Galapagos Offers
& Discounts
Our
Galapagos selection of special discounts, last minute offers and cruise
deals. Check this page often for the latest savings and
special
offers for Galapagos cruises, hotels and tour packages.
LAN
have recently
started flying to the Galapagos Islands, so it may be worth contacting
them to see if they are offering any Galapagos flight discounts or
promotional fares on this new route.
We
have not been
notified of any current last-minute discounted Galapagos cruises, but
keep an eye on this page as any good reductions or last minute deals
will be posted here. Bear in mind that the current economic
climate is having an impact on Galapagos tourism, it is always worth
asking for a discount as most agencies seem to be experiencing lower
than usual demand for cruises and Galapagos hotels.
Galapagos
cruise prices rarely include the National Park entrance fee of $100 or
the control card fee of $10. Look out for other omissions
from
special offer packages. What appears an attractive discount
cruise can turn out to be
quite expensive if you have to add on flights, are charged for drinking
water or must pay extra for excursions. Tips and alcoholic
drinks
are almost never included in package deals.
Galapagos
flight
prices are around $417 in the high season and $315 in the low
season. Remember to budget
for flights to the islands if they are not included in the
package
and take this cost into account when comparing cruise deals or
special offers. Volunteers
or
those with a censo
may get discounted flights - ask your travel agent
or volunteer agency about any relevant offers.
Galapagos
cruise boats vary in size and quality. See our tips
for choosing a Galapagos cruise boat
to ensure that your
special offer or budget cruise really is good value for money.
It
is worth
noting that flight prices and the National Park entrance
fee and control card are the same no matter how long you spend in the
islands. A 4 day cruise (really only 2 whole days and 2 half
days) may be cheaper but is perhaps a false economy as you get so
little time in the islands. Most visitors wish they had been
able
to spend more time in Galapagos - it's probably a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I would recommend doing it properly
with an 8 day cruise on the nicest boat you can afford.
If
you
can only manage a four day cruise, you could consider a few days before
or after in one or more of the Galapagos
hotels
to do some walking and day tours. Those who suffer from
seasickness might prefer to make their Galapagos
experience land-based as far as possible and do some island
hopping rather than a cruise.
Leaving
it until the last minute to book your cruise can be a great saving - or
it can lead to disappointment if there are no offers available even at
full price, so don't leave it too late. If you have
plenty
of time in Ecuador, you can shop around for a last minute deal.
If your Ecuador travel time is limited I would recommend
booking
your cruise before you arrive so as not to miss out. Bear in
mind
that the starting days of cruises are fixed by the National Park, so
don't expect to arrive in the islands and find a cruise
starting
the exact day you want.
Useful
Spanish Vocabulary for finding discounts in the Galapagos Islands:
descuento: discount
oferta: offer
Galapagos
Islands Discounts, Special Offers & Last Minute Deals
Cruise offers, hotel package deals, last minute discounts for boats and
tours.
Website www.ecuadortravelsite.org, text and photos by Sarah Clifford.
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