There is a misconception when you make plans to travel to the Galapagos Islands, that the only option to visit the islands is aboard a boat, which is not really true. There is a cheaper option, which is to stay at a hotel in one of the four inhabited islands and hire a local tour guide, visiting appointed sites determined by the Galapagos National Park. Now the question is: which is better, a cruise or island hopping in the Galapagos? Let me begin by outlining some advantages and disadvantages of them.

Island Hopping: Advantages

Better Price
With island hopping, you have a large number of hotels to choose from, everything from budget hotels to the most luxurious are available in the four inhabited islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Floreana and Isabela). Most hotels offer complimentary breakfast; you can enjoy lunch and dinner in various local restaurants. Speed boats are available for daily rental to move between the inhabited islands at an affordable price. crossing between islands generally takes just two to three hours.

Flexibility
Since the Galapagos cruise itineraries are determined by Galapagos National Park (GNP), cruises are bound to dates and spaces available; on the contrary, with island hopping, you can enjoy the freedom of booking your choice of hotel accommodations. You can also enjoy the flexibility of scheduling your evenings without having to adhere to the schedule aboard a ship, such as with set meal times.

More time ashore
Can you imagine the feeling of living in Galapagos and leading the life of an islander? With island hopping you can interact with local people, understand their culture, and therefore observe Galapagos from the point of human life. In addition, you will have more time for typical island activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, hiking to places like the Sierra Negra volcano, biking, going to beaches, shopping and have time to prepare you own food and many more that are impossible on a cruise.

Island Hopping: Disadvantages

Limited Area
Of course, the best of Galapagos is its endemism and wildlife, both of which are most diverse and impressive far from the inhabited islands, unreachable and not allowed to daily tours or speedboats. Beautiful places like Punta Espinoza, Genovesa, Vicente Roca, Tagus, Punta Moreno, Elizabeth Bay and others are impossible to visit while Island Hopping.

Speedboat Crossings
Can you imagine traveling two or three hours aboard a speedboat with turbulent seas? It’s probably not your ideal vacation activity. the possibility of motion sickness, rough seas and lots of splashing waves might make you think twice about exactly how much "hopping" you'll be doing. It is possible to move inter-island by small plane, though this is option is pricier and excludes visiting Floreana.

Time
There is something to boarding a ship, unpacking your bags, and just taking it easy. Sometimes the most hectic part of travel is the travel itself, and it is nice to feel at home away from home. If you travel independently, you will spend more time toting your luggage in and out of hotels and either onto speedboats or airplanes. However, if this doesn't bother you, or you plan on traveling light, you may enjoy the freedom of a more self-directed Galapagos trip.

Language
Do not let language be a barrier. Ecuadorians are notorious for their hospitality, but many travelers are surprised to find that most locals do not speak English. It would be wise to brush up on your basic travel Spanish before arriving to your hotel. A small pocket guide to Spanish would greatly help the island-hopping Galapagos traveler.

Cruise Ships: Advantages

Autonomy
Due to the comfort and autonomy to sail long distances during the day or the night, the navigable cruise is the best choice to visit remote places, far from the center of the archipelago Where the inhabited islands are located. These cruises usually last a week, but in most cases can be merged to form a longer cruise.

Natural history and unique places
If you wish you submerse yourself into the natural beauty of Galapagos, far from the hustle and bustle of any city, then the cruise ship is the best choice. You can enjoy an impressive and varied itinerary, journeying along active volcanoes, from the youngest islands to the oldest, and seeing the very same endemic species that captivated Darwin years ago.

Organization
Forget the idea of packing or unpacking every day. During a cruise, you will have time to rest while sailing. With a naturalist guide aboard to explain the activities to be performed the next day with well detailed briefings, you can relax without any scheduling worries of your own.

Cruise Ships: Disadvantages

Sailing in open waters
Choppy seas, engine noise, and dizziness can affect cruise passengers. The first night might be hard to sleep but the welcome fatigue of daily activities will be the best medicine for sound sleep. Also, big cruise ships are more stable than a yacht due to their size.

Disconnection with the outside world
If it is important for you to be connected to the internet, let me say that most yachts do not have this service. Large ships have it but it is expensive. If you feel alone or confined to your cabin, you can always visit with your fellow passengers in the common areas or talk with the ship's crew. Your crew is there to assist you in any way needed, and you will be enchanted by the locals' hospitality and their proud adoration of their beloved Galapagos.

I hope my exploration of the pro's and con's of travel types within the Galapagos helps you select a mode of travel that best suits your needs. Considering your budget, mobility, pace and flexibility, i can help you create a once-in-a-lifetime Galapagos trip. Take it from me, Galapagos is absolutely a "bucket list" destination not to be missed, however you get to see it.