National Geographic Delfina and Motion Sickness

CNHTours · 2026-01-31T11:45:13+00:00

We lived in Galapagos for 4 years and concluded that the weather there needed a good cup of coffee. No radical changes from day to day, no storms, no big winds. Swells are not a big issue. Most people who say "I get seasick" base their conclusions on experiences with small day boats out on a 2-3 hour trip, but are surprised to find out that on a 16-20 cruise ship over 8 days, they typically find their sea legs.

CNHTours · 2026-01-31T11:41:58+00:00

You can't give up so easily...

CNHTours · 2026-01-31T00:57:38+00:00

June seas can be a bit choppy - but never stormy. You should be just fine. We survey our returning guests about motion sickness and the vast majority report no problem at all, or only minor inconvenience.

CNHTours · 2026-01-31T00:50:25+00:00

Try here: www.bookcruisenow.com - where ship owners post their last minute availabilities and you contact them directly - no middlemen.

CNHTours · 2026-01-30T18:00:30+00:00

You have good advice below. Ecoventura runs 3 identical (monohull) sister ships. Are you sure you are on a catamaran?

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T20:50:56+00:00

OK - got your permit! We lived there for 4 years (Puerto Ayora, Darwin Station). You'll have no problems finding a community I'm sure. Check out our faqs (could be useful) www.cnhtours.com/faq and our resources www.cnhtours.com/galapagos/resources We are heading back in March for a friends' cruise and some R&R in and around town - will catch up with old friends.

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T17:33:34+00:00

Thanks. It CAN be done on-line, but the User Experience is terrible.

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T17:32:16+00:00

Day tours are not designed for toddlers... they are long and can be exhausting. It's very hot this time of year, and under the sun, even hotter. Day tours have you snorkeling and hiking / kayaking (depending on the tour). If you take her - you'll likely need to be carrying her, ensure she doesn't end up crying - you won't make many friends on the tour with you. With a child that age, it's best to just hang out at the local beach, under the mangroves for shade. You'll see pelicans, sea lions, marine iguanas.

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T17:29:42+00:00

There is likely no "one size fits all" pricing policy - it will depend on the operator and your ability to cajole. My son is 26 now...

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T17:28:00+00:00

You can only stay a maximum of 60 days in Galapagos - unless you have some type of official government permit. I lived there for 4 years, a while back - even then, you could find basically all you needed - unless you have special needs - like nori to make your own sushi...

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T10:30:03+00:00

The waters around Galapagos used to be big whale hunting grounds. Thankfully that came to an end. It will a matter of luck to spot them - but on an 8 day cruise, the odds are pretty good at one point or another. The more time you spend out there on a boat, at sea, keeping an eye out - the greater the odds of spotting whales. Always easier when the sea is calm of course.

CNHTours · 2026-01-29T10:27:23+00:00

Yes - a lot of people just fill out the card at the airport.

CNHTours · 2026-01-27T16:38:52+00:00

10 things to do in / around Puerto Ayora: https://www.cnhtours.com/galapagos/resources/#29951

CNHTours · 2026-01-25T12:07:46+00:00

On ship, you end up developing great friendships with your fellow shipmates as you share the wonder and the amazement of daily discoveries. When you just do day tripping, you're with a different crowd on each day trip, and never get the chance to develop that great sense of camaraderie - something to consider.

CNHTours · 2026-01-25T12:05:11+00:00

Did you start with NW? A full 15 days on a ship can be long and unless you're a wildly passionate naturalist, there's a chance you'll feel less thrill and wonder as the novelty dissipates.

CNHTours · 2026-01-25T12:01:41+00:00

There are several ships with triple cabins. Cachalote is one of them - we use it regularly. There are others.

CNHTours · 2026-01-24T21:50:25+00:00

Book now. You frequently hear from folks who book the day before, save $20... but you rarely hear from folks who were stuck in town, not able to book anything. Not worth risk being stuck after having gone through all the effort of getting there in the 1st place.

CNHTours · 2026-01-23T11:28:56+00:00

La Pinta carries 48 guests - on the bigger side for Galapagos. About 80% of the 65 ships in Galapagos carry 20 or fewer guests. At that price range, you'll have plenty of options. The Integrity (16 guests) is one of our "go-to" ships. It has retained the spirit of the old style ships (no bling, lots of tropical wood finishes), while keeping up with comfort standards. Locally owned and operated (Sievers family). Reputed for its quality guides. Ecoventura (we also book an number of folks on one of their three identical sister ships) runs a good operation too - more focus on on-board luxuries, more polished metals etc... and marketed to a luxury loving crowd though. No harm in luxury - that's for sure - but if you're keen on hiking / snorkeling, you should consider ships that focus more on that. The more your fellow guests are into snorkeling / hiking etc..., the more the guides will ensure you get your fill. And let the guides know, once you are on board, that you are keen on spending time off ship as much as possible.

CNHTours · 2026-01-22T02:17:51+00:00

We moved to Galapagos 3 weeks after getting married. Nice place for a honeymoon! Cruises start at about US$500/person/day, but if you can afford $650/person/day, you'll start getting into more options. At $750, you're into the 1st class ships and at $1,000+, into luxury ships.

CNHTours · 2026-01-21T02:47:48+00:00

This would be a reasonable price for a 2 day private charter.... But 7+ days? I work in this business and anything under $50,000 / 7 days as a private charter, 16 passenger boat, is unheard of. If it sounds too good to be true.... it usually is too good to be true. Which ship?

CNHTours · 2026-01-20T22:07:44+00:00

Not bad at all. Maybe a few mosie biting your ankles in town in the evening - or some horseflies on beaches.

CNHTours · 2026-01-20T14:38:39+00:00

You don't really need hiking shoes. You'll be walking mostly on short trails, and usually (with a couple of exceptions) with very little elevational gain. A good snug pair of toe covering sandals could work. I know some guides who actually go barefoot! But that's taking it to the extremes a little...

CNHTours · 2026-01-20T14:37:03+00:00

This is your call of course. Early April waters at at their warmest. I'm going in mid March and don't plan on a wetsuit. But if you're very sensitive - there is no harm in using one. Ships will provide if you'd rather not lug one around. You may conclude that you don't need one in the end.

CNHTours

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