5 Reasons to Choose a Land-Based Galápagos Trip
Galápagos Cruise vs Land-Based Trip? What 10 Years of Experience Taught Us
Debating between a Galápagos cruise versus a land-based trip? After years of running both, here are 5 reasons we recommend going land-based.
1. Get a good night’s rest
On a cruise, travel between islands often happens overnight, and those crossings aren’t always smooth. The Galápagos sits about 600 miles from the nearest mainland, where sea conditions are unpredictable. Even the sturdiest stomachs can experience seasickness, which can lead to tired mornings.
On a land-based tour, you don’t have to deal with choppy waters or noisy boat engines disturbing your sleep.
Pro tip: January through June is when the seas are generally calmer. For more travel tips, check out our Galápagos FAQ.
2. Meet the locals
On a cruise, you’ll sleep on the boat every night, which means you usually don’t get to spend much time in the main towns of the Galapágos Islands.
Land-based trips let you stay on the islands, giving you a chance to experience Galapágos’ local communities. This allows you to enjoy sunset beach walks, dinners at locally owned restaurants, and a chance to try local delicacies like the local Galapagos Tortoise coffee or a Reptile IPA brewed on the island.
3. Lower single supplement fees for solo travelers
On cruises, solo travelers often pay a steep single supplement fee (often $2,000 USD or more!) because cabins are priced for double occupancy. We know a pricey single supplement fee may be prohibitive for our guests, especially since most are solo travelers!
Land-based accommodations are much cheaper than boat cabins, which makes traveling solo significantly more affordable. Take a look at the hotels we stay at in the Galápagos here.
4. More freedom
Cruise passengers eat every meal together, lounge on the sundecks together, and do all the activities together, meaning there is not much time to have for yourself if needed.
Staying on land means you have the evenings to explore town on your own — wander into cafés, try local beer, shop in small boutiques, or just take a sunset walk — without the curfew, and instead of being locked into the same dining room and social group every night.
Want a peek at what it’s like? See photos from our past Ecuador and Galápagos trips here.
5. Support local businesses
Cruise boats are often owned by large tour companies, so your money feeds large tour businesses and corporations. Staying on land helps channel more tourism dollars into the Galápagos communities. Many land-based hotels, restaurants, and tour services are locally owned and operated, which supports jobs for residents and contributes directly to the island economy in ways that offshore cruise spending does not — helping preserve both the community and the environment.
A fair look at cruise trips
Land-based trips aren’t for everyone, and cruises do offer some advantages, including:
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Oceanfront mornings – Waking up surrounded by open ocean is an unforgettable experience.
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Convenience – Your lodging, meals, and daily excursions are bundled into one plan.
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Access to remote islands – Certain itineraries visit locations that aren’t always reached by day trips.
These perks are why cruises remain popular. However, the flexibility and comfort of staying on the islands make land-based travel the better choice for travelers who value freedom and ease.
The bottom line
Both cruise and land-based Galápagos trips can be incredible. Based on our experience with both, staying on land offers more comfort, freedom, and connection to island life. Whichever style you choose, the Galápagos is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth — and you’re in for an amazing adventure. Many travelers also combine the islands with mainland Ecuador for added culture and scenery, and incredible local food. If you want to see what a land-based trip looks like, check out our next Ecuador & Galápagos trip. Happy travels!