Dear DW,

while I think it's great to spend 5 days just "checking things out" before your cruise (I spent 4 years in Galapagos after all!) - you'll likely find the experience (in terms of wildlife / landscapes) a black and white version of what you'll get in living colour while on the ship. I usually recommend a couple of nights post-cruise on land in Galapagos to wind-down after an amazing / active time on board.

The situation on the mainland is not any worse than it has been since we started helping people organize their trips to Galapagos (1999). We help people plan and spend time on the mainland all the time, and never have we had any serious incident. The mainland is diverse, and rich in experiences. I suggest your reconsider.

Warmest regards,

Heather Blenkiron

Welcome

if you want, you can spend time on the islands. but you may want to find out what your cruise will cover and dont do those. But do something else.

for what its worth, was there in 2023 in September. There were sea lion pups around. Not sure how young you want them, but some were probably fresh due to the blood around.

rushing is relative. I travel fast and 2, 3 or 4 full days in a place is "normal" for me. If you have traveled any, i would hope you would know whats "fast" or "rushed" for you specifically.

by the way, i stayed on Puerto Ayora 1 day to catch the cruise and also stayed a few days after, just because and then stayed a few days in San Cristabol. Just because.

you can too if you want.

And for what its worth, we didnt do much or had anything planned either after the cruse. Just spent the time enjoying the Galapagos when and where we wanted. you can too if you want.

good luck

Thanks for the insights, all!

You only have good options. I have been there three times now so as long as you don’t try to do too much- spending all your time in transit- you will be happy. Ecuador is an amazing place though, so if you don’t down there often, I would let the 8 day cruise cover your Galapagos experience and see more of the mainland, your original thought.

Maybe look into an Amazon Trip for those days. Our trip combined it with the Galapagos, it was truly amazing.

Government assures that the electricity crisis will be over by the end of November so you probably will be better off by spending more extra days in the mainland. However Galapagos is an incredible paradise that deserves deep and conscious exploration, I think the best island to stay if you want to disconnect will be Isabela, this place is just marvellous and has less people and concrete than the other two populated islands, just my two pennies worth.

Unfortunately, the electricity shortage is still a sad problem in the mainland. It would be great if you can come earlier to the islands and do as you mentioned some days in San Cristobal and then Santa Cruz. There are free sites that you can visit at your own pace. For instance, in San Cristobal, La Lobería, Tijeretas Hill, Playa Mann... you will find dozens of sea lions pups here! You should try to go snorkel at Kicker Rock, many hammerheads have been spotted lately.

In Santa Cruz you can visit Tortuga Bay,Charles Darwin, La Grietas...

One thing is for sure, whether you decide to visit the mainland, as you had initially planned, or extend your stay on the islands, you will have a lot to see and do, Ecuador is a fantastic country :)

Johanna.