Ecuadorian adventure tour operator makes a good case for one, the other, or both
Quito, ECUADOR – Travelers ready to experience the beauty and natural diversity of the Galápagos Islands find themselves with a striking choice: Explore by land or by sea? There are pros to both, of course, and one tour operator offering the peak of each: Metropolitan Touring. With three of the finest vessels and one of the top hotels in the archipelago, the company promises an engaging Galápagos getaway that will leave even the most worldly travelers longing for more – however they get around.
Based in Quito and inspired by South America, Metropolitan Touring has vast experience guiding guests through the islands on board its vessels Santa Cruz, Isabela II and La Pinta, while landlubbers can check into the charming Finch Bay Eco Hotel located right on the beach on Santa Cruz Island across from Puerto Ayora. Whatever the mode of exploration, all Metropolitan Touring guests enjoy top-flight guiding from naturalists and cultural experts, as well as comfort, flexibility, and no end of engaging activities.
By Sea:
- Metropolitan Touring yachts are perfect for multi-generational travel, with onboard ambiance geared for comfort, enjoyment and edification:
- La Pinta is the distillation of the company’s experience, accommodating 48 guests in 24 spacious, air-conditioned cabins; sea kayaks and a glass-bottom boat; a Natural History Library; and fun-filled land and sea excursions via Zodiac suitable for every age and fitness level.
- Santa Cruz is geared toward the adventurous at heart, drawing international travelers with room for 90 in 44 air-conditioned cabins and an array of active options from snorkeling to hiking, kayak or relax at the beach. The Santa Cruz recently added an “Underwater Specialist” to the ship’s crew, helping everyone – and particularly beginners – to make the most of the Galápagos’ amazing marine world.
- Isabela II offers well balanced itineraries, as well as room for 40 in 21 air-conditioned cabins; a Jacuzzi and al fresco dining on the sun deck; a Natural History Library; kayaks; and an observation area for whale and dolphin watching.
- All Metropolitan Touring vessels offer the Pirates Aboard program, dazzling guests age 7-13 with supervised educational activities such as treasure hunts, stargazing, games and more. Program availability on each vessel depends on numbers of children and staff.
- Cruising increases the odds of unplanned encounters, such as dolphins, whales, penguins, and sharks at sea. There is nothing like observing marine species in their natural habitat.
By Land:
- The Finch Bay Eco Hotel offers regular day trips to nearby islands on its 4-, 5- and 8-day naturalist programs using the hotel 's private yachts Sea Lion.
- The hotel offers myriad multi-adventure programs, including biking, sea kayaks, walks to Las Grietas, hikes and surfing at Tortuga Bay, and spot-on snorkeling.
- Land-based stays are also great for guests of different ages and interests. For instance: Couples and families can split up for diving, day excursions and strolls through Puerto Ayora.
- Land-based stays also offer freedom and opportunity beyond what might be experienced at sea. Some areas can be explored directly from the hotel without accompaniment of naturalist guides – and on your own schedule.
- Finch Bay Eco Hotel is an excellent base for beginning and intermediate SCUBA diving and related travel, including the popular Discover SCUBA Diving course and many additional opportunities.
- As littlest travelers may not have their sea legs yet, land-based stays are great for parents with children of any age.
So which to choose – land or sea – for the full Galápagos Island experience? Metropolitan Touring recommends both: A multi-night adventure on Santa Cruz, Isabela II or La Pinta topped off with a two- or three-night stay at Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Galápagos Islands cruises onboard Santa Cruz, Isabela II and La Pinta from $2,495 per person; rates at Finch Bay Eco Hotel from $400/night per room or from $1,727 per person for an all-inclusive package.