Land based Galapagos tours

Think ‘Galápagos holidays’ and what springs to mind: island hopping on cruise ships? Sailing schedules? Nights at sea, at the mercy of the waves? In the past this was certainly the case, but these days, land based tours of the Galápagos offer travellers a much more affordable opportunity to go beyond the boats and into the landscapes of one of the world’s most exciting, animal-filled archipelagos.

Although you're based on dry land there are still plenty of opportunities to sail to uninhabited islands, such as North Seymour and Bartolomé, where you can seek out spots for snorkelling, sea kayaking or swimming with sea lions and turtles. You might not get as far from the main islands as you would on a liveaboard boat; however, you will experience local Galapagueño culture as well as having the freedom to explore with a guide long after the cruise ship tourists have packed up and headed back to sea.

If you're not keen on spending too much time at sea, the benefits of a land based tour are quite apparent. For instance, you don't have to worry as much about sea conditions – which tend to be rougher from June to November. Land based tours are also highly recommended for families, as they alleviate the pressure of being cooped up on a boat. There are also no rigid sailing itineraries, and plenty more freedom for children to run around and explore in their own time. Staying on dry land, as a family, can also make things feel a whole lot more familiar too and settle children, and parents, who may feel they have to keep an eye on younger kids while they are up on deck

One more perk: although there are plenty of Ecuadorian-owned boats and local crews, there's nothing like staying at a locally owned guesthouse or eating out at a neighbourhood restaurant to ensure your hard-earned holiday funds go directly into the pockets of those who should benefit the most.

The majority of animals breed and nest during February, March and April, to coincide with spring flowers and insects, perfect for hiking trips, whereas giant tortoises hatch during November and December. Rougher sea conditions, including strong currents, from June to November, often cause sailing ships to batten down their hatches however, for land based travellers, cooler temperatures and a lack of rain signal a good time to go to the Galápagos without the crowds and without the humidity.