Galapagos Cruises 2022
These past 2 years have certainly thrown up challenges for travelers, yet many visitors have still made it successfully out to the Galapagos islands. Those intrepid souls have been welcomed with open arms, and rewarded with a very personal experience. In many ways it has been a magical time to explore the islands, and meet Galapagos animals without large groups of other tourists.
So, what does this year have in store? Should you plan your dream Galapagos cruise in 2022?
Keep reading for more information about 2022 Galapagos cruises. We’ll discuss the case for and against cruising Galapagos this year, as well as everything you need to make trip planning a success.
Is 2022 the year to take your dream Galapagos cruise?
In truth, there’s never a bad year to visit the Galapagos Islands. But is 2022 the right year to take the plunge? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.
THE PROS
1. Great Price Deals.
2022 Galapagos cruises are back with a splash! From unbeatable 2-for-1 cruise deals, to big $$$’s off, there are some incredible bargains to be snapped up.
2. Galapagos is a Covid Safe destination
The adult population of Galapagos have been 100% fully vaccinated since mid 2021. Mainland Ecuador also boasts an impressive vaccine rate of over 80%. So, few travel destinations on the planet are as prepared to receive tourists in a 2022 post Covid world.
Not only that, in times of worldwide Covid restrictions, Galapagos is one of the easiest travel destinations to visit. Travelers only need a Covid vaccine certificate to fly to the islands (or a negative PCR test for unvaccinated people).
3. Small yacht cruises
Galapagos is not your typical cruise ship destination. In fact, the largest vessel that sails Galapagos waters carries fewer than 100 passengers. Small yachts and catamarans are often a more popular choice, carrying just 12 – 16 passengers for a more personalised experience. In a post-Covid world small yacht cruising is the way to go.
4. Galapagos is even bigger this year
2022 marks an important year in the history of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Not only is the protected Galapagos area expanding by 45%, but it will also merge with other marine reserves in Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica to form one huge Mega-Marine Protected Area. That’s wonderful news for migrating ocean creatures such as whales sharks, hammerheads and sea turtles, and of course fantastic for tourism too.
5. Nature took a well-deserved breather
The pandemic was not necessarily bad news for the Galapagos Islands. While tourist numbers declined, the fragile ecosystem of the archipelago found time to take a breather. In some cases wildlife population numbers were seen to increase, and tourist paths could also be maintained.
THE CONS
Covid Uncertainty
The only elephant in the room is in fact Covid-19. While the world looks to enter a new normal of post-Covid travel, the future is still rather uncertain. How long will Omicron last? Will more new strains develop afterwards? Will the world see more travel restrictions? Of course, nobody really knows the answers.
What we do know for sure is that travel demand is picking up already. Also, many Galapagos cruising operators are offering flexibility; in the case of any future Covid waves, it is often possible to postpone your trip further into the future without losing your spaces.
Galapagos Cruise 2022 – Final Verdict
Given that 2021 cruises have largely operated successfully without hitches, it is our view that 2022 will see Galapagos (and global) tourism take a big step forward.
We believe that the pros now far outweight the cons. 2022 is the perfect year for Galapagos Cruising.
The Galapagos islands are ready to receive more tourists. Health protocols are in place. Yachts are itching to sail. Tourists are more ready than ever to get outdoors & experience nature.
So, we need to embrace the new normal for travel. That means responsible cruising, taking care of our health, respecting locals and other travelers, and traveling sensibly. It’s time to get back out there into the world.
The Galapagos islands are ready … are you?
2022 Special Galapagos Cruise Deals
How does 2-for-1 in a super deluxe yacht sound to you? Cruises on the Grand Majestic, Natural Paradise, Infinity and Cormorant have these deals in many months of the year.
50% off? $1000 discount? Pick up the best 2022 deals while they are still available!
Check out all 2022 Galapagos cruise special deals.
How to visit the Galapagos Islands
Ready to book your 2022 Galapagos cruise? Here are some resources to help with vacation planning.
Cruise vs Land Tour
The Galapagos Islands are not just about cruising, there are also excellent land tour itineraries to enjoy. Check out our special guide to decide whether a cruise or land tour is right for you, or browse through our Galapagos land tour itineraries.
How to get to Galapagos?
Take a look at our How to get to Galapagos blog post for everything you need to know about Galapagos flights, airport processes, baggage allowance, intra-island travel & much more. Trip planning made easy!
How many days to visit Galapagos?
Most tourists choose to spend between 5 and 8 days at the Galapagos islands, which is enough time to explore a good variety of national park sites, and come face to face with a diversity of Galapagos animals.
When is the best month to visit Galapagos in 2022?
Galapagos is a year round travel destination – there is no best of worst month to go there. Our Galapagos weather post describes the changes in climate between each month, as well as giving a lowdown on different animal seasons.
Things to do at the Galapagos islands in 2022
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Galapagos national park is a giant playground with something for just about everyone.
Wildlife Spotting
Of course, the unique wildlife experience at Galapagos is the main reason to visit. Tourists come across lots of weird and wonderful creatures, many of which cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet. From giant tortoises to blue footed boobies, Galapagos penguins & marine iguanas, every island has unusual surprises.
Hiking
One of the best ways to explore the islands is along the many marked treking trails. Hikers have gorgeous beaches, lava fields, volcano slopes and highland forests at their disposal.
Snorkeling
No Galapagos visit is complete without snorkeling! The underwater action is nothing short of remarkable. It’s perfectly safe to share the water with reef sharks, colorful fish and sea turtles. Or how about snorkeling with penguins for an epic tick to your bucket list?
Galapagos Diving
The scuba diving at Galapagos is truly world class. With the largest shark biomass on the planet, divers can mingle with large schools of hammerheads and huge whales sharks, or explore the ocean bottom for unusual critters like the red-lipped Galapagos batfish. Live aboard Scuba cruises and dive day tours are easy ways to experience the amazing Galapagos marine life.
Kayak & SUP
Other ways to hit the ocean include kayaking and standup paddle boarding (SUP), both great ways to get up close to the wildlife.
Relaxation
Galapagos is also a great beach lovers destination. Not only do the islands have pristine stretches of white sand, but also extraordinary red, green and black sand beaches to explore. On most Galapagos beaches you can enjoy the unusual company of Galapagos sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs and marine birds.
Contact us for a free tour quote – Happy Gringo are market leaders in Galapagos cruises, island hopping land tours & scuba trips. We’ll be happy to guide you towards the Galapagos islands vacation you’ve always dreamed of!
In conclusion, the Galapagos Islands are one of the safest tourist destinations for eager post-pandemic travelers. Not only have the islanders been vaccinated 100%, but also Galapagos operators take health and safety very seriously. This makes Galapagos the perfect place to appreciate the wonders of nature, without the worry of significant Covid risk.
So, if you’ve been waiting 2 long years to satisfy your travel bug, it’s time to check out 2022 Galapagos cruises. This might just be the year to pick up an amazing price deal & add a big tick to your bucket list!
