Day Tour to Santa Fe Island and Hidden Beach with snorkeling and fishing

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#7 Private Tour: Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Full-day Lunch included

Pro Tip: There aren’t ATMs on every corner. Make sure you have cash…USD is the currency to use.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why guests choose the Private Tour: Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Full-day Lunch included

This is a full-day excursion and your opportunity to explore the island of Santa Cruz. You will have a dedicated guide for a walk from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay.

At Tortuga Bay, you’ll get a chance to relax on the beach and go for a swim; then visit the Marine Iguana Sanctuary. Enjoy a fabulous lunch, and then head to the Charles Darwin Research Station. It’s there that you’ll learn about the geology, climate, natural history, and conservation of the Galapagos Islands.

What the guests are saying about the Private Tour: Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Full-day Lunch included

“Erica was amazing and incredibly knowledgeable! What a fun day. I learned so much and totuga. At was stunning!!! Would definitely recommend!”

Lisa, 2021 (read more reivews)

You’ll have an opportunity to walk along trails of rocks and boardwalks, all surrounded by Opuntia Cacti, Palo Santo trees, and Matasarno trees.

This is the best of the personal tours, book the Private Tour: Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay Beach Full-day Lunch included, early!

Ship-Based Galapagos Island Tours For Seniors

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#8 Galapagos Islands 7 Days Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

Pro Tip: Take your own sunscreen, shampoo, etc. These products are available on the islands but are extremely expensive. A travel-size bottle of sunscreen starts at around $11 USD.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why choose the Galapagos Islands 7 Days Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II? Because this 7-day cruise is about touring the southeastern portion of the Galapagos Islands in luxury. This ship is limited to just 40 guests and 26 crew. The Isabela II is well known for her experienced staff, delicious cuisine, and expert naturalist guides.

This cruise tour begins on Baltra and the Santa Cruz Islands, then San Cristobal, Espanola Island, Floreana Island, Isabela and Fernandina Islands, Santa Cruz, and the North Seymour Islands, and then back to Baltra.

Every stop offers the opportunity to see the unique and rare flora and fauna that the Galapagos are famous for.

And the ship itself is set up for such amenities as swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and fishing. Don’t feel like snorkeling? There’s a glass-bottom boat to observe the marine life.

What are the guests saying about Galapagos Islands 7 Days Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II?

“Isabella II is the perfect size ship for Galapagos. Bigger can’t navigate in as close for snorkeling. We loved our guides, especially Socrates.”

Chevy A. 2022 (read more reviews)

The term “naturalist guide” means that your tour guide is licensed by the Ecuadorian National Park Administration. The guides aren’t just to lead the tour, they play an active role in eco-preservation. To obtain a license, there is a four-week intensive training program; this is in addition to already having degrees in natural sciences and excellent language skills.

The island by day, travel by night! Book the Galapagos Islands 7 Days Southeastern Cruise aboard Yacht Isabela II

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#9 Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta

Pro Tip: Consider packing water shoes and water-resistant/weatherproof hiking shoes. You will be spending many hours on your feet.

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 4 exceptional reviews

Why choose the Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta?

This is definitely a luxury yacht! Travel on board an expedition yacht vessel type, with 24 well-appointed cabins, a Cordon Bleu Chef, a 3:2 passenger: crew ratio, and medical staff permanently on board.

This cruise follows an eastern route. Your route is Baltra and the South Plaza Islands, Santa Fe and San Cristobal Islands, Espanola Island, Santa Cruz, and then back to Baltra.

North Seymour

Sailing east along the volcanic shores of North Seymour and Santa Cruz islands, until you reach South Plaza Island, where the expedition part of your adventure begins with a trip to the beach. Day two is all about exploring Santa Fe Island (the island with the most endemic species in the Galapagos) and San Cristobal Island.

Espanola

The next day is Española Island, and getting off the boat and onto the beautiful beach of Punta Suarez. You can wander along the rugged coastline, and see the rare (and plentiful) marine iguanas, sea lions, marine birds, and even albatrosses (seen throughout much of the year).

Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay allows for more beach time, swimming, snorkeling, or exploring aboard the glass-bottom boat. If you’re not into snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat is an amazing option! the final day includes a visit to the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, the most populated in the archipelago.

Everyone who conducts a tour for you is a naturalist guide.

What do guests have to say about the Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta?

“I can’t say enough about Metropolitan Touring! From the minute we arrived at the Quito airport, they had every detail of our trip organized eliminating stress and making our trip a great experience. We took a day tour of Quito and our guide G was outstanding. Aboard the LaPinta, all crew members were friendly and professional. We loved the islands on this tour. All of the excursions were well planned in order to see the uniqueness of each island. Safety was a priority and we felt pampered the entire time. The guides were knowledgeable and always took time for questions and picture taking. Metropolitan’s agent Trent with Velocity Tours and Travel lived in Ecuador and his knowledge of Quito and the Galapagos helped us plan the perfect trip. He booked flights, hotels, transportation, tours and our Galapagos cruise.”

Cynthia, 2022 (read more reviews)

Your itinerary may be subject to change because of weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations, or operational reasons. Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. The same rules that airlines use about weight apply to ships. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage, and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.)

The conservation of this unique area is as important to the crew of the La Pinta as it probably is to you. For that reason, this ship uses modern technology integrated into its engines to lower fuel consumption. And there are onboard water desalination and treatment systems, waste-recycling, and energy efficiency components that help minimize the impact on the region.

