New Flights to the Galapagos Islands

Posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010

AeroGal launched a daily non-stop route between JFK and Guayaquil. The carrier, which operates within Ecuador and to the Galapagos and Columbia, also serves Miami. For its New York service, AeroGal is using Boeing 767s seating 210 passengers.  In-flight service with AeroGal includes traditional Ecuadoran appetizers, such as empanadas, de morocho and chifles, and the menus often highlight regional specialties.
Latin America travel has fared much better than other markets due to the recession. Travel to South America has continued to thrive even in these tough economic times.

We have a great selection of Galapagos tours
 

Galapagos Cruise

Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009

Also known as the enchanted isles, the Galapagos are a naturalists dream. Cut off from human influences for millions of years, the resident population of animals have not developed a fear of man like their mainland cousins. The result is a truly spectacular wildlife-viewing experience. With iguanas, albatrosses, seals, blue footed boobies and giant tortoises all approaching viewers quizzically rather than running way, you are guaranteed an excellent trip. Add to this some beautiful beaches, great snorkelling and a couple of good hikes, and this is like no other cruise you will ever go on.

There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September, and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island, so the Galapagos will never feel crowded.

December through May - During this time of year, the water and the air are warmer, but this is also the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year. The end of December and the beginning of January is still the high season, so expect more visitors than during the rest of the year.

Because the water is warm, the idea of swimming and snorkelling is enticing. On the flip side, there aren't as many fish to see as later in the year. This is also the breeding season for land birds, so it's a good opportunity to watch some unusual mating rituals. If you're into turtles, this is best time of year to come; you can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach, and from March through May, you can often see the land tortoises wandering around the lowland areas of the islands as they make their way down from the highlands in search of a mate. Sea lions also mate in the rainy season -- it's entertaining to watch as the males fight it out for the females. Around March and April, you'll see the adorable newborn pups crawling around the islands.

June through November - From June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galapagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. Conditions are windier during this period.

Experienced divers claim that this is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. Because there are more fish in the sea at this time of year, there are also more seabirds searching for these fish. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December. Penguins also like the cold water and abundance of fish, so you're more likely to see them here during this season. On Genovesa, the elusive owls mate in June and July, and you have the best chance of spotting one during this time. Blue-footed boobies also mate during this time of year, so it won't be difficult to witness their beautiful mating ritual known as the "sky point."

Tauck Galapagos Tour

Posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Cruising the Galapagos Islands

On Tauck's Galápagos Islands cruise, treasure troves of natural wonders appear daily! From Charles Darwin's to today's visitors, the Galápagos Islands continue to fascinate with unique wildlife viewing that is unlike any other place in the world. And since the birds and animals are unafraid of humans, you can get right up close to them.

Make your own discoveries on a Galápagos Islands cruise aboard Tauck's exclusive yacht for 40 guests. Go ashore with an expert naturalist to view giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies feeding their young, and Sally Lightfoot crabs scurrying over the lava. Walk amidst sea lions and penguins on this active adventure.

Tauck Value includes:

• All gratuities to Tauck Director and ship staff
• Exclusive Tauck Cruise - only 40 Tauck guests!
• Private Tauck Shore Excursions with naturalist guides
• In-depth sightseeing within the Galápagos Islands, led by naturalist guides, including a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, Puerto Ayora, and diverse islands
• Entrance fee to Galápagos National Park - $100 per person (ages 12 and older)
• Outside staterooms with individual air conditioning
• Airport transfers, service charges, applicable fuel surcharges and porterage
• Wine with dinner aboard Isabela II

June 15 - Nov 3, 2009
From $4,995 USD pp for 9 nights