How To Plan The Perfect Honeymoon In Galapagos
GALAPAGOS HONEYMOON
The long-awaited wedding day has finally arrived. Vows have been lovingly exchanged. The bride has been kissed. The champagne is flowing. It’s finally official, you’re man and wife!
Now comes the first step of your married journey together – your honeymoon! The first real chance to enjoy some quality time with the love of your life.
The honeymoon is the ultimate “once in a lifetime” vacation. The memories and photos will forever tell the story of your first married adventure together. So, it’s only natural that everything has to be just perfect.
The most important decision is of course where to go. The world is a big place, full of wonderful destinations, and you’ll only get the chance to do this once. Popular haunts like Tahiti, Hawaii, Maldives, Italy, Greece and the Caribbean are all worthy of consideration. But, for a truly unique, bucketlist honeymoon destination, look no further than the Galapagos Islands!
What makes Galapagos perfect for a honeymoon? Few other places on the planet can compete with it’s unique landscapes and wildlife. Throw into the mix a splash of romance and fine dining. Create the perfect mix of relax and adventure activities to keep you entertained. Did we mention the magnificent golden sunsets? Oh, and sealions, there are lots of irresistably cute sealions.
Keep reading for all of our top tips to turn your dream Galapagos honeymoon into reality. We’ll cover everything you need to plan the perfect honeymoon vacation with your soulmate.
What Makes Galapagos Such a Great Honeymoon Destination?
When it comes to honeymooning, the Galapagos islands tick all of the right boxes for newly weds! Let’s find out why…
1. Natural Beauty
“Let’s travel together and get lost in beautiful places!”
For the big honeymoon trip, most couples want to be surrounded by natural beauty. Picture a remote island in the middle of the ocean with a panoramic vista. Waves crash on a white sand beach, while a dreamy sunset paints the sky. Dolphins and sealions frolic playfully, swimming rings around sea turtles. Inland, inviting lush tropical forests beg to be explored, while volcanoes smolder in the background.
As a recognised UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, rest assured that the Galapagos islands have you covered on all the above & more. From pristine beaches with crystalline waters, to fertile green highlands and jet black lava rocks, Galapagos has many natural wonders to explore. The natural pallette of striking color contrasts really makes honeymoon photos pop!
It’s no coincidence that the archipelago has featured so many times on the Discovery Channel. Now it’s your turn to create your very own romantic documentary, the happy couple in this place of stunning natural beauty!
2. Unique memories
“Live for moments you can’t put into words.”
There’s no denying that the Galapagos Islands are a truly unique travel destination. Nowhere else on the planet compares. So, if it’s lifetime memories you’re after, Galapagos comes out top of the list.
What is it that makes the Galapagos Islands so different?
Where else can visitors find penguins on the equator, tortoises that grow into giants, and birds that have forgotten how to fly? The amazing animals of this remote archipelago, have adapted and evolved in surprising ways. The result is a long list of endemic creatures, that exist uniquely at Galapagos.
Even more remarkable is the fact that Galapagos birds and animals have almost no fear of humans. So, lucky visitors enjoy an unbeatable, up-close wildlife experience!
Even the very islands themselves were born of fiery passion, from volcanic eruptions under the ocean. Today, these other-worldly landscapes are simply breathtaking.
So, for a truly “once in a lifetime”, unique honeymoon destination, Galapagos guarantees unbelievable stories to tell to your future kids and grandchildren.
3. Fairytale Romance
“When he doesn’t just call you princess, but also treats you like one.”
Love is in the air! Whether taking a long stroll along the beach, or catching a magical sunset together, the islands provide the perfect backdrop for romance and passion.
What’s more, you’ll be sharing Galapagos with hundreds of thousands of amorous bird and animal couples. Blue-footed boobies are renowned for their funny courtship rituals and dancing. The Galapagos waved albatross mates for life, touching beaks tenderly together to show affection, even after decades of married life. Even the famous giant tortoises and Darwin Finches are at it, wooing potential mates to start families together. There must be something special in the Galapagos water!
Honeymooners seeking privacy won’t be disappointed. Long stretches of pristine Galapagos sand are often secluded, with just sealions and marine iguanas for company. As the sun goes down on another unforgettable day, sip a tropical cocktail or glass of wine, safe in the knowledge that tomorrow is another day in paradise.
4. Rest & Relaxation
“Love is someone to share Paradise with.”
After all the stress of marriage planning, every happy couple have surely earned some quality R&R. Time to kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy private time together.
