In the Galápagos Islands, most ships have the capacity for 16 passengers. Some are smaller and some are larger, but generally 16 is the most any one ship can take. These ships usually have offices in Quito and/or Guayaquil and some have offices internationally. These offices are in charge of keeping the ship full: 16 passengers twice a week, all year long.
How it Works
However, coming up with exactly 16 on a regular basis is quite difficult, especially because there are high and low seasons. During high season, it’s easier, but during low season, it can be almost impossible. Even if a ship is filled to capacity, last-minute changes and cancellations are frequent.
So what happens if a 16-passenger ship is set to sail but only has 13 booked passengers? It sells the last three spots at rock-bottom prices, that’s what. It makes sense, after all. The gas, food, captain and guides are all paid for. Even if you sell the last three spots at half-price, it’s still better than nothing!
The Pros and Cons
The pros are easy: if you want a cruise tour ( advice on picking the best tour for you) this is the cheapest way, period. Even the larger, fancier cruise ships sell spots at the last minute at incredible discounts. You can get as much as half off a week-long, four thousand dollar cruise. What’s not to like?
The cons are serious, however. You have to come to Quito, Guayaquil, or the islands without any sort of cruise already booked and trust to fate. There is a chance that nothing will open up and you won’t get to go at all. Also, you won’t know which ship will have last-second spots, and there is a chance you’ll wind up on an unpleasant rust bucket. You’ll be paying a fraction of what your fellow rust-bucket travelers are, but you’ll still be on a nasty boat.
How to Do it
This option is best for flexible travelers who have a couple of weeks to see Ecuador but no set itinerary. Simply head to Quito, check in with a travel agency and tell them you’re interested in last-minute deals. There is a sort of informal e-mail system that alerts travel agents of vacancies: ships send their info out to several places. The travel agent might put you on a flight the next morning, and might say there is nothing available... but to check back the next day, because these last-minute spots open up and get sold very quickly. If the travel agent says there is nothing in the next few days, simply take a trip to one of the many wonderful places around Quito: Otavalo, Baños and Papallacta Hot Springs are all great trips that will take you a couple of days at most. Then, come back and try your luck again.
Things to Bear in Mind
Be reasonable in your expectations: even if you get half-off a good cruise, Galápagos is still expensive. The flight from Quito costs almost $400, plus $100 park tax and $100 cruise tax means that simply to set foot on the islands costs about $600 in addition to whatever your cruise costs. Throw in some extra spending money, such as for souvenirs, drinks on board (food is included in the cost of your cruise but drinks are not) and tips for your guide and crew and you’re looking at an extra $100. Also, be sure to check out the Galápagos packing list before you go. By the way, there are many web sites that promise “last-minute Galápagos deals” but in reality, the spaces on the boats pop up and get taken far too quickly for any site to post them all. If you contact these sites with your dates, they may be able to help you, but the best deals are really only available within a week or so of departure.
How to Increase Your Chances
It’s risky, but if you actually go to Puerto Ayora or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Galápagos’ two main cities) you stand an excellent chance of finding a last-minute deal. The ships are right there: if you go to a good travel agent you may find yourself boarding a ship a half hour later. Even if you don’t find a good deal, you can stay in town and take day trips to other islands.
Also, if you go in low season (September-December and January-April) your chances are much better.
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