Get on board the Galapagos Islands Cruise: 5-Day Eastern Itinerary aboard Yacht La Pinta

Top 10 Galapagos Island Tours for Seniors

#10 Private 7-Day Western Galapagos Islands aboard Yacht La Pinta

Pro Tip: It can be tempting to lure wildlife closer to you with the offering of food or feel that you’re helping them to survive by giving them a little treat. Feeding animals can have a negative impact on them and cause significant health problems. The animals of the Galapagos Islands have thrived here for hundreds of thousands of years finding their own food sources and don’t need the help of humans

Rating: 5 out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with wonderful reviews

Why choose the Private 7-Day Western Galapagos Islands aboard Yacht La Pinta?

All Galapagos cruises begin and end in Baltra, then to the North Seymour Islands. Next, you will sail Isabela, Fernandina, Urbina Islands, and Tagus Cove. From there to Rabida and the Santa Cruz Islands, Floreana, and then back to Baltra.

Santa Cruz Island is the most populated island in the archipelago, and one of the most popular as well. You will get to see the famed Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to the shores of Eden Islet.

From there, you travel to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat, the iconic shape of the island makes it easy to spot. Next is one of the most unique islands in the archipelago, Bartolomé Island. Take the boardwalk up to the panoramic viewpoint, and then down to the golden sandy beach for some great snorkeling opportunities offshore.

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay will introduce you to the volcanic origins of the islands. You will see the sunken caldera of Genovesa, which is on one of the most isolated islands in the Galapagos. and you will see it when you travel far up in the northeast region of the archipelago – a privileged place to visit that is home to hundreds of marine birds.

Darwin was a man of science, and he thought this place was strange and wonderful. The pirates were here long before Darwin. Can you imagine what they must have thought?

What do guests have to say about the

“We just finished the seven day Western Galapagos cruise and had a spectacular time. Snorkeling with so many sea creatures including sea lions, sea turtles and sea iguanas was so much fun. The nature hikes had spectacular views and allowed close up encounters with the wild life. The crew and guides on the boat were friendly, courteous and treated you like royalty.”

Trip Advisor 2022 (read more reviews)

This trip is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious health conditions.

While visiting the Genovesa Caldera, check out the Prince Phillip Steps. Prince Philip visited Galapagos in 1965 and in 1981. There is a variety of sea life using the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. See the Red-billed Tropicbirds or a small colony of fur seals. There are plenty of Nazca and Red-footed Boobies nest in the thin Palo Santo forest.

Book now for the Private 7-Day Western Galapagos Islands aboard Yacht La Pinta

The Galapagos Islands are not a mass tourism destination

The Galapagos Islands are more suited for touring rather than sunbathing. Carefully planning your trip is essential. You need to consider what you want to see, the best ways to see it, and above all, your budget.

If you’re on a really tight budget, there are ways to do it. However, this Ecuadorian province is expensive for a reason…to limit tourism. This is an extremely fragile ecosystem, hence the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. They average approximately 200,000 visitors a year.

There are approximately 21 islands in total, 14 can be visited, and only three are inhabited. That’s why some pre-planning is necessary.

People generally tour the Galapagos Islands in one of two ways, day trips or cruises. Deciding between these two is your biggest decision and affects your budget the most. The base for either option starts on one of the three inhabited islands, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, and, to a much lesser extent, Isabela and Floreana islands.

A Word About UNESCO World Heritage Sites

I’ve mentioned that the Galapagos Islands are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site several times. But what does that actually mean? Briefly, it means that it is legally protected by an international agreement between nations because the “sites are judged to contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.”

UNESCO stands for United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

There are only 1,154 places on earth with this designation, and most are cultural, but 218 are “natural” in the category. And to qualify for such a distinction, and protection, there are four criteria:

🐧 Have superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
🐧 Outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history, including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
🐧 To be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.
🐧 Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. – UNESCO

Where Are The Galapagos Islands & How To Get To There

The only way to begin your bucket list trip to the Galapagos is via Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador and are National Parks. There are plenty of flights to either Quinto, the capital city; and to Guayaquil, which is closer to the islands.

Pro Tip: There is a $100 USD fee that must be paid to visit the Galapagos. Cash only

From mainland Ecuador, you need a flight to Baltra Island, from there you can catch a bus and take the ferry to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. This is the most popular tourist hub and has the most places to stay and great day trip options. Most of the cruise ships depart from here. Endless options!

Your alternative is to take a flight to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, which is also great for day-tripping. And FYI, there are three domestic airlines that will get you to either of these islands TAME, LAN, and Aerogal.

Pro Tip: Very few, if any, tour packages include your flight from Ecuador to the islands.

Only you can choose which one would make the best Galapagos island cruise for you. But my preference is the Galapagos Islands 5-Day Wildlife Cruise Northern Itinerary 2022 – Aboard Santa Cruz II

Have You Chosen Your Galapagos Island Tour For Seniors?

Galapagos Island tours provide the best opportunity to see the rare and the unusual. Just ask my friend John and his wife Katie. While I would never call either of them seniors, they have way too much sauve de vie for such a moniker, they did just enjoy the time of their lives with several weeks on a Galapagos cruise and time at Machu Pichu.

And I think some of their trip photos speak for themselves. Thanks for sharing them.

What are you waiting for? Start ticking off the destinations on your bucket list…and start with the Galapagos!

Cheers,

Cynthia

Looking for some other travel ideas?

Consider visiting some of the places that Jill Heinerth has been to. She is Canada’s Explorer-In-Residence and world-renowned underwater photographer. Check out my conversation with her.

And if SCUBA diving isn’t your thing, but hot tropical climates are, check out my updated conversation with C. Ryan Edgar – an early retiree and successful hotelier in beautiful Costa Rica!