The BEST gay cruises in the Galapagos

Sea lions, iguanas, and tortoises – oh my!

There is nothing more rewarding in life than snorkeling in the waters of the Galapagos Islands, watching Seby play with the sea lion pups whilst a turtle floats alongside you followed by a manta ray! To say the Galapagos Islands are magical is an understatement. It was one of the most incredible places we've ever visited together.

For most travelers, visiting the Galapagos Islands is a top Bucket List item, especially if you love island hopping and spotting wildlife. These phenomenal volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean will blow your mind!

The ideal way to explore the Galapagos Islands is aboard one of the many excellent gay cruises on offer. Not only is exploring these unique islands with a like-minded fabulous bunch of gays heaps of fun, but it also allows you to visit the more remote islands allowing you to see more wildlife thriving in its natural habitat.

In the past, we've led our own branded Nomadic Boys cruise twice to the Galapagos with Ishpingo Tours, a local gay-owned/operated tour company based in Quito, Ecuador. Sadly, Ishpingo Tours is no longer in operation. We set out below the best gay cruises to the Galapagos, a mix of large groups leaving on a fixed date, or aboard a private gay charter.

01

Out Adventures Galapagos Gay Cruise

Every May and November

You'll spend seven nights onboard the yacht as well as two nights in a lovely four-star hotel in Quito at the beginning and end of the trip. Quito is the second-highest city in the world -with an altitude of 2,850m. Looming above the city is the Pinchina volcano! The ever-felt presence of the landmark casts the city in a gothic-like shadow. But, fear not! It will likely not explode during your visit there. The last eruption was in 1660…so the only heat you'll have to fear is the catty gossip you and your fellow LGBTQ travelers will indulge in during a cocktail brunch.

With seven full days of action-packed cruising, you'll get to see many remote islands, with lots of opportunities for hiking on each one and water sports – including kayaking and snorkeling. For us, the highlight will always be playing with the incredibly cute sea lion pups in the water! The creatures stole our hearts and had us racing to Google search on how to adopt one for ourselves!

The whole yacht is outfitted with sleek polished wood and looks oh so glamorous! The indoor dining room is where you'll be provided with all your meals onboard. This is also where you can hang out with everyone over a few cocktails to mull over the day's events and be prepped about what to expect for the next day's adventures.

Some of the highlights during this fabulous cruise are: swimming through Pinnacle Rock – one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the region. It looks like a lion's tooth dangling off the edge of the cliff! You will also adore Black Turtle Cove, though you'll have to be careful with your movements so as not to scare away any creatures.

02

HE Travel Galapagos Islands Gay Cruise

Every May

Whether your gay group takes the West or East Islands itinerary, all cruises start on Baltra Island where the Galapagos airport is. Santa Cruz Island is also included in all itineraries – an island notorious for its large bird colony. Flamingos, pelicans, and stilts are just some of the many beautiful birds you can expect to see here.

One of our favorite activities on a Galapagos cruise is snorkeling in the chilly waters (don't worry they have wet suits on board!). The highlight for us was playing with the curious and playful sea lion pups in the water whilst a family of turtles just swam on by! In terms of scenic highlights, look out for Pinnacle Rock.

After all these exciting excursions you'll head back to your luxurious accommodations onboard the Isabella II. There's a Jacuzzi to rest your weary muscles, or you can relax in the elegant lounge with a drink.

He Travel is offering our readers an exclusive 5% discount valid for their gay cruise to the Galapagos.

03

Galapagos Cruises with Ecuador Nomadic

Various times of the year

This cruise takes place on the Galapagos Treasure, a stable and luxurious catamaran that only has room for a maximum of 16 passengers. This means the entire experience will be much more intimate and romantic than some other options, with private balconies for all cabins. Enjoy the sunrise at sea, or fall asleep to the deep ocean red, as the sun slips behind the waters! It is the definition of romance.

For those who might suffer from seasickness, this is also the best choice, as the stable catamaran navigates between islands much more quickly than larger cruise ships and floats in sheltered anchorages at night so that you can get a peaceful night's sleep.

All of Ecuador Nomadic's Galapagos cruises offer plenty of opportunities to explore the islands on foot, as well as snorkel. The groups always have at least one guide/naturalist to lead you through each island and help you get right up close to the native sea lions, lizards, and other wonderful wildlife

Each cruise thrusts you into the midst of each island's unique culture. See the wildlife, breathe in the island air and explore nature; you'll experience a magical part of the world you never knew existed.

Ecuador Nomadic is offering our readers an exclusive 5% discount valid for their all their gay chartered cruises to the Galapagos.

04

Responsible Travel

Various departures throughout the year

One of our favorite aspects of this cruise is that along with the delicious food, perfect for foodies. And you're going to need to eat well with all the activities you'll be doing, from snorkeling, and kayaking to name a few.

Of course, even though you'll be sailing in absolute luxury, the luxury ships they charter are designed to have as little impact on the natural environment as possible so that the delicate ecosystem you'll be exploring is not harmed. The cozy library is stocked with books on the Galapagos, plus your expert naturalist guides are on hand to tell you everything you want to know about this incredible destination.

During the land excursions, there are opportunities for hiking amongst beautiful geological formations, visiting a tortoise ranch, snorkeling in a sunken crater, and seeing more cute critters than you ever thought possible. That's the whole reason you're here after all!

05

Intrepid Travel Galapagos Islands Tours

Dates vary

Their cruises are also a great choice for young gay travelers, as well as those who don't want to spend quite as much as the other choices we've mentioned. You can choose from a variety of cruise lengths, depending on your budget and how many islands you want to visit.

We particularly recommend their cruises that take place on the ship called Daphne because you'll be traveling with a small group of a maximum of 16 passengers but still have a spacious sundeck for relaxing. They also provide the equipment to take you hiking and snorkeling all over the islands.

This is the best way to explore parts of the world that have gone untouched by man. Over 300 animal species can be found around these islands. Choose between swimming with sealions or having a stroll with penguins. Either way, it is an experience you will likely have not had before.

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

For more inspiration:

• Be sure to check out this excellent packing list for a cruise, which we advise checking out when planning your trip
• If you like to cruise au naturel, check out the best gay nude cruises to go on
• Read this if you're trying to decide how to experience the Amazon
• While you're exploring the Galapagos, don't miss out on more awesome things you can do in Ecuador
• Find out what it's like to grow up gay in Ecuador in our interview with local boy Mario
• Read about these famous foods you need to try while you're in Ecuador as well
• For further travels, check out the most gay friendly cities in Latin America
• These are also our favorite travel highlights from South America as a whole
• And check out these most gay friendly countries in the whole world

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