Small cruise ship: Big Adventure in the Galapagos

The Galapagos continue to be a prime destination for tourists, game show winners, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

New touring adventures offer enticing attractions and with some of the more expensive cruises, a combination of sailing comfort and up close wildlife viewing. For and example, see Small(er)-Is-Beautiful New Galapagos Tour: Best Guest/Guide Ratio on Eco-Friendly Natural Habitat Adventures Classic Galapagos Trip (earthtimes.org) "Natural Habitat Adventures' new 11-day Classic Galapagos Aboard the Nina trip offers year-round 2010 departures starting from $5,595 per person double occupancy, with guest accommodations in 10 spacious deluxe cabins with en suite bathrooms. In addition to comfy, small-scale cruising, the intimate one-of-a-kind adventure includes an exclusive chance to spend the night in a tree house and tented camp amid giant tortoise habitat – as well as World Wildlife Fund-approved conservation education focused on the real-world issues that put the once pristine islands on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list. For details on the 2010 Nina “anti-cruise” – and all of Natural Habitat Adventures’ Galapagos itineraries, visit www.nathab.com/galapagos."

Related to the growing tourist base and the increasing population in the islands, this article/opinion piece from the Harvard Crimson addresses the issue, saying, "future human occupation of the islands must be regulated as closely as the tours that allow for its presence. All tour guides are also trained park rangers. It is time that the people of the islands take on a second identity as well, as more active conservators of their adopted home."

Discover the Galapagos and post your comments with the link below.

Photo of a giant tortoise thanks to ArtToday.com.