The pace of Galapagos life is so relaxed, most visitors slip straight into the laid back vibe. Most higher end hotels offer excellent pools and loungers, many yachts carry an onboard jacuzzi, and spas are available for an extra level of pampering.
Equally important, Happy Gringo remove all stress of hassle from your Galapagos honeymoon. We take care of all the small but important details, which means you can focus on sharing paradise with your soulmate.
5. Adventures of a lifetime
“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.”
The Galapagos islands are not your typical honeymoon destination. Yes, newly-weds can chill out and rub tanning oil onto one another at the pool. But the islands are so much more than just relaxation. There are also grand adventures to be had in the these parts!
In the sea, Galapagos snorkeling is truly world class. As well as colorful fish, snorkelers can share the water with playful sealions, curious sea turtles, docile reef sharks, and with luck even penguins. Even bigger treats await scuba divers, with hammerheads and huge whale sharks migrating through Galapagos waters. SUP paddle boarding and kayaking are other great ways to get closer to marine creatures.
On land, hike together along volcanic trails and across lava fields. Visit giant tortoise breeding programs to learn about the important Galapagos conservation projects that protect the unique wildlife. Or jump on a mountain bike to explore a coastal trail, or head up into the lush highland forests.
For intrepid explorers, it’s imposible to be bored – Galapagos has so much waiting to be discovered!
6. Fine Cuisine
“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body: it’s truly love.”
If the way to one’s heart is through the stomach, then fine cuisine is paramount to the honeymoon experience.
At Galapagos, fresh seafood is never far from your plate, as chefs pick up the catch of the day at the local fishermen’s market. Complemented with organic veggies, most meals are light, refreshing and delicious. As well as typical international dishes, menus offer traditional Ecuadorian recipes for adventurous souls who like to try something new.
You’ll also never be far from an ocean front bar, whether in the charming small Galapagos towns, or aboard your cruise ship. Nothing beats a freshly mixed tropical cocktail whilst enjoying a glorious sunset. Life is great!
The Best Choices For Your Dream Honeymoon in Galapagos
So, you’ve taken the decision to honeymoon in the Galapagos Islands. What’s the next step to make it happen? Start by choosing your own travel style. There are different ways to visit Galapagos, something for every taste and desire.
Firstly, take a read through our Galapagos Cruise vs Land Tour blog. This is an important decision that you definitely want to get right. The correct answer will depend on your personal preferences. What type of honeymoon do you have in mind?
If your goal is a complete experience, covering as many islands and as much wildlife as possible … then take a Galapagos cruise.
If you prefer more freedom and flexibility to create your own adventures, with free time to do your own thing … then a land tour may well be the better choice.
There are also a couple of great Galapagos resorts available for an all-inclusive honeymoon.
So, let’s walk through each choice in turn…
Galapagos Cruise Honeymoon
No doubt about it, cruising conjures up romantic honeymoon images, and has always been a popular choice. There’s just something special about the romance of the open ocean. Sipping sunset cocktails together on a private balcony. Docking someplace new each day for fresh adventures. What’s not to love?
Many of the top-end Galapagos catamarans like Ocean Spray and Celebrity Exploration offer comfortable sundeck loungers, outdoor jacuzzi, al fresco dining, and luxurious suites with private balcony. It’s even possible to sail on the official yacht that was used by Princess Grace on her Galapagos honeymoon!
For honeymooners on a tighter budget, the Archipel or EcoGalaxy II are good choices. While you save $$$ on comfort, the wildlife cruise experience is much the same as on more expensive yachts.
Whatever you desires, our expert staff will be delighted to help you find the right yacht and itinerary, for an unforgettable Galapagos cruise honeymoon.
Galapagos Land Tour
A land tour honeymoon in Galapagos is a very different experience. For starters, you can tailor your very own itinerary – something truly unique for such a special trip. Blend your perfect mix of wildlife, adventure, relaxation and romance.
On a land tour, newly weds can easily escape the crowds. Many visitor sites can be visited alone or with a private guide. Allow yourselves enough freedom to enjoy quality time together. It’s also easy to dine out along the waterfront in the evenings. Life never gets boring, as you island hop to the next destination.
An added bonus is that land tours are often more friendly to your wallet than a cruise. Of course, Galapagos boasts some wonderful high-end hotels, as well as more affordable, cosy accommodation choices. So, the choice is yours.
Check out our popular land tour itineraries, Galapagos Explorer and Galapagos Adventurer. Everything is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Galapagos Islands Honeymoon Packages
For loving couples looking for something more traditional, a resort style honeymoon package might be just the thing. Spend more time lounging at the pool, and enjoying luxurious surroundings, mixed together with some excursions when the mood hits.
