You have done your research and your planning.  You're almost there!

IS IT REALLY A CRUISE?

It is not a cruise in the traditional sense of the word. You don't lounge on deck, sipping a mint julip, and watch the animals go by.  There are no grand theatrical productions in the evening, no casinos, no midnight buffets.

It is an "expedition" cruise. "Expedition" is defined as a journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a purpose in mind.  That purpose is to experience one of Nature's Greatest Shows.

Your ship is your room, your restaurant, your taxi as you move within a collection of Visitor Sites jam packed with flora, fauna and activity that will amaze you, amuse you, insight you.

THE AVERAGE DAY

The focus is on nature: going ashore with your naturalist guide. But you'll also have ample opportunity to swim, kayak, snorkel, take dinghy and glass bottom boat rides, in addition to hikes & walks.

In general your day will be:

      early breakfast

      morning ashore and/or other activity

      back on board for lunch and siesta

      afternoon ashore and/or other activity

      dinner

      Evening de-briefing and next day's briefing

      early to bed

Your ship may move during breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or the evening, all depending on how far to the next Visitor Site.

WET vs DRY

You are on a ship. The main action is on land. You need to get ashore.

This is done by going down from the "mother ship" to your waiting "panga", zodiac or other small motorboat, to get to shore and then to go ashore - in one of two ways:

Wet landing: you take off your shoes, put them in your backpack, step over the edge of the panga and walk ashore, where you sit down, dry your feet and put back on your shoes.

Dry landing: stepping from the panga onto a natural promontory such as a rock outcropping, and making your way to the path.

In either case you will have the expert and experienced assistance of the boatman and the guide, to help you maneuver in and out of the boat.

ESSENTIAL GEAR

Our Blue Footed Boobie above is in the planning mode!

Number one essential piece of gear is a small day backpack or a fanny pack - to carry your "ashore gear"  (sunblock, towel, water, extra film, binoculars, etc) and leave your hands free - for balance, for maneuvering, for your safety.

Number two essential item: flexibility. Be ready for what nature will share with you, and respect your fellow travelers.

After these two essentials, everything else is icing on the cake. Be sure to plan well but don't overdo.

LADATCO's preferred ships & itineraries 2012

2011 Holiday Space

Galapagos Evolving - Galapagos 101 Re-written

Galapagos Evolving - Chapter 2