If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to take risks and skip heavy planning, you might be curious about scoring a last-minute Galapagos cruise. We were surprised by how many options were available at discounts as high as 75% off the original price! Unfortunately, we had already planned a full land-based trip with non-refundable hotels; otherwise, we would have definitely booked a last-minute cruise. It seemed that every local tour agency we visited had a few last-minute cruise options on offer.
In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits and drawbacks of booking a last-minute cruise, when it’s a good idea to go for it, and other useful tips.
Table of Contents
What is a Galapagos Last Minute Cruise?
Last-minute Galapagos cruises refer to trips that are just about to depart but still have a few open spots. These cruises are often available at discounts of 50-70% off the regular online prices. While this gives you a great chance to save, it does come with certain limitations to consider.
Pros of Booking a Last-Minute Galapagos Cruise
- Way cheaper, you can get it 75% cheaper than the online prices! We were shocked with so many deals, some cruise ships were desperate to sell their tours.
- Get better deals or some extras, such as airfare included. This is heavily dependent on the cruise lines.
- Finding higher-category cruises at comparable or close to lower-category prices.
Cons of Booking a Last-Minute Galapagos Cruise
- You will most likely have limited options.
- You will almost never be able to choose your stateroom or deck as the assignments will depend on the cruise line’s availability.
- You’ll have to settle for what’s available.
- If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you end up missing out on the experience, which is unfortunate if it’s on your itinerary.
- The total cost of the cruise must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Best Time to Get a Last Minute Galapagos Cruise
Online recommendations suggest starting your search for a last-minute Galapagos cruise deal at least a month, or even a couple of weeks, in advance of your travel dates. If you wait until just a few days prior, your options might be limited. However, when we visited the Galapagos in September, we were amazed by the number of last-minute cruises available at incredibly reasonable prices for next-day departures. One particular cruise we considered, listed online at $7,800 per person for a 5-day, 4-night trip, was offered to us for $1,900 per person—what a deal!
That said, it’s key to remember that there’s a peak season in the Galapagos, and booking in advance is wise if you’re traveling during this time. Last-minute deals during peak season can be scarce, prices may increase, and finding available flights could also be challenging.
Tips When Booking a Last Minute Galapagos Cruise
Conduct Your Research
Whether you’re already in the Galapagos Islands or planning from home, doing a bit of research before booking a last-minute cruise is a good idea. With so many options available both online and through local agencies, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down the choices. Taking some time to explore what’s out there can help ensure you find the perfect cruise that suits your needs and budget.
Look Into Getting Small Yachts
In good weather, catamarans tend to be pricier but offer a quicker way to explore the islands. Small yachts, with fewer passengers, provide a more intimate experience and personalized service, making them a popular choice. Large cruise ships, however, are best avoided if you’re after an authentic Galapagos experience—they simply can’t capture the true spirit of the islands the way smaller vessels can.
Book Right Away
Once you find the perfect last-minute Galapagos cruise deal, it’s essential to book it right away. Remember, others are likely eyeing the same opportunity, so acting fast is key. At the same time, make sure you’re confident in your choice before finalizing the booking—it’s all about balancing speed with a wise decision!
However, if you are unable to book a last minute Galapagos cruise, do not be disappointed. There are plenty of things to do in the Galapagos Islands! You can also check out my video:
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My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, don’t forget to use my link for discounted hotel prices through Booking.com. It’s a great way to support my blog while saving money on your accommodations!
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Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos, make sure to use my link for discounted hotel prices via Booking.com. It really helps support my blog!