Our favorite choice is a Pikaia Galapagos honeymoon. Boasting the official Relais & Chateaux stamp of quality, Pikaia Lodge is the most exclusive lodging at the islands. You’ll even cross paths with giant Galapagos tortoises roaming the 31 hectare private reserve.
Perched on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater, the panoramic views are simply stunning, and floor to ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own terrace. For pampering, look no further than Pikaia’s infinity pool and sun deck, or book a massage treatment at their renowned wellness center.
A close second comes Finch Bay Hotel. Located on a secluded bay, honeymooners can choose between the stunning pool or cosy beach to catch some rays. The natural setting and ocean views do not disappoint, neither does the fresh cuisine served daily at the restaurant.
Whatever your dreams and desires, the first step is to reach out and CONTACT US. Our team of Galapagos destination experts will listen to all of your ideas, and help to custom-make the unforgettable honeymoon you dare to imagine!
Top Tips For Galapagos Islands Honeymoon Planning
Planning your honeymoon is an exciting part of your wedding plans. But it can also be a cause of considerable stress. Follow our top tips to make Galapagos honeymoon planning as smooth as possible.
- Plan your honeymoon together. Your first married trip together will be successful only if both husband and wife are involved in trip planning. Two heads are better than one when it comes to getting your creative juices flowing. For the perfectly balanced trip, include ideas from both sides. We also recommend sharing the tasks involved with booking the trip.
- Plan & book early. Most engaged couples experience enough anxiety with wedding plans as the big day looms closer, so why add honeymoon stress to the mix? By planning the honeymoon trip early, couple’s can focus more on wedding day details. You’ll also be able guarantee that dream suite or cruise cabin, don’t risk missing out.
- Choose the right type of trip. Galapagos cruises are very different to land tours and resort packages. So, consider carefully which trip style is the right experience for your honeymoon.
- Pre-plan your trip budget. Another early step to honeymoon planning is to agree on a trip budget. Trip costs can quickly spiral out of control without careful planning, so be sure to agree a budget that both of you are comfortable with in advance. A honeymoon trip doesn’t have to be a huge splurge, but neither will you want to skimp on important details.
- Find the right balance of activities. The Galapagos islands offer both relaxation and adventure, the trick is in finding the right blend of each to keep you both happy. Also, don’t forget to include enough leisure days, allowing flexibility and downtime with one other.
- When to travel? The good news is that Galapagos is a year round travel destination. There is no best of worst month to visit. The weather is always agreeably pleasant, and the amazing wildlife never rests. Check out our Galapagos Weather blog post for more detailed information about temperatures, rainfall and typical animal behavior through each month of the year.
- Use a trustworthy and knowledgable agent. Getting help from experts will remove much of the stress from trip planning, as well as guaranteeing a hassle-free honeymoon. Happy Gringo Travel have been helping happy couples to book their dream honeymoon since 2004, so you know you’ll be in safe hands.
- Search out romantic accommodations. Careful hotel selection can turn a good honeymoon into an unforgettable one. Look for boutique hotels with special, romantic suites, for a truly extraordinary honeymoon experience.
- Plan a surprise. A carefully planned surprise for your spouse can make your dream honeymoon that extra bit special. Whether it’s a romantic candle-lit dinner by the beach, or a bouquet of flowers with champagne waiting in your suite, no detail is too much. We are only too happy to help create a secret experience to surprise your better half.
- Take a good camera. The magical photo opportunities at the archipelago are endless. Bring a good camera to capture all the best moments, and pack extra memory cards too – trust us, you’ll need them.
- Other useful information. For more sources of useful Galapagos information, check out: Getting to the Galapagos, Galapagos islands map, Galapagos cruising 2022, Galapagos packing list, Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Need more food for thought? It’s easy to combine a honeymoon in Galapagos with some days in mainland Ecuador too – check out some ideas in our Ecuador honeymoon post. For a more expansive trip, how about visiting more countries on a South America honeymoon. For example, we can help you to visit both Galapagos and Machu Picchu together in a single trip, for an epic double tick to your bucket list.
In conclusion, a honeymoon in Galapagos is the perfect choice for your first big trip together. The archipelago is both an exclusive and exotic destination, with unique touches that nowhere else on the planet can match. For natural beauty and amazing wildlife, Galapagos ticks all the right boxes. The potential for both adventure and relaxation promise to keep newlyweds entertained. Of course, romance and passion are never far away … may the honeymoon never end!
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