Thinking of cruising the Galapagos Islands, but worried about sea sickness… Take it from someone whose been – and gotten sick – it’s still worth it!
The classic 8-day yacht cruise is a great way to see all the Galapagos Islands has to offer. You see more animals, visit more islands and – on occasion – get to see some whales or dolphins passing by. With all the benefits of a yacht-based tour, it’d be a shame to miss out just because you’re worried about maybe getting seasick.
Some tips for keeping seasickness at bay:
1. Our guide on board the M/Y Letty told us – after fifteen minutes of being on board that we should already be able to tell if we were seasick prone. First mistake, I got competitive. My boss told me stories of being on a fishing boat in Alaska and I thought… awesome! That would be crazy! I could do that! So I ignored the somewhat off feeling I felt in the hopes of discovering my hardcore inner sailor. Three hours later I was not so hardcore.
2. Know your course. With briefings each evening your guide(s) will let you know what to expect. They even told us “Hey, at 4pm after your siesta and before the dingy ride this would be a good time to take a sea sickness pill.” Our boat even had a little candy dish of Dramamine. As long as I remembered to take a pill when they said to, I did fine
3. Over-the-counter Medication: I took Dramamine. I also heard of people using Bonine. The upside to these tablets – they’re easy to get and they worked. Even if I happened to take it a bit late. The downside – you need to remember to take it, which sounds like a no brainer but when your out playing all day it’s easy to forget. Also, they can make you drowsy – even the non-drowsy formulas.
4. Prescriptions: Patches (Scopolamine): These seem to be the way to go. A lot of my shipmates had them. They didn’t feel an inkling of seasick. The small, circular patches are placed inconspicuously behind the ear. They can be worn for up to 3 days (which means much less remembering) and provide time-released doses of the medication. The only downside I see is you have to make a trip to the doctor to get them.
Promethazine (Phenergan). Suppose to be very effective at settling the most violent of sea tummies. Side effects tend to be sleepiness. I get the impression that it’s more of a last resort – nothing else is working drug. And for those troubled few that have problems keeping a pill down they also offer it as a rectal suppository and an injection. Probably not a necessity for Galapagos waters.
5. Natural Remedies: The sea-band is a skinny, wristband that has a plastic stud protruding out of it. The stud is to be placed on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist. I was skeptical, but being that I worked in health food store and we sold them I had to try it.
When I was actually feeling nauseous they took the edge off. I would not recommend them as a way to ward off feeling sick. But they’re good to have around when you are actually feeling seasick.
Ginger and peppermint are good anit-nausea remedies. You can find them in pill form at health food stores or, if you’re like me, get the little ginger chews (crystallized) – makes a great snack while protecting against nausea 
They also sell hard candies – just be sure your buying candies that actually use the herb for flavoring and not some phony chemical cocktail.
With so many preventative options available - that work well for most people – there’s no reason to forgo a destination because of sea travel. Just be prepared.
If you’re going to spend the money and time it takes to get to the Galapagos Islands - you probably want to spend some effort finding the right tour for you. Having just spent two weeks in the Galapagos I got to explore firsthand the differences between the classic yacht-based tour and the increasingly popular island-hopping tours.
And while, yes, they share the same destination – the experience of the islands was quite different.
Sun deck at sunrise - M/Y Letty
Oddly enough, the perks of one tend to be the pitfalls of the other. For instance, a cruise allows you to cover a lot of distance. Therefore, you have the opportunity to see more wildlife, more islands, and more sea-life. This makes for an amazing wildlife experience, but is not the same as total relaxation at a beach hotel. I felt queasy at times on the boat. Land-based tours, on the other hand, are very relaxing and comfortable, at the expense of seeing some of the wildlife.
On my cruise aboard the
Letty, we saw tons of frigate birds, fields of males all puffed red ogling the females flying by and lots of Boobies – footed red and blue – mating, showing each other sticks, fighting… All within arms reach! On the boat we came across a pod of 30-50 dolphins, saw whales off in the distance, and (though extremely rare) had a whale shark swim right underneath us! The experience was one I’ll never forget…
But being on a boat isn’t easy. The National Park has set strict time-lines that the boats – all boats – must follow. You’re going nonstop and, at times, it can feel a bit like being on a high school field trip (a very awesome field trip) with the constant activity, lines, and lots of people in limited space (the boat). And while space wasn’t really that big of an issue, you are forced to be social at meals every day, along with sharing close quarters with your travel mates.
Aventura Lodge - Santa Cruz Island
A land-based tour, like my
Red Mangrove Darwin’s Triangle trip, allows for tons of sprawl space, privacy, and relaxation. You can choose to dine “just the two of us” or with your tour group. You have the opportunity to experience more of the cultural-side of the Galapagos. You can check out a local restaurant for lunch and you have the option for a little nightlife if you so please. There’s no dealing with feeling a bit queasy due to seasickness, and, in general, you’re more comfortable. These tours feel more like a vacation, and you can plan some relaxation days around your excursion days.
On the flip-side, while you still get to see wildlife it is not quite to the same extent. You’ll for sure see sea lions and piles of marine iguanas and the giant tortoises, but no fields of frigates. And the boobies fly by, but they don’t stop by. A lot of the crazy wildlife we’ve come to think of as the Galapagos happens on some of the further out islands. Islands that you’re only going to get to if you go with a yacht-based tour.
Choosing the right trip really means thinking about why you want to go to the Galapagos. If you’re going for the wildlife, and to see the variation within species on the different islands, I’d choose a yacht trip. But if your idea of vacation is a mix of seeing some wildlife and relaxing in a beach hotel, you might prefer a land-based trip. Either way, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself, and you’ll be glad you visited the Galapagos Islands!
The Alta Before the Wreck
In March the beautiful sailing yacht Alta, one of the more famous yachts in the Galapagos Islands, ran aground while entering the harbor at Puerto Ayora and had to be evacuated. Environmental damage to the Galapagos appeared to be minimal, and no one was injured in the wreck. Ever since we’ve been waiting for news on the fate of the Alta, with hopes that she would return to service in the Galapagos Islands soon. Sadly, word came today that the Alta is a total loss and will be retired. Bummer for sailing fans! The Alta was a beautiful boat with a fantastic Galapagos Islands itinerary and service, and she will be missed!
The good news is that Quasar Expeditions will be putting the trimaran Lammer Law back into service in the Galapagos to replace the Alta. We’ll have more information on the Lammer Law’s itinerary and service soon. Check out the message from Dolores Diez at Quasar:
The Lammer Law in the Galapagos Islands
Message from Quasar About the Alta:
It has been a little less than a month and a half since the Alta incident. When the accident took place we quickly and successfully evacuated all fuel and contaminants from the Alta to avoid harm to the environment. In addition, we worked closely with Galapagos National Park officials to keep the site of the accident clear of debris. At this point, the only matter left on the table is the removal of the hull from the grounding site, which is out of our hands and the responsibility of our insurance provider.
From the beginning, we worked together with our insurance company to find the quickest way to refloat the Alta. Unfortunately, the equipment and experts needed to do so were not readily available in Ecuador and any attempt to remove the Alta otherwise would have caused unnecessary damage to the site and the hull. Unfortunately the delay left the Alta susceptible to further damage by wind, tide and waves.
Subsequently, Hull and Machinery Insurance decided to declare the boat a total constructive loss. This fact has further delayed the removal, with the result that P&I coverage recently was delegated control over the situation. Going through a salvage bid process has taken more time, resulting in boat undergoing further battering by the sea. The length of these delays resulted in the sea taking a toll, far beyond the original damage, that has now extended to the hull, causing irreparable damage. The vessel is now the property of the insurance company.
We are deeply saddened to report this news and to see our legendary sailing yacht end her days in the Galapagos in such a way. We also understand how disappointing this is to our customers. We know that our guests look forward to their Galapagos adventures with great excitement and anticipation.
However, we have no intention of letting down our valued guests and we will therefore be offering the Lammer Law as the replacement for the Alta. In some cases we have already successfully moved other guests to both the Grace and Evolution. The Lammer Law already has a strong and positive reputation in the Galapagos and is perhaps the most legendary dive boat and adventure yacht in the Islands.
Based on years of experience we know that the Lammer Law offers an unforgettable experience equal to any in the Galapagos, though different in style from the Alta. We have currently begun refurbishing her to offer a high level of accommodations. Lammer Law will once again cruise her island home in the Galapagos beginning on June 20th, 2010.
Quasar has operated nearly 5,000 successful voyages in the Galapagos and we plan to offer many more to come.
Sincerely,
Dolores Gangotena de Diez
Commercial Vice-president
Quasar Expeditions
New Organic & Local Menu Items
Ecoventura, operator of the Eric, Letty and Flamingo & Sky Dancer yachts, introduces new, healthier menus with an emphasis on local, organic foods!
Ecoventura’s trained chefs have introduced a healthy, reduced calorie dining menu built around natural and organic foods, and perhaps most importantly - purchased from local island farmers. The new menu has increased its organic options by 12% and nearly 60% of their produce comes from the Galapagos. View the menu.
Most of the fruits and vegetables come from San Cristobal Island, while meat and dairy are supplied from Santa Cruz Island. Only 32% of their food products are shipped from mainland Ecuador and the company strives to annually reduce that percentage. (Consider two years ago that percentage was more than 40%.)
Ecoventura already leads the way in responsible, sustainable travel in the Galapagos. Their support for the local communities and continued environmental stewardship offers the contentious traveler a holistic approach to Galapagos cruising. Here at Detour, we support them whole-heartedly!
Green Sea Turtles
The folks from Metropolitan Touring remind us what to expect from the Galapagos this time of year.
January marks the beginning of the rainy season - keep in mind the Galapagos only get an average of 10 inches of rain per year, so it is never considered too rainy. After the first rain, land birds start nesting and on Hood (Espanola) Island, the adult marine iguanas don themselves in vibrant shades of red and green.
Green sea turtles take over the beaches to lay their eggs. While the land iguanas of Isabela Island begin their reproductive cycle. Both land and water temperatures rise and stay warm until June. Ideal conditions for snorkeling !
Flamingos of Floreana Island, Galapagos
In February warm temperatures create pleasant water conditions – the highest water temperature reaches 22C (77F). This temperature will remain constant until April. Flamingos on Floreana Island start to nest, as do the marine iguanas of Santa Cruz Island. The Bahama pintail ducks (black-tailed pintail) launch into their breeding season as the Nazca (masked) boobies of Hood Island close out their nesting season. The penguins have followed cool waters west and very few are spotted during this time of year. However, it is a great time to observe the Galapagos dove as their nesting season reaches its peak.
Lots of people going to the Galapagos Islands want to know if they can scuba dive on their trip. After all, the Galapagos Islands is one of the world’s top dive destinations.
The answer is a qualified “yes.”
You must be an experienced scuba diver to dive in the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos has cold water and strong currents, aThe answer if a nd only divers with more than 20 open water dives, and who are comfortable in thick wetsuits and strong currents should dive there.
Last year my brother and I signed up to dive a couple days after our yacht trip on the Flamingo I. The dive operator allowed very inexperienced divers to join us, and the result was both frustrating and scary. Frustrating because our dives were ruined by the divemaster having to spend the entire dives chasing after inexperienced divers who couldn’t control their buoyancy in the strong up and down currents, leaving us hanging onto rocks so we wouldn’t be swept away by the current while we waited, waited, and waited some more. Scary because the inexperienced divers could have been seriously hurt as they ran away to the surface, and because our dive master was constantly having to separate from the group to chase down these inexperienced divers.
Additionally, Galapagos diving is heavily regulated by the Galapagos National Park. Diving is only allowed with licensed shore-based land operators, or from the few licensed live-aboard dive only boats. It is no longer possible to dive directly from any of the yachts on naturalist itineraries in the Galapagos. However, many yachts can arrange for a land-based dive operator to pick you up from your yacht when near a port town for two dives in place of the regularly scheduled shore activities planned for that day. My brother and I chose that option on our Flamingo cruise last year and had 2 fantastic dives.
Another option is that you could extend your trip to dive before or after your cruise with a land based dive operator (preferably before as you should not fly until 24 hours have passed since your last immersion).
Whalesharks in the Galapagos on a trip on the Alta
For serious divers, live-aboard dive trips are the way to go. These trips go to Wolf and Darwin Islands, some of the best dive sites in the world, with possibilities to dive with whale sharks and schools of hammerheads, among many other species. These trips focus exclusively on diving with around 20 immersions in your week on the boat. They are not suitable for non-divers, or for those seeking a comprehensive land itinerary, as they don’t make many shore visits.
Please contact a Detour for more details on arranging your dives in the Galapagos.
According to our Galapagos Lodge and Diving partner Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, the diving permit system in the Galapagos has been declared unconstitutional and may be revised:
“On September 3rd 2009 Judge Ruben Pazmino De la Torre ruled that the entire diving permit program that has been in process for the last year or more is unconstitutional. This is big news as the whole permit process has been a major point of contention for many people relying on the diving industry as their livelihood and this process was deemed unfair and bureaucratically cumbersome by many in the islands. The National Park of Galapagos who has spearheaded this program has yet to respond to the Judge’s decisions so as it stands now; it is anyone’s guess as to what will happen next.”
There’s more to the Galapagos Islands than finches and tortoises found on land; the animals you find underwater are likely to be some of your trip favorites. Snorkeling is usually a big part of any Galapagos Islands tour, and having the proper stuff can really help you enjoy this aspect of your trip.
Most Galapagos tours will provide wetsuits for snorkeling, either for free or for a small fee (~$30 per person, per week). The water is pleasant, but this isn’t the Caribbean. You will probably feel more comfortable with a wetsuit on after a leisurely snorkeling hour, no matter which season it is.
In the colder season (July – December), you’ll definitely want a wetsuit. It is recommended that you use a “shortie” 3mm wetsuit and these are typically the type of rental wetsuits on your Galapagos tour. If you have your own, and you have room in your bag, it may be wise to bring it on your trip. There are typically a wide selection of sizes available, but your own is usually better.
Seasonal Water Temperatures
The Galapagos Islands waters have the Humboldt Current’s influence that brings cold waters especially during the mist or Garua season (cool, dry weather) from late May/June to December. In La Nina conditions, the water temperature can be approximately 5°F cooler.
- Surface Water Temp. June – December: 70°F – 74°F (21°C- 23.3°C)
- Air Temp. Highs June – December: 75°F – 80°F (18°C- 23°C)
- Air Temp. Lows June – December: 66°F – 70°F (19°C- 23.3°C)
The warm season (occasionally rainy, hot weather) is during the months of January through May. The southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season there is more of a tropical climate with some occasional rains.
- Surface Water Temp. December – May: 73°F – 78°F (23°C- 25.5°C)
- Air Temp. Highs December – May: 80°F – 87°F (26.7°C- 30.6°C)
- Air Temp. Lows December – May: 70°F – 76°F (21°C- 24.4°C)
Galapagos Multisport Adventure, 7-Days: New Holiday Date Available!
While most Galapagos trips over the holidays have been sold out for quite some time, there is a great new option December 31-January 6 on the Galapagos Multisport Adventure, 7-days. This date was recently opened up in response to the number of people who are looking for great trips over the holidays but don’t have anything available for them.
The Galapagos Multisport Adventure is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the amazing flora and fauna of the Galapagos, but don’t want to be cooped up on a boat, and want more action than just slow-paced naturalist walks.
On the Galapagos Multisport, you will hike, sea kayak, snorkel, and mountain bike among the world famous wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, spending more time out in nature recreating than on any naturalist cruise. You will discover the incredible wildlife of the Islands with top naturalist guides, and will also visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago.
Special pricing applies. Contact Detour for details.
The extremely popular Galapagos Premium Multisport Adventure, operated by Ecuador Adventure, has been updated and improved for 2009, its second season.
For 2009, the Premium Galapagos Multisport Adventure, which was introduced last year due to requests from travelers to offer short flights in place of the long boat trips between islands, is going from a 7-day trip to an 8-day, and now will visit 4 islands instead of just 3. This year’s version visits the best of the Southern Galapagos Islands, exploring San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela & Santa Cruz Islands.
Like the best-selling Galapagos Multisport Adventure 7-day trip, the Premium Multisport Adventure allows you to get up-close and personal with the world’s most fearless wildlife, with the help of a kayak, mountain bike, horse, or mask and snorkel. The land-based accommodations in the islands, and inter-island travel by small private planes or speedboats, give you more time to enjoy amazing wildlife encounters while enjoying your favorite adventure sport.
Land (hotel) based tours also benefit the local communities financially, allowing you to help support the conservation of this fragile environment just by choosing this type of trip.
The Premium Multisport is an all-inclusive, land-based Galapagos Adventure tour, utilizing the best available hotels on each island.
Galapagos Premium Multisport Trip Highlights:
•New mountain biking and sea kayaking routes in Isabela Island
•See the best and most beautiful of the four southern Islands
•Sea kayak and swim with sea lions, penguins and marine turtles
•Snorkel with Galápagos sharks, rays, and tropical fish
•Hike on lava rock trails to meet blue-footed boobies, finches, and other famed birds
•Mountain bike on picturesque beachside roads
•Hike to volcano calderas and learn from incredible lava formations
• Meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species
•Relax on picture-perfect white sand beaches surrounded by Galápagos wildlife
•Incredible close encounters with Galápagos wildlife during active excursions
• All-inclusive land-based tour with the best available accommodations in the islands
•More time on land and water for more wildlife encounters than with boat-based tours
•Top-notch adventure and nature guides accompany you every step of your journey
•Optional excursions to Plazas, Bartolome and Seymour Islands
Awesome Last Minute Specials on the Galapagos Multisport Adventure 7-day in May!
The Galapagos Multisport Adventure 7-day trip is one of the best ways for active people to experience the Galapagos Islands. Rather than sleeping on a yacht, you will stay in hotels on 3 different islands. Rather than a couple of nature walks each day like on the yacht trips, on the multisport you will spend your days sea kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, mountain biking, and riding horses in some of the best destinations in the islands. You will still see the famous wildlife of the islands with a naturalist guide, but will spend more time out recreating than on yacht trips.
Last Minute Specials:
May 17-23, 2008: $1500.00 per person, 1-8 people*
May 26-June 1, 2008: $1600.00 per person for one person, $1500.00 per person for 2 or more*
*Single supplement of $300.00 applies for single travelers not sharing a room with another traveler
Book today to reserve your spot on this amazing trip at these fantastic prices!
Special Galapagos Deal!!!
July is one of the busiest time in the Galapagos Islands and most travelers find themselves scrambling for trips. Fortunately, Detour has a great last-minute deal on one of our most popular trip: the Galapagos Multisport Adventure. No matter your group size, you will get the Galapagos Multisport Adventure (7-Day) at our lowest price!
This seven-day trip is perfect for travelers who like to kayak, mountain bike, hike, snorkel and explore the islands on horseback. Unlike the yacht-based tours, this multisport trip lets you explore each island for a couple days. It is also designed to match the needs of all travelers, from the not-too-active to the athletic.
The Galapagos Multisport Adventure is one of our highest rated trips by past travelers. It has gained such a reputation that it is difficult to get space anytime, which is why this deal is so exceptional!
July 10-16
$1591 per person
DAY 1: TRANSFER AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL
DAY 2: SEA KAYAK PLAYA OCHOA AND SNORKEL IN LEON DORMIDO
DAY 3: SNORKEL IN SANTA FE ISLAND AND SEA KAYAK IN SANTA CRUZ
DAY 4: HIKE AND MOUNTAINBIKE IN THE SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
DAY 5: HIKE AND EXPLORATION IN ISABELA
DAY 6: HORSEBACK RIDE AND HIKE IN ISABELA
DAY 7: ISABELA – SANTA CRUZ, TRANSFER OUT
To view this trip in more detail, visit Detour’s Galapagos Multisport 7-Day.
Please contact Detour, the Adventure Travel Marketplace to book this trip right away! This trip will go fast, so act quickly to secure your Galapagos Adventure.
No traveler to the Galapagos Islands should bypass an oppotunity to explore the stunning world found underwater. In the right season, snorkeling is a very popular activity and the scuba diving is spectacular for experienced divers. Bright coral, playful sea lions, and brilliantly colored schools of fish are the usual fare.
At various locations around the islands, you are also likely to encounter giant marine turtles, Galapagos penguins, golden rays, and even sharks. It´s actually the only place in the world where it is safe to swim with hammerhead sharks, which are found regularly throughout the islands.
Of course, any excursion can be disappointing if you are´t prepared. After an unforgettable tour of the Galapagos Islands, I gathered some new tips that should make your planning a bit easier.
First and foremost, if you have your own equipment, it´s probably worth taking. Most tours offer equipment for rent, but it may be difficult to get the right mask or wet suit size. While this isn´t much of a problem since equipment on board is usually high quality and plentiful, those who have brought their own find it preferrable.
On that note, a wet suit is advisable for most dives; make sure to rent one or bring your own. The ocean there is quite pleasant, but it isn´t the Carribean and the water can be a bit chilly in places.
Also, sunscreen is extremely important when swimming. Bring some that is water and sweat proof, of course 30 SPF or higher. If you are worried about burning your scalp, it`s definitely best to wear your swim cap (or skull caps, as they´re sometimes called).
When you return home, you´ll definitely want to show friends the giant turtles or sea lions you found swimming in their natural environment. An underwater camera is well worth taking in addition to your regular camera, but do buy it beforehand. Cameras are available on Santa Cruz and at the airports, though are fairly expensive.
These tips should help you plan and pack for your unforgettable trip to the Galapagos. When you contact Detour the Adventure Travel Marketplace, we can help answer any other questions you have about this amazing destination.
To find your ideal trip to the Galapagos Islands, please visit the Detour website